*NBA THREAD* Abe will be missed (2 Viewers)

[Juxtatarot]

Gasol trade might be iffy too.

Yeah, Bulls won't do that. There aren't enough minutes for Gasol, Boozer, and Gibson and they would have only Butler as a decent defensive wing to throw at Miami (or Brooklyn or Indiana or New York).

Unless you think there's a fork sticking out of Gasol right now and he's finished, there's no way you turn down that trade because you are worried about Pau Gasol eating into Taj Gibson's minutes.

If you're paying $43 million at the PF position, you're going to have gaping holes elsewhere. For the Bulls in this trade they'd have to start a rookie or minimum contract guy at SG and heavily rely on Dunleavy to guard some of the Eastern Conference wings. They'd have another gaping hole at backup PG. That would be a disaster. They're better as currently constructed. Boozer's basically untradeable due to his contract. Maybe they could flip Gibson for some pieces but I'm not sure you can get enough for him to round out that team.

 

[Juxtatarot]

Gasol trade might be iffy too.

Yeah, Bulls won't do that. There aren't enough minutes for Gasol, Boozer, and Gibson and they would have only Butler as a decent defensive wing to throw at Miami (or Brooklyn or Indiana or New York).

Unless you think there's a fork sticking out of Gasol right now and he's finished, there's no way you turn down that trade because you are worried about Pau Gasol eating into Taj Gibson's minutes.

If they got this done real soon, couldn't they amnesty Boozer? Not that any of that will happen, just saying.

They'd still be over the cap.

 

[PlasmaDogPlasma]

Even if Bynum flops, #Cavs risk is minimal. They are paying him what they paid Luke Walton last season.

Well I was very wrong with this. I have to think he is still injured if this is what he is getting. What, $6 million is guaranteed/$6 million incentives based and 2nd year team option.

That's what's being reported.That same ABJ reporter asked a Cavs team rep if one of Bynum's knees was worse than the other and the answer he got was "They're both not good"

That probably shouldn't put that in the season ticket flyers.

Basically they have to spend money to hit the minimum percentage of the cap and this is a low-risk gamble that won't hurt them for years if it doesn't work out.

 

[Premier]

Even if Bynum flops, #Cavs risk is minimal. They are paying him what they paid Luke Walton last season.

Well I was very wrong with this. I have to think he is still injured if this is what he is getting. What, $6 million is guaranteed/$6 million incentives based and 2nd year team option.

That's what's being reported.That same ABJ reporter asked a Cavs team rep if one of Bynum's knees was worse than the other and the answer he got was "They're both not good"

That probably shouldn't put that in the season ticket flyers.

Basically they have to spend money to hit the minimum percentage of the cap and this is a low-risk gamble that won't hurt them for years if it doesn't work out.

Yea I think it's a good move. Probably shouldn't be, but I'm surprised how bad his knees are.

 

[thecatch]

Gasol trade might be iffy too.

Yeah, Bulls won't do that. There aren't enough minutes for Gasol, Boozer, and Gibson and they would have only Butler as a decent defensive wing to throw at Miami (or Brooklyn or Indiana or New York).

Unless you think there's a fork sticking out of Gasol right now and he's finished, there's no way you turn down that trade because you are worried about Pau Gasol eating into Taj Gibson's minutes.

If you're paying $43 million at the PF position, you're going to have gaping holes elsewhere. For the Bulls in this trade they'd have to start a rookie or minimum contract guy at SG and heavily rely on Dunleavy to guard some of the Eastern Conference wings. They'd have another gaping hole at backup PG. That would be a disaster. They're better as currently constructed. Boozer's basically untradeable due to his contract. Maybe they could flip Gibson for some pieces but I'm not sure you can get enough for him to round out that team.

I agree with your thoughts as they relate to overall roster construction, but my comment was directed toward your concern that a HOF PF is going to eat into a sub-15 PER guy's minutes.

 

[Britney Spears]

LeBron and Durant are all over the commercials up here. Paul and Griffin each have one set of commercials (insurance and Kia). I can't recall a Kobe commercial since the rape trial.

Maybe it's a regional thing?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=it3nzV8r6R4http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rVHxgNsBbqU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=huHmHshx9g0

I've never seen 2/3 of these on TV here, and the other one is a puppet thing with LeBron.

Anyways, my point was more about Griffin/Paul. I don't think they are dominating NBA advertising.

 

[Britney Spears]

I didn't realize Myck Kabongo hadn't been drafted. He's on the HEat summer league team and while his outside shot leaves something to be desired, he has good size (6'3) and is plenty quick. I realize a player like Jordan Farmar knows how to locate the team bus and not be late to practice, but Kabongo costs less and would probably produce similar results in a year or two.

