Rebuilding and The Waiting Game for the Charlotte Bobcats

by Connor Huchton on Jul 9, 2011 7:00 AM EDT

During the last few months, the Charlotte Bobcats have stood at an organizational crossroads. Should the team attempt to soldier on in mediocrity with veterans, hoping to break through the proverbial 8th-seed-in-the-East wall, or begin afresh with a core of young players? After trading away the greatest player in franchise history, Gerald Wallace (sorry, Eduardo Najera), to Portland in order to acquire two first-round draft picks, the latter process began. A series of moves followed, including the trading of Stephen Jackson (and the immediate drafting of Kemba Walker and Bismack Biyombo), and the Bobcats seemingly moved into "rebuilding mode", an oft-dreaded but necessary period of time. As a fan, the important notion to understand when your team begins "rebuilding" is that results will almost definitely not be immediate. It can be a lengthy, difficult, and even unsuccessful process, but the long-term possibilities can easily be worth the struggle. Come along with me on a magical journey of reading after the jump!

As the process of rebuilding begins for the Bobcats begins, there are several important things to keep in mind:

The team will probably be terrible next year. That isn't necessarily a bad thing, but the leading scorer for the team this year (if there is a season) will most likely be Corey Maggette. Based on my basketball knowledge, that doesn't bode well in the wins department for the Bobcats.
The core of the team must consistently be the focal point of team moves. Currently, the "core" is comprised of two guys definitively, Bismack Biyombo and Kemba Walker (Gerald Henderson and even D.J. Augustin may also be included in this group, but I'd be surprised if they were deemed "untouchable" by the team). After next year's strong draft (and what I expect to be a lottery pick, though nothing can be certain), another player will be added to this young "core". Beyond developing them as players correctly, it's also important that other players are added to fit cohesively with their skill set.
Basketball teams aren't built in a day. It usually takes years, and this won't be any different. For all purposes, the Bobcats are starting over with a new (though promising) foundation.

Rebuilding can be scary, mostly because it's called "rebuilding". The very nature of the term implies the barren nature of the initial movement to "rebuild". The fear of wallowing in the cellar of competition for too long exists, as does the fear of continual irrelevancy (which terrifies the fans of every small-market team). This fear can often lead to difficult questions.

What if we can't compete with the large-market teams?

What if our fan base doesn't grow?

What if our team is dysfunctional and we never reach our goal of forming a legitimately competitive team?

What if they make another Hanes commercial with Charlie Sheen and Michael Jordan?

What if the top never stopped spinning at the end of "Inception"?

The first three are legitimate questions, and unfortunately, distinct possibilities. Long-term plans often hit walls that can't be overcome, but at least they strive for goals that are worth attaining. Remaining in a flux of mediocrity doesn't ignite cities, improve fan bases, or create a team with a constantly hopeful outlook.

I've heard complaints from some Bobcats' fans about the moves that have been made to change the team. I'm aware of the pain accompanied with losing a genuinely good guy and a franchise cornerstone like Gerald Wallace. I understand that the Stephen Jackson-Shaun Livingston trade left the Bobcats with very few good scoring options. But the moves were necessary. When a team is mired in mediocrity and carrying the questionable contracts of Matt Carroll, DeSagana Diop, and now, Corey Maggette (I'm choosing not to mention Boris Diaw due to the expiring nature of his contract), it needs to make moves that look to the long-term, when its financial straits will be improved, and it will hopefully have a "core" to build around.

All of this will take time. As I stated, the Bobcats will likely struggle next year, and probably the following year as well. But the recent moves made by the Bobcats don't indicate a wish to immediately be a successful NBA team. They aren't intended to create a juggernaut in 2011 (season permitting), or 2012. The moves were made with 2013 and the long-term future of the team in mind. Because of the nature of these moves, a fan's mindset should mirror the likely outlook of the Bobcats' organization. It'll be a struggle, and there will almost certainly be moments when it's difficult to believe in a team that seems to resemble "the same-old Bobcats", but those moments should be coupled with an understanding of what could possibly lie in the future.

