NBA Discussion Thread

[D-Unit]

Originally Posted by JT Jag

It's FRAN time.

At one point I thought so, but that guy is so out of the picture it ain't funny.

[M.O.T.H.]

Originally Posted by Paul

So what's going on exactly? Is ORL going to match the offer. Or is some kind of S&T being worked out.

It's really cloudy because, no one knows for sure what our GM wants to do. The Bass camp wants a sign and trade to Orlando. While our GM has told everyone that our top priority is to bring Gortat back. It's a mess. ugh.

But if there was a sign and trade...Gortat would have to sign with us first, not with you. If he signs an offer sheet w/ the Mavs, we cant match that and then trade him to you. And the same can be said for Bass. Hopefully, they're working on this now.

[Paul]

Originally Posted by M.O.T.H.

But if there was a sign and trade...Gortat would have to sign with us first, not with you. If he signs an offer sheet w/ the Mavs, we cant match that and then trade him to you. And the same can be said for Bass. Hopefully, they're working on this now.

Do it. Do it Now!

[M.O.T.H.]

I'm all for it...paying Gortat the MLE to be about a 15 minute guy off the bench is such a bad idea for us, imo. Bass could start for us.

[bantx]

a S&T would be great, we could go after a guard still.

[Paul]

76ers contacted Bibby, which means Andre Miller may not be returning. Surprised I haven't heard his name in FA talks much, alot of teams could use a guy like him.

[D-Unit]

Originally Posted by Paul

76ers contacted Bibby, which means Andre Miller may not be returning. Surprised I haven't heard his name in FA talks much, alot of teams could use a guy like him.

Problem is Miller is seeking a $10M per year contract and not many teams out there can afford that. If he's willing to go for the MLE, then yeah, he'll have a lot of suitors. But on second thought... there were so many PGs drafted this year and a lot of teams are trying to start rebuilding. I'm not so sure there is a big market for Miller. I'm glad the Sixers aren't ponying up the cash for him. I hope he goes out west. I could see him landing with Portland if Hedo ends up signing with Toronto.

[KCJ58]

So Artest goes to LA & Ariza goes to Houston, i gotta say Ariza is gonna feel awful foolish leaving LA when Kobe goes for his 2nd 3 peat

[bantx]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4303862

Yup Ariza verbally commits to houston

[M.O.T.H.]

Ariza could potentially become a star there. They dont have anything else left. With Yao out for the year or longer, Artest in LA, and T-Mac just about finished. He should get a lot more offensive opportunties there for sure.

[D-Unit]

Originally Posted by bantx

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4303862

Yup Ariza verbally commits to houston

Why is Ariza in such a rush? He should've waited out to see what happens in Portland w/Hedo. If Hedo doesn't end up in Portland, he could get more cash than the MLE from them. Makes no sense, especially after Portland contacted him. He should wait it out.

But at least Houston comes away with a great deal in Ariza. He and Aaron Brooks are the future there.

[KCJ58]

I also think now with Artest in LA, Odom is next up, i think he comes back to LA as well, maybe then LA could look for a PG in FA too who is willing to take less money to be on an amazing team

[M.O.T.H.]

Maybe, if they dont trade Brooks. haha. They've been shopping him to everyone, in hope to bring in a better PG. The luster has worn off, apparently.

[SeanTaylorRIP]

Ariza to me is the new aged James Posey. He won't ever be a star. While his jump shot is improved he is a set shooter. Without Kobe being doubled he will struggle trying to create his own shots especially since his handle is kind of loose. I love his upside as a real gamebreaker role player but I can't see him being a franchise cornerstone. He and Battier kind of bring the same thing but he's more athletic.

[fenikz]

I'm 2 for 2 on FAs

ill throw out some more

Odom to Phoenix
Marion to Cleveland

[D-Unit]

Originally Posted by fenikz

I'm 2 for 2 on FA's

ill throw out some more

Odom to Phoenix
Marion to Cleveland

Good calls. I would hate Marion in Cleveland. He's said that he wants more than the MLE. Would Marion play the PF position in Cleveland?

[M.O.T.H.]

Probably SF. They wanted Lebron at PF, that's why they were said to be interested in Ariza and Artest.

Lebron doesnt really have a true position, though.

[SeanTaylorRIP]

I still think Marion ends up back in Toronto. I'm also hearing the Hawks are in negotiations with Mike Bibby. I am adamantly against it considering his age and that they just picked up Jamal Crawford and Jeff Teague. That's 2 shoot first PGs, we don't need to bring back another. IMO Zaza should be priority #1 far above Bibby.

[M.O.T.H.]

Probably, no one else wants to go to Toronto...and they seem split on whether to make that big $60 million offer to Hedo or not.

I heard they may try to get Lee, though.

[fenikz]

Originally Posted by D-Unit

Good calls. I would hate Marion in Cleveland. He's said that he wants more than the MLE. Would Marion play the PF position in Cleveland?

I'm sure he does but with the economy and people saving space for 2010 I don't think he will get many offers

[jayceheathman]

Trevor Ariza has signed with the Rockets.

[D-Unit]

Originally Posted by SeanTaylorRIP

I still think Marion ends up back in Toronto. I'm also hearing the Hawks are in negotiations with Mike Bibby. I am adamantly against it considering his age and that they just picked up Jamal Crawford and Jeff Teague. That's 2 shoot first PGs, we don't need to bring back another. IMO Zaza should be priority #1 far above Bibby.

Here's the latest on Hedo/Marion in Toronto...

http://ken-berger.blogs.cbssports.co...38893/15860532

"Toronto's front office has been deliberating whether to pre-empt the Blazers with a more lucrative offer, but that would involve renouncing the rights to three players: Shawn Marion, Carlos Delfino, and Anthony Parker. If the Turkoglu situation drags on, it could be an indication that a more creative path out of Orlando -- as in, a sign-and-trade -- is being explored. One rival executive expressed curiosity as to why Turkoglu and the Magic wouldn't want to explore such an avenue. Turkoglu would get an extra year, and Orlando would get something back."

Very intriguing. Otis is workin' it... but I guess he has to wait to see Turk decides to say Yes or No to Portland.

My Marion to Orlando wish is still alive!

[jayceheathman]

Originally Posted by KCJ58

So Artest goes to LA & Ariza goes to Houston, i gotta say Ariza is gonna feel awful foolish leaving LA when Kobe goes for his 2nd 3 peat

He wont get to play in LA. He will have a better chance at a title but at 24 I would be wanting the playing time since he already won a ring. I think its a great opportunity in Houston for him since he doesnt have to worry about anyone taking his position. All of our main guys are gone and not to mention there is going to be a ton of money open next year when McGrady's contract is up. They could afford to go after one of the big free agents. Not to mention we could possibly get a really high pick so John Wall or Ed Davis could be a Rocket as well. Our only center is like 6'8 in Chuck Hayes so its not looking good. Houston, we have a problem.

[CC.SD]

I'll do my Artest dance later, he is a bigger upgrade than people realize, I think, although of course I dearly love Trevor.

However.

WTF???

He has signed with Houston for the mid! David Lee his agent is a complete moron, the guy went to the media after one day of negotiating, and ended up getting his boy run out of his own hometown! And with not a penny more to show for it.

Utter fail.

[sbh15]

I am so happy right now.

If Houston can get something decent from trading Yao and/or T-Mac, and rebuild around Brooks and Ariza, the future will be nice.