REPORT: Millsap offer official now. Sent to Utah.

I'd be severely disappointed if this whole thing was merely just a chess move to land a marginal upgrade in Kirk Hinrich.

 

I think adding Hinrich as our starting PG is better than adding Millsap as our backup PF. Just two seasons ago, Kirk had a 17 PER and was named second team All-NBA defense. No reason for him to not rejuvenate his career here.

 

It was three years ago when he made the all-defensive team.

He's not that same player.

 

Wasn't it in 06-07? Semantics, I suppose.

Why wouldn't he improve with an increased role and a change of scenery?

 

I wonder how Oden and Millsap will play togeather? Will they get in each others way, clog the middle and hamper each others effectiveness? Or will they be an unstoppable duo gobbling up rebounds from every direction and pushing the other team out of the way.

 

I agree completely. I think Hinrich will transform our defense- we'll finally have the option of having good on ball defense at all our perimeter positions- Hinrich, Roy and an improved Batum.

 

Yeah, that's an interesting question. But I assume that when Oden is on the floor and effective, Millsap's post game will be de-emphasized and he'd focus on rebounding and defense.

 

The thing about Millsap, he can also hit the mid-range jumper.

He really reminds me of Zach Randolph when he played behind Rasheed and before he got his massive contract - garbage man who grabs rebounds in bunches and scores a lot of his points from O-Rebs.

According to his agent, I know he's probably chruchin' him up, Millsap has range out to the 3pt line. I guess we really haven't seen all of what Millsap can do on the offensive end.

 

Z-Bo -- but with defense, I hope.

 

Not sure why this became an Aldridge vs. Millsap thread. They are two very different players, who will play different roles. Aldridge is long, fast and graceful. He will be our starting 4 for the next decade. Millsap is a much better rebounder and a better defender. He's stronger and a true banger. He will be a great back-up - possibly the best back-up 4 in the league - paired with Joel, that will give us the best back-up front line in the league.

And, while Millsap will make it possible to trade Joel, I don't see it happening this season. Both Oden and Joel have a history of injuries. So, having four solid big men is highly desirable. Oden also has to show he can cut down on the fouls enough to get 30 MPG. I also wouldn't mind seeing Aldridge's minutes cut back to about 33 - 34 MPG. It will cut down on the wear and tear and keep him fresher and more rested for the post season. On paper, assuming Oden averages 30 MPF and Aldridge 34 MPG, it looks like that only leaves 18 MPG for Joel and 14 MPG Millsap. However, when you account for injures and missed games, I don't think Joel or Millsap will have any problems getting >20 MPG on average. Joel has never averaged more than 25 MPG during his career, and keeping his minutes down seems to reduce the chance of injury. He also played great last December and January coming off the bench behind Oden. It helped him stay out of foul trouble, which allowed him to play much more aggressively when he did come in - and you may recall he shot over 0.700 from the field during that stretch.

I've always been a big fan of Millsap's and I'd be thrilled to get him. He will add toughness and even more rebounding off the bench and is a more than capable starter if Aldridge suffers an injury. He will also be a big help in the post season - which is really the main reason to get him. The Blazers got pushed around by Carl Landry and Chuck Hayes in the play-offs. I know KP loves players with "length", but it's definitely time we added a little strength to go with that length. Millsap, plus a healthy Oden will prevent us from getting pushed around in the play-offs again.

BNM

 

Possibly getting Millsap takes away the sting of not drafting Blair? They are very similar though Millsap has ligaments.

 

We are not getting Millsap!!!!!

 

If the deal goes through and Portland eventually deals Joel straight up for Chris Paul as everyone expects I'd agree that the Millsap - Oden frontcourt pairing seems the worst offensive fit of skills as both do their best work on the low block. I have seen Paul make a few J's but thats not his forte. But while court spacing might not be ideal with those two paired, I'd image they'll be able to defend, board, and set a few decent picks... basically its a concern I'd be thrilled to have.

STOMP

 

Why did he miss 30 games last season? Why did his APG drop by a 1/3? Why did he often seem to lack enthusiasm?

I'm sure the folks in Chi-Town will say he was just pouting about having Gordon/Rose push him aside. If true, that's not good....but a change of scenery might indeed revitalyze him. OTOH, what if his injury problems were legit, and he is starting to break down physically?

Call me a cynic, but if the Bulls are anxious to trade him - even though they no longer have a log-jam in the back court - that makes me *real* nervous!

 

If the move was to hamstring a division rival, force them to take back less talent for Boozer, sign Millsap for a large amount which hampers their cap situation for the next three years and net us a starting PG, then I will applaud the BBT.

 

Here's a nice recap of the situtation: http://ken-berger.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/11838893/16033178?source=rss_blogs_NBA

 

Yeah, it kind of reminds me of when Indiana used Dale Davis and Antonio Davis. Two rugged, interchangeable guys who didn't generate much offense but rebounded and defended well. Hopefully, though, Oden is significantly better than either.

 

I agree. Looks like Utah is going to match and trying to trade Boozer.

 

I don't like this part:

Can't you just see Chris Wallace jumping at the chance to screw us AGAIN?

I don't like this part either:

Put the two together and Memphis again facilitates a trade between Utah and somebody else again involving a player who'll accept a buyout, which Utah will pay to avoid the tax hit.

Finally, I don't like THIS part:

So, in sum, I dispute your characterization of "nice"...

 

What's preventing OKC from wanting Boozer? They could get an All-Star caliber player for nothing, use him for a season, they could certainly use a post-up threat, they screw a couple division rivals and if he doesn't work out, they just renounce his rights next summer and get the cap space back.
Seems like a nice risk to take when you're a crappy team.