<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">The Memphis Grizzlies have offered Stromile Swift, a restricted free agent, several deals. Swift and his agent, Mason Ashe, have yet to agree to those terms, apparently because of multiple incentive clauses. "I'm going to talk to his people again (this week)," West said, "but it would not surprise me if he would sign his one-year tender and become (an unrestricted) free agent next summer." When West was asked if Swift would be in a Grizzly uniform this season, he replied, "Yes. Absolutely," before adding the team had no desire to trade Swift.</div> Full Story (You must register)
There's no question Swift will still be in Memphis next season; it seems that he's determined to cash in on the big-man-rare market next season as an unrestricted free agent. The question is, will he still be in Memphis after next season?
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Trip:</div><div class="quote_post">The question is, will he still be in Memphis after next season?</div> Stranger things have happened. It's good to know that Stromile will be a Grizzlie next year. I may be a bit biased, but I see him as one of the top twenty-five centers in the league as it stands.
A top-25 center in a league of 30 starting centers. That's a sad ranking, especially considering the weakness in the league's centers.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Trip:</div><div class="quote_post">A top-25 center in a league of 30 starting centers. That's a sad ranking, especially considering the weakness in the league's centers. </div> I didn't say he was #25; I just said somewhere between #1-25. I'll go further on my statement and say that he's one of the top 20 centers in the league, and despite there being a shortage of centers in the league it's still a great thing to be in the top 20. Who wouldn't want a young back-up center that is better than more than 10 other team's starters?
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Voodoo Child:</div><div class="quote_post">I didn't say he was #25; I just said somewhere between #1-25. I'll go further on my statement and say that he's one of the top 20 centers in the league, and despite there being a shortage of centers in the league it's still a great thing to be in the top 20. Who wouldn't want a young back-up center that is better than more than 10 other team's starters?</div> Well, if Swift stays with Memphis long term, it will be inevitable that he will start. Will he improve on his game, we don't know, but he seems to lack the determination to improve and work on his game. As of now (or all that I know about him anyways), Swift is totally relying on just his talent, rather than trying to be even better and using his talent to the fullest.
Swift Inks One Year Deal With Grizzlies <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">ESPN is reporting that the Memphis Grizzlies have signed free agent forward Stromile Swift to a one year deal. Swift, who now becomes a one year bird player, will not be able a tradeable commodity for Memphis during the next season. Grizzlies president Jerry West said negotiations with Swift's agent were difficult, and the pressure is on the four-year veteran to prove he is worthy of a long-term deal. "Obviously, this is a very important year for Stromile," West said. "We expect Stromile to go out and have a great year, and pressure us to sign him to the type of contract he is seeking. Even though he will be an unrestricted free agent next year, we can bid on him and we definitely want Stromile to remain a Grizzlie."</div> Full Story
Obviously its because they couldn't work out a sign and trade out, so next year he'll be a Unrestricted FA instead of a Restricted one, similar to the Kandi situation 2 years ago. <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Grizzlies president Jerry West said negotiations with Swift's agent were difficult, and the pressure is on the four-year veteran to prove he is worthy of a long-term deal. </div> I don't get that at all. I know he isn't worth one of those monster contracts, only players like Duncan, KG, Shaq and Kobe are (when they signed), but if you signed Brian Cardinal to a 6 year deal, you gotta sign Stro' to a long term deal.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Banks:</div><div class="quote_post">Obviously its because they couldn't work out a sign and trade out, so next year he'll be a Unrestricted FA instead of a Restricted one, similar to the Kandi situation 2 years ago.</div> Exactly. Not many people expect him to stay in Memphis after this season. It should be interesting to see if he plays this year with a lot of heart because he wants to increase his value or if he plays this year with no heart because he knows he's leaving Memphis anyway. <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">I don't get that at all. I know he isn't worth one of those monster contracts, only players like Duncan, KG, Shaq and Kobe are (when they signed), but if you signed Brian Cardinal to a 6 year deal, you gotta sign Stro' to a long term deal.</div> The problem with Stromile isn't his talent. It's pretty obvious that he's talented. His problem is his consistancy and work ethic. Brian Cardinal is a player who will give 110% every night, while you never know if Stromile will give you 10% some nights.
Not one to be critical of the great man, but i would have taken just about anything for Strom. Clearly the guy isn't committed to our franchise or it's desire to stick fat and go all the way together. I'd rather give his playing time to Lo Wright or Bo Outlaw, two guys you know are committed to the cause and are willing to sacrifice themselves for the ultimate success.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Jerry West:</div><div class="quote_post">Not one to be critical of the great man, but i would have taken just about anything for Strom. Clearly the guy isn't committed to our franchise or it's desire to stick fat and go all the way together. I'd rather give his playing time to Lo Wright or Bo Outlaw, two guys you know are committed to the cause and are willing to sacrifice themselves for the ultimate success.</div> I feel the same way. All he has ever been since he has come in the NBA is raw talent. He's always been labled as the guy with 'loads of potential', but he's never come through on that while a Grizzlie. I think we should have gotten rid of him while we can still capitalize on his potential. If he doesn't do too much differently this year than last year, then I doubt many people will say he has potential anymore.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Voodoo Child:</div><div class="quote_post">I think we should have gotten rid of him while we can still capitalize on his potential. If he doesn't do too much differently this year than last year, then I doubt many people will say he has potential anymore.</div> I trust Jerry West's judgement, he hasn't steered us wrong yet, but this decision did worry me. Obviously he and Hubie have concerns over our defence and rebounding, however i still believe we should have taken what we could and moved on.
