*NBA THREAD* Abe will be missed (9 Viewers)

[Kev4029]

Why not....

Anthony Randolph - F/C - Magic
The Magic acquired Anthony Randolph and intend to waive him.
An offseason isn't an offseason without Anthony Randolph changing teams. The Magic also picked up two future second-round picks and cash considerations. He is unlikely to be a factor on any team this season.


Source: NBA.com

I don't know why they would waive him, hes useful and is on a very reasonable contract.

 

[Kev4029]

I keep hearing that this Heat team, as presently composed, is going to be a playoff team next season, potentially a 4 or 5. They lost their point. Who the hell is going to handle the basketball for them? Chalmers is going to be a real PG all of a sudden?

It's more about the East.

Bosh/McBob/Wade/Deng compares favorably to most of what other East teams have. McBob was the 3rd best player, by a massive margin, on the 7-seed in the East last year.

I'm sure Wade will handle a lot more of the playmaking duties than he has the past couple of years. He's probably being really underrated right now, but I wouldn't be surprised to see a mini-renaissance from him this year.

McBob brings a lot of playmaking ability too.

I think there are about 5-6 teams with a shot to win the East. MIA is unlikely, but they are one of them.

Well, unless this Mirotic fella really is a supercharged Dirk, then nobody's touching CHI.

So, your answer is yes, they have no PG, but they're going to contend anyway?

Starting PG's of the Top 4 teams in the East last year: Rio, George Hill, DJ Augustin, Lowry.

"Going to contend" is a stretch depending on how you define that, but I think they should be a Top 5-6 team in the East with a chance to be in the ECF if everything breaks right.

That won't mean they are a great team, but 2 powerhouses from last year are gone and it's wide open.

If they aren't any good, it'll be because Wade and Bosh are toast, not because their PG isn't good enough.

Not that it changes your point, but Hinrich was the starter in Chicago.

In the end, Miami, Indiana and Chicago all lost in the playoffs in large part because of the lack of point guard play. With a stand out point guard each of those teams would have performed much differently in the playoffs.

Just want to argue this point. Chalmers/Cole killed the Heat with horrible, terrible, grotesque play at the PG but Miami didn't lose anything as much as the Spurs went out and whipped their ### and took it from them. I don't think you could convince me that if Miami subbed in Chris Paul for Chalmers in the finals that the eventual outcome would be any different.

It may not have mattered in games 3-5, but game 1 could have had a very different outcome if somebody could have created anything the last 8 or whatever minutes.

 

[tommyGunZ]

I keep hearing that this Heat team, as presently composed, is going to be a playoff team next season, potentially a 4 or 5. They lost their point. Who the hell is going to handle the basketball for them? Chalmers is going to be a real PG all of a sudden?

I don't see them as a contender, although they probably make the playoffs. A Chalmers/Wade backcourt is painful. McRobberts is an upgrade off the bench, but doesn't move the dial much.

Agreed. Does anyone seriously think the mcRoberts deal will be anythjng other than an albatross a year from now?

Don't let the fact that Mike Brown isn't a quarter of the coach Steve Clifford is and didn't a clue what to do with McBob cloud your judgement. Spoelstra is almost as good as Clifford, so he'll probably get it figured out.

That's going to be the best contract on that roster in 2 years.

We're talking about the same McBob, right? The guy who just finished his breakout season in his 7th year with a PER below replacement level?

 

[Bobcat10]

Now Todem sounds like a Cavaliers fan from 4 years ago.

No....we are not burning jerseys, crying and wailing like life is over. Please. We knew this day was going to come...just not after his first 4 years here. Especially after all the success we had.And yeah he quit on the Cav's after 7 years of not getting it done. But he left a 4 time Finals team.

HUGE DIFFERENCE.

And how's that mural that took 2-3 years to finish looking today?

Obviously in any city your going to have animals and hoodrats.What can I say.

So you are suggesting that maybe there isn't a HUGE DIFFERENCE in how the fan bases handled James's departure?

No the media seeks out the worst and obvious. And does not report the real reaction. It's typical. But Cleveland was going crazy when it went down in 2010 (and rightfully so because Lebron mishandled the entire thing)

For the most part the real fan base has handled this quite well. We are very pleased how Riley is going to put out a competitive team after the bombshell came on Friday. He has done what he has had to do to fill 12 of 15 spots already.

For the blow that the team felt Friday…most of the long time fans have taken it well and we have been staying classy. We wish Lebron well and thank him for an amazing 4 years.

