OT: The Hornets about to blow it up?

I would rather do Joel + Outlaw than Okafor. Joel gives you the defense Okafor gives you (or more) - and Outlaw gives you a different look and the ability to go small and create mismatches.

Just my opinion.

 

Do you think he would be happy being a back-up? Something tells me he wouldn't be.

 

If he didn't make so much money I'd be all over this idea.

Two summers ago Chad Ford said that many scouts say Okafor is really a backup on a contending team. It's just too bad he's being paid like a star.

 

Agree.

I think eventually Paul will be traded.
Their owner said recently he'd never trade Paul.
They say this now, but do the math.
Something has got to give.
New Orleans is way over the cap and has got do something drastic to reduce payroll......unless there is an AMNESTY.

Link to source

 

$12 million/per for a back-up PF is insane, especially when Oden needs to be extended this summer and will get the max in two years.

A horrible move, if it was ever made, which it won't be.

There are better PFs for that price, or even for cheaper. David Lee could probably be had for cheaper anyhow as the trade deadline approaches. Blake/Outlaw or Bayless/filler - git 'r dun.

 

Thanks, you've just given me a migraine headache.

 

Trading for Okafor to potentially back up both center and power forward (and therefore play a LOT of minutes) makes a lot of sense to me. The main caveat is what Paul Allen is willing to pay. If he has his own, self-imposed salary cap, then it may not be the best use of cash with Oden due for a huge salary if he remains healthy and keeps developing, and potentially players like Fernandez, Bayless and Batum becoming expensive down the line (if they work out the way we hope).

If Allen is willing to pay the freight, though, an Oden/Aldridge/Okafor front court rotation would be devastatingly good. I like what Przybilla brings, but Okafor can back up both front court positions (Przybilla essentially only backs up the center position) and Okafor is younger. The greater expense only matters if Allen doesn't want to pay it...it has no cap implications because Portland is going to be over the cap for the rest of this core's run anyway.

 

I wouldn't mind Okafor the player as a backup. Okafor at the money he's making? No way the Blazers do it. A Greg/LA/Joel three-man frontcourt is more than fine with me, barring if Joel is happy with his role now and willing to be paid at about the same price he is getting.