They need guys who can play this year who will play for the league minimum on a 1 year contract. Kabongo belongs in a completely different conversation from whether the Lakers should have brought Farmar back or not.

Exactly.

Relatively no risk in bringing in Farmar. He knows the Laker way and would seem to be a great fit in D'Antoni's offense.

His ears are a risk.

 

[Kev4029]

Reggie Williams to Houston.

he had some good years with the nuggets

Different guy. This one was Undrafted, went to dubs, then cats.

I'm going out on a limb and guessing that he knew a player that was in his prime 20 years ago is different than this one.

 

[Short Corner]

@RealGM

Report: Dwight Howard's Camp Asked Lakers If They Would Consider Amnestying Kobe Bryant

 

[Abraham]

@RealGM

Report: Dwight Howard's Camp Asked Lakers If They Would Consider Amnestying Kobe Bryant

Of course they did. Many would assume he asked because he wanted them to. More likely he asked so he could understand the plan going forward. I'm sure he asked the rockets if they were going to trade Lin and Asik as well.

 

[Short Corner]

@RealGM

Report: Dwight Howard's Camp Asked Lakers If They Would Consider Amnestying Kobe Bryant

Of course they did. Many would assume he asked because he wanted them to. More likely he asked so he could understand the plan going forward. I'm sure he asked the rockets if they were going to trade Lin and Asik as well.

I think if he wants to know the plan going forward, he asks "what's the plan going forward?" With Hou it would seem to be common sense that they would want to dump the Lin contract and move Asik for redundancy reasons.

 

[DocGonzo]

Billups back to Detroit for two years.

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/nba--chauncey-billups-returns-to-pistons-on-two-year-deal-121942513.html

I like it for the young Pistons.

ETA: This definitely seems like a precursor to some other move though.

 

[Abraham]

Billups back to Detroit for two years.

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/nba--chauncey-billups-returns-to-pistons-on-two-year-deal-121942513.html

I like it for the young Pistons.

ETA: This definitely seems like a precursor to some other move though.

He is not good.

 

[DocGonzo]

Billups back to Detroit for two years.

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/nba--chauncey-billups-returns-to-pistons-on-two-year-deal-121942513.html

I like it for the young Pistons.

ETA: This definitely seems like a precursor to some other move though.

He is not good.

Good as a mentor/tutor for Knight and other young guys. But I agree that his best playing days are behind him. One of the things missing on this team is solid veteran leadership. He can teach these guys how to be pros.

 

[Juxtatarot]

Rasheed is an assistant coach and now Chauncey's back. Rip is now a free agent. Is he next?

 

[DocGonzo]

Rasheed is an assistant coach and now Chauncey's back. Rip is now a free agent. Is he next?

I'm holding out for Darvin Ham.

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

Rasheed is an assistant coach and now Chauncey's back. Rip is now a free agent. Is he next?

I'm holding out for Darvin Ham.

something else has to happen with that back court now - Knight, Chauncey, Bynum, Kentavious, Stuckey,

 

[Abraham]

Rasheed is an assistant coach and now Chauncey's back. Rip is now a free agent. Is he next?

I'm holding out for Darvin Ham.

He's an assistant in Atlanta.

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

Rasheed is an assistant coach and now Chauncey's back. Rip is now a free agent. Is he next?

I'm holding out for Darvin Ham.

He's an assistant in Atlanta.

where is Memhet Okur?

 

[pollardsvision]

Ugh, Bobcats extension talks with Gerald Henderson stalled. He wants $8 mill/year, give or take. Now they are looking to sign and trade.

Pretty torn here. I like Henderson, but he's not worth $8 mill/year. If not signing him means they do something incredibly dumb (like go spend even more on Monta Ellis), then I'd rather they keep him.

CHA can't let decent 25 YO players go, but they shouldn't overpay guys that aren't likely to ever be real difference makers either.

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/nba--bobcats-consider-sign-and-trade-offers-for-gerald-henderson-after-negotiations-stall-044448683.html

 

[Bogart]

Dallas just going with 4 guards and Dirk at the 5? Cuban and Donnie just got too cute for their own good after winning the title and "reading the CBA".

 

[Abraham]

Ugh, Bobcats extension talks with Gerald Henderson stalled. He wants $8 mill/year, give or take. Now they are looking to sign and trade.

