Felton Will Get A Qualifying Offer... And Now I'm Confused
by David A. Arnott on Jun 11, 2009 12:04 AM EDT
65 comments
After the draft, the most pressing issue for a Bobcats fan at the moment is probably Raymond Felton's fate. DJ Augustin has proven that he deserves starter's minutes this upcoming season, and unless Felton sees an unlikely mid-career jump in productivity, he's going to have to settle for a backup role wherever he goes.
Therefore, it seems to make little sense to offer him a qualifying offer that will have to be $5.5 million. It's not a good idea to pay backup point guards that kind of money. It's simply a waste to give those resources -- money and minutes -- to someone who, while apparently a lovely guy and a hard worker, doesn't have a future on the team. On top of that, I can't imagine any other team would be willing to pay that price for a low end starting PG when they can take that money and sink it into other parts of their organization, like... I don't know... paying support staff to work for them.
I mean, that $5.5 million doesn't have to go anywhere. We could just use Dontell Jefferson and a guy signed to the veteran minimum (think Tyronn Lue) to be the backups, then keep throwing crap at the wall and digging up D-Leaguers to practice on 10-day contracts until one of them sticks (think Will Bynum).
The Bobcats are losing tens of millions of dollars, so this seems like a beautiful dovetailing moment when a little financial pressure can be relieved by a sound basketball decision. If only.
Buried deep at the end of the AP story about Tyler Hansbrough's workout is this nugget:
Bobcats GM Rod Higgins said they'll make a qualifying offer to G Raymond Felton, an impending restricted free agent, by the June 30 deadline. Higgins said they still haven't decided whether to do the same for F Sean May, who has battled weight and injury issues.
This is baffling. May's qualifying offer would be roughly $2 million less than Felton's. May has had injury issues wreck two of his seasons, so the talent he flashed early in his career still hasn't had a real opportunity to present itself. That, alone, gives me reason to think it's not such a bad idea to give him another year to see what he can do. However, we know who Felton is and what he's capable of producing, and the Cats are, apparently, set to bring him back. Or, the Bobcats could simply save 8 million dollars (7 million if you want to bring in a more known quality like Anthony Carter) by not bringing either player back and instead paying for minimum players to stock the end of the bench.
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You're kidding, right?
You WANT to keep May? You want to GUARANTEE him almost $4 million in the hopes that he’ll suddenly decide he should try to get his weight under 300 pounds so his knees can support his body? That’s the same retarded logic that kept exercising his options a year earlier than we needed to.
Even if we don’t extend the RFA offer, do you REALLY think somebody else would outbid us for him? There’s no team in the league with a hard-on for Carolina players like ours, particularly that one.
Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.
MP — Please chill. We don’t need to throw around “retarded”. I hope you see I hedged the comment enough to say that I would understand why a guy who, in his first two seasons, had per/36 pts/reb of 17/10 would be intriguing after two seasons lost to injury. Also, don’t discount $3.5 million versus $5.5 million. The QO May is due is much more palatable. considering the most we should hope for either guy next year is 20 minutes a game.
The difference is that May has shown he has a valuable talent, whereas Felton has merely shown he can stay on the court. At this stage of the Bobcats’ success cycle, they’ve got to mine for talent everywhere they can while balancing finances; they can’t afford to, say, dump everyone around Chris Paul and ride him as far as a shoestring budget will take them.
by David A. Arnott on Jun 11, 2009 8:05 AM EDT up reply actions
I don't think Felton is the back up
Why do you say Felton will get 20 minutes a game? I follow the Bobcats closely – watching almost all of their games – and as of the last game of the season Felton was the starter and the team’s best point guard.
It is Augustin who must take some serious steps forward before it’s time to hand him the keys.
But at least we can still hope he has the capacity TO step forward...
Felton’s no better after year four than he was from day one.
Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.
by MichaelProcton on Jun 11, 2009 10:44 AM EDT up reply actions
And how many different coaches has Felton had in that time?
I think Larry Brown sees in Felton the same thing i do. Let Brown coach him up for another year. Sure Augustin has a better shot than Felton. I’ll give you that. But Raymond’s ability to get into the lane- basically whenever he wants – is what makes him more appealing to me than DJ. Felton has the ability to control the tempo of the game with his quickness. Not to mention his defensive capabilities. If Brown can work with him again next season, we might see Raymond improve into a valued starting point guard.