Sometimes it's easy to brush aside an unknown future because of fear, but the path of a small-market team's fan is rarely easy. If you choose to wait, the possibility firmly exists that your patience might finally be rewarded to an extent that you aren't accustomed to reaching. As fans, isn't the hint of that moment the reason we spend countless hours devoted to the mindless exercise of watching sports?

That moment may very well exist in the future of the Bobcats, but it must be coupled with the reasonable quality of patience.

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Comments

Our fan base wont start growing until we start winning. Even the die hard fans are suggesting sabbaticals bc of the losses (not just me). I love my team and hopefully our “blueprint” to rebuilding isnt one that mirrors another team’s to the T. We cant afford to take OKC’s model (I really dont think that is Cho’s ideal method, its just speculated). OKC is an expansion team that moved from one of the largest markets in the NBA (so they have two states still behind them). They had trade bait like Lewis, Murray and Allen. So I know rebuilding is a long drawn out process and Im not normally opposed to it but I am wary bc of the fact we lost a successful team in CLT already. So imagine how fast we could lose a unsuccessful one. With cities like STL, LV, KC and Vancouver lobbying for teams and having the money to buy out (esp Vegas and Van) our deal with CLT we cant afford to continue to lose. Its deeper than just the win-loss column. As far as the win-loss column, we NOW have the opportunity to revamp the whole team. It may hurt to part ways with some characters but a “fire sale” must be coupled with draft reliance in the Bobcats rebuilding. A large # of expiring contracts (as many as possible) heading into 2012-13 is something we could consider. It’ll be like the expansion draft all over again. Again players like Randy Foye, Kaman, Dooling, Delfino ect all have expiring contracts and along with piling on picks we should (THIS SEASON) be piling on expiring contracts…

by focuslja on Jul 9, 2011 10:20 AM EDT reply actions

The Bobcats arent going anywhere for 30 years at the least

No body is going to buy out are contract with the city. I hope you didnt just think that because of what Simmons said because he does not know what he is talking about. Why would a city pay 150 million dollars for the Bobcats when there are other teams that could possibly move. I think it is near impossible for us to be moved, I dont think that this will be a long rebuilding process.

by TS BOBCAT on Jul 9, 2011 11:17 AM EDT up reply actions

Diehard fans are suggesting sabbaticals?

The closest I’ve heard to that is diehard fans suggesting you not to expect this team to win and to look for the team to develop the young players this season. Frankly, the only person I’ve heard suggesting a “sabbatical” is you because the Bobcats offered Dante Cunningham a QO.

Also, Seattle was one of the largest markets in the NBA? How so?

by TheNoodleIncident on Jul 9, 2011 12:59 PM EDT up reply actions

Im not the only Bobcat fan that suggested it. Nor is this the only bobcats blog online…

by focuslja on Jul 9, 2011 5:17 PM EDT up reply actions

I just want to point out that

not everyone who visits bobcats blogs are hardcore fans. For example, myself. I watched about 2 games last year. I want the bobcats to win, I really do. I would just much rather watch college basketball. I’m hardly hardcore. But I make up for my lack of watching games by visiting bobcats sites to keep up with the info on the team. I’m sure I’m not the only one who does this. And considering I’m a casual fan — that means that it’s people like me who are most likely to say “Screw this, I’m going home” while the bobcats are losing. However, I’m not going to turn on them because who else am I going to cheer for in the NBA? Nobody, that’s who. I’m actually more likely to just quit watching the NBA altogether than I am to quit cheering for the bobcats.

by Tim Rudisill on Jul 9, 2011 6:21 PM EDT up reply actions

Nor is this isn’t the only Bobcats blog I read.

by TheNoodleIncident on Jul 9, 2011 8:12 PM EDT up reply actions

One of favorites basically closed down after we decided to sit Jackson

by focuslja on Jul 9, 2011 8:40 PM EDT up reply actions

Wow

Which one?