Pretty torn here. I like Henderson, but he's not worth $8 mill/year. If not signing him means they do something incredibly dumb (like go spend even more on Monta Ellis), then I'd rather they keep him.

CHA can't let decent 25 YO players go, but they shouldn't overpay guys that aren't likely to ever be real difference makers either.

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/nba--bobcats-consider-sign-and-trade-offers-for-gerald-henderson-after-negotiations-stall-044448683.html

I don't think it's that far out of line. He's probably worth 5 or 6, but the bobcats are a team needing to pay a premium to attract free agents. I certainly don't think Ty Evans is worth 11 either but it's sort of the same deal.

 

[Abraham]

I agree with Simmons and forde - the fact that millsap only got 2/19 is bizarre.

 

[DocGonzo]

Rasheed is an assistant coach and now Chauncey's back. Rip is now a free agent. Is he next?

I'm holding out for Darvin Ham.

He's an assistant in Atlanta.

So you're saying there's a chance...

I knew he was coaching somewhere. Nice to see the Saginaw kid do well for himself.

Rasheed is an assistant coach and now Chauncey's back. Rip is now a free agent. Is he next?

I'm holding out for Darvin Ham.

something else has to happen with that back court now - Knight, Chauncey, Bynum, Kentavious, Stuckey,

Agreed. It sounds like the Italian shooter they signed can play a little 2 as well. Billups signing might be curtains for Kim English having his contract picked up too.

Sounds like they're dangling Stuckey's expiring deal in any trade conversations they're having right now. You would think he'd have value to teams beyond the expiring contract. He's got ability but he's been kind of a malcontent in Detroit. I thought it was weird last season when he sort of volunteered to come off the bench. A change of scenery might be the best thing for him.

 

[Notorious T.R.E.]

I find it bizarre that ridbour has had such a long career.

Why?

 

[Abraham]

I find it bizarre that ridbour has had such a long career.

Why?

Because he seems to he average in most every sense of the game. I saw him quite a bit in college and have seen him play a couple games each year since he's been in the league. He doesn't do anything bad, per se, but he never seems to have bursts of awesomeness either. With the way nba gms usually look for upside guys over steady guys, it's remarkable that he's held on to roster spots for so long.

 

[Cliff Clavin]

I find it bizarre that ridbour has had such a long career.

Why?

Cause he isn't good at anything in particular and his best seasons amount to him being average.

 

[pollardsvision]

Ugh, Bobcats extension talks with Gerald Henderson stalled. He wants $8 mill/year, give or take. Now they are looking to sign and trade.

Pretty torn here. I like Henderson, but he's not worth $8 mill/year. If not signing him means they do something incredibly dumb (like go spend even more on Monta Ellis), then I'd rather they keep him.

CHA can't let decent 25 YO players go, but they shouldn't overpay guys that aren't likely to ever be real difference makers either.

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/nba--bobcats-consider-sign-and-trade-offers-for-gerald-henderson-after-negotiations-stall-044448683.html

I don't think it's that far out of line. He's probably worth 5 or 6, but the bobcats are a team needing to pay a premium to attract free agents. I certainly don't think Ty Evans is worth 11 either but it's sort of the same deal.

That's a pretty big gap.

I hope they don't cave on this. I know Henderson's only asking for that much because of what you said. He knows other teams wouldn't pay it, but if he's going to take less than that, he'd probably rather be on a good team (where he won't get a lot of money, minutes, or shots).

I hope they offer $6 mill/year or walk away. I wish they could S&T, but nobody's going to trade for him at the contract he wants.

 

[Abraham]

If Henderson gets 8 I shudder to think how far over the cap the Kets will have to go to retain parsons.

 

[Notorious T.R.E.]

I find it bizarre that ridbour has had such a long career.

Why?

Cause he isn't good at anything in particular and his best seasons amount to him being average.

Average is ok for a backup. Sadly, the Wolves had to press him into more service than you'd like to see. Shot like doo doo from 3 last year. Has a lowish TO% I think. I don't think it's "bizarre" that he's in the league. Not sure why I'm posting about this. Meh.

 

[Cliff Clavin]

I find it bizarre that ridbour has had such a long career.

Why?

Cause he isn't good at anything in particular and his best seasons amount to him being average.

Average is ok for a backup. Sadly, the Wolves had to press him into more service than you'd like to see. Shot like doo doo from 3 last year. Has a lowish TO% I think. I don't think it's "bizarre" that he's in the league. Not sure why I'm posting about this. Meh.

At his best, he is average. At some point guys like him get phased out for younger players with upside.

 

[Juxtatarot]

Henderson made some progress on his 3 point shot last year. If he comes reliable from there, $8 million will be a bargain.

 

[Notorious T.R.E.]

Watching Gobert in summer league. He's pretty nimble, has a decent enough looking free throw stroke, mixes it up inside and seems to have ok hands. Everyone is chucking from outside so much that I haven't seen him get it in the post. He does have 5 fouls, so maybe he's mixing it up a little too much.

Verdict: Doesn't look like a total stiff at least.

 

[Notorious T.R.E.]

Mavs get Wayne Ellington for 2/$5M

 

[Notorious T.R.E.]

Watching Gobert in summer league. He's pretty nimble, has a decent enough looking free throw stroke, mixes it up inside and seems to have ok hands. Everyone is chucking from outside so much that I haven't seen him get it in the post. He does have 5 fouls, so maybe he's mixing it up a little too much.

Verdict: Doesn't look like a total stiff at least.

Has 11/8/3 and is playing with an in-grown toenail

 

[Craig_MiamiFL]

Dwight Howard - C - Rockets


Dwight Howard not being provided with a clear timetable for moving on from the Kobe Bryant era was a factor in Dwight Howard's decision to sign with the Rockets, according ESPN.com.
"I just really think the timing in L.A., it wasn't right for me," Howard said on Friday. "Maybe two years ago, or 2-3 years from now, it would have been the right time." When the team made the trade for Howard in August of 2012, they reportedly stated that he would become the face of the franchise shortly after Kobe retired -- which was expected to be in just a couple years. However, Bryant has been discussing playing for a few more years with the Lakers, so Kobe's super-stardom may have been a bit too bright for Howard's taste. The good news is that the Dwightmare is over and he can focus on playing with his new teammates.


Kobe Bryant - G - Lakers


Kobe Bryant said that he's not planning on taking a pay cut with the Lakers next year.
"I’m not taking any at all – that’s the negotiation that you have to have," Bryant said about the possibility of taking a pay cut. He's going to receive $30 million for this season, then next year he could receive a similar amount. Obviously, the Lakers will be in a tight spot in bringing on other max-type players given Bryant's salary and a salary cap that should be in the neighborhood of $60 million. He could wind up taking a pay cut and this will become a much bigger story next summer.

 

[Juxtatarot]

If Kobe insists on taking up half the cap, the Lakers near-term future is in big trouble.

 

[tommyGunZ]

Kobe would be silly to start negotiations from a "I'll take a pay cut" position.

"As a businessman the goal is always to not take a pay cut," Bryant said. "But ..."

The Lakers had intended to approach Bryant about an extension this summer, league sources said, but those plans were tabled until Bryant got further into his rehabilitation from Achilles tendon surgery in April.

Bryant said he didn't intend to approach the Lakers about an extension until "the dust settled" on their other business this summer.

Earlier Tuesday, Bryant was asked by Lakers Nation, a fan website, if he would take a huge pay cut, possibly to a one-year minimum salary at $1.45 million, to stay with the Lakers. Bryant later told ESPN that since negotiations have yet to begin, it was pointless to bring up a number that he'd be willing to play for.

 

[Juxtatarot]

What's your guess, TommyGunz? I could see him cutting it down to $20 Million or so but I doubt lower. :ducksforcover:

 

[Gr00vus]

What's your guess, TommyGunz? I could see him cutting it down to $20 Million or so but I doubt lower. :ducksforcover:

I'm thinking $15M, like what James/Wade/Bosh did.

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

What's your guess, TommyGunz? I could see him cutting it down to $20 Million or so but I doubt lower. :ducksforcover:

I'm thinking $15M, like what James/Wade/Bosh did.

That's what you want him to do, or what you expect?

 

[Gr00vus]

What's your guess, TommyGunz? I could see him cutting it down to $20 Million or so but I doubt lower. :ducksforcover:

I'm thinking $15M, like what James/Wade/Bosh did.

That's what you want him to do, or what you expect?

I want him to sign for league minimum. I think if he's serious about winning another championship he'll have to accept a salary in the teens range. Given that I think there's a shot he does that as long as he knows other guys are coming in that could make it happen, so it's possible. We'll see what's really important to him next summer.

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

What's your guess, TommyGunz? I could see him cutting it down to $20 Million or so but I doubt lower. :ducksforcover:

I'm thinking $15M, like what James/Wade/Bosh did.

That's what you want him to do, or what you expect?

I want him to sign for league minimum. I think if he's serious about winning another championship he'll have to accept a salary in the teens range. Given that I think there's a shot he does that as long as he knows other guys are coming in that could make it happen, so it's possible. We'll see what's really important to him next summer.

