The Milwaukee game got me thinking about this question. We traded Charlie for TJ Ford, but I think most of realized one of the main factors that drove Colangelo to make that deal. Sure we needed a starting PG desperately, but he was also confident that Bargnani would be a better player with the same skillset. Therefore, I think a good old fashioned comparison is in order. If you had the choice, who would you rather have on your team? This wouldn't even have been a question last year, but Andrea's seemed to have spent the offseason getting his development back on track and the two players are once again comparable, IMO. They both have flaws in their games still as well as significant positives and potential. I'm posting their career averages side-by-side for the sake of the argument, although I'll be the first to admit that the numbers really don't tell the whole story with either player.
I'd pick Bargnani right now only because I think he's a lot better than what he shows on the court and in his stats. Bargnani has the foot speed to drive past a lot of the defenders that are put against him, and he's also pretty crafty sometimes. His shot has become inconsistent but obviously this will improve over time. Charlie V to me seems happy being decent and doesn't have a drive to improve himself. He is capable of getting 18/8 a game, but seems to not try on the court. This might be because he's been stuck with the likes of Redd/Mo Williams and now Richard Jefferson. Although I picked Bargnani, it's also interesting to think about what could have happened if Charlie V stayed in Toronto. The kid had a bright future and seemed to fit in well with the Raptor offense.
Villenueva hands down. Bargnani is a massive bust, mark my words. Pretty much the same player except CV is more willing to get inside, play D, and pull down boards.
I'll wait a little more time to decide here. But this isn't as concrete now as it was to start the year, Bargnani has improved defensively and makes an impact every game, regardless of scoring.
Bargs, He's got more of a presence of the defensive end and is a much greater shot blocking threat then CV. Plus we're talking about a guy who could play three frontcourt position versus two. Although, I am the biggest CV fan out there and he certainly would fit nicely on this team, if I had to choose one of the other, it'd still be Bargs.
CV seems passive. I love the guy and have been following him since HS and he always seem to float for a long period of the game. Where as, Bargs could get four quick fouls but he at least looks like he's cares and is in the game.
That part kind of surprised me. If there's one clear advantage for Bargnani, it'd have to be at the defensive end. Villanueva is one of the more disinterested defensive players I've seen in the league, often becoming a complete liability on that side of the floor. Bargnani wasn't much better in the first two years of his career, but he's shown dedication and improvement to the point where he's been one of our stronger defensive players so far this season. I do prefer Bargnani, but I like this comparison because both players have a ton of talent and could very easily become clearly better over the next few seasons. If I were to assess their superiority in different categories, I'd probably divide it like this: Bargnani: defense, shotblocking, shooting, passing Villanueva: inside scoring, rebounding, dribbling
I'm just pissed that we had to give up CV for Ford... I guess it's not so bad anymore that we have JO... but still... CV will break out this year or after his contract is up (That's this off season right?). He is not getting his chance in Milwaukee right now. Watch him sign with another team and he'll be doing as well as Kevin Martin. Need I remind you that CV is the one who scored 48 points in his rookie season? At that point, he had a higher scoring game, as a rookie, than Bosh had in a 3 year career! CV Is very talented and very gifted offensively. Once given the chance, he will be great. I see him having a RJ type of career. He will have a few seasons playing at an All Star or Near All Star level but will never be one.
