Hypothetically speaking, of course. He's certainly not the player I thought he'd be coming out of UCONN but he's, well, overpaid, but a solid bigman. If Oden put up these numbers I'd be ecstatic. Career: 13.3 PPG | 10.3 RPG | 1.8 BPG | 17.5 PER $11,540,375 | $12,541,812 | $13,543,250 | $14,544,687 The role I see for him is how we used Dale Davis during our playoff runs in the early 00's. Still, Double-D's best year doesn't quite equal to Emeka's career averages but I see the same role. Now, the only other hurdle -- actually obtaining CP3
Although it would be expensive as hell, I'd love to see a four man big man rotation of Oden, Aldridge Camby and Okafor. Camby and Okafor can both play the 4 or 5. So, this gives the Blazers a lot of versatility and a lot of depth to cover for foul trouble and injuries. Oden/Aldridge works great together. Okafor/Aldridge works. Camby/Aldride works. Oden/Camby works. About the only combination that doesn't work so well is Oden/Okafor, and that's only on the offensive end. Oden at the 5 and Okafor at the 4 would be great defensively and on the boards. So, I could see them playing a few minutes together as the situation calls for it, even if they get in each others way on offense. Okafor has spent most of his career as an undersized center guarding bigger players. I think he'd make a GREAT back-up 4. He'd be a more expensive version of Paul Millsap, that banging, rebounding, tough defending, back-up power forward this team has been lacking forever. And, if he's the "throw-in" that helps us get Chris Paul, it's defionitely worth it. Yeah, he's expensive, but he's productive and fills a big need. A trade that lands both Paul and Okafor fills two of our biggest needs, and an extra big body that can play both the 5 and 4 at above average production is always a nice thing to have, even if you have to overpay to get it. BNM
I think even that combination works, because Okafor can simply be a dedicated rebounder on the offensive end when playing with Oden (thus avoiding a "getting in the way" problem). With Paul, Roy, Batum and Oden, Okafor doesn't need to bring much, or any, offense. He can do more when playing with other personnel, but an Oden/Okafor/Batum defensive front line would be easily the best in the league and one of the best ever. That's worth giving significant minutes to, if necessary.
No. I think if we do not include one of Batum or Aldridge (in a 3 team deal) that New Orleans will find a deal they prefer from Orlando, New York or Dallas, or some other team not listed.
I don't think NO wants to take on more salary. Oden makes as much sense as anyone, in terms of being a young player on a decent contract.
