I think you and I see things similar Duffer. I am pro Turiaf but if Haslem is indeed available. I think you have to give him some consideration.
Why would Haslem, who hasn't played less than 31mpg or been anything other than a starter since his rookie year, want to come here and play 10-15 mpg? If we got rid of Joel, it would make sense, but I don't see that making us a better team. I just don't see the logic here.
Thanks for keeping these kids inline Minstrel! People seem to think we are "1 player away" from being a finals contender, when really there time line's are way off. All I'm hoping for is some solid playoff experience next year, because as the Magic showed, your doomed without it. That being said, the potential of Bayless as a player far out ways the return we would get in any trade for him at this juncture .
Here is dose of reality for you. We are or if we aren't, we are only one player away from being considered a legit title contender. Something that may not happen this year with Outlaw or Bayless. Turiaf fortifies this frontline with his hard work, leadership, and toughness. I think it's a alright move. Bayless kind of proved that he isn't a point guard. Or if he ever will be it's something that's not going to happen anytime soon. So where does that leave us with him? He's an undersized two. Something this team doesn't need. Now I like Jerryd. Like him a lot actually. But here were are, ever so close to being considered a legit title contender. Perhaps just one player away. If someone on the lakers that is important goes down. Our window for a banner has opened way open. We have an opporutnity here. I think we need to take advantage of it.
First, from watching last years playoff series vs Houston, we could have REALLY used a hard nosed, elbow flying, physical, red faced veteran. We got pushed around by Landry, Scola, Hayes and a VERY physical Ron Artest. So, besides having another scoring option besides Brandon, Yes, I think we are only one player away to fill a certain role. Second, you're right, not only do we need experience but we need someone to step up and help Brandon in crunch time. Outlaw proved he would rather go hide or expose his low BBIQ and be a non factor. That is why I say trade him while he has value. I wish we had made it into the second round and play the Lakers so we really could gage how far or close this team really is. I think we are going to have to be VERY physical with LA because I don't think they like to play that way ( Gasol, Odom, Bynum ) finesse players, IMO. I think right now we would not match up well with Denver in a Playoff series because they have three big physical players ( Birdman, KMart, Nene ) that we would have problems with because they are physical and big. I think we are closer than most people think, me being one of them. I think if Rudy, Batum and Webster all make big improvements over last year our wing players including BRoy are as good as, but not better than the top teams in this league. I just think we need that physical presence that all good playoff teams have. Pryz and a healthy GO is a pretty good start. I guess I can remember far back enough when we got Buck how that team all of a sudden just took off and went on the run in the early 90's that it did. This team could be very special. Among many things I think overall it is a smart team and has chemistry that the 77' team had. OK, I will put the crack pipe down for all the doubters .
Again, Buck played more than back-up (10-15) minutes. His acquisition and the possible acquisition of a bruiser back-up PF aren't really that similar. I would say the Buck situation is more similar to the acquisition of Andre Miller, in that we fill a starting void with a proven, high level player. I think more than anything, the Houston series showed the guys that the playoffs are an entirely different animal. Falling behind in the first quarter and trying to come back won't work like it does in the regular season. They looked like a deer in headlights on many occasions.
The one memory I have of Haslem is when he went something like 0-11 against us a few years back... And Snapper Jones kept remarking that he didn't actually suck as bad he appeared.
