I just wanted to get the forum's opinion on Raef LaFrentz and his current state in Boston. Now I know he's been far more productive this season, I believe he's averaging about 9 points and 7 boards, but wouldn't we be better off parting ways? If you figure Boston already has Mark Blount, who they've resigned long term, and Kendrick Perkins still maturing off the bench, why are we paying LaFrentz 57.9 Million Dollars over the next four seasons? Is the 25 minutes a game Raef LaFrentz is supply us with seriously worth the 14.4 Million dollars a season? Because that's what it averages out to, believe it or not. I personally don't believe he's worth that kind of cash against your salary, but than again I think Ainge knew this when he pulled the trigger on The Walker Deal. However, with our depth at that postion and LaFrentz's health always in question, I think it's safe to say moving him wouldn't hurt in the long run. Now, here's the catch. If we could infact move LaFrentz, perhaps in a similar fashion to New Jersey's dealing of Kerry Kittles, and simply ship him off to a team with cap for a smaller contract or even a draft pick, Boston would benefit greatly. Next Season, after Rick Fox, Tom Gugliotta, Michael Stewart, and Gary Payton come off the books, we'd have free'd up an addition 14 Million Dollars in cap space granted LaFrentz is moved. 14 Million Dollars! We'd have plenty of options at that point, perhaps a dominate point guard or power foward, so many things to do when your 14 Mil. under the cap. I just don't see why this guy is still around, we don't benefit from his play enough to be paying him that kind of money. Plenty of teams have good squads but simply lack a center, we have 3 Solid Centers and we're still paying him like he's a 7 Foot Paul Pierce! It just doesn't make sense...
Are we going to get full worth out of the money he's making? No, we won't. However, he's got value beyond just his on-floor contributions. He's teaching behind the scenes, he's a good lookerroom presence and example of working hard, etc. He's also a valuable backup in case of injury (although an expensive one) It's only his first season playing with his knee, albeit still in pain, I'm told. His numbers could increase over the course of the contract to a regular, say something in the way of 15 and 8. He's worth holding onto until out Center and PF positions are more secure and that may take a season or 2.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting King James X3:</div><div class="quote_post">If you figure Boston already has Mark Blount, who they've resigned long term, and Kendrick Perkins still maturing off the bench, why are we paying LaFrentz 57.9 Million Dollars over the next four seasons? Is the 25 minutes a game Raef LaFrentz is supply us with seriously worth the 14.4 Million dollars a season?</div> King, you hit the magic numbers 57.9 million over the next four season. Kittles is in the last year of his deal, which is why he was moved. NBA players are at their most valuable when they have a soon-to-be expiring contract. So, people will be more than happy to take Raef off our hands... in three years.
