Well let's hear it. I'm shocked people want to "throw in Oden" to trade for Paul but not LMA. LMA is just not that impressive of a PF, we know what he gets when he's healthy and it's not enough. Oden when Healthy is an All-Star talent period. LMA could go down with a career ending injury at any time it's not like he's immune. Yes, Oden is a gamble, but LMA is a certainty. With Paul and Roy the back court would be the greatest of all time, but LMA and Camby are NOT gonna get it done against Gasol/Bynum or Howard, LeBron/Lopez.
It is because at the time the idea of trading Paul seemed like an option, one of the yahoo articles Wojo, however you spell his name, mentioned that when Paul was asked about playing on the Blazers, he wouldn't be to thrilled if one of Roy or Aldridge were given up for him. No mention of Oden anywhere. That is why I throw in Oden without thinking twice, plus, Hornets would not want Aldridge, horrible salary and horrible fit with West.
We'll be a fine team with a healthy LMA. We'll be a championship contender with a healthy Oden. It's supply and demand. Guys with GO's tools are just rarer than guys like LMA, and I love Aldridge's game.
The only reason I mentioned Oden instead of Aldridge in the CP3 thread is because I think NO would rather have GO and his contract rather than Aldridge and his. It had nothing to do with which of the two I felt was more valuable to us. And my whole rationale of throwing GO in there was because I feel that CP3 is a top 5 player in the NBA, something I don't ever see GO becoming. I feel talent, regardless of position, will win these days and having a dominant center isn't nearly as important as it used to be.
i think we'd all be shocked just how much we'd get in return if trading LMA on his own for another player.
Hmm, but without a great big (and i disagree Oden will be a top ten player at least if healthy) who gets in the paint other teams can just pack the paint. We need an auto double team and big time rebounder to team with Roy/Paul and that isn't LMA IMO. Also are you suggesting NOH would let Oden expire?!?!?
Not sure how you got to that suggestion. They'd save a helluva lot more money with GO, rather than Aldridge because I don't think Oden will get anywhere close to the contract LA got with his extension next year.
Ah, I misunderstood you. Fair enough. I still wouldn't trade Oden and Batum ++++ for Paul. It's too much. Rather dangle LMA first. I see what you are saying though.
This is all such incredible sports porn fodder. PG Paul/Johnson SG Roy/Williams SF MLE/Babbit PF Lee/??? C Oden/??? I'll take it and I'll play SF on that team and we still have a shot at the Conference!
