Obviously... the point is, that we essentially traded Sergio Rodriguez for Andre Miller. So, say what you (not *you*, specifically) will about 'Dre, but nobody in their right mind would think that we got the short end of that (virtual) "trade." And, no, Maris doesn't count!
Yeah, but that Denver team lacked leadership and direction. This Portland team doesn't lack that. It, however, is a good point on Chauncey. His stick is bigger than that of Andre. But Denver needed that. Portland didn't need that with Andre.
No, they acquired Blake in a trade that year who, partnered with AI (moved to SG), got beat in the 1st round by a San Antonio team that went on win the Championship.
Yes, I guess you could also see it that way. Regardless, if Denver can't figure out a championship with the likes of Miller, AI, and Billups, then they are definitely a sorry organization. However, I think Billup's incredible experience just might be the ticket for them. They will be a tough competitor for the Blazers this upcoming season, regardless of Miller or Blake starting.
The Miller to nash comparison is a huge failure. Nash was still young and improving when traded, and became the league MVP in 2004 and again the next season. Miller has been on a downturn for 3 years, and will never be confused with the best player in the league. They're as alike as Michael Jordan and Sam Cassell.
Nash was a product of the SSOL system. He was the same damn player that he was in Dallas. He did not improve. He couldn't play a lick of defense in Dallas, and he still can't play defense. Dallas let him go because the guy couldn't win in the playoffs. He had a history of playing well during the regular season, but choking come playoff time.
Not so. Cuban wanted to keep Nash. Really liked him. But, Cuban was very worried that Nash was about to break down. He made Nash a lowball offer, and when Nash balked, Cuban told him to go out and get the best offer he could and Cuban would match the market rate if Nash wanted to stay in Dallas. Cuban knew that Nash would choose Dallas over moving and he thought the market for Nash was limited. Phoenix saw their opening and made their move to clear cap more cap space. Cuban was shocked when Nash told him that Phoenix offered a 5 year, $53 mil guaranteed contract - 6th year team option. By the way, that was NOT the MAX Nash could have been paid at that time. A MAX deal would have been around $80 mil for 5 years. Cuban was more than willing to pay Nash the $10 mil per, but only guaranteed for 4 years. Also, Phoenix didn't trade Johnson until the next summer, and it was as much about playing time as money. Dallas was NOT in cost cutting mode. Finley was "dumped" because the league had the one shot amnesty for luxury tax purposes. Cut a player, honor the contract, but the salary of that one team won't count towards lux tax. All teams over the tax cut somebody, not just Dallas. Finley was owed $50 mil on his deal when he was cut. After letting Nash walk, Cuban went out and traded for Jet (big money player) and did a sign and trade for Eric Dampier and paid Damp, get this.... $60 million guaranteed!!!! But again, Cuban was afraid Nash was going to break down very soon, and he was obsessed with Shaq. As if Shaq ever paid much attention to Dampier.
Steve Nash:Last Year in Dallas: PER 20.5, Win Shares 9.1 (a bit off from the prior season) First Year in Phoenix: PER 22.0 Win Shares 11.5 (basically same as 2 seasons prior) Andre Miller:Last Year in Philly: PER 18.6 Win Shares 8.6
Ah yes.....I remember the debate back on BBB.net when Nash signed with the Suns. The consensus was that Cuban was right, that Nash would break down over the next 2-3 seasons, and the Suns would regret their foolishness. Didn't quite work out that way.
The comparison in my mind was to Portland acquiring Pippen. It wasn't Hall of Fame Pippen anymore, but still a very good player with a tremendous amount of veteran savvy and leadership. It's not a perfect comparison, since Miller doesn't have the defensive pedigree and brilliance of Pippen...but on the offensive side of the ball, I think it's a good comparison. Someone who's a natural floor leader and good at allowing his teammates to do what they do best, in flow. Prior to Miller signing, I often thought that if this young Portland team could add 2000 Pippen, it would really upgrade the team a ton. They didn't get 2000 Pippen, but they got a player who can be thought of as similar in certain ways. In any case, I'm very happy for what I think Miller will bring to this team.
Stupid thread. They are NOTHING alike. And Nash had accomplished more as a player prior to coming to the Suns. He led the Mavs to the best record in the league in 2003 (Spurs had the tie breaker so Dallas ended up with the third seed) and they reached the WCF where they almost won without Dirk.
Another bad comparison. Pippen had 6 rings. It's not even close. Miller's never won a round in the playoffs. Like everyone has said, Miller's an upgrade from Sergio. I'll take it. Hell, last I checked Sergio didn't even get first half minutes in PRESEASON for the KINGS. Ouch. Will he last the season?
I think the Kings are just being smart with Sergio. They want him to get some time off from Eurobasket... Oh, wait...