Are Augustin’s numbers better than Felton’s rookie numbers? Not really. What makes you sure that Augustin will continue to improve at a faster rate than Felton has?
I agree that Felton is not an elite NBA point guard, but neither is DJ. Let them work together under Brown for another season and draft some good solid ready to play draft picks or trade the picks and pursue a free agent scoring threat at the wing (or post) to play with Felton and Augustin.
I believe the Bobcats are an All-Star go to scorer away from being a Conference & Division contender.
BTW...
I am NOT a UNC fan looking out for the Tarheel connection.
MichaelProcton, if we don’t resign Felton, then who, specifically, do you suggest Charlotte can get at a better value?
We keep Augustin at 60% of the price.
Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.
by MichaelProcton on Jun 11, 2009 6:22 PM EDT up reply actions
Successful NBA teams genrally have 2 solid NBA point guards.
Again I ask you, who do you propose we replace Felton with?
First, let's examine that statement...
Here are the #2 PGs for the playoff teams this year, listed in order of salary, with rookie contracts denoted:
Boston-Stephon Marbury: $21.9 mil
Chicago-Kirk Hinrich: $10.0 mil
NO-Antonio Daniels: $6.2 mil
Orlando-Rafer Alston: $4.5 mil (although they were doing fine with Anthony Johnson in this role at $2 mil)
Philly-Lou WIlliams: $4.5 mil
Cleveland-Daniel Gibson: $3.70 mil
Atlanta-Acie Law: $2.07 mil (rookie)
Dallas-JJ Barea: $1.5 mil
Denver-Anthony Johnson: $1.26 mil (the Nuggets were a playoff team with Johnson starting at PG even before Iverson got traded.)
Utah-Ronnie Price: $1.22 mil
Houston-Kyle Lowry: $1.16 mil (rookie)
LA-Jordan Farmar: $1.08 (rookie)
Portland-Sergio Rodriguez: $1.05 mil (rookie)
SA-George Hill: $1.01 mil (rookie)
Miami-Chris Quinn: $972K
Detroit-Will Bynum: $712K
First, let’s look at how these guys were acquired:
- 3 (Bynum, Quinn, Barea) were undrafted free agents currently being paid an average of $1.06 mil by the team that originally picked them up. This is an unlikely route, but, obviously, possible. CJ Watson is a guy who came through our summer league team and camps and has played as Golden State’s backup point.
- 5 are guys still on their rookie contracts. 4 are on their original team, Lowry has been traded. All are first round picks, with the lowest being Rodriguez at 27th, but three of the others were also drafted in the mid-20s, so they were not necessarily drafted at a premium. They are paid an average of $1.27 mil.
- 3 (Gibson, Williams, Hinrich) are guys who are playing for their original draft team, but who have had their contracts extended from their rookie deal. They’re paid an average of $6.07 mil.
- 3 (Price, Johnson, Daniels) were signed as veteran free agents. These are paid an average of $2.89 mil.
- 2 (Alston, Marbury) were acquired in trade. These are paid an average of $13.2 million.
Beyond salary, I wouldn’t say there are a lot of guys on this list who one would call standout players. Just steady guys who can run the offense when the starter is resting and who might be able to step in for a few games as a starter, but would probably be stretched thin in that role over a long stretch. Alston, Hinrich, Johnson, and perhaps Farmar are exceptions to this.
So, I’ll summarize by saying we don’t need a standout player as our backup (perhaps not even as good as Felton is at his best, when he’d be a good 6th man for a contender.)
Given the number of ways I’ve shown a backup point can be garnered, here are some (obviously speculative) options.
We don’t have a draft pick in what has shown to be the premium backup PG range from this group, but with the weakness of this year’s draft, as well as these difficult economic times, it may be possible to package our two second-round picks and move into the back end of the 1st round to ease the burden of a guaranteed contract. At this spot, we could grab a player like Ty Lawson, Patty Mills, or Darren Collison. All are experienced lead guards who have played big-time basketball (Mills for the Aussie national team if you doubt his level of competition at St. Mary’s.)