Bobcats Basketball is my only pro sports passion...

by andrewlail76 on Jul 9, 2011 10:09 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

Baseline…I used to go to them all the time

by focuslja on Jul 9, 2011 10:22 PM EDT up reply actions

Were you watching the games?

Jackson’s hamstring injury left him pretty much in a position where having him on the court was hurting more than helping the team.

I'm gonna live forever, I'm never gonna die. The only thing I fear is I'm never gonna fly.

by Charlotte Bobcat on Jul 10, 2011 1:09 PM EDT up reply actions

I didnt close the site down...

they did…

by focuslja on Jul 10, 2011 1:11 PM EDT up reply actions

Didn't say you did.

But if sitting an injured Jackson who could barely get up and down the court is good enough reason for them to stop supporting the Bobcats organization, then they were in the wrong line of business in the first place.

I'm gonna live forever, I'm never gonna die. The only thing I fear is I'm never gonna fly.

by Charlotte Bobcat on Jul 10, 2011 3:34 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs

Lol.

OKC is no where near “one of the largest markets in the NBA.” I know Ben pointed this out to you before, but you continue your “eyes wide shut” arguments, so it’s worth pointing out again. The Charlotte Bobcats are statistically a larger market than OKC.

by Panthers FTW on Jul 12, 2011 1:40 PM EDT up reply actions

Misread what you wrote, but the point still stands.

I doubt a bunch of Seattle fans can make the trek to OKC for it so often to make it matter oh so much to their revenue.

by Panthers FTW on Jul 12, 2011 1:41 PM EDT up reply actions

Even then, Seattle is about the 15th largets Metro area in the country.

But it’s irrelevant considering that most basketball fans in Seattle turned their backs on the NBA after Sonicsgate. Some turned into Blazers fans, others just stopped following the NBA and just pay attention to the UW Huskies.

The smarter you are, the more likely you are to be tripping balls at any given moment.
Bring Back Dre.

by gtbassett on Jul 13, 2011 2:51 PM EDT up reply actions

And alot still root for the Thunder...

by focuslja on Jul 13, 2011 5:54 PM EDT up reply actions

Just because they root for the Thunder does not mean they generate revenue.

So it makes your point moot.

by Panthers FTW on Jul 13, 2011 6:28 PM EDT up reply actions

Doesnt mean they dont…

by focuslja on Jul 13, 2011 6:30 PM EDT up reply actions

LOL

you are gonna argue your point no matter what. LOL. I respect that about you though

One thing i can do...................is FINGER ROLL.

by gunnin' gervin on Jul 13, 2011 10:07 PM EDT up reply actions

I certainly hope not

I didnt even read what Simmons said, I dont even know who he is. I just read the summary. But idk about 30yrs. LV would pay that 150mil quick. Getting them their first mainstream sports franchise would do even more wonders for that city. And if we take the OKC or multiple draft pick method of rebuilding, then it will take a long time. Had it not been for Durant, they wouldnt even be in the playoffs. They lucked up. But no the LV and Vancouver wanting a team has been out there since beginning of last season.

by focuslja on Jul 9, 2011 11:39 AM EDT reply actions

Yeah they could pay the 150 mil, but why? Thats bad buisiness

There are other franchises that are actually looking to move that they would not have to pay that much for. The Bobcats are not even thinking about relocation.

by TS BOBCAT on Jul 9, 2011 3:19 PM EDT up reply actions

The only team openly lookin for relocation is SAC (and they arent moving out of California) and NOH (which is NBA owned or about to be) and cant move to two cities…Im not saying they are gonna move in the next 3yrs but we better get it together…

by focuslja on Jul 9, 2011 5:21 PM EDT up reply actions

Trust me whether we suck or not

We arent going anywhere no city is that desperate that they are going to pay that money. Plus if LV wants a pro team so bad they can go into the NFL there are multiple teams looking to relocate.

by TS BOBCAT on Jul 9, 2011 5:41 PM EDT up reply actions

OK; I'll say it.

