From: http://waymoresports.thestar.com Davis would like to hand over the majority of the centre chores to someone else, and there is one very intriguing possibility on the free-agent market: Houston's Hakeem Olajuwon. Olajuwon is among a small group of aging centres that includes Patrick Ewing and Arvydas Sabonis. He would be a nice fit within the Toronto offence, as well as supplying the sort of presence that Davis talked about in lieu of Oakley. And he's a guy Grunwald has shown much interest in before - admittedly, a younger Olajuwon, two or three years ago. First the obstacles. Olajuwon would rather go to Miami, where Alonzo Mourning is iffy, or perhaps the Knicks, who are crying for a big man and never run out of money to throw away. Coming to Toronto as the third option behind Davis and Carter may not be Olajuwon's most ideal situation, and coming from the state tax-less Texas to Ontario's higher rates is always something that makes NBA players shiver. But even at 38 years old and coming off a couple of injury-troubled seasons, Olajuwon could be valuable here, giving them 30 minutes a night in a conference light on big men. [This message has been edited by Cat5 (edited May 23, 2001).]
Let me try to link it again........ Nope, can't do it. Sorry [This message has been edited by Cat5 (edited May 23, 2001).]
Could you at least delete the link that doesn't work so I don't have to scroll left to right to read the article? ------------------ If you want it you got it, You just got to believe, Believe in yourself, Cause it's all just a game, We just want to be loved [This message has been edited by Band Geek Mobster (edited May 23, 2001).]
Here's the article. Davis should be centre of attention for Raps May. 23, 2001. 11:27 AM Chris Young COLUMNIST SO GLEN GRUNWALD says he really wants to pick up a third-string point guard this summer. That ought to keep Antonio Davis interested in staying around. If Grunwald is serious about keeping his most important free agent happy and in the fold, he will look to add the centre Davis has asked him for. Actually, he can do that, and he must do that. What Davis does and where he wants to go will dictate whether this is a good summer or a bad one for Grunwald. But if Davis re-signs, which is still the same longshot it always was, the GM's chief patch job will still be in the frontcourt. Charles Oakley is out on the road somewhere. If and when he re-surfaces he will ask for a trade and that route will be pursued with vigour - five teams called Grunwald at the trade deadline, asking about Oakley, so there is interest the other way. Further in the background, Yogi Stewart (remember him?) wants a buyout from the contract that more than any other amounts to Grunwald's albatross. Davis would like to hand over the majority of the centre chores to someone else, and there is one very intriguing possibility on the free-agent market: Houston's Hakeem Olajuwon. Olajuwon is among a small group of aging centres that includes Patrick Ewing and Arvydas Sabonis. He would be a nice fit within the Toronto offence, as well as supplying the sort of presence that Davis talked about in lieu of Oakley. And he's a guy Grunwald has shown much interest in before - admittedly, a younger Olajuwon, two or three years ago. First the obstacles. Olajuwon would rather go to Miami, where Alonzo Mourning is iffy, or perhaps the Knicks, who are crying for a big man and never run out of money to throw away. Coming to Toronto as the third option behind Davis and Carter may not be Olajuwon's most ideal situation, and coming from the state tax-less Texas to Ontario's higher rates is always something that makes NBA players shiver. But even at 38 years old and coming off a couple of injury-troubled seasons, Olajuwon could be valuable here, giving them 30 minutes a night in a conference light on big men. They certainly could have used someone like him in the playoffs. There were times during the Raptors-76ers series when Lenny Wilkens had no post-up players on the floor, and it hurt their offence and their rebounding. Wilkens was loath to use Keon Clark, even when the situation demanded his presence to at least take some of the pressure off the other players on the floor, all of them shooters. Olajuwon would give them another inside option. He could put a body on opposing centres and would free up Davis to play power forward, where he can get free out of the pick-and-roll and show off the face-up jumper that he's developed during his time here. The other name who would work here is Dale Davis, Antonio's old running mate in Indiana. Davis was unhappy in Portland this year (who wasn't?), and the Blazers are in a tear-apart mode, needing more veteran role players and fewer stars. They also would seem to need cap flexibility, and Oakley, going into the final year of his deal, would help them there. An Oakley-for-Davis swap actually works cap-wise, too. But if Antonio Davis does depart, all these scenarios are less than ideal and all the Raptors are left with is a big void in the middle. The obvious plugger to that hole would be the 76ers' Dikembe Mutombo, whose name has been kicked around. As the top centre available, he will command about $15 million (U.S.) on this year's market. Don't count on Mutombo coming here for one simple reason: He doesn't want to. Whatever happens, Antonio Davis holds the hammer. With him, the future is bright. Without him, the clouds roll in and settle - right over Glen Grunwald's head. But hey, it's not so bad. At least they'll have that third-string guard. Azim da Dream ------------------ Do not walk behind me, for I may not lead. Do not walk ahead of me, for I may not follow. Do not walk beside me, either. Just leave me the hell alone. http://www.clutchtown.com
Could Cato be traded for Oakley? He is a center and might be able to do well in the lEast. Oak could provide some rebounding and outside shooting off of the bench as a F/C. His contract also will expire sooner. ------------------ You can't stick a porcupine in a barn, light it on fire, and expect to get licorice.
Yup- Sign and Trade is the answer. Hmmmm- Who shall we get in return. ------------------ Fuggetabout it
I like the idea but Oakley is so bad for a clubhouse. ------------------ President of the Steve Francis, Jamal Crawford,Larry Hughes, and Charles Woodson fan club.
