Good Charlotte?, for Jamison it would be - Dallas-Mavs.com Forums

aexchange · 03-10-2004, 01:11 PM

By Marc Stein
ESPN.com

Antawn Jamison planned to build a big new house in his new city, then scrapped the plans.

It felt more right, he later explained, to plant those roots in his actual hometown.

"I'm going to build a house in Charlotte," Jamison said at the time, "because I know I'm going back there eventually."

Eventually?

Eventually, he might not just be going back to Charlotte for summers.

Jamison made the decision not to get too cozy in Dallas because his name started popping up in trade rumors about five minutes into his first season with the Mavericks. As most of the free world knows, Dallas was prepared to deal Jamison to Portland as the feature piece in a trade for Rasheed Wallace ... and 'Sheed's instantaneous defensive impact with Detroit should pretty much confirm why.

He's making Ben Wallace better, so it's no stretch to suggest that 'Sheed's presence in Dallas would have led to a noticeable improvement from a team that could stand to improve a tad defensively.

Onto the next trade scenario, then.

The next one in play for the North Carolina-ex could well involve the expansion Bobcats. Bernie Bickerstaff has made it clear that he isn't interested in absorbing veterans with long-term contracts in the expansion draft, but this potential swap is tied to the regular draft. The Mavericks have no intention of leaving Jamison unprotected, but don't be surprised if they offer the Charlotte native, who turns 28 in June, in exchange for the No. 4 overall pick.

Don't be surprised, furthermore, if the Bobcats strongly consider making the swap.

Golden State has already made the determination that Jamison is not a fully fledged franchise player, but the likelihood is Charlotte won't find one at No. 4 in this (or any modern-day) draft. As a former Tar Heel who's active in the Charlotte community -- and who's sure to put up numbers if you build an offense around him, especially in the East -- Jamison makes considerable sense for the Bobcats in their infancy. According to league sources, this Charlotte regime is very conscious of doing whatever is necessary to gain some distance from the messy legacy of the George Shinn era. Giving the locals daily access to Jamison would be a fine start, since it figures to be a while before they can give the locals a winning team.

The Bobcats' hesitation would stem from absorbing the bulk of Jamison's max contract, especially when they'll have a first-season salary ceiling that equates to 66 2/3 percent of the full salary cap. Jamison's $12,584,688 million salary next season would eat up roughly a third of that figure.

Jamison's community work in Charlotte makes him especially attractive for the Bobcats.
It also remains to be seen if the Mavericks will see someone they like enough at No. 4 to make a hard trade push. Draft experts aren't terribly optimistic, three months out, that there will be anything close to another Chris Bosh waiting at No. 4 this June.

Then again ...

Dallas is already well-acquainted with Kosta Perovic, the young Serbian center who -- if you believe Vlade Divac, Kosta's boss at Partizan Belgrade -- is a better prospect than Darko Milicic. Another possibility at No. 4 is Pavel Podkolzine, the mammoth Russian. Podkolzine is playing in Italy after pulling out of last June's draft at the 11th hour, and the 7-foot-5 center is apparently playing well. Well enough that there will be no need for second thoughts this time, because he's sure to go in the lottery.

Yet another possibility, of course, is that the Mavericks send Jamison to Charlotte for No. 4 and find a third team interested in the pick, to bring Dallas something it likes even better than a big youngster.

Jamison will be making his first trip to the playoffs in June, in his sixth NBA season. Dallas doesn't regret dealing Nick Van Exel for Jamison -- believing that it moved Van Exel at the height of his value -- but it must also concede that Jamison and Dirk Nowitzki haven't clicked much better than Nowitzki and Antoine Walker. Barring another long postseason run that's difficult to envision at the minute, it's a safe bet that the Mavericks will be re-exploring all their trade options as soon as their season ends.

There is considerable evidence to suggest that Jamison going to Charlotte for No. 4 -- as a former No. 4 overall pick himself, incidentally -- is a viable option ... although it must be noted that league rules preclude the Bobcats from so much as discussing potential trades with the other 29 teams before May 5.

Marc Stein is the senior NBA writer for ESPN.com. To e-mail him, click here. Also, click here to send a question for possible use on ESPNEWS.

grndmstr_c · 03-10-2004, 01:32 PM

Marc Stein isn't usually this stupid, is he? AJ and Dirk aren't clicking any better than Dirk and Walker?!?!?!?!?!? Are you kidding me?

MightyToine · 03-10-2004, 01:37 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by: grndmstr_c
Marc Stein isn't usually this stupid, is he? AJ and Dirk aren't clicking any better than Dirk and Walker?!?!?!?!?!? Are you kidding me?

Just what the hell is THAT supposed to mean, Marc??

Dirk was ready to KILL Walker two nights ago against the Suns....If you call that "CLICKING", I think you need a lobotomy.

mavs413 · 03-10-2004, 01:59 PM

Would any of you trade Jamison for Andre Iguodala? Because thats who would be the best available player in the draft at #4.

OutletPass · 03-10-2004, 02:09 PM

There's no real consensus whatsoever as to who the best players immediately after Okafor and Howard...a short review of different websites will also give you Pavel Podkolzine, Shaun Livingston, Andris Bidirins, Matynas Andriuskevicius, or Kosta Perovic at that spot...so it's a difficult question. I might go for a big man project if they were good enough, but I like the idea of peddling the #4 for an established veteran center.

dalmations202 · 03-10-2004, 02:15 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by: OutletPass
There's no real consensus whatsoever as to who the best players immediately after Okafor and Howard...a short review of different websites will also give you Pavel Podkolzine, Shaun Livingston, Andris Bidirins, Matynas Andriuskevicius, or Kosta Perovic at that spot...so it's a difficult question. I might go for a big man project if they were good enough, but I like the idea of peddling the #4 for an established veteran center.

OP,
Jamison to Charlotte for the #4 to ? ? ? for who ? ? ?

Who are you thinking of?

jayC · 03-10-2004, 02:24 PM

Dampier and the sorts of other centers aren't good enough to make a considerable difference to this team. Maybe in the draft we can find our big man. Jamison in the east could probably carry a team to the playoffs. Im not that interested in bringin another forward along like martin or Wallace. Thats our problem to begin with. Walker is too slow to play small forward, and Jamison is too much of a tweener to play small forward or power forward. If the mavs get beat in the first round, I could see the mavs making the move.

mavs413 · 03-10-2004, 02:26 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by: OutletPass
There's no real consensus whatsoever as to who the best players immediately after Okafor and Howard...a short review of different websites will also give you Pavel Podkolzine, Shaun Livingston, Andris Bidirins, Matynas Andriuskevicius, or Kosta Perovic at that spot...so it's a difficult question. I might go for a big man project if they were good enough, but I like the idea of peddling the #4 for an established veteran center.

Andre is the second best College player behind Okafor in the draft. Anybody who has seen him play can not argue that.
After the 'Next Amare', 'