So Nuggets GM, Kiki Vandewighie's, contract is up on Aug. 1 2006. There is great speculation that the Nuggets may not retain him, but mainly because owner Stan Kroenke wants to be a meddling owner. But just based on merit does Kiki deserve a contract extension?Here are some Pro's and Con's based on Kiki's dealings.<u>Pro</u>A. Rid the Nuggets of bloated salaries and mediocre talent for a relatively quick turnaround (remember in 2003 they won only 17 games).B. Traded McDyess for Nene AND CambyC. Traded Watson (and other filler) for Reggie Evans and Ruben PattersonD. Traded Rodney White and Skita for Edjaurdo NajeraE. He helped energize the city about basketball - with fan relations, etcF. Drafted 'MeloG. Drafted Kleiza (who'll be better than Najera) in the late 1st roundH. Signed MillerI. Loyal to his playersJ. Made the Nuggets matter again in the NBA ('Melo has something to do with that too)K. Agreed to sign George Karl as coach<u>Con</u>A. Drafted Skita with the 5th PickB. Traded 3 picks to NJ for MartinC. Didn't give Arenas $5-8 million more total for his contract to be a NuggetD. Stuck with Jeff Bzdelik too long even though styles didn't meshE. Signed Earl Watson for the full MLE even though he wasnt a shooterF. Hasn't gotten a shooterG. Didn't draft WadeH. Isn't vocal enough to his players (though that is really the coaches job)I. Let's his wife get drunk and beligerent at refs during a game. J. Too loyal to players like Greg Buckner and DeMarr JohnsonK. Allowed Michael Cooper to be coach of the Nuggets for a brief period of timeThose are a few I can think of. I'm sure there are more for each, but those are the main ones. What do you think? Should he stay or should he go?
Why would he have drafted Wade? Are you saying you would rather have Wade over Melo? He messed up big time with Skita and Martin. And getting Camby and Nene, that was just NY being well the Knicks.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (DRob-50-Forever @ May 4 2006, 04:03 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Why would he have drafted Wade? Are you saying you would rather have Wade over Melo? He messed up big time with Skita and Martin. And getting Camby and Nene, that was just NY being well the Knicks.</div>At this stage in their careers, yes I would rather have Wade then 'Melo. Maybe in 2 years it might be different. I think 99% of GM's, in hindsight, would take Wade over Melo at this point.Camby and Nene for McDyess was till a good deal. It was the knicks, but Camby was injury plaqued and McDyess was Amare Stoundamire before Amare Stoudamire. If it were not for the injuries, McDyess would be a beast right now.
Wade can't carry a team. He would also not be as effective out west. You are grossly overrating Dice.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (DRob-50-Forever @ May 4 2006, 04:42 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Wade can't carry a team. He would also not be as effective out west. You are grossly overrating Dice.</div>Are you kidding me?!?!?!He led them through most of the regular season. He led them through the playoffs as a rookie. He defined the term leading against Detroit this year; a team that has been to the finals the last two years including a ring. Yep he can't lead a team. <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>So Nuggets GM, Kiki Vandewighie's, contract is up on Aug. 1 2006. There is great speculation that the Nuggets may not retain him, but mainly because owner Stan Kroenke wants to be a meddling owner. But just based on merit does Kiki deserve a contract extension?Here are some Pro's and Con's based on Kiki's dealings.ProA. Rid the Nuggets of bloated salaries and mediocre talent for a relatively quick turnaround (remember in 2003 they won only 17 games).B. Traded McDyess for Nene AND CambyC. Traded Watson (and other filler) for Reggie Evans and Ruben PattersonD. Traded Rodney White and Skita for Edjaurdo NajeraE. He helped energize the city about basketball - with fan relations, etcF. Drafted 'MeloG. Drafted Kleiza (who'll be better than Najera) in the late 1st roundH. Signed MillerI. Loyal to his playersJ. Made the Nuggets matter again in the NBA ('Melo has something to do with that too)K. Agreed to sign George Karl as coachConA. Drafted Skita with the 5th PickB. Traded 3 picks to NJ for MartinC. Didn't give Arenas $5-8 million more total for his contract to be a NuggetD. Stuck with Jeff Bzdelik too long even though styles didn't meshE. Signed Earl Watson for the full MLE even though he wasnt a shooterF. Hasn't gotten a shooterG. Didn't draft WadeH. Isn't vocal enough to his players (though that is really the coaches job)I. Let's his wife get drunk and beligerent at refs during a game. J. Too loyal to players like Greg Buckner and DeMarr JohnsonK. Allowed Michael Cooper to be coach of the Nuggets for a brief period of timeThose are a few I can think of. I'm sure there are more for each, but those are the main ones.What do you think? Should he stay or should he go?</div>You did make some great points there. In Denver it is also kind of mixed emotions. Really I do think he risks too much in some areas (Martin for 3 picks), but in other areas he is too conservative(Arenas). So really, I think it would not affect the team itself if he were to leave the team, but it is all up to the owner Stan Kronke(sp), the man with a house on the Pepsi Center lol, to make a decision.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (DRob-50-Forever @ May 4 2006, 04:42 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Wade can't carry a team. He would also not be as effective out west. You are grossly overrating Dice.</div>Before Dice got hurt he was a smaller version of Amare. He attacked the rim with authority, he had a decent elbow jumper. Both were able to create space well and also both ran the floor extremely well. McDyess, at that time, was all power and speed. Now he is just a shell of himself.Wade has carried his team on numerous occassions. Right now Wade is a much better all around player. Better D, better, ball handling, similar scoring. Rebounding is similar, which it shouldn't be. <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (LUD @ May 4 2006, 07:59 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Are you kidding me?!?!?!He led them through most of the regular season. He led them through the playoffs as a rookie. He defined the term leading against Detroit this year; a team that has been to the finals the last two years including a ring. Yep he can't lead a team. You did make some great points there. In Denver it is also kind of mixed emotions. Really I do think he risks too much in some areas (Martin for 3 picks), but in other areas he is too conservative(Arenas). So really, I think it would not affect the team itself if he were to leave the team, but it is all up to the owner Stan Kronke(sp), the man with a house on the Pepsi Center lol, to make a decision.</div>I have mixed emotions about Kiki. My whole stance is if they can find someone better that is fine, but if not they have to resign him. There should be no stepping back to take a chance on some scout or TV Analyst or someone like that. I know neither are options, but basically if Jerry West is available, then yes let Kiki go, but if Greg Anthony wants to job, no keep Kiki.
Why would he pick Wade?Melo averaged 20 and 10 in College and lead his team to the NCAA championship. When all else fails pick the winners.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (BALLAHOLLIC @ May 4 2006, 11:02 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Why would he pick Wade?Melo averaged 20 and 10 in College and lead his team to the NCAA championship. When all else fails pick the winners.</div>Thank you!
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (BALLAHOLLIC @ May 5 2006, 12:02 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Why would he pick Wade?Melo averaged 20 and 10 in College and lead his team to the NCAA championship. When all else fails pick the winners.</div>Uhhh. It wasn't like Wade was chop liver in College. 21+ points 4+ assits, 6+ rbs. He lead an inferior team to the final 4. He's a winner as well.I'm not discounting 'Melo. I love him, but let's be realistic. Wade is a better player right now and everything is in hindsight right now. At the time everyone applauded Kiki for getting Martin for "only" 3 picks. Now they are ripping him. All in hindsight.
At this point of there careers I would take Wade as well.However picking Melo was a good move. He lead his team to the championship you cant draft over that.
