Opportunities to Find our Franchise PG...

I don't necessarily disagree with your assertion that he doesn't look like a franchise PG given his current production, but if we could get him for say, a future 2nd round pick, or even just a portion of the MLE were he to be cut, my point was that the FO might see him as a decent option to at least take a look at.

As for your point about why he's not succeeding in that offense and that a great player should succeed anywhere, it's a solid point, however sports history is rife with players whose skill sets aren't conducive to a given system, only to blossom in another system, and vice-versa (Hedo Turkaglu comes to mind). Sports history ALSO is filled with talented players going to teams with crappy support (like the Twolves) and underperforming, only to go elsewhere and succeed.

Again, not saying that's going to happen, nor that I even WANT it to happen anymore. Just saying that I think he presents an opportunity (hence the title of the thread) for a cheap investment with high upside at a position we badly need.

 

This may not be a popular idea but looking for candidates for a backup PG one name kind of intrigues me: Jose Calderon. It's pretty obvious he needs a change of scenery. For him to dish out 9 assists/per last year with that roster is amazing, and he's a decent shooter.

38 3pt% (career)
10 PPG | 9 APG | 37% from three | 10-11 season
Age: About to turn 30
Contract: $9,780,993 | $10,561,985

 

so on a team with an already high salary we are going to pay a BACKUP PG close to 10 mil a year? Insanity comes to mind

 

Rubio is reportedly going to sign with Miny soon. I still like him even if he had a down season this year.

 

I still pine for Diamantidis - this year's Euroleague MVP and perennial defensive player of the year. If he wanted to come over, he could easily earn more than he does in Greece. He doesn't seem to want to, though. Watch him in action today on ESPN 3.

[video=youtube;lhaGd-kzkWc]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lhaGd-kzkWc[/video]

 

Maybe we already have one in Batum. I mean he is quick enough to guard other PG's, even the quick ones. All he needs to do is work on his handles. I think in 1-2 years he could start, especially having Miller mentor him in process.

 

Please, no way dude, another Mags over exuberance, love ya dude but come on now

 

Well all I'm saying was Batum had defensive assignments on the quick PGs this season and did a wonderful job. If he actually got some handles, he could be very valuable on both ends of the court. Even Henry Abbott said his B-Ball IQ is off the charts, so it's not like we have some caveman running point. The great thing would be it probably would take a couple years to implement; which allows us to start Miller for 2 years until Batum is ready. Also, the issue with Batum's minutes could work out. Wesley is a 35 minute player, Roy is a 25 minute player. Miller should be a 30 minute player. Basically give Batum 18 minutes at point to see what he can do.

 

I'd be interested to know what Miller's interest is in mentoring. I would have no problem keeping him at a decent salary (more than he'd make for just his play and production) as a backup PG for another two to three years past this current deal if he would take a chosen PGOTF under his wing and teach him what he knows, kind of like a player/coach. Dre is one crafty, smart mofo who has a lot of knowledge to share. I just don't know if he has the kind of personality to do it.

 

Nico is a lot of things, but he's not even a SG, much less a PG. He doesn't have the handles, and even if he obtains them, he doesn't have the court vision or the feel for the game to ever be a point. He can guard points, but he can't run an offense.

 

I would love for him to eventually be an assistant coach after he retires.

 

He played point in team France. I think I disagree with you. I actually think Batum is a very smart basketball player. I think that "feel for the game" can be taught because he DOES have it in him. At least give him a chance. Handles training will only help him anyways. Toss him in for 5-10 minutes a game at point and see what happens.

Seeing something like this line-up (all doing well) would be amazing!

PG: Batum, SG: Matthews, SF: Wallace, PF: Aldridge, Center: Oden. I mean who in the hell will the point guard defend on the other team? I could see massive post ups and Batum getting a lot of bigs in foul trouble; having to collapse on him.

 

Ths Max for a dose of sanity to mags overexuberance

 

I'm a fucking homer! What do you expect?!?! LOL

 

Just throwing out this idea, here's a player who can be that Jason Terry for this team off the bench:

Louis Williams
Age: 24
Height: 6'2"
PG/SG
14 PPG
3.4 AGP
40 FG%
35 3pt%
23 MPG
18.9 PER

[video=youtube;OeFF-vU32R0]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OeFF-vU32R0[/video]​

 

But will Washington want to part with him though? They seem like they love him there.​

 

Finding a PG should not be our highest priority this summer. What we need is outside shooting from the SG or SF spot and a healthy Oden. Another point guard will not be a difference maker for this team.

 

Unless it's an upgrade for Miller. A very tall order.

 

I don't know if they love him "there", but I highly doubt it since Lou Williams plays for Philadelphia.

 

I 100% disagree.

Miller has shown that he's not enough to get us over the proverbial hump, and a dynamic PG is as hard to come by as a dominating center and this team has already hitched its wagon to one potentially dominating C. Miller - to me - is a placeholder. A guy keeping the starting PG spot warm for a hopefully talented and dynamic incumbent.

This team's success will ultimately be driven by one of two things. Oden OR a dynamic PG. We're already invested in Oden and that hasn't worked for us yet. If it does in the future, great, but a franchise PG needs to be a serious priority for this team.

Shooters on the wing can be acquired, and if all you're looking for in a 2 or 3 is the ability to shoot, they won't cost us all of our assets. Also, I'm not sure how exactly the team can make Oden's health a priority. Sounds a little bit like me making tomorrow being a sunny day a priority.

If we rely on Andre w/out getting the next guy in place NOW, our window is very short, if not closed. Wallace is already in his prime (if not a little past it), LA put some SERIOUS wear on his tires this year, BRoy obviously isn't long for this team, and Nico may never take the next step in becoming what he could be.

We need a guy to learn, develop and grow with this younger nucleus NOW.

Agreed that we need shooters, agreed that we need Oden healthy. But the first shouldn't be priority #1 and the other is, to a large extent, out of our hands.