If we stay put in the second round, there are experienced guys like AJ Price, Dominic James, and Jeremy Pargo who could do a solid job in a backup role.
In free agency, here are some options: Marquis Daniels, Anthony Carter, Keith Bogans, Ronnie Price, Bobby Jackson, Will Solomon, CJ Watson, Jacque Vaughn, Jarrett Jack (RFA), Ramon Sessions (RFA.) I honestly don’t see any of those guys getting a $5.5 mil/yr deal from anybody.
Finally, a trade possibility. Jamaal Tinsley-for-Nazr Mohammed is one trade that would likely be accepted. They’re looking for anything they can get for Tinsley, and he was a good player outside of his off-the-court issues. Mohammed didn’t do anything at all here, so anything we got for TInsley (at roughly the same salary) would be a net gain.
So, there are your options. Would YOU be satisfied by any of them?
Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.
by MichaelProcton on Jun 11, 2009 8:23 PM EDT up reply actions
Nope.
Of all the options above i would still take Felton at 5.5 mil and see if actually playing for the same coach two years in a row helps him improve even more.
I would, however, support a trade of Felton (or Augustin) straight up for the rights to Stephenn Curry — granted we still keep the # 12 pick too.
"Even more?"
Name one way in which he’s made any notable improvements from his rookie season to now. And inflated stats because of his ridiculous playing time doesn’t count.
Do you mind explaining what you see in Curry? I see a guy who’s small even for a PG, will be deficient defensively, and won’t be able to get his shot off, get to the basket, or create for others with any regularity against NBA-quality defenders.
Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.
by MichaelProcton on Jun 12, 2009 1:23 AM EDT up reply actions
Actually Curry is taller than Felton & Augustin.
Pus, the things you list as Curry’s weaknesses were the same thing D-1 coaches said about him.
Why do you think he won’t get his shot off? That is a pretty stupid assumption.
Success in college is not a reason a player will succeed in the NBA...
otherwise, Morrison and Redick would be All-Stars.
And he won’t get his shot off because he’ll be going against bigger, stronger, longer players who are just as fast as he is, unlike what he was facing the majority of the time in the SoCon.
Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.
by MichaelProcton on Jun 12, 2009 12:24 PM EDT up reply actions
What don’t you like about 14.8 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 6.7 apg, & 1.5 spg?
For 5.5 mil in the NBA it doesn’t get better really. We’ve established he’s not an elite PG. Elite PG’s get paid much more than 5.5 mil. If you want CP3 then you have to pay for him!
You still haven’t addressed the fact that Raymond has played under 3 head coaches in 4 seasons. Have you ever played organized basketball? It takes time to adjust to new coaches, styles, & systems. And Felton was thrown in the starting lineup from day one. He needs another year under Brown.
All of your points against Felton are lacking any stats or facts to back them up. It’s just your negative opinions.
The fact that he's allowed to play the entire game to get them.
TJ Ford put up nearly identical stats…in 80% of the minutes. Felton is NOT elite by any means.
The coaching changes are irrelevant. Good players can play under any coach.
Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.
by MichaelProcton on Jun 12, 2009 12:26 PM EDT up reply actions
He wasn't any better from the start of the season to the end.
He continued to jack up 18-footers at 39%, and he continued to brick shots and make ridiculous turnovers at the most crucial stages of the game. Oh, and we got rid of our All-Star go to scorer because that didn’t work.
Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.
by MichaelProcton on Jun 11, 2009 6:24 PM EDT up reply actions
The go to scorer didn't work with that line-up.
With the CURRENT line up is what i meant. Diaw and Bell did a lot for the roster. But Bell is only a solid defensive minded back up SG. We still need that go to scorer. One that has mastered the pull up 15 to 19 footer instead of chucking 3 pointers
And JRich was not that man, btw.
I’d like to see Okafor and/or Mohommed shopped around for a consistent post scoring threat (see Rasheed Wallace or Carlos Boozer). And use the draft pick on a shooting guard like Henderson or Terrence Williams.