Doesn’t Cho kind of look like the winner of a Make a Wish Foundation raffle drawing above? I’m not making light of people in that category in the least, but I swear if I didn’t know who he was, that would’ve been my first guess after looking at that picture.

Also, I’m still (and may never be) sold on the theory that we will be NBA bottom feeders next season. The way I see it, we practically have an ENTIRELY brand new team after the last few roster changes. Who are any of us to say how all this newly acquired talent will mesh once they start playing games together? Who’s to say that Henderson, Augustin, Thomas, White, Cunningham, et. al aren’t * gasp * loafing on their sofas catching up on the Harry Potter movie franchise, but instead are in gyms working their ass off to get better? Everyone keeps pointing to our youth as a reason why we will suck, but no one is really considering that most of our guys have yet to even hit their athletic prime yet. There is plenty of room to grow on our roster!

I’ll go ahead and earn the title of village idiot (if my first comment didn’t already seal the deal) by predicting a regular season finish right around .500.

Finally, MJ is not moving the Bobcats. He owns a NBA team, which operates out of the state that he grew up in. I think it means everything to him that he finds a way to get this franchise to flourish IN Charlotte.

Newton for '11 ROY!
Walker for '11 ROY!
Biyombo for '11 DPOY!

by Newsinz on Jul 9, 2011 3:24 PM EDT reply actions

MJ seems like the type of guy

if the price is right, there’s no telling. If we had a successful franchise, then things may be different. Again I am not saying this is whats going to happen nor is it rumored. Im saying that with the economic state of the League and the money mind of MJ, nothing is impossible

by focuslja on Jul 9, 2011 5:28 PM EDT up reply actions

Newsinz...I like it, and I agree

Focus…If Jordan sustained 15-20 years of sustained losses…sure, the team MIGHT move, but more likely is that we are in the black in the next 3-5 years…

Bobcats Basketball is my only pro sports passion...

by andrewlail76 on Jul 9, 2011 10:12 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

By losses, I mean $$$

Bobcats Basketball is my only pro sports passion...

by andrewlail76 on Jul 9, 2011 10:13 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

You could be right, but I really don't want you to be right.

This is probably the wrong attitude to have about a team I love to watch, but I want them to suck.

by Panthers FTW on Jul 12, 2011 1:48 PM EDT up reply actions

I hope the team does suck so they can get a higher draft pick in this up coming draft. The worse the team is the better chance of getting the number 1 pick which could net the team a player with hella upside or a young player who has already established themselves as a good player by trading the pick.

One thing i can do...................is FINGER ROLL.

by gunnin' gervin on Jul 13, 2011 10:10 PM EDT up reply actions

Las Vegas is a small market

Y’all are talking like Las Vegas is some large market. With a population of around 400,000 they would have very few season ticket holders. I don’t think there is any chance of LV getting the Bobcats.

by FirstCat on Jul 9, 2011 4:33 PM EDT reply actions

Vancouver?

STL?

by focuslja on Jul 9, 2011 5:29 PM EDT up reply actions

Vancouver had grizzlies if i am not mistaken

and they moved to Memphis, i doubt they get another shot.

by km230015 on Jul 9, 2011 5:37 PM EDT up reply actions

Vancouver will never have another NBA team

I dont know why we are talking about this haha. The Bobcats are not going anywhere because no city is stupid enough to pay 150 mil just to get us out of the arena. Whenever there are other teams more likely to move

by TS BOBCAT on Jul 9, 2011 5:39 PM EDT up reply actions

Taking another Franchise out of the CHA area will not happen

How are those NO Hornets fairing financially with a playoff team?

by km230015 on Jul 9, 2011 5:42 PM EDT up reply actions

they did. And we had the Hornets. We are much smaller than Vancouver. Vancouver (or any Canada area) would love and profit more from having an NBA team. Now again Im not saying its likely but with the economic state of everything and our lack of success, its something that I am aware of bc even sucessful larger markets are struggling so its not impossible. We arent in the same day and age. I also feel that success is very important for us in the near future. But a major shakeup can stall. This is why I proposed us getting as many expiring contracts as possible so that the fans can be interested while we rebuild. Kinda like starting from scratch.

by focuslja on Jul 9, 2011 7:29 PM EDT up reply actions

much smaller.

