We're not talking about Blake, where in the hell did he come into the equation? Batum will end up MUCH better than Ariza, so no to him.
I would agree 7 million a year might be pushing it, I was thinking 6 with annual raises. I'm not trying to knock Batum, and I'm not saying we should trade him, but I don't see Batum being a 36 minute a game SF any time soon. Sure he started this year, but as we saw in the playoffs, he wasn't a true starter. I think his potential is high and he is young, but I don't know of any championships won on youth and potential. Sergio was real young and had a ton of potential after his rookie year too. Showing flashes of promises at a young age doesn't guarantee anything. If we can upgrade without trading Batum, I do not see the harm in it. He has been his first real opportunity to play starters minutes and he has performed very well. His starts are not amazing, but he does all the little things it takes to win. He is a younger version of Shane Battier, a guy many of wanted to come to Portland.
It appeared to me that your logic was that since we already have someone starting at SF, we shouldn't try to get someone else that would want to play "starter minutes". Does that theory only hold true for SF, but not PG? I don't see that being a reason to not upgrade. Batum could still get his "starters minutes" and Ariza could play the other 30 minutes he's out.
Your last paragraph shows why Batum was better than Sergio his rookie year. His competitiveness and willingness for defense. If Battier wasn't getting up there in age, I'd take him over Ariza. I'd much rather go after Hedo or Artest if we're going after a FA SF. Ariza's ability to create is nowhere near the level of those two guys. And I think is something desperately needed on this team is that ability to alleviate pressure off of Roy.
I guess I didn't use the right words. I would be SHOCKED if he would come to Portland to play 12mpg. Either way, he is going to be opting out of $6.2 million next year, so he's going to want at least $7 million. That's a lot of money for a guy playing 12 minutes a game. Unless you want LMA to greatly reduce his minutes to let an energy player get more run. I would way rather give that money to Ariza who is a more well rounded player and fits our needs much better.
I agree that Batum is better than Sergio. I would be surprised if he ends up being a better player than Ariza when all is said and done. I would be interested in a non-Laker or Blazer fans perspective on the two players. I would rather a young Battier than Ariza too, because he is even more proven. However, that isn't going to happen. If we could get Hedo for 6 million a year, I would be all for it too. Granted his defense is nowhere near Batum or Ariza, he has some great offensive game. If you watched Hedo play at 24, you would think that guy would never be more than a spot up shooter. I have watched Ariza since his days at UCLA, and I have seen plenty for me to be comfortable with his ability to create his shot. I do agree, he'll never be a guy we want to isolate with, but neither will Batum.
Since our need for SF isn't as pressing I'd rather get another PG or backup PF. I said I'd rather get Miller or another SF like Artest and Hedo before Varejao. But depending on the the route we take I'd give Varejao that deal. I'm sure between the 4 and 5 positions he could get adequate playing time.
Show me how you would distribute 96 minutes between LMA, Oden, Joel, and Varejao, I want Aldridge playing no less than 36 minutes, and considering he played 37 this year, I don't see that going down. Oden needs to play as much as possible. I'd love to see him play 30 minutes a game. Only playing Joel 18 minutes would be a crime, but taking more of his minutes for Varejao would be crazy. So seriously, break down 96 minutes between those four guys. There is no way IMO we need Varejao more than quality starting SF.
I sent an email to Eric Musselman about the subject. Brought up all my points and the valid counter points (not the ones about him not wanting to sign for a team who's fans have booed him). I'll post his response when I get it.... I figure most of you would agree he's a knowledgeable and unbiased basketball expert.
Ariza is barely better than Batum and Batum will pass him very soon IMO. Ariza shoots 30% from three and can't create for himself or others. And you said that Ariza could back up Batum but he wouldn't like that probably and the Lakers aren't just going to let him go for back-up cash.
I'm sure this will come as no surprise. I totally disagree with the first thing you said. Ariza is clearly better than Batum right now. I understand if you question who will be better, but Batum would not play 30 minutes a game in the playoffs for the Lakers this year. Ariza is shooting 47% from three is the playoffs, so he has shown signs of being able to stroke it from deep. I said Ariza could be the "backup" in response to the people who are stuck on Batum being a starter despite only playing 18 minutes a game. I have no doubt if Ariza were on our roster next year, Nate would start him over Batum. I have even less doubt that Phil would start Ariza over Batum on the current Laker roster. I can not imagine Batum shooting 50% from the field and 47% from three throughout four playoff series with Portland this year, while shooting over 8 attempts a game. I can't think of an aspect of the game that Batum is better than. I think they run the break equally as well and they have similar strengths, but Ariza is a way better offensive player at this point.
They rest of his career he has shot 30% so thats the number I would go by. I agree than Ariza would start over Batum on any team. And I also agree that Ariza is better, but I don't think its by that much, and I certainly don't think Ariza is a way better offensive player, just a little better. And I do believe Batum will be better soon.
If the Lakers finish this out I think Ariza AND Odom are gonna be on the Lakers next year and on. Dr. Buss, the owner, has always been willing to pay for a champion and I think he will keep this team together minus some fringe players. I really do think Odom is going to resign with the Lakers at a resonable price because A: he seems to not want to move anymore B: Why wouldnt you want to play for a possible dynasty? and C: Financial times are tough and a lot of teams will want to save money for the 2010 epic offseason of FA. Odom is a mutitool out there and great insurance for Bynum. Ariza is the future and wont go anywhere...He is also a local guy! Buss will pay
Normally I'd agree with you, but he only attempted 43 threes in his first four years in the league. He's taken 75 threes this year in the playoffs. Not to mention he has a nice, confidence looking stroke, I would be comfortable splitting the difference when trying to forecast what type of outside shooter he will be. Seem fair? Batum was left open by other teams, clearly they didn't fear his offense. You don't see teams blatantly living Ariza wide open all game long. It's because one is far superior on offense.
Yeah..He took 27 3's in five years before joining the Lakers...nobody ever gave him a chance to shoot. And Da O...Ariza can create a shot for himself. Ive watched every game of his on the Lakers..He can produce a move for a wide open J or drive to the hoop for a soft shot around the rim or a posterizing dunk...he can create
Between injuries and emergency foul trouble situations you can find enough time. This is the first year Varejao was a starter. He played backup to Drew Gooden for many years. I'm sure as long as he gets paid he'd have no problem coming off the bench. I already think we have two starting quality forwards in both Batum and Webster. And I would much rather go after Artest or Hedo before I even considered Ariza.
I didn't see that number and yes that seems fair enough. I do remember a lot of teams intentionally leaving Ariza open to help on Kobe, Gasol, Odom, Bynum. Batum shot a good 37% from three and the few times i saw him dribble in and take a mid range shot he made it. He also has shown the ability to pump fake when someone is rotating and get to the hoop and finish, that is mainly how Ariza scores from my observation. I know he is not a good offensive player yet, but I wouldn't call Ariza a great offensive player either,probably average.