I'm fine with this. Plenty of Cleveland fans had the "it was a great 7 years" mentality. We all know the vocal minority gets the publicity. That said, Cleveland had alot more to actually react about. If Lebron left with two banners in the rafters, I suspect there would be a much different response (although The Decision was ridiculous).

Just don't say "we are not burning jerseys"....because, yes, some Heat fans were.

I'm happy the mural has been restored. Props.

 

[simmonjm]

Can someone please explain how Bosh is a better contract than Melo? At worst they seem equal

 

[Kev4029]

I keep hearing that this Heat team, as presently composed, is going to be a playoff team next season, potentially a 4 or 5. They lost their point. Who the hell is going to handle the basketball for them? Chalmers is going to be a real PG all of a sudden?

I don't see them as a contender, although they probably make the playoffs. A Chalmers/Wade backcourt is painful. McRobberts is an upgrade off the bench, but doesn't move the dial much.

Agreed. Does anyone seriously think the mcRoberts deal will be anythjng other than an albatross a year from now?

Don't let the fact that Mike Brown isn't a quarter of the coach Steve Clifford is and didn't a clue what to do with McBob cloud your judgement. Spoelstra is almost as good as Clifford, so he'll probably get it figured out.

That's going to be the best contract on that roster in 2 years.

We're talking about the same McBob, right? The guy who just finished his breakout season in his 7th year with a PER below replacement level?

Below average PER, well above replacement level. Not that I'm here to defend McRoberts...

 

[Kev4029]

Can someone please explain how Bosh is a better contract than Melo? At worst they seem equal

Who is saying the Bosh contract is better? I think everybody is in agreement that Melo is a better player, and their contracts are incredibly similar.

 

[Bobcat10]

Can someone please explain how Bosh is a better contract than Melo? At worst they seem equal

Who is saying the Bosh contract is better? I think everybody is in agreement that Melo is a better player, and their contracts are incredibly similar.

I think he's referring to the thread title.

 

[Juxtatarot]

Why not....

Anthony Randolph - F/C - Magic

The Magic acquired Anthony Randolph and intend to waive him.

An offseason isn't an offseason without Anthony Randolph changing teams. The Magic also picked up two future second-round picks and cash considerations. He is unlikely to be a factor on any team this season.

Source: NBA.com

I don't know why they would waive him, hes useful and is on a very reasonable contract.

Most teams want guys on their team that they actually want.

 

[pollardsvision]

I keep hearing that this Heat team, as presently composed, is going to be a playoff team next season, potentially a 4 or 5. They lost their point. Who the hell is going to handle the basketball for them? Chalmers is going to be a real PG all of a sudden?

I don't see them as a contender, although they probably make the playoffs. A Chalmers/Wade backcourt is painful. McRobberts is an upgrade off the bench, but doesn't move the dial much.

Agreed. Does anyone seriously think the mcRoberts deal will be anythjng other than an albatross a year from now?

Don't let the fact that Mike Brown isn't a quarter of the coach Steve Clifford is and didn't a clue what to do with McBob cloud your judgement. Spoelstra is almost as good as Clifford, so he'll probably get it figured out.

That's going to be the best contract on that roster in 2 years.

We're talking about the same McBob, right? The guy who just finished his breakout season in his 7th year with a PER below replacement level?

He was a 6.5 win player last year.

He's not a dynamic scorer and you have to beg him to shoot, but he can facilitate an offense, he's a good passer, good shooter, a solid defender, and he plays hard.

I know those things may not mean much to you Laker fans, but hopefully Heat fans will know how to appreciate the man.

 

[mr. furley]

Bucks reportedly shopping Illysova hard - he'd be another stretch 4 for the Cavs that wouldn't cost them Wiggins and 20+% of their cap.

Rockets

When you can get a stretch 4 that shoots 28% from 3 and 40% from the field for $8M/yr, you gotta do it.

While on his basketball reference page, you may have noticed that he has shot over 44% from downtown 2 of the last 3 years. He's still only 27 so it could be that he just got sucked into the Bucks vortex of crappiness last year.

Hes been a very mediocre player for 4 out of 6 years, I think it might be fair to say 2 and 3 years ago are the aberration, not the rest of his career.

Even if you think he was in over his head for those two years, he's a 37% career three point shooter, which is still good enough to be a solid stretch 4. If he had a spotless record he wouldn't be available.

He's had four years under his career average, including two years below 30 percent. I think his expected production should be somewhere in between last year and the two previous years, and teaming that with his lack of defensive acumen, I wouldn't be pursuing him if I were a GM.

he needs out of Milwaukee. badly. he's probably more a 3-5 mil per year player.. not 8.

 

[Abraham]

Rockets have a trade exception that would work.

 

[Abraham]

Troy Daniels back to Houston.

 

[Raider Nation]

Great news, folks!

 

[Todem]

I keep hearing that this Heat team, as presently composed, is going to be a playoff team next season, potentially a 4 or 5. They lost their point. Who the hell is going to handle the basketball for them? Chalmers is going to be a real PG all of a sudden?

I don't see them as a contender, although they probably make the playoffs. A Chalmers/Wade backcourt is painful. McRobberts is an upgrade off the bench, but doesn't move the dial much.

Agreed. Does anyone seriously think the mcRoberts deal will be anythjng other than an albatross a year from now?

Don't let the fact that Mike Brown isn't a quarter of the coach Steve Clifford is and didn't a clue what to do with McBob cloud your judgement. Spoelstra is almost as good as Clifford, so he'll probably get it figured out.

That's going to be the best contract on that roster in 2 years.

We're talking about the same McBob, right? The guy who just finished his breakout season in his 7th year with a PER below replacement level?

He was a 6.5 win player last year.

He's not a dynamic scorer and you have to beg him to shoot, but he can facilitate an offense, he's a good passer, good shooter, a solid defender, and he plays hard.

I know those things may not mean much to you Laker fans, but hopefully Heat fans will know how to appreciate the man.

Grant Long, PJ Brown, Bruce Bowen, James Posey, Udonis Haslem, Dan Majerle.

Yeah we understand blue collar, hard working, under appreciated players and what they mean to winning teams.

McRoberts is going to be a solid signing.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

I know they're obligated to bring back Wade, but man it'd be awesome if Miami signed Stephenson just for the shtick value.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

Generally agree, again, with the gist of Fimmonf's Melo column, although he takes the long way around, as usual. http://grantland.com/features/carmelo-anthony-new-york-knicks-legacy/

 

[Kev4029]

Generally agree, again, with the gist of Simmons's Melo column, although he takes the long way around, as usual. http://grantland.com/features/carmelo-anthony-new-york-knicks-legacy/

I was just coming in to post this. One of his better columns in a long while, IMO.

 

[Kev4029]

Simmons disregards the 2009 Nuggets, but that team was an Anthony Carter injury (as in, I wish he would have been hurt) from being in the championship. That team had the elite rim protector that year in Birdman, Dahntay Jones was absolutely stellar defensively, and both Martin and Nene more than held their own. They really intimidated teams too, I miss the Thuggets. The only thing that they were missing was a capable backup PG.

 

[Daywalker]

Generally agree, again, with the gist of Simmons's Melo column, although he takes the long way around, as usual. http://grantland.com/features/carmelo-anthony-new-york-knicks-legacy/

I was just coming in to post this. One of his better columns in a long while, IMO.

Carmelo has so much basketball ahead of him. With his shooting skills he still could be a big piece even after this contract. So much can change in the meantime as well. Perhaps he gets traded to a nice situation or Phil can put together a contender in the next few years. You'd like to see him put the money on the line and roll with Chicago but it's not like that guarantees rings. An extra 50-60mill a lot to turn down. Too much.

Also think it was more Chicago not willing to pay Carmelo the uber-max, along with giving up players/picks, then it was Phil taking a hard stance. Knicks would have been smart to have extracted a haul from Chicago.

 

[Premier]

Generally agree, again, with the gist of Simmons's Melo column, although he takes the long way around, as usual. http://grantland.com/features/carmelo-anthony-new-york-knicks-legacy/

I was just coming in to post this. One of his better columns in a long while, IMO.

Does he spend half the column talking about how Melo compares to Larry Bird?

 

[Abraham]

Chandler Parsons is offended that Morey doesn't think he can be a third star. I would agree with him if he played defense at all.

 

[Apple Juice]

Generally agree, again, with the gist of Simmons's Melo column, although he takes the long way around, as usual. http://grantland.com/features/carmelo-anthony-new-york-knicks-legacy/

I was just coming in to post this. One of his better columns in a long while, IMO.

Does he spend half the column talking about how Melo compares to Larry Bird?

Just a paragraph. The rest is how the signing is eerily similar to the David Tyree helmet catch, though of course not as devastating.

 

[pollardsvision]

Generally agree, again, with the gist of Simmons's Melo column, although he takes the long way around, as usual. http://grantland.com/features/carmelo-anthony-new-york-knicks-legacy/

I was just coming in to post this. One of his better columns in a long while, IMO.

Does he spend half the column talking about how Melo compares to Larry Bird?

No, it was a really long Cliff subtitle. Our beloved Simmons dropped a white hot take.

He fluffed up Melo quite a bit and it's a good article, but he brought all back home to the Melo only cares about money thing in a way that would make Reilly and Lupica very proud.

 

[Abraham]

The more I think about it, the more I'm a little surprised that no one anywhere was talking about the chance that Miami would sign bosh to a Max if James left. The story was that Bosh would take a discount to stay with Miami if James stayed and would leave without James. I didn't see a single sports person or whatever point out that, "hey, does anyone realize that Miami can offer Chris Bosh a lot more money than everyone else?" SMH

 

[pollardsvision]

The more I think about it, the more I'm a little surprised that no one anywhere was talking about the chance that Miami would sign bosh to a Max if James left. The story was that Bosh would take a discount to stay with Miami if James stayed and would leave without James. I didn't see a single sports person or whatever point out that, "hey, does anyone realize that Miami can offer Chris Bosh a lot more money than everyone else?" SMH

It was pretty amazing how much it caught everyone off guard.

Maybe LeBron singlehandedly brought us back to "oh that's right, stars generally want to go where they can make the most money and these superteam ideas are a little silly" mode. In the time between the LeBron/CLE news and the Bosh/MIA news, we just didn't have the time to realize that the NBA world had been normalized again.

 

[Cliff Clavin]

Can someone please explain how Bosh is a better contract than Melo? At worst they seem equal

I might be a bit biased.

 

[NutterButter]

I keep hearing that this Heat team, as presently composed, is going to be a playoff team next season, potentially a 4 or 5. They lost their point. Who the hell is going to handle the basketball for them? Chalmers is going to be a real PG all of a sudden?

I don't see them as a contender, although they probably make the playoffs. A Chalmers/Wade backcourt is painful. McRobberts is an upgrade off the bench, but doesn't move the dial much.

Agreed. Does anyone seriously think the mcRoberts deal will be anythjng other than an albatross a year from now?

Don't let the fact that Mike Brown isn't a quarter of the coach Steve Clifford is and didn't a clue what to do with McBob cloud your judgement. Spoelstra is almost as good as Clifford, so he'll probably get it figured out.

That's going to be the best contract on that roster in 2 years.

We're talking about the same McBob, right? The guy who just finished his breakout season in his 7th year with a PER below replacement level?

He was a 6.5 win player last year.

He's not a dynamic scorer and you have to beg him to shoot, but he can facilitate an offense, he's a good passer, good shooter, a solid defender, and he plays hard.

I know those things may not mean much to you Laker fans, but hopefully Heat fans will know how to appreciate the man.

So he's a nice role player

 

[wadegarrett]

I keep hearing that this Heat team, as presently composed, is going to be a playoff team next season, potentially a 4 or 5. They lost their point. Who the hell is going to handle the basketball for them? Chalmers is going to be a real PG all of a sudden?

I don't see them as a contender, although they probably make the playoffs. A Chalmers/Wade backcourt is painful. McRobberts is an upgrade off the bench, but doesn't move the dial much.

Vegas agrees also. Has them sitting in the #7 spot in the East, currently tied at 25/1 along with Raptors and Knicks.

http://www.vegasinsider.com/nba/odds/futures/

 

[pollardsvision]

I keep hearing that this Heat team, as presently composed, is going to be a playoff team next season, potentially a 4 or 5. They lost their point. Who the hell is going to handle the basketball for them? Chalmers is going to be a real PG all of a sudden?

I don't see them as a contender, although they probably make the playoffs. A Chalmers/Wade backcourt is painful. McRobberts is an upgrade off the bench, but doesn't move the dial much.

Agreed. Does anyone seriously think the mcRoberts deal will be anythjng other than an albatross a year from now?

Don't let the fact that Mike Brown isn't a quarter of the coach Steve Clifford is and didn't a clue what to do with McBob cloud your judgement. Spoelstra is almost as good as Clifford, so he'll probably get it figured out.

That's going to be the best contract on that roster in 2 years.

We're talking about the same McBob, right? The guy who just finished his breakout season in his 7th year with a PER below replacement level?

He was a 6.5 win player last year.

He's not a dynamic scorer and you have to beg him to shoot, but he can facilitate an offense, he's a good passer, good shooter, a solid defender, and he plays hard.

I know those things may not mean much to you Laker fans, but hopefully Heat fans will know how to appreciate the man.

So he's a nice role player

Yes. And making less than $6 mill as the cost of tall shooters is skyrocketing (and he's a lot more complete than most).

 

[Slapdash]

I keep hearing that this Heat team, as presently composed, is going to be a playoff team next season, potentially a 4 or 5. They lost their point. Who the hell is going to handle the basketball for them? Chalmers is going to be a real PG all of a sudden?

I don't see them as a contender, although they probably make the playoffs. A Chalmers/Wade backcourt is painful. McRobberts is an upgrade off the bench, but doesn't move the dial much.

Agreed. Does anyone seriously think the mcRoberts deal will be anythjng other than an albatross a year from now?

Don't let the fact that Mike Brown isn't a quarter of the coach Steve Clifford is and didn't a clue what to do with McBob cloud your judgement. Spoelstra is almost as good as Clifford, so he'll probably get it figured out.

That's going to be the best contract on that roster in 2 years.

We're talking about the same McBob, right? The guy who just finished his breakout season in his 7th year with a PER below replacement level?

He was a 6.5 win player last year.

He's not a dynamic scorer and you have to beg him to shoot, but he can facilitate an offense, he's a good passer, good shooter, a solid defender, and he plays hard.

I know those things may not mean much to you Laker fans, but hopefully Heat fans will know how to appreciate the man.

So he's a nice role player

That's about it, yeah. I like him, but not upset that Charlotte didn't keep him at that price (or length really).

 

[pollardsvision]

That's about it, yeah. I like him, but not upset that Charlotte didn't keep him at that price.

I think it was the smart long-term move, but it makes CHA much worse this year. Really, if Vonleh doesn't drop, McBob is still in CHA on a 4-year deal I bet.

CHA is letting the kids determine the course from here. If the kids all improve a lot (and they have to or this year will suck), great, but if they don't, suddenly the cubbard looks really, really bare, and retaining McBob for a short run looks really bad.

Our 2015 Playoff spot very possibly went to MIA with McBob though.

 

[tommyGunZ]

Pollard, not expecting any regression from McBob moving forward? He reeks of a guy who caught lightning in a bottle last year.

Can't believe anyone would think losing him means their playoff hopes are dashed.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

Generally agree, again, with the gist of Simmons's Melo column, although he takes the long way around, as usual. http://grantland.com/features/carmelo-anthony-new-york-knicks-legacy/

I was just coming in to post this. One of his better columns in a long while, IMO.

Does he spend half the column talking about how Melo compares to Larry Bird?

Bird is only mentioned six times.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

He won an NCAA title with a team that probably wouldn't sniff the tournament without him. That's pretty good.

 

[tommyGunZ]

Agree wih most of the article, though even as a crazy liberal I have a had time blaming guys who decide to take the extra 50M.

What do NBA players actually get on the dollar? It's reported as "150m in career earnings"' but after agent cuts, taxes etc, isn't it more like half that? And unlike the wealthy in other walks of life, these guys don't come from money, so they are also footing the bill for their parents, sisters, brothers, cousins, and friends.

Obviously still an obscene amount of money, but not anywhere near the numbers Simmons and co. Use for shock value in their columns.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

Agree wih most of the article, though even as a crazy liberal I have a had time blaming guys who decide to take the extra 50M.

What do NBA players actually get on the dollar? It's reported as "150m in career earnings"' but after agent cuts, taxes etc, isn't it more like half that? And unlike the wealthy in other walks of life, these guys don't come from money, so they are also footing the bill for their parents, sisters, brothers, cousins, and friends.

Obviously still an obscene amount of money, but not anywhere near the numbers Simmons and co. Use for shock value in their columns.

I would guess around 40%? A lot probably depends on state tax too.

 

[pollardsvision]

Pollard, not expecting any regression from McBob moving forward? He reeks of a guy who caught lightning in a bottle last year.

Can't believe anyone would think losing him means their playoff hopes are dashed.