That’s what I want, because I disagree with you and think Augustin is easily as good as Felton is right now, and definitely better on the offensive end. What the team does is a different matter.
by David A. Arnott on Jun 11, 2009 11:11 AM EDT up reply actions
I couldn't agree with you more
Felton had career high games this season. He has shown and proved what he is made of. I believe the problem has been the coaching staff. He has thrived under Larrry Brown and will continue to do so. Check out the STATS.
Augustin is good but, he still has a lot to learn.
Yeah...
He’s made of exceptionally poor shooting and decision-making almost as bad. He didn’t “thrive,” he kept his numbers exactly the same as they’ve always been.
Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.
by MichaelProcton on Jun 11, 2009 3:16 PM EDT up reply actions
Exceptionally poor shooting? Last season Felton shot poorly from 3, but his FG% was 41 (compared to DJ’s 43). And his free throw % was a solid 80%.
Augustin is a better shooter but Felton is a better rebounder, defender, and passer. Compare their rookie numbers as well as career. Addittionally, Augustin came into the league under an experienced veteran coach with a history of mentoring his PG’s, while Felton has played for 3 different head coaches!
Bottom line: From a overall team perspective, Augustin just isn’t an improvement over Felton at the PG. And it is not prudent to let Felton go right now.
Of course Augustin's numbers weren't special.
He was forced to run the second unit and had to carry the bulk of the offensive load with NO talent around him. Hell, simply having Felton next to him in the backcourt rather than Bell or Richardson held him back. It’s tough to be a point when your SG can’t shoot.
Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.
by MichaelProcton on Jun 11, 2009 6:26 PM EDT up reply actions
Just for you Procton...
DJ’s rookie numbers:
26.5 mpg, 11.8 ppg, 1.8 rpg, 3.5 apg, 0.6 spg, 1.7 TOpg
Raymond’s rookie numbers:
30.0 mpg, 11.9 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 5.6 apg, 1.3 spg, 2.3 topg
Why do like Augustin so much but hate Felton? It doesn’t make sense really. I don’t think you know anything about basketball. Felton is an all around better point guard, and for some reason you have a personal bias.
Augustin is MUCH cheaper.
And to compare their stats is silly. Augustin was playing for a team with much more talent when he did get to play with the starters, but frequently had to run a poor second unit where he was required to bear the brunt of the offensive load with little help.
Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.
by MichaelProcton on Jun 12, 2009 12:28 PM EDT up reply actions
Dude, please....
That makes no sense at all. Your point is NOT taken. Why is comparing their rookie stats silly? Raymond’s rookie year the Bobcat’s were much worse than last season so your argument just doesn’t add up.
Much cheaper? Do you own the Clippers or something? We’ll have to deal with DJ when his contract is up in two years too. It just soesn’t make any sense to deal Felton right now. Why not build on the TEAM’s improvement form last season? Just because a point guard isn’t leading the team in scoring doesn’t mean they aren’t doing they’re job. Learn the fundamentals of this team sport, dude!
Your quote at the bottom is perfect for you! You pay no regards to facts when presenting your opinions.
With no talent around Felton as a rookie...
His numbers were easier to come by.
And no, I don’t own the Clippers. But I do know this team is already over the cap and has been hemorrhaging money since it came into existence.
Oh, and if your “point guard isn’t leading the team in scoring” despite the fact that he’s taken the most shots on the team for three years running, he ISN’T doing his job.
Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.
by MichaelProcton on Jun 12, 2009 3:32 PM EDT up reply actions
Oh, and the whopping three win "improvement" despite adding on huge long-term financial committments is hardly impressive.
Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.
by MichaelProcton on Jun 12, 2009 3:33 PM EDT up reply actions
Rebuilding a basketball team's entire system & roster takes time!
You obviously know nothing about basketball or logic!
So Felton had no talent around him and his numbers were “easier to come by.”
But DJ plays with a “poor second unit” and had to “carry the offensive load” and that hurt his numbers.
Which way is it Mike Procto???
If we want to save money,.....
….it’s not Felton that needs to go. It’s May, Mohammed and possibly Okafor.
But May is the only one of those situations under our direct control.
Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.
by MichaelProcton on Jun 12, 2009 3:44 PM EDT up reply actions
Felton was playing starter's minutes, WITH THE STARTERS on a bad team.
Somebody had to get the stats.
Augustin was playing in a backup role and played with the backups. If you don’t think that hurt his numbers (AST, FG%, etc.), I just don’t know what to tell you.
PS: The personal attacks are getting old. If you can’t articulate a logical argument, suggesting that someone else “doesn’t know anything” doesn’t help.
Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.
by MichaelProcton on Jun 12, 2009 3:47 PM EDT up reply actions
You're damned right I do.
Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.
by MichaelProcton on Jun 12, 2009 3:54 PM EDT up reply actions
So you have noticed that...
….the Cats play better overall when Felton is on the floor??
Find some stats on point differential with Felton in vs out of the line up last season.
He's on the floor when the starters are...
If we’re going to compete, that group SHOULD be outscoring their oppinents. Other stats suggest he’s one of the worst players in the NBA in endgame situations.
Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.
by MichaelProcton on Jun 12, 2009 5:11 PM EDT up reply actions
When Felton and Augustin played together this season...
DJ played SG as much if not more than Felton.
did you actually watch the games?
Showing a "valuable talent" for 30 games a year is worthless...
Unless the talent you referred to was eating, boozing, or wearing ridiculous clothes on the bench. If it were a fluke basketball injury, I’d understand. But it’s not. He’s just too fat for his joints to support, and his own laziness prevents him from correcting that problem.
Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.
by MichaelProcton on Jun 11, 2009 10:44 AM EDT up reply actions
May played about the same number of minutes over his first two years as Anthony Randolph did for the Warriors this year and had comparable production, minus the blocks. Injury issues are important, but at the same point of his career, you could have said Emeka Okafor was going to be riddled with back issues forever.
by David A. Arnott on Jun 11, 2009 11:13 AM EDT up reply actions
Again, that's a different issue.
Emeka’s theoretical “chronic back” issues were not something he caused. Further, with each of their most injury-riddled seasons thrown out, and Emeka’s worst season is almost as many games as May’s other three years total.
Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.
by MichaelProcton on Jun 11, 2009 11:38 AM EDT up reply actions
I'm with you
I think May’s dead money until proven otherwise. They can pull the QO and sign him at the minimum if they want to subsidize his rehab and conditioning.
USE THE SOFTWARE. Actions-> Rec/Flag. Reply to comments with the reply button. Rec good fanposts/fanshots so the crud gets pushed down.
by your friendly BullsBlogger on Jun 11, 2009 11:35 AM EDT up reply actions
Felton may generate some interest from other teams
looking for a PG, but not at $5.5 million.
I never understand how teams end up bidding against themselves. Rashard Lewis is a key component for Orlando’s success, but they overpaid for him for no reason. Texas gave A-Rod $250 million which was probably $50 million more than other teams were thinking.
Are teams worried that they need to make moves to keep the fans interested?
they have to offer a QO to keep him a restricted free agent
there’s little downside. The Bobcats can get right to match any offer.
If he does take it, that’s not that bad of a scenario. $5.5m for a single season for a 3rd guard (he plays a lot of 2, right?)?.
And he’d be somewhat of a trade asset (of which the Bobcats have few), though Felton would have to agree to any deal if he plays on the QO.
USE THE SOFTWARE. Actions-> Rec/Flag. Reply to comments with the reply button. Rec good fanposts/fanshots so the crud gets pushed down.
by your friendly BullsBlogger on Jun 11, 2009 11:33 AM EDT reply actions
That was my thought, too
The flexibility that offering the QO affords the Bobcats is worth the risk that he actually accepts the QO, which isn’t that likely. He has to be looking for a multi-year deal. The QO gives the Bobcats the possibility of matching a reasonable offer or even using him in a sign and trade. I’m torn as to whether I’d like to see him move on or to return as a third guard on a 2 or 3 year contract. Ultimately, it depends on who the Bobcats could sign or draft in his place to become the 3rd guard.
But I am confused as to why the Bobcats would even pretend to offer the QO to May. His poor conditioning and unprofessional attitude should be enough to push him out of the NBA altogether. At best, I would offer him an unguaranteed deal with incentives for games and minutes played. He shouldn’t be counted on for more than a few minutes off the bench and needs to earn his way into the rotation wherever he signs.
He'd have to have interest on the market to GET a multi-year deal, though...
Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.
by MichaelProcton on Jun 11, 2009 8:24 PM EDT up reply actions
You don't think any other team will offer Felton more than a 1 year deal?
He may not get the full MLE, but I’d be shocked if he didn’t sign at least a two or three year deal for $4 M minimum. He is still a top 20 PG and is worth that. I’m sure he believes he’s worth a lot more than that though or he would have signed last year.
Don't just speculate...
Say who. And if he’s so convinced he’s better than a $4 million player, why wouldn’t he accept the one-year deal and outplay an offer like that?
Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.
by MichaelProcton on Jun 12, 2009 9:25 AM EDT up reply actions
Predicting where Felton could land is definitely speculating
I don’t know where Felton will land if Charlotte doesn’t bring him back. Any team either under the cap or willing to spend most or all of the MLE is in the hunt. I expect he would choose a team that would offer him a chance to be a starting PG. Here’s 8 possibilities (in no particular order) of teams that could be interested: Detroit, Minny, Sacramento, Dallas, Miami, Atlanta, Golden State, and Philly.
I base my assertion that he’ll get at least a 2-3 year deal worth at least $4 M per year by comparing him to PG’s who signed similar deals and who in my opinion are not as good as Felton. Here’s ten PGs for comparison: Chris Duhon, Steve Blake, Sasha Vujacic, Beno Udrih, Luke Ridnour, Mike James, Rafer Alston, Lou Williams, Speedy Claxton and Antonio Daniels. Each will earn between $4.9 and 6.6 M next year, and I wouldn’t take any of them over Felton.
It’s not a stretch to speculate that Felton could be looking for $6-8 M per year. While I wouldn’t sign him to a long term contract for that, PGs that produce at his level typically are paid in that range. Extending the QO for one year at $5.5 M is not a big risk for the Bobcats. Now why do you think he won’t get a multi-year deal worth at least $4M per year? Is there a reason beyond personal dislike and Blue Devil pride?
Because nobdy has any money and he's not that good.
Detroit is going to go with Stuckey; he’s a great young player and he’s already done better than Felton for a playoff team.
Dallas is more than likely going to go with Barea; another young player who did extremely well for a playoff team when given the chance to start.
I doubt Miami would want to send Chalmers to the bench after a good rookie year.
Crawford would have to opt out for a spot to open in the GS backcourt, and with it unlikely that he’d get big money on the FA market, it’s getting more and more likely he won’t.
Philly will keep Lou Williams. They just extended him.
Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.
by MichaelProcton on Jun 12, 2009 3:43 PM EDT up reply actions
We'll see whether anyone has any money.
Very few teams were under the cap last off-season, and I don’t recall any legit starters failing to get paid except Josh Childress, who got paid in Greece. This is a much weaker FA group, and starting PG options are very limited this year. The economy may torpedo the FA market this season, but has it really changed so much that one year a PG like Beno Udrih signs for the MLE on day 1 of free agency, and the next year Felton can’t even sniff that contract. I’ll believe it when I see it.
As for the destinations, I wrote that Felton would go somewhere that presented him an opportunity to become PG, not that he would be handed the job. He would be at worst the 1st guard off the bench on all the teams I listed.
Detroit fell back hard after trading Billups. A big reason for that was because Stuckey is not much of a PG. He’s a very good, young player, but he needs help. Dallas needs to replace Kidd with more than just Barea to remain a playoff team. Miami got by with Chalmers last year because they had to. He’s a poor starting PG, and Miami could use an upgrade. GS probably would need to S&T for Felton, but that is definitely possible. Philly will keep Lou Williams – as a 6th man, and they’ll need a PG if Miller signs elsewhere. Some of these teams will find their PG in the draft, but there are definitely teams out there that could use Felton.
I like Felton, but Sean May....
needs to hit the road!
The only way i would be interested in keeping May is if we do NOT make a qualifying offer, but rather offer him a new contract at the league minimum allowed by the CBA. He’s gotten millions doing nothing so let him earn a mere $750, 000 to (maybe) actually suit up and contribute.
Rufus On Fire is baffled b/c May’s offer would be 2 million less than Felton’s? Dont be baffled. Think of it like this: Felton has been the team’s starting PG for 4 years and May has done nothing. Felton might not be worth 5.5 million in your opinion, but May is DEFINITELY NOT worth 3.5 million under any circumstance!