Vancouver population – 578,041
Charlotte population – 731,424

by TheNoodleIncident on Jul 9, 2011 8:16 PM EDT up reply actions

You’re talking about city populations (which factors in)….but you also must look at the regions…just north is Wizards fans. Just south is ATL fans…Few miles west is MEM fans…we are surrounded by teams. Other than WAS (who still have a way better roster than us) those teams are pretty successful…Vancouver is surrounded by what basketball city? You have to look at that. Its ALL about Location…

by focuslja on Jul 9, 2011 8:35 PM EDT up reply actions

Yeah, because we all know how many diehard Wizards, Grizzlies, and Hawks fans live in Charlotte ........

My heart pumps no Kool-Aid

by Bring Back Primoz on Jul 9, 2011 8:45 PM EDT up reply actions

Not getting the point here

We dont bring fans from Miles around…Whereas Vancouver will bring fans from around the area bc they dont have any ball teams around. All of FLA has two teams total. POR has a whole area to please. We have a very small window and its probably more Celtics fans in NC than Bobcats

by focuslja on Jul 9, 2011 9:11 PM EDT up reply actions

I have to give it to you

You never seem to let facts get in the way of a good argument.

My heart pumps no Kool-Aid

by Bring Back Primoz on Jul 9, 2011 9:17 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs

LOL

So true with Greensboro. Vancouver lost the Grizzles due to piss poor fan participation and the free agents don’t like it there due to how much shit cost in Canada.

One thing i can do...................is FINGER ROLL.

by gunnin' gervin on Jul 10, 2011 9:29 PM EDT up reply actions

Why are you still arguing about this

Its not happening. The Bobcats are not going anywhere no matter how bad they get. We are going to be stuck with TWC arena for 30 years and no city is going to buy us out. So hope im not being rude but drop it, it isnt happening

by TS BOBCAT on Jul 9, 2011 9:26 PM EDT up reply actions

Come on...endless arguments are the lifeblood

That makes blog topics go on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on…..

Bobcats Basketball is my only pro sports passion...

by andrewlail76 on Jul 9, 2011 10:16 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

i ts not absurd to thing it possible

While for the average person 150 million dollars is something we can only imagine and will never reach. a city like Vancouver could easily pay 150 million. At this point I believe the Hornets will go to Mexico City.

by FirstCat on Jul 9, 2011 11:11 PM EDT reply actions

That seems unlikely.

I need no signature. My twitter name is @ConnorHuchton, if you're into that kind of thing.

by Connor Huchton on Jul 9, 2011 11:52 PM EDT up reply actions

Just because they can does not mean they will

Not only do the Bobcats have no plans to leave but as I keep saying why pay 150 mil to get this team when you wouldnt have to pay that much with another team. I know there are few NBA teams that are openly discussing about moving but neither are we yet here we are talking about it. This whole discussion seems like we are worrying over something that will never happen

by TS BOBCAT on Jul 10, 2011 1:35 AM EDT up reply actions

You have to factor in other things

You have to look at the cost to move. I doubt it would be a team cheaper to move. The fan support. We dont have much history and not really a successful one with what we do have so our fan support isnt as high as other struggling teams. And probably the bigger factor is the roster. A cheaper budget to pay the players. Plus the owner’s willingness to make a dollar.

by focuslja on Jul 10, 2011 10:58 AM EDT up reply actions

It's not happening anytime soon Focus.

