Well, if I were running the show, I'd quit letting past mistakes poison the future. I'd simply offer Deng and Gordon legitimate deals based on what I think it would take to keep them, and I'd plug away at moving Nocioni and Hinrich this season to get under the luxury tax threshold and bring in some help. Deng is fairly easy, I think. It's overpaying him a bit, but I don't think we'll completely regret it or anything by paying him 6/$75M. If we'd made that offer 3 weeks ago instead of offering less than we had before while other teams were talking about more, I think we'd have him under contract already. In fairness I dind't think Deng would command that a few weeks ago, but it's clear now that there are several teams (here and abroad) that can would will pay the man if he becomes available. The Bulls, unlike me, have known that for a while (or should) and are still pussy footing around. That's $10M this season. Monta Ellis just got 6/$66M. Without considering salary, would you rather have him or Gordon? Ellis is younger and has looked more productive to me. I also don't think as many teams are lining up to pay Gordon as would line up to pay Deng. That makes him a harder decision to me. I don't really want to commit long-term, but I need him now. I offer 2 years and $21M, with a team option for a 3rd year for another $11M. If that fails, I'm not quite sure what I'd do. I think I'd offer a bit less over the long run. I think I'd give the Hawks (Josh Smith), Sixers (Jason Smith, Willie Green) and Bobcats (Okafor, JRich?) calls and explore trades. I wouldn't feel too good about that though, but I don't see a lot of other options at this point. If we lock up Deng and Gordon as I'd be cautiously optimistic of doing, we'd end up being about $2.5M over the luxury tax threshold. We have until the end of the year to get under by various means. I'd try, in any case: 1. Kirk Hinrich ($10M) for Al Harrington ($9.2M) to balance out the roster. Start Gooden at C unless Noah really and truly beats him out. Gooden/Harrington/Deng/Gordon/Rose start with Hughes/Thabo/Tyrus/Noah the prime backups. 2. Try like hell to move Noc. Something like Noc ($8M) to Denver for Steven Hunter ($4M) using trade exceptions would likely still keep Nuggets a bit under the lux tax and get us under too. That's one idea anyway.
Which is more... the tax hit if we just sign 'em both, or what Paxdorf is paying Skiles to not coach? Or at least we willing to pay.
BTW Ellis last season, vs. Gordon a year ago Gordon 21.4 PPG, 3.0 RPG, 3.6 APG, 45.5% FG, 41.3% 3pt, 33 MPG Ellis 20.2 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 3.9 APG, 53% FG, 23% 3pt, 38 MPG How many SG's in the league get 3.6 APG or better? Seems pretty close to me. Gordon's numbers in 5 less MPG. Ellis' 53% FG is stunning. Gordon's 41.3% 3pt is likewise. The really big difference in in teh RPG numbers.... meh Bulls didn't offer 6/$66M last season, did they?
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Denny Crane @ Jul 25 2008, 02:40 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>How many SG's in the league get 3.6 APG or better?</div> About 10 or so.
Ideally, I guess I'd like to see Gordon given a 3 year deal, which gives us time to see if a Rose/Gordon backcourt can work....and to see if Gordon can improve any before we make a large financial committment to him (and get Hughes off the books, try and trade Hinrich/Nocioni). As for Deng, I am not sure.
Here's Basketball-Reference's comparison Highlights for me: 1. Of course Ellis' per game stats were higher this year, he played like 6 or 7 more minutes a game. 2. Ellis and Gordon are very close to each other in handling the ball. Ben used it more (because he was pretty much the sole focus on offense) and had a lower turnover rate and higher assist rate. That suggests that, if anything, Gordon is a somewhat better ball handler. The stats are deceiving because of how much (more minutes), who with (Baron Davis), and how (for Don Nelson) Ellis played. 3. The Nellie ball system, Baron Davis, and having a strong shot-blocker in the paint all helped Ellis tremendously. Gordon had none of that. And in fact, he's got a GM who insists he's too short to be a starter. So, you can see where this is going. I think Gordon's probably at least as deserving as Ellis is of that money. What Ellis has that Gordon doesn't is a bit less age and a greater seeming willingness to take the ball to the hoop. I'm not even sure about the last point, however, because I'd guess that's partially due to the way the Warriors told him to play.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (MikeDC @ Jul 25 2008, 01:42 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Here's Basketball-Reference's comparison Highlights for me: 1. Of course Ellis' per game stats were higher this year, he played like 6 or 7 more minutes a game. 2. Ellis and Gordon are very close to each other in handling the ball. Ben used it more (because he was pretty much the sole focus on offense) and had a lower turnover rate and higher assist rate. That suggests that, if anything, Gordon is a somewhat better ball handler. The stats are deceiving because of how much (more minutes), who with (Baron Davis), and how (for Don Nelson) Ellis played. 3. The Nellie ball system, Baron Davis, and having a strong shot-blocker in the paint all helped Ellis tremendously. Gordon had none of that. And in fact, he's got a GM who insists he's too short to be a starter. So, you can see where this is going. I think Gordon's probably at least as deserving as Ellis is of that money. What Ellis has that Gordon doesn't is a bit less age and a greater seeming willingness to take the ball to the hoop. I'm not even sure about the last point, however, because I'd guess that's partially due to the way the Warriors told him to play.</div> Warriors have a more upbeat offensive tempo. 99 possessions/game to the Bulls' 93. That is also a boost to Ellis' stats.
Is there a stat for "fast as hell". Ellis showed me some lightning quick reflexes that seem a fraction of a second more than the guys that were defending him. He doesn't shoot the three, he likes the inside shot. I watched him outplay Kobe on a fast break and make the layup. Kobe had terrific position on him, but Monta still made an uncanny shot. I can't really quantify how this guy gets things done, but he is a really fun player to watch. He's also never afraid to go right up the middle and get to the line. I'm a big fan of this little guy.