It is tough call between May and Morrison as to which is the Cats’ worst pick ever. Imagine if we had only taken Brandon Roy instead of Adam Morrison…..
Granger over May would have been just fine, too...
And that was far more of a draft-day tossup. Roy wasn’t projected to have near the impact he has.
Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.
by MichaelProcton on Jun 11, 2009 6:32 PM EDT up reply actions
He was by me!
I was screaming for the Cats to take Roy in that draft…just like i was begging them to take Brook Lopez last season. Augustin is no better than Mario Chalmers or Sean SIngletary, in my opinion and much more expensive. Who thinks the team wouldn’t have been better immediately with Brook Lopez & Chalmers over Ajinca & Augustin?
This year , if they don’t deal and just use their # 12 pick i feel like Gerald Henderson would be great match for the Cats if he is available at #12.
Yeah...
Sean Singletary was GREAT every time he stepped on the floor last year.
And Chalmers doesn’t have to do anything in Miami. Wade is the primary playmaker, so all he has to do is be a spot-up shooter who saves his energy for defense. He couldn’t do that in Charlotte. Further, he would have been a clear reach at #20. 13 other teams passed him up between us and the Heat.
Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.
by MichaelProcton on Jun 12, 2009 3:49 PM EDT up reply actions
Like Josh Howard was a “reach” as the last pick of the first round. The 29 teams that passed on him were right, huh?
No.
He was projected to be a late first rounder. Chalmers was an early-second rounder at best, not a mid-first.
Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.
by MichaelProcton on Jun 12, 2009 4:25 PM EDT up reply actions
Only Thing
The only thing I’m worried about of letting May go is that he will go to some other team and blossom (I still think he has potential). That would suck for us.
I say release Felton (as much as I love ’em) to another team, DJ is good and we already have salary cap woes as it is.
Potential is one thing...
But what good does it do you if you’re not willing to put in the simple steps (nutrition-, lifestyle-, and fitness-based) to realize it.
Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.
by MichaelProcton on Jun 11, 2009 8:25 PM EDT up reply actions
LOL @ the Felton and May hating!
I dont know where to begin. Whats with the Felton bashing? Felton is one of the top ten point guards in the NBA, who else are you going to find that will play their hearts out, give you everything they have, take the blame for mistakes, play through injuries, play through three different coaches, etc? Felton is worth every penny of 5.5 million. Augustin hasnt proven anything except he cant play through a full season healthy. If they can pay that tweener Chokafor 72 million, what is 5.5 for Felton? Chokafor who, by the way, numbers have not improved either since he’s been here, he will never be a consistant 20 10 guy and will always be in the shadow of Dwight Howard (imagine if they wouldve drafted him instead). And to comment on May, he has a very nice jumper for a big man, he can stretch the defense, he can give you rebounds offensive and defensive, and hes a big body to bang down low. I see Procto is spreading is anit-unc rhetoric wherever he gives his useless opinions. Give it up man, seriously.
"Chokafor" ranked in the NBA's top 12 in four major categories: RPG (5th), FG% (6th), double-doubles (8th), and BPG (12th)
He did that despite ranking 40th in the league in minutes played.
Felton, however, was only able to manage 11th in SPG and 13th in APG despite ranking 15th in minutes. He finished in 9th in turnovers, though, so you’ve got that.
I challenge you to name a better player than Okafor who isn’t on a rookie contract and gets paid less.
Sean May could have all the gifts in teh world, but he likes eating more than he likes basketball, so it doesn’t matter.
Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.
by MichaelProcton on Jun 12, 2009 3:53 PM EDT up reply actions
"Chokafor" is neither clever nor accurate
It implies Okafor has a problem handling pressure situations, but I’ve not seen evidence of that or ever heard anyone else insinuate it. He is a very strong defensive presence, a top rebounder and shot blocker, and for that he’s worth his contract as compared to the contracts of his peers. As you point out, he isn’t a consistant 20 & 10 guy. He is not a great shooter and is limited offensively. He is not expected to take big shots at the end of the game. He’s an above average big man rather than a superstar, and I’ll take that. What I won’t take is May, who is a consistant DNP.
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