I'm gonna live forever, I'm never gonna die. The only thing I fear is I'm never gonna fly.

by Charlotte Bobcat on Jul 10, 2011 1:14 PM EDT up reply actions

I know that...

i was making the point that its least likely to happen if we become successful… which we havent been…not saying win it all in a season. but if we plan on waiting for 2016-17 for a top 5 playoff spot, it increased its possibility by happen sooner than later…

by focuslja on Jul 10, 2011 1:18 PM EDT up reply actions

I agree.

I'm gonna live forever, I'm never gonna die. The only thing I fear is I'm never gonna fly.

by Charlotte Bobcat on Jul 10, 2011 3:35 PM EDT up reply actions

I think around 2014-2015 would probably be the goal, but this is all really just semantics.

I need no signature. My twitter name is @ConnorHuchton, if you're into that kind of thing.

by Connor Huchton on Jul 10, 2011 4:37 PM EDT up reply actions

$150 million

is half of what is needed to start your own expansion team. If I was Mexico City and I wanted an NBA team, I’d do a new expansion team. If you take over the Bobcats, what do you get? Very few fans would stick with them out of the very few they already have. It’s going to Mexico. Let’s be honest – there’s a lot of racism going about that would need to be factored in, plus the fact that this is ANOTHER team that’s ditching us. Nope – I just can’t see too many fans sticking with them. So you get a losing team without any fans. Yeah, I think I’d rather just start a new expansion team for Mexico to grow and cheer for.

by Tim Rudisill on Jul 10, 2011 11:23 AM EDT up reply actions

IF I was Mexico City

and we had our current Roster, I’d trade all the players except (Biyombo/Walker/Brown) for expiring contracts (Carter/Pietrus and Jamison) and picks. And start from scratch. I’d spend on a upper mid-tier player in FA (u kno, the ones I always promote: Marcus Thornton, )…a few lower players to fill in blanks (Greg Smith, Shawne Williams, Scottie Hopson, David Lighty: undrafted FAs )…wait for the draft (where I’d get a couple first rd picks/probably 4 if I take Carter and Jamison)…and start from there. Of course I’d go after a big name in next FA probably Howard, Bynum…If I dont get’em oh well both Lopez Bros will be FAs. Cheap young roster to build with…and cap space…

by focuslja on Jul 10, 2011 12:35 PM EDT up reply actions

Brooke Lopez isn't going to be a "cheap" free agent to build the roster with.

Marcus Thornton won’t either. Depending on how the new CBA turns out, he could be making a minimum of 6 million annually.

I'm gonna live forever, I'm never gonna die. The only thing I fear is I'm never gonna fly.

by Charlotte Bobcat on Jul 10, 2011 1:16 PM EDT up reply actions

If you have a roster of Expirings

Augustin, Jamison, Pietrus, Najera, White, Carroll, Vince…46mil in expiring. Then I wouldnt mind spending 6mil on a Thornton OR Chandler…Also picking up Scottie Hopson, Greg Smith, Matt Howard (2.5mil max total) and maybe a SF (Shawne Williams/Amp Parker/Mo Evan/Reggie Williams none would be over 2.5mil). And if I cant get a Lopez, I’ll still have Kwame and Greg Smith and if need be, draft one in the upcoming draft)…its a complicated process but its not impossible…

by focuslja on Jul 10, 2011 1:37 PM EDT up reply actions

To me, you're building a team with a pretty low ceiling

Most of the plans I’ve seen on here are building a team that could get us back in the playoffs quickly, maybe even next year. But they’re also filled with a roster that’s looking at a 7/8 seed as its ceiling. I don’t think this roster (or pretty much any other I’ve seen on here) as being better than the Felton/Jax/Wallace/Diaw/Chandler lineup. And if not, what is the point of rebuilding?

