I don't have an official link, but it was just reported on the news that we kept Antonio Burks, Andre Emmett, Jake Tsakalidas, Ryan Humphrey and Dahntay Jones and cut Bell and Outlaw. Also, Burks, Humphrey, and Emmett were moved to the injured list. This move just blindsided me. I never saw this coming, and I'm really upset about it. I don't know why we'd cut Outlaw. Outlaw was our only backup powerforward worth a damn, and he was also our second or third best defensive player. Sure he was getting older, but why not keep a veteran around. Also, his contract still counts against our cap room. The cutting of Troy Bell also struck a nerve with me. Bell was never given a chance as a Grizzlie. While he may have been picked a little too high in the draft, I still felt like he was a first round caliber player and could have served us well as a backup and injury reserve. He was Boston College's all-time leading scorer, the best athlete in his draft, and an NCAA All-American. Bell was also under a contract as well, so his contract will still count towards our cap. Could we have not at least gotten a second round draft pick for Bell? That would have also provided us with cap relief. I'm also equally surprised that we kept Burks and Humphrey. From what I was hearing, they were supposed to be goners. Burks has been criticized almost every day in the paper by the local media, Hubie Brown, or someone in the organization. He's too wild and reminds me very much of Jason Williams before he toned his game down and with much less skill. I don't see how he can be useful to us either. He's less talented than Troy Bell, and his contract wouldn't have counted against us if he were cut. Besides, he will not get any playing time behind Watson and Jason Williams. Ryan Humphrey has been a complete bust so far, and all the radio stations were reporting that he was going to be cut. The only possible explanation that I could think of for keeping Ryan Humphrey would be that with the departure of Outlaw they might need a new backup Power Forward, but Humphrey was just placed on the Injured Reserve, so I don't understand it at all. This move also changes the role that Brian Cardinal will be playing next year. Either Stromile Swift will be moving back to a backup Power Forward, or Brian Cardinal will get his minutes there. Most likely, Brian Cardinal will get his minutes at Power Forward. I was saying that the only minutes that Brian Cardinal could get would be as a backup Power Forward, and it looks like that's the route that the Grizzlies are going with. So that puts an end to the whole Brian Cardinal playing time debate. Anyway, there's the news folks.
Burks is a better defender than Bell, that might be the only reason, Bell is a better shooter and more athletic, and Hubie said their decision making is about equal, but Burks is the better defender. I hope the Raptors can get Bell, and if they do I'll be very happy, he hasn't really had a chance behind JWill and Earl Watson, and a young PG to groom on the bench would be great for the team. Bo Outlaw would also be a good addition to help the Raps defensively on the interior, he can block some shots and rebound, but has not shot, which we all know, but he could help too, but getting both is a little farfetched. Getting one of them is hard enough in itself.
This move surprised me too. After what I had heard of Burks, it didn't seem like he would hang around. Outlaw is a very good rebounder and post defender, and although he's old, could have really contributed a lot to the team as a backup to Gasol. Wasn't his contract pretty big also? Troy Bell was also a very big loss. He hasn't proven much, but he's still young and never even had a chance to prove himself anyways. IMO, the waiver of Outlaw was made plainly to give Cardinal a more defined role within the team, and Swift minutes as Gasol's backup. Other than that, Outlaw shouldn't have been released at all.
Really disappointed for Bo. I thought he bought great hustle, passion and strength to the team. Never saw enough of Bell to judge him.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Trip:</div><div class="quote_post"> IMO, the waiver of Outlaw was made plainly to give Cardinal a more defined role within the team, and Swift minutes as Gasol's backup. Other than that, Outlaw shouldn't have been released at all.</div> Probably correct, but do you think Cardinal can bring the same talents to the table? They share the great hustling ability, but to me, that's where the similarities end.
I'm surprised that West couldn't figure a way to get draft picks or some sort of compensation in return. Teams can always use depth in big men and at point guard.
I dont know why we cut BO, becuase we still need a big men to give rest to Gasol or Wright. Bell is no big deal becuase we still have JWILL and Watson!
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Zhone:</div><div class="quote_post">I'm surprised that West couldn't figure a way to get draft picks or some sort of compensation in return. Teams can always use depth in big men and at point guard.</div> Fair point, that. I'd imagine both players, Bo especially, will get picked up off waivers. Perhaps Jerry couldn't get anything done in time (are only allowed a certain number of contracted players at the start of the season).
this move really surprises me as well. i mean, why would u release a high first round pick after one year where he didnt get any playing time? thats a waste of last years pick. you gotta give troy a chance to prove himself at least. i hope someone picks bell up.
I have a question: If a team opts to sign Bell or Outlaw, do they have to pick up their previous contract?
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Voodoo Child:</div><div class="quote_post">I have a question: If a team opts to sign Bell or Outlaw, do they have to pick up their previous contract?</div> Don't think so. From what I know from video games and sim leagues, teams that pick up waived players pay however much they sign the player too, and the original team has to pay the difference in their contracts. Say if Outlaw was on a $2 million/year contract and he's signed to a $650 000/year contract, the Grizz would have to pay him $1.35 million/year.
