You can't be serious? Irving Parker Casspi Thompson Varejao is somehow better than Lowry Martin Bud Scola Hayes ? What?
I didn't say their team is currently better. I said they have better prospects and are set up better for the future. Irving has the potential to be a superstar. The Rockets do not have that. Like Morey himself said, no team has every become a champion without first being really bad. Geez, people. Read.
This is a pretty even trade. Hickson isn't all that great, but is a nice upgrade at the 4 for the Kings. Cassipi plays fast, gets out in transition, and can attack the basket surprisingly well from the catch with those long gangly strides. He'll fit right in next to Irving.
Irving? Yes. But then again, they didn't get Irving through tanking. And I don't think Thompson is a much better prospect than anyone we have. I mean, Thompson is supposed to be a PF - but he's smaller than Morris or Patterson, people whom we complain about for being undersized.
Kings got the better player with higher upside. Casspi isn't that good and won't get much better. Hickson can definitely improve but may not have what it takes between the ears. To an earlier poster, Irving does NOT have the potential to be a superstar. He should end up being pretty good though. Because he was the first pick of the draft, some people are going to put unrealistic expectations on him.
And you are basing that on...what exactly? Both Hollinger and Wages of Wins did statistical studies that show he has that kind of potential. Whether they turn out to be right, I don't know, but it's not crazy to think it's possible.
Geoff Petrie is amazing He managed (despite how you feel about the Salmons trade) to get a veteran SF, a promising PG in the draft, and an PF with tremendous upside for practically nothing! Though it is not a tremendous cost difference, the Kings did save money on Jimmer by moving down from #7 to #10 in the draft. Beno’s contract was fairly similar to Salmons (despite one more year attached to John). Finally, Omri and JJ are both on rookie contracts so that essentially cancels each other out. Petrie, prior to the Lockout, has started addressing roster concerns WITHOUT ADDING ANY SUBSTANTIAL CONTRACTS!!! The Kings still have the most cap room in the league and are poised to go after a big time free agent once the lockout ends. Kudos Mr. Petrie.
I dont recall the Lakers ever being really bad. Shaq came in FA,Kobe for Divac and I think in the next 15 year they picked in the top 10 once and got bynum. Free agency can be a big surprise for us with our tax situation and a smart player and agent.
I just don't see that special kind of ability and athleticism from him like I saw in Derrick Rose. I know that may not be fair, but it's the measuring stick I use for PGs. As I see it, Irving will end up being a "sometimes All-Star", not a top 10-15 player. Also, I didn't say it was crazy to think it's possible. IMO, Irving is overrated because he was drafted #1 this summer. He seems like a good guy and I sincerely wish him the best.
They were 34-48 in 2004-05. And I'm really just going by what Morey said. I haven't looked at all the records.
THIS IS HILARIOUS. What's been undeservedly forgotten amidst the "Decision" hype was the rumor that Dan Gilbert and Danny Ferry refused to give up Hickson for Amare. I have no idea why this failure hasn't been given much coverage by the media outlets. If they had gotten Amare, the Cavs would have likely made the Finals and perhaps even won. Now, after this trade, Gilbert looks even more r****ded. Wow, what a huge **** stain on his resume.
They get more minutes for Thompson and a very, very good draft pick in one of the deepest drafts in recent years.
It's lottery protected. I don't see the Kings making the playoffs, so I wouldn't expect them to get that pick next year.