My heart pumps no Kool-Aid

by Bring Back Primoz on Jul 10, 2011 1:46 PM EDT up reply actions

its the first year: the mission is to eliminate all players from the roster other than Kemba/Biyombo and Kwame and build cap space/picks for 2012…look how long it took us to get that lineup…all the way up until last season…7yrs…to take Carter you may get a late 1st rd (depending on who you trade for him)…same thing with Jamison but u’d probably get a 2nd rd…So in when the FA 2012 starts you’ll have: Thornton, Walker, Biyombo, Brown (all 5 totalling 11mil)… A lottery pick (if its top 3: trade it to whoever has 2 top 20 picks and a player CLE/LAC/MIN)…plus you’ll have a pick from acquiring Vince. (3 1strds) and 2(2nd rds)…5 players in the draft.

Now lets say you get a top 3 and trade it for a 6 and 19 and still have the Vince 1st (which can be paired with the 19th to move up or for a player). According to Mock Drafts for 2012 (Draft Express)… you’ll get a choice of: Gilchrist, Rivers, Henson, T.Jones, Adonis Thomas, Lebryan Nash, Ezeli, Zeller, Lamb ect.

So you end up with so many options. Plus about 37mil in capspace (if you sign all the draft picks)…

PG: Kemba/ FA
SG: Thornton/Austin Rivers
SF: Adonis Thomas/ FA
PF: Biyombo/FA
C: Kwame/Ezeli

This is the roster is you decide not to keep the FA pickups from the previous season. Im sure some would be resigned..

Now the Free Agent Choices in 2012: Howard, Paul, KG, J.Terry, Dragic, C. Lee, Hibbert, Rush, Bynum, Mayo, CJ Miles, Beasley, Deron, Westbrook, Lopez, Nash, Batum, J.Thompson, Batum, Barbosa,

by focuslja on Jul 10, 2011 2:57 PM EDT up reply actions

Nobody is going to move in 2012

until Howard, Paul and Deron move…plus you still have to consider players who dont get drafted. And players who signed this year for one year contracts…Throw Beasley, Howard and Dragic or Augustin and keep Shawne or Reggie Williams from the previous season and guess what?

Kemba/Dragic
Thornton/Rivers
Adonis Thomas/Reggie Williams
Beasley/Biyombo
Howard/Kwame/Ezeli…

you still have about 8mil to fill out the roster to get even deeper (shooter PF and SG/SF combo player). Kwame is the oldest player at 30 and You have a championship squad out of the gate…maybe not a title in year 1 but year two its a def…

by focuslja on Jul 10, 2011 3:13 PM EDT up reply actions

I understand the logic

I just don’t think these moves are very logical for all teams involved. So Phoenix is going to trade us Carter, take back close to equal in salary, and give us a first round pick when they can just cut him for $4 million? Don’t think so.

Plus we already have 13 guys locked up for next season (assuming Kwame resigns) so we’re not going to be active. Most of these trade scenarios aren’t very plausible because we don’t have any assets to offer anyone other than our own draft picks. And I pray we don’t trade those away now or the FO will lose what little confidence the fans still have left.

My heart pumps no Kool-Aid

by Bring Back Primoz on Jul 10, 2011 3:33 PM EDT up reply actions

If we had a top 3 pick next year

and traded it for two top 20 picks, I’d cry. Considering the absolutely amazing class expected to come out next year, why would you trade away a potential superstar for two starters? It’s a lot easier to get a starter than it is to get a superstar.

by Tim Rudisill on Jul 10, 2011 8:17 PM EDT up reply actions

You're right, but it's not that easy to have a team full of expirings

when you have Diop, Maggette, and Carroll still on the roster.

I'm gonna live forever, I'm never gonna die. The only thing I fear is I'm never gonna fly.

by Charlotte Bobcat on Jul 10, 2011 3:36 PM EDT up reply actions

Ding ding ding

You get the magic prize! I just listed a full response in a separate thread so I won’t repeat it here but those 3 terds are impossible to move for expirings and/or draft picks. In fact, MJ may have to give up his first born son to move one of them.

