BY JOHN DENTON FLORIDA TODAY The deal: Orlando's No. 1 pick to Memphis for center Pau Gasol. Why it makes sense: Gasol has the skill set to be a star in this league. He's long, athletic and has a nice touch on his shot. The word around the NBA is that he could be had for the right price. In the Eastern Conference, he could play either center or power forward and thrive. Memphis needs another tough defender if it is ever going to make serious noise in the rugged Western Conference. Why it doesn't make sense: Gasol is the Grizzlies' best player and not even the No. 1 pick might be enough to pry him away. Memphis was the surprise team of the NBA last season and Jerry West might not be ready to break up that mix just yet. As for Orlando, it must worry that Gasol is too often hesitant and unwilling to mix it up on the inside. full story
If i am the magic I do that trade in nano second. Mang. Gasol is a nice young player. Just needs to beef up a little. I would offer the first pick, Juwan Howard, and couple of 2nds
I don't like any of them except for the Theo Ratliff one..I think he would be the only one that could make a difference in this Orlando team..Pau doesn't have enough inside game..and is not a defensive minded player. What about Juwan Howard , Andrew DeClerq ,Drew Gooden and Reece Gaines for a trade and sign with Erick Dampier..? They are about to lose Dampier..and that way we have Okafor at the 4 and Dampier at the 5..
I'd probably do that deal. Gasol could block shots and he's a "name" player that T-Mac wants. I'd rather have Dampier and say, Van Exel though from GS for our pick and Howard. What do you guys think? C- Dampier PF- Gooden SF- Hill/Garrity SG- T-Mac PG- Van Exel That's a pretty good line-up and I'm sure T-Mac would re-sign.
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">What about Juwan Howard , Andrew DeClerq ,Drew Gooden and Reece Gaines for a trade and sign with Erick Dampier..? They are about to lose Dampier..and that way we have Okafor at the 4 and Dampier at the 5..</div> I like that trade too but I'd keep DeClerq. We need some big bodies for the western conf. EVen if he is a stiff.
No way that is insane. Erick Dampier is not worth that much. Reece Gaines will be a decent NBA player, the Magic need to hang on to him, All i would trade for Erick Dampier is Juwan. If I am the Magic though I draft Emeka , and sign Mark Blount.
To say the truth, I don't even think Gasol for the #1 is fair for Orlando. The number one overall pick is a very important position to have in the draft. Okafor or Howard can be way better than what Gasol is now. I wouldn't do it. Potential is a must for each team and Orlando should see what Okafor can do with T-Mac.
I would do it, I love Gasol. He'd be the 2nd option that Tmac needs and he could play center in the weak east. Sounds like a good idea to me.
The Pau Gasol and Andre Miller Trades look good. Miller was meant to be the new John Stockton when he came into the league. He's also shown this year that he can fit in with a Star shooter. Miller and T-Mac is a good Backcourt. The Magic also need to trade Howard. Gooden is Excellent when given the PF slot. But when you look at what they could get. Then Trading T-Mac Kinda makes sense, we could have a fantastic team of players. PG Miller,Hudson, Lue ( Miller for #1 pick) SG Sprewell, Stevenson ( Spre, Kandi-man and Hudson for T-Mac) SF Hill, Bogans,Garrity PF Gooden , Howard C Olowakandi , Declrerq See looking at the team you could have makes me think it would be worth while. JUST DON't TRADE FOR STEVE FRANCHISE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Gasol is the Grizzlies' best player and not even the No. 1 pick might be enough to pry him away</div> If Jerry West is worthy of the accolades he gets, then it won't be, because I wouldn't even consider that in a straight up swap. Gasol is alot like Shaun Marion, in that he's perhaps one of the most underrated stars in the NBA. Doesn't get anywhere near the credit or public mention that he deserves. Okafor is still an NBA unknown, Whereas Gasol is a franchise type player. IMO, You just don't trade an established star for an unproven with back problems.
I would definitiely find a way to get rid of Jowan Howard. HE is too short and not that good of a player. I would like a trade with Dampier or soemthing
Sorry, Jerry West has said that he has no intention of trading Pau Gasol... Besides.. As stated earlier.. The trade is terrible for Orlando.. So are all those other ones listed.... The only one i would consider is the Washington one or the Atlanta one..
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Trip:</div><div class="quote_post">To say the truth, I don't even think Gasol for the #1 is fair for Orlando. The number one overall pick is a very important position to have in the draft. Okafor or Howard can be way better than what Gasol is now. I wouldn't do it. Potential is a must for each team and Orlando should see what Okafor can do with T-Mac.</div> I agree, it's a risk that Orlando would have to take. Okafor/Dwight are currently huge question marks, and Gasol is already an established player. Now, will Okafor or Dwight become better players than Gasol? No one knows yet. Hopefully things will clear up once training camp begins in Chicago. Either way you look at it, Memphis has no intention of giving up Gasol - the team is built around him. <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">I would definitiely find a way to get rid of Jowan Howard. HE is too short and not that good of a player. I would like a trade with Dampier or soemthing</div> Interesting you bring that up. I'd like to see something like that happen in the future as well, but who would want Juwan? Drew Gooden's trade level is higher because he's younger and plays at a higher level. Dampier is an established player who could help the Magic, but we'd have to give up more than just Juwan Howard. Would we be willing to give up Gooden? <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Who said West would take Okafor? I've read most teams are trying to trade up to get Howard.</div> I saw that too. In the long run, Dwight will probably have the better career. Although Okafor would look great in a Magic uni, Dwight wouldn't be a bad decision either. With Okafor you will get a great rebounder, blocker, defender, etc. And Dwight is apparently the next KG. But then you have the issue of McGrady, saying theres no one in the draft that can help him immediately. Theres a lot to think about this year.
