Let's assume KP is intent on keeping Blake, Outlaw etc. (no trades), and we're only looking for a bruising backup PF for situations when Outlaw can't deliver what we need at that spot (and Pendergraph/Cunningham is too green -> playoffs). What free agent vet PFs are left that could be had for a minimum contract (if all our space is absorbed by Miller) or with a 1.2m starting salary? I was looking for a complete, updated list of free agents still available by position, but couldn't find one.
Who ever it is must be able to cover the perimeter. (Dirk, Okur) I think Oden/Pryz can handle the Al Jeffersons of the league.
I'm honestly fine with Pendergraph playing 12 minutes a night. Diogu is the only one on the list that I wouldnt mind here. *Braces for the 3 page long argument*
Mensah Bonsu would be good for you guys in spot minutes. Horrible on offense but hes an insane rebounder.
1a) Ronnie Turiaf 1b) Javale McGee would be my top choices I can live with Pendergraph playing the 12-14 min. that LMA doesn't play.
I wouldn't mind Ike Diogu or Glen Davis. Though Davis may want more minutes than the 12-15 Aldridge leaves on the table.
I want to buy Powe while his value is low. We can wait over half a season for him to come around, but dude is a beast. Do we have any LLE, MLE, or some exceptions to sign him?
You REALLY think these two can't get enough experience to pick up LMA's table scraps in the play offs? he averaged 39.5 mpg in playoffs. Granted that was from necessity, but typically in the play offs you have your starters suck it up and take on the bulk of the time. Are you that worried about 9.5mpg going to Cunningraph to suck up some fouls and snag some boards for Blake/Rudy/Webbster's 3 ball?
No, I'm not worried. But there's always foul trouble. For this spot, if they decide to stand pat with the rest of the roster, I'm just thinking a vet banger signed for the minimum could come in handy in certain situations. Pendergraph looks more like the 3rd string center to me (Raefs spot on the roster), and we don't know yet what Cunningham's position will be in the league. IMO he's a bit undersized as he doesn't have length, height or bulk. What he could do, I guess Outlaw can do better at the 4, aside from maybe defense (if the plan is to keep Outlaw).
I don't think they're very good... Pendergraph barely made a dent in the summer league, and we expect him to play significant (even 10 minutes is significant in the playoffs, IMO) minutes against playoff opponents? Cunningham's ability to play the 4 is something that is TBD. The team would be much better off with an average veteran powerforward as a backup than with those two guys. Ed O.