My heart pumps no Kool-Aid

by Bring Back Primoz on Jul 10, 2011 3:46 PM EDT up reply actions

You dont have to move them all...

http://espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=67h3u5d

If the process of Buying Vince out was so easy, they wouldve done it already. Its more to it. But if they get Diaw (9mil) and take Carroll and Hendo. They get a future SG, a player that would be cheaper to buy out (carroll) and 9mil in expiring…

And the Cavs would benefit more from having a scorer like Maggette and a big like Tyrus to invest in…although they did draft Thompson. They could deal Thomas at the deadline or use him as a backup…

by focuslja on Jul 10, 2011 4:14 PM EDT up reply actions

Plus Cleveland has 15mil in trade exception money anyhow that they can use before the deadline…so taking Maggette and Tyrus wont hurt them at all…

by focuslja on Jul 10, 2011 4:17 PM EDT up reply actions

No way in hell Cleveland or Phoenix does that trade

First of all, Phoenix has a team option on Vince Carter. They can pay him $18 million for his final year or outright buy him out for less than $4 million. Yes, it is that easy. (And I’m fairly certain Cleveland’s trade exception has expired. It only lasts for 365 days)

So from Phoenix’s standpoint, why in the world would they pay Diop $14 million over 2 years and Diaw $9 million this year when they could just let Vince walk for under $4 million. Not gonna happen.

As for Cleveland, you really think they would trade away a $15 million expiring contract (and give away Sessions to boot) for the right to pay Maggette and Tyrus over $53 million for the remainder of their contracts? They would receive roughly 150 better offers than that for Jamison.

I am absolutely on board with your “collect as many expirings as possible plan” but I just don’t think we have the resources to pull it off. And with the scenario you just listed above, I’m beginning to think you’ve been riding around with Cunningham and Beasley a little too much. :)

My heart pumps no Kool-Aid

by Bring Back Primoz on Jul 10, 2011 9:05 PM EDT up reply actions

Just tryin to keep tha ball rolling...

I know some ideas suck…some are good. This idea was pretty good…the proposal for pulling it off, not so much…

by focuslja on Jul 10, 2011 9:12 PM EDT up reply actions

I feel ya

This lockout sucks the life out of a pretty fun time for NBA fans. As for the trade scenarios, it’s difficult to come up with realistic trade ideas that don’t blow because LB left us in a mess. I have an idea that I think Cleveland might bite on.

Charlotte gets Baron Davis
Cleveland gets Diop, Carroll, and Najera

We do it because we free up 2 rosters spots (aka, dumping 3 terds to get 1), get a player who is popular here and can contribute some points off the bench, and get a very useful expiring next year (better than individual expirings for Carroll and Diop IMO).

Cleveland gets rid of B-Diddy, something they’re desperate to do, and saves them about $4 million. They may be more tempted if we leave Najera out of the equation but I’m not sure the Cats would want to save Cleveland too much money.

This would be better if we could move DJ somewhere else for a pick/player and give Kemba the keys, with Diddy backing him up. Like I said, not a home run move for us but I don’t think we have any realistic home runs in our arsenal. But the Maggette/Davis expirings would be pretty sweet at the deadline in February 2013.

My heart pumps no Kool-Aid

by Bring Back Primoz on Jul 10, 2011 9:57 PM EDT up reply actions

I'll tell you what...

2013 free agency is looking pretty good…it just may be a lil more exciting than this one…If we could get Davis, we would have a whole lotta money comin off them books…but instead of moving the “turds”, I would include Tyrus too…that way when Davis and Maggette come off the books, we have some free reign over the future…I still think we get us a serviceable backup SG for the time being tho..Like BDiddy/Gee and a pick for Tyrus/Diop…I doubt CLE would take all three “turds”…

by focuslja on Jul 11, 2011 2:16 PM EDT up reply actions