There is no way he would take the league minimum and I don't think anybody should expect that. He may go for a LeBron/Wade/Bosh price if another star or two were coming to LA and also taking a discount. Otherwise, Kobe will try to make what he thinks he deserves based on his play this upcoming season and on whether he thinks he can play better after further healing and what others think he is worth.

 

[Mentos]

Reggie Williams to Houston.

he had some good years with the nuggets

Different guy. This one was Undrafted, went to dubs, then cats.

Dubs?

Anything wrong with using real team names?

Last night I actually truly thought you wrote that the guy transferred from Washington (Dubs) to Washington State (cats for Cougars).

Now this afternoon I saw responses and figured out Dubs= Warriors and cats= Bobcats/future Hornets.

 

[Gr00vus]

What's your guess, TommyGunz? I could see him cutting it down to $20 Million or so but I doubt lower. :ducksforcover:

I'm thinking $15M, like what James/Wade/Bosh did.

That's what you want him to do, or what you expect?

I want him to sign for league minimum. I think if he's serious about winning another championship he'll have to accept a salary in the teens range. Given that I think there's a shot he does that as long as he knows other guys are coming in that could make it happen, so it's possible. We'll see what's really important to him next summer.

There is no way he would take the league minimum and I don't think anybody should expect that. He may go for a LeBron/Wade/Bosh price if another star or two were coming to LA and also taking a discount. Otherwise, Kobe will try to make what he thinks he deserves based on his play this upcoming season and on whether he thinks he can play better after further healing and what others think he is worth.

You really have the gift of dazzling insight.

 

[Notorious T.R.E.]

How ballsy was it of Toronto to go for the additional 2nd round pick from the Knicks in 2017?

"Ok, you get Bargnani and we take on Camby, Novak and Q. And you send a first in 2016 and a 2nd next year. We're really close here, but in order to make this work we're going to need another 2nd in 2017."

 

[pollardsvision]

Henderson made some progress on his 3 point shot last year. If he comes reliable from there, $8 million will be a bargain.

Maybe, but as it stands, Henderson is the 4th most important building block on a team that will likely win about 30 games this year (Not including AlJeff on that list). He's young, but not that young (turns 26 in Dec).

Does that sound like an $8 mill/year player to you?

Henderson's a really nice piece to have at the right price. Maybe he becomes the type of player that can be the 3rd best player on a legitimate contender, but I don't think it's smart to go ahead and start paying like he already is or absolutely will be.

Maybe it'd be a steal. We'll find out when smart teams go lining up to do a S&T for Gerald Henderson and his $30+ mill contract.

 

[Cliff Clavin]

What's your guess, TommyGunz? I could see him cutting it down to $20 Million or so but I doubt lower. :ducksforcover:

I'm thinking $15M, like what James/Wade/Bosh did.

That's what you want him to do, or what you expect?

I want him to sign for league minimum. I think if he's serious about winning another championship he'll have to accept a salary in the teens range. Given that I think there's a shot he does that as long as he knows other guys are coming in that could make it happen, so it's possible. We'll see what's really important to him next summer.

Do you believe any star players in the league will want to join Kobe? If so, examples?

 

[Timmay]

Henderson made some progress on his 3 point shot last year. If he comes reliable from there, $8 million will be a bargain.

Maybe, but as it stands, Henderson is the 4th most important building block on a team that will likely win about 30 games this year (Not including AlJeff on that list). He's young, but not that young (turns 26 in Dec).

Does that sound like an $8 mill/year player to you?

Henderson's a really nice piece to have at the right price. Maybe he becomes the type of player that can be the 3rd best player on a legitimate contender, but I don't think it's smart to go ahead and start paying like he already is or absolutely will be.

Maybe it'd be a steal. We'll find out when smart teams go lining up to do a S&T for Gerald Henderson and his $30+ mill contract.

I wouldn't pay anything over 6 million for a player who averages 15 points per game, a decent rebounder for his position and ok defense. I would like to see Henderson get a 2 year-$12 million contract from the Bobcats. If Millsap got 2-$19mil, it only seems reasonable. But like people have said, Bobcats probably do have to pay a premium to get ok FA's.

 

[Cliff Clavin]

How ballsy was it of Toronto to go for the additional 2nd round pick from the Knicks in 2017?

"Ok, you get Bargnani and we take on Camby, Novak and Q. And you send a first in 2016 and a 2nd next year. We're really close here, but in order to make this work we're going to need another 2nd in 2017."

Ujiri