I don't think "dashed" and certainly they'll be in the playoff hunt, but McBob was really important to a pretty flawed team. Despite the excitement surrounding the team, the margin for error is still razor thin. 8th best team from last year (maybe playing above their head at that) losing their 3rd best player is not good.

I don't disagree with the decision for CHA to let him go, but recognize it likely means taking a step back this year.

Maybe he regresses, but even if he does it's still a reasonable contract. There's also the possibility that he's on the way up. He's 27, and shined once he finally got a real shot.

 

[sporthenry]

The LAkers being a destination had a lot to do with throwing a #### ton of money at players and being a media town. the cap and the internet have nullified those advantages, to a large extent.

I think this is true. I think LeBron's return to Cleveland is portent of a huge change for the NBA in this regard. As a Lakers fan, I don't like it very much, but as an NBA fan, I have to admit that it bodes well for the league.

The most important message that the league and its players should take away from this is that everyone loves the story of an NBA superstar who returns to his hometown in free agency. It's really the best choice that an MVP-caliber player can possibly make. Especially if there's already an all-star PG and a talented young wing in the fold there to support him.

http://probasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/07/15/report-if-kevin-durant-leaves-thunder-as-free-agent-hed-probably-sign-with-wizards/?ocid=Yahoo&partner=ya5nbcs

 

[Abraham]

Pollard, not expecting any regression from McBob moving forward? He reeks of a guy who caught lightning in a bottle last year.

Can't believe anyone would think losing him means their playoff hopes are dashed.

I don't think "dashed" and certainly they'll be in the playoff hunt, but McBob was really important to a pretty flawed team. Despite the excitement surrounding the team, the margin for error is still razor thin. 8th best team from last year (maybe playing above their head at that) losing their 3rd best player is not good.I don't disagree with the decision for CHA to let him go, but recognize it likely means taking a step back this year.

Maybe he regresses, but even if he does it's still a reasonable contract. There's also the possibility that he's on the way up. He's 27, and shined once he finally got a real shot.

Sure. But keep in mind that Al was hurt early and it was there first year in Clifford's system. I could see the 6 seed or missing the playoffs and neither would surprise me.

 

[Slapdash]

That's about it, yeah. I like him, but not upset that Charlotte didn't keep him at that price.

I think it was the smart long-term move, but it makes CHA much worse this year. Really, if Vonleh doesn't drop, McBob is still in CHA on a 4-year deal I bet.

CHA is letting the kids determine the course from here. If the kids all improve a lot (and they have to or this year will suck), great, but if they don't, suddenly the cubbard looks really, really bare, and retaining McBob for a short run looks really bad.

Our 2015 Playoff spot very possibly went to MIA with McBob though.

McRoberts to Marvin Williams just doesn't strike me as a huge drop-off. The bigger problem so far is not getting someone like to put MKG or Henderson on the bench. Charlotte needs better starters at 2, 3, and 4 to go deeper in the playoffs. Setting aside the long term potential of Vonleh, Zeller, and Hairston they haven't really done that.

The lack of interest in Lance is pretty odd to me. He is a gamble, but the type of gamble this team can afford to make. Who is the target if not him? Evan Turner?

 

[Todem]

That's about it, yeah. I like him, but not upset that Charlotte didn't keep him at that price.

I think it was the smart long-term move, but it makes CHA much worse this year. Really, if Vonleh doesn't drop, McBob is still in CHA on a 4-year deal I bet.

CHA is letting the kids determine the course from here. If the kids all improve a lot (and they have to or this year will suck), great, but if they don't, suddenly the cubbard looks really, really bare, and retaining McBob for a short run looks really bad.

Our 2015 Playoff spot very possibly went to MIA with McBob though.

McRoberts to Marvin Williams just doesn't strike me as a huge drop-off. The bigger problem so far is not getting someone like to put MKG or Henderson on the bench. Charlotte needs better starters at 2, 3, and 4 to go deeper in the playoffs. Setting aside the long term potential of Vonleh, Zeller, and Hairston they haven't really done that.

The lack of interest in Lance is pretty odd to me. He is a gamble, but the type of gamble this team can afford to make. Who is the target if not him? Evan Turner?

Huge gamble "between the ears". He is volatile and when you commit large amounts of money to a ticking time bomb...it can be nerve wracking for a franchise. His physical talent in undeniable. But above the neck this kid is a potential huge head case. And that has teams concerned long term.

Someone will either get a great bargain or a potential bust. Nothing in between IMO. Star or wash out due to being a head case.

