YahooSportsNBALeague executives believe the loser in the Hedo pursuit --- Portland or Toronto -- will offer Ariza between $32 million and $40 million deal A mod can place this somewhere, but wasn't sure which topic to put it in. I like Ariza, but I think I'd rather let Batum play.
I didn't like how he acted with the Rudy foul but I would like Ariza better then Hedo. I like Hedo but Ariza is younger a better defender and IMO has a lot of upside. Plus he is cheaper even at 40 million. I also wouldn't mind weakening the Lakers. If the Lakers end up getting Ariza they would at least have to pay a lot and might not be able to sign Odom.
I think Ariza > Hedo, personally. Both of their values are inflated for a great playoff run which I don't think they can sustain next year or the years after at the same level they played at
At 5 years/$32 million (and much younger than Hedo), Ariza would have the advantage of not being a millstone on the cap. If he worked out, great...if not, his contract would be relatively easy to trade. Of course, all this assumes Batum needs at least another 2-3 seasons to hit his stride. If he begins to reach his potential next season - Ariza is redundant.
You pro-Ariza guys are fucking ridiculous. Here's a stats comparison: Code: Rk Player Season Age G GS MP FG FGA FG% 3P 3PA 3P% FT FTA FT% ORB DRB TRB AST STL BLK TOV PF PTS 1 Trevor Ariza 2008-09 23 82 20 1998 4.9 10.7 .460 1.1 3.4 .319 2.2 3.0 .710 2.0 4.3 6.3 2.6 2.5 0.4 1.6 3.0 13.1 2 Nicolas Batum 2008-09 20 79 76 1454 4.0 8.9 .446 1.5 4.2 .369 1.0 1.3 .808 2.1 3.4 5.4 1.8 1.2 1.0 1.2 3.4 10.5 I'll take Nic, thanks. Ariza has had one decent year, and even in that season, he's been ultra-mediocre. There is no need to throw loads and loads of cash at this guy.
More good players is better than less good players. Batum can't play every minute at small forward. I certainly wouldn't say Ariza is the top target, but he'd be a lot better than simply letting the cap space disappear for nothing.
That goes without saying, but paying $32 million for Ariza is not a good business or basketball decision. There are more pressing needs that Portland can fill by using this capspace instead of doling it out to a guy with such a limited skill set.
You don't always get to choose. Free agents have their own agendas. I wouldn't want Pritchard to have Ariza at the top of his list, but if other free agents opt for other destinations (most tend to stay with their current team) then Ariza could easily become the best option.
5 years/$32 mil is comparable to what we spent (wasted?) on Webster. I'm not enthusiastic by any means, but in the grand scheme of things, that is NBA chump change. It might be worth it just to weaken the L*kers!
WTF?!? How many years!??! 10?!? Ariza at max in worth MLE...hes good, but hes way over hyped right now
