Finding that elusive center

This (apparently) is one of two top priorities this summer for the Vulcans and their puppets

You have three obvious options:

*Cap -- Let Batum walk; go after Brook Lopez or (a cheaper alternative) Asik

*Draft -- There is only one true center worth going after (Drummond) and it's unlikely we'd have that chance unless we trade into the top-3.

*Trade -- This is where I'd focus my energy. I know I'm in the minority here but I'd go hard after DeMarcus Cousins. A legit post threat and a willing passer (eh, when he feels like it);

The Kings are in the early stages of a rebuild and with their two pillars not meshing well with anyone else other than themselves (DeMarcus/Tyreke) I think they'd at least consider trading DeMarcus for the right package.

For this team not many players in this draft make a lot of sense if we stay at #6/#11 -- Bradley Beal will not be there and I doubt Marshall gets past Utah, either.

For the Kings, on the verge of relocating and a roster in disarray, I think going into this summer with picks: #5/#6/#11 is enticing, at least it should be. Of course this all depends on the NJ pick and they don't leapfrog into the top-3.

His attitude and on-court body language is an issue but you can't deny that he's a big you can build around (with the right coach?):

18.1 PPG
11.0 RPG
1.2 BPG
21.7 PER
AGE: 21

 

they've had a ton of picks the last 5 or so years. No way they move cousins for 6 and 11. None.
Also no reason we have to let Batum walk to get lopez.

 

The way he played this season I think you start with the draft picks.

As late as the past January he was rumored to be on the block and I think we can put together an attractive offer.

I think we'd have to trade for our COTF -- You look at all the prospects, HS/College/FIBA, and there just aren't any real true centers out there. IMO, with Cousins size and scoring ability there aren't many more attractive than him.

 

not happening unless you start a package with aldridge.

 

why in the world would you need to start by including LA in a package for DeMarcus Cousins? There is no way Cousins value is that high.

 

No, but it is higher than the other pieces. Basically, there isn't a trade to be had there, IMO. They won't deal him for less than that from the pieces on our team, and we wouldn't go that high.

 

Who won't even be cleared to practice until next February.

 

Why do we need a center? There are approximately 2 legitimate centers in the league: Dwight Howard, who just had back surgery, and Andrew Bynum (who is looking pretty durable these days, but who doesn't have the best injury history). Neither of them are expected to win a title.

You know who's a pretty incredible center when he plays there? LaMarcus Aldridge. The catch is, like Tim Duncan, he doesn't like to be CALLED a center (and who can blame him with Portland's history - it's like being the drummer of Spinal Tap) so you can't start him there, even if you play him there the bulk of the minutes. But all you have to do is have a guy to play there for ten mpg and foul a few people.

I nominate BIG SOFO:

[video=youtube;1f_x9obHeOg]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1f_x9obHeOg[/video]

He bounces round the top Euro teams. I think he was playing for Olympiakos last year, but now he's playing for Maccabi Tel Aviv:

[video=youtube;v9zTDWF1O7w]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v9zTDWF1O7w[/video]

What's great about him is that nobody in the entire league could stop him getting position. And he's surprisingly skilful.

 

Dear Lord, he's like Tractor Traylor if he grew six inches!

 

I agree there aren't a lot of great centers out there but there are more than two very good ones. Al Jefferson, Tyson Chandler, Roy Hibbert, Nene, and if you listen to kingspeed then Haywood is up there too.

To me it isn't so much about finding a great center because you're right Aldridge does a nice job there. What i'm more interested in is a guy who can be a defensive stopper, collect rebounds and be able to work down low when LA decides to drift to the top of the key. I don't care if he's labeled a center, power forward or whatever they want to call it.

 

Jefferson improved a lot this season, but he's still a total defensive liability. And San Antonio, supposedly suffering up front, are DESTROYING the Jazz. To call Jefferson a "very good center" is an extreme stretch.

Ah, how things change. Chandler was a bench player for the Bobcats two seasons ago. He's sort of the ANTI Jefferson in that he's practically Przybillesque in his offensive ineptitude. If you could merge Jefferson's offense with Chandler's D, THEN you'd have a very good center.

He's solid. But check the stats: he's being badly outplayed by... Big Baby in the Orlando series. Yes. Big Baby.

Nene's good enough when he plays. But he never plays.

If you listen to Eric long enough, anyone is everything.

Well, that might be Freeland. Let's see.

 

Forgot Marc Gasol. He's pretty awesome.

 

good call on gasol, i agree that none of those guys are great but they all serve a purpose and are better than average. i think chandler's game is underrated on offense a bit, in that he never looks to shoot but when he does it goes in much more often than not.

 

Two players I'd love us to target:
1. (as I've said MANY TIMES) Anderson Varejao. He really showed that he was more than a role player this year - which is why the Cavs would want to keep him, but also that he can't stay healthy.
2. Ekpe Udoh, just because he's a total glue guy and a great defender. But the Bucks insisted they get him in the Bogut trade, so I don't see them trading him.

 

...around his waist.

 

The reason why I suggested DeMarcus is because I think we need a legit low-post threat. LaMarcus has the ability but it's obvious he's a lot more comfortable mid-range shooting jumpers. Coach Canales knows this and when he took over LMA was out of the post and did most of his scoring from 15' away -- a move that prompted LMA to say it's the most fun he's had in his career.

 

If we can't land a potential decent center in the draft, then I too like the idea of LA at center. He may not rebound much, but he will draw other centers away from the basket and Hickson and a good PF draft pick can get the rebounds and do the dirty work.