http://draftcity.com/articles/0043.htm <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Phoenix is smelling blood coming out of neighboring LA. They think Kobe Bryant is theirs to be had if they can clear up the appropriate amount of cap space. The deal that is being talked about right now around the league involves packaging the #7 pick to Utah along with Jahidi White’s ending contract for either the #14 or 16 pick. The Jazz are far enough under the cap to absorb that contract straight up. The Suns are happy enough with Leandro Barbosa at the point to make that trade, which would clear up over 6 million dollars in cap space, leaving them with more then enough to give Kobe the max this summer. A nice backup plan would be trading the #7 along with Jahidi White to Atlanta for the #17 pick. Atlanta also has cap space to absorb such a contract. If that doesn’t pan out, a swap with Cleveland is being discussed as well. Keep in mind that the trade exceptions granted to teams who have a player selected in the expansion draft will make this offseason littered with trade rumors as teams who want cap will have numerous locations to try for some.</div> If that happens could also mean Eisley/$3 mill/Cavs pick to the Bobcats as a bribe. To give us a whole bunch of cap room.
It'd be even better if we could get rid of Eisley (to Utah). The question is if we keep in the draft who do we want to draft? If we want a point we should keep our #7. Nelson's stock is rising and we could get Gordon or Livingston, possibly. If Lampe can play Center full time we should draft a backup power forward. Varejao worked out very well and would be available at Utah's pick.
Only some of the rumors have us chasing Kobe. Others (I hope more accurate) have us opening up space for Okur, Nash, or possibly both. We need another PG (whether or not barbosa starts) as Vujanic might not come over. We need a starting C. We also need a backup PF. We do not need another 2 guard. Joe is awesome and will suit us fine for years to come. What I'd like to see Nelson Vujanic Eisley(IL) JJ Barbosa Marion Z Casey Amare Dice Okur Voskuhl Lampe or Nash Vujanic Eisley (IL) JJ Barbosa MArion Z Casey AMare Varejao Okur Voskuhl LAmpe On more than one occsion the Colangelos have hinted at bringing in 2 FAs and they couldn't do that if they got Kobe a max contract. Who knows why White got a big contract. We're going to nload him to Carlotte hopefully and it'd be great if we could move Eisley to Utah also. We could sign Nash, Okur and Dice maybe. What can I say. I like Dice and I want his veteran self around. Golden state ran with like 15 players last season, so we could probably get away with keeping Eisley on the permanent injured list if we can't trade him. could work out.
I really hope we pass up kobe. He'd be a waste of money. He's a show-boating egotist with too many outside distractions. Plus the way he was stone cold during the finals isn't exactly inspiring. Based on the shots he was taking I could vividly imagine him spending 90% of his practice time taking those hightlight reel buzzer beater shots. Ugh, anyone but Kobe. I'd rather have jason kidd come back and that's saying a lot.
Kobe would be a business decision...not a basketball decision. I dont' think he plays team ball and thats what it takes to win a championship.
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Who knows why White got a big contract. We're going to nload him to Carlotte hopefully and it'd be great if we could move Eisley to Utah also. We could sign Nash, Okur and Dice maybe. What can I say. I like Dice and I want his veteran self around. Golden state ran with like 15 players last season, so we could probably get away with keeping Eisley on the permanent injured list if we can't trade him. could work out</div> Wasn't it Washington that gave him that contract after he avraged 8.6 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 1.63 blocks in 23.7 minutes, that one still hurts me, he isn't bad but not that good. He has potential though, I mean the previous season he averaged 7.1 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 1.04 blocks in 19 minutes a game so he wasn't bad. I mean really if he could play big minutes like 35-37 minutes a game he could get like 11 points, 10 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks a game.
Anyone know what the coaches criteria was for cutting back Whites minutes was besides his limited basketball IQ and picking up cheap fouls (just my observations from the scant minutes I got to see him play last season I'm not exactly sure of that). Nelson won't be available past 10. Cleveland needs a point. Maybe sooner. He's been practicing REALLY well.
