Sounds like Indy is targeting Javale McGee now. It sounds like smoke and mirrors (and due diligence on their part), but I get the impression they're moving on from Hibbert... One can hope right?
Perhaps? Really though, they need to know what their options are as they mull whether or not to match Hibbert's offer sheet. If they find that they can't find a reasonable replacement it could force their hand and make it more likely to match.
Per ESPN: If the Pacers decide not to match Portland's offer, the Pacers will pursue New Orleans free-agent center Chris Kaman and Denver's JaVale McGee, sources told ESPN The Magazine's Ric Bucher.
How can they not match? You don't let a 25-year old All-Star center (no matter why he was an AS) walk when you can afford him. You simply don't. He doesn't have a significant injury history. He's improving. He's one of your best players, and a huge part of that community. You're a decent playoff team in the East with him - you're quite possibly not in the playoffs without him. Even if he flat-out tells Indy he wants to go to Portland, I can't see great odds in our favor that they help him leave. I want to believe, but it's just not realistic.
Could a toxic component to the contract keep Indy from matching though? I know we have another thread discussing this, but PA could make it extremely tough on Indy if he wanted... AND he wanted Hibbert.
The only way is if they can land an asset from us, say a future first, and sign someone like Kaman or Hawes and Gordon
I won't be surprised if Indy matches, so I'll be pretty psyched if we end up getting Hibbert. I think a frontcourt of Hibbert and Aldridge is easily one of the best in the league, and both so young.
The only "toxic" thing the Blazers could do is to structure the deal to include the maximum portion of the contract that the CBA allows to be paid immediately, something like $8 million, could be due on Jul 15. I am sure Indy can find the money, but just maybe it would be a real pain for them to come up with that cash by Jul 15, and just maybe that would be the final small reason for them to decide not to match if they were on the fence about Hibbert.
Comment From Guest What is the likeliness Hibbert doesn't get matched and joins the Blazers 12:02 Joe Freeman: Ah, the (58)million dollar question. Based on what I hear from Indy and the things the Pacers are doing since the Blazers reached agreement with Hibbert, I'm going to go out on a limb and say the Pacers ... do not match. My guess is Hibbert is a Blazer.
Agreed. With both Hibbert and Aldridge patrolling the lane, it should make it easier for our perimeter defenders. Also, you aren't going to wear Aldridge out as much on defense because he knows he has help. You just hope that on offense there is a perimeter game to make it tough for defenders to pack it in or double down on LMA.