 

[sporthenry]

Agree wih most of the article, though even as a crazy liberal I have a had time blaming guys who decide to take the extra 50M.

What do NBA players actually get on the dollar? It's reported as "150m in career earnings"' but after agent cuts, taxes etc, isn't it more like half that? And unlike the wealthy in other walks of life, these guys don't come from money, so they are also footing the bill for their parents, sisters, brothers, cousins, and friends.

Obviously still an obscene amount of money, but not anywhere near the numbers Simmons and co. Use for shock value in their columns.

Yeah, I don't really remember the Denver situation. Did he really force himself out for the extra money? I thought Denver wanted to trade him to get something for him. Couldn't he just do a S&T at the end of the year and get the same contract?

Also, Melo "only" makes $8-10 million in endorsements. Compare that to LeBron at 42, Kobe at 34 or Rose at 21. Doesn't seem like the big city helped him that much with respect to endorsements.

But I think the biggest aspect that Simmons didn't touch upon was how important family and other life considerations has played in this offseason. Melo did take the most money as well but him and LeBron seemed to stress keeping their kids and wives happy.

 

[Cliff Clavin]

Agree wih most of the article, though even as a crazy liberal I have a had time blaming guys who decide to take the extra 50M.

What do NBA players actually get on the dollar? It's reported as "150m in career earnings"' but after agent cuts, taxes etc, isn't it more like half that? And unlike the wealthy in other walks of life, these guys don't come from money, so they are also footing the bill for their parents, sisters, brothers, cousins, and friends.

Obviously still an obscene amount of money, but not anywhere near the numbers Simmons and co. Use for shock value in their columns.

Yeah, I don't really remember the Denver situation. Did he really force himself out for the extra money? I thought Denver wanted to trade him to get something for him. Couldn't he just do a S&T at the end of the year and get the same contract?

Also, Melo "only" makes $8-10 million in endorsements. Compare that to LeBron at 42, Kobe at 34 or Rose at 21. Doesn't seem like the big city helped him that much with respect to endorsements.

But I think the biggest aspect that Simmons didn't touch upon was how important family and other life considerations has played in this offseason. Melo did take the most money as well but him and LeBron seemed to stress keeping their kids and wives happy.

He demanded the trade out of Denver. Had he waited till summer and signed somewhere else he would have lost money.

 

[pollardsvision]

That's about it, yeah. I like him, but not upset that Charlotte didn't keep him at that price.

I think it was the smart long-term move, but it makes CHA much worse this year. Really, if Vonleh doesn't drop, McBob is still in CHA on a 4-year deal I bet.

CHA is letting the kids determine the course from here. If the kids all improve a lot (and they have to or this year will suck), great, but if they don't, suddenly the cubbard looks really, really bare, and retaining McBob for a short run looks really bad.

Our 2015 Playoff spot very possibly went to MIA with McBob though.

McRoberts to Marvin Williams just doesn't strike me as a huge drop-off. The bigger problem so far is not getting someone like to put MKG or Henderson on the bench. Charlotte needs better starters at 2, 3, and 4 to go deeper in the playoffs. Setting aside the long term potential of Vonleh, Zeller, and Hairston they haven't really done that.

The lack of interest in Lance is pretty odd to me. He is a gamble, but the type of gamble this team can afford to make. Who is the target if not him? Evan Turner?

It can work, and I really like the Marvin signing. On a team that lacks playmakers and facilitators, McBob is just really hard to replace.

I agree about Lance. They must really, really hate him. If they don't want Lance, then there's really no option for a big splash this off-season.

They did everything possible for Hayward. Parsons wasn't an option. Ariza's a sucker bet. Deng's a bad fit. Monroe's a bad fit.

I don't even see a small move at this point, other than a cheap 5th big. Roster's at 12 right now. Big makes 13. Any other move means pushing CDR out the door, so the move needs to be a real upgrade over CDR. Maybe Evan Turner I guess, but I'm not sure he's much of an upgrade over CDR. Is PJ Tucker signed yet?

 

[Good Posting Judge]

You know how they say that a squirrel is a rat with better PR? Maybe Lebron's a squirrel.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

OK, hypothetical question:

You're the GM of the Cavs as they're presently constituted. Congratulations! Kevin Love's agent has indicated that, if traded for, he'd sign a maximum extension. Minny is, of course, playing hardball.

How much would you give up to get him? Or do you pass and try for someone else next offseason?

 

[Slapdash]

That's about it, yeah. I like him, but not upset that Charlotte didn't keep him at that price.

I think it was the smart long-term move, but it makes CHA much worse this year. Really, if Vonleh doesn't drop, McBob is still in CHA on a 4-year deal I bet.

CHA is letting the kids determine the course from here. If the kids all improve a lot (and they have to or this year will suck), great, but if they don't, suddenly the cubbard looks really, really bare, and retaining McBob for a short run looks really bad.

Our 2015 Playoff spot very possibly went to MIA with McBob though.

McRoberts to Marvin Williams just doesn't strike me as a huge drop-off. The bigger problem so far is not getting someone like to put MKG or Henderson on the bench. Charlotte needs better starters at 2, 3, and 4 to go deeper in the playoffs. Setting aside the long term potential of Vonleh, Zeller, and Hairston they haven't really done that.

The lack of interest in Lance is pretty odd to me. He is a gamble, but the type of gamble this team can afford to make. Who is the target if not him? Evan Turner?

Huge gamble "between the ears". He is volatile and when you commit large amounts of money to a ticking time bomb...it can be nerve wracking for a franchise. His physical talent in undeniable. But above the neck this kid is a potential huge head case. And that has teams concerned long term.

Someone will either get a great bargain or a potential bust. Nothing in between IMO. Star or wash out due to being a head case.

Those are the type of chances you take as a small market team. Top talent Free Agents aren't just itching to come play in Charlotte.

But, if Clifford thinks he hurts the locker room that is his choice to make.

 

[Abraham]

OK, hypothetical question:

You're the GM of the Cavs as they're presently constituted. Congratulations! Kevin Love's agent has indicated that, if traded for, he'd sign a maximum extension. Minny is, of course, playing hardball.

How much would you give up to get him? Or do you pass and try for someone else next offseason?

I think that adding Love without sacrificing Lebron makes them the favorite not just for next year's title, but for the rest of James's prime. What is two NBA titles in the next half decade worth?

I realize they can't/won't do it, but the deal I'd be looking to make would be Irving, Thompson, and picks or Love and Rubio, etc. As Lebron has showed, he can lead a team where PG is the weakest position. The help LBJ will need in the coming years will be in easing the defensive burden, which Wiggins can do. Irving plays defense as well as I do and while he no doubt will help the offense with James, is there any doubt who is going to be dribbling the ball across half court as time is running out and the Cavs are down 2?

As it is, I think the chance at near term success far outweighs the possibility that Wiggins develops in to a generational superstar that also stays in Cleveland long term. If he pans out, the regular big-market suitors plus Toronto will loom large as he nears free agency.

 

[Slapdash]

That's about it, yeah. I like him, but not upset that Charlotte didn't keep him at that price.

I think it was the smart long-term move, but it makes CHA much worse this year. Really, if Vonleh doesn't drop, McBob is still in CHA on a 4-year deal I bet.

CHA is letting the kids determine the course from here. If the kids all improve a lot (and they have to or this year will suck), great, but if they don't, suddenly the cubbard looks really, really bare, and retaining McBob for a short run looks really bad.

Our 2015 Playoff spot very possibly went to MIA with McBob though.

McRoberts to Marvin Williams just doesn't strike me as a huge drop-off. The bigger problem so far is not getting someone like to put MKG or Henderson on the bench. Charlotte needs better starters at 2, 3, and 4 to go deeper in the playoffs. Setting aside the long term potential of Vonleh, Zeller, and Hairston they haven't really done that.

The lack of interest in Lance is pretty odd to me. He is a gamble, but the type of gamble this team can afford to make. Who is the target if not him? Evan Turner?

It can work, and I really like the Marvin signing. On a team that lacks playmakers and facilitators, McBob is just really hard to replace.

I agree about Lance. They must really, really hate him. If they don't want Lance, then there's really no option for a big splash this off-season.

They did everything possible for Hayward. Parsons wasn't an option. Ariza's a sucker bet. Deng's a bad fit. Monroe's a bad fit.

I don't even see a small move at this point, other than a cheap 5th big. Roster's at 12 right now. Big makes 13. Any other move means pushing CDR out the door, so the move needs to be a real upgrade over CDR. Maybe Evan Turner I guess, but I'm not sure he's much of an upgrade over CDR. Is PJ Tucker signed yet?

I already count 5 bigs plus Tolliver able to play 4 or Davis from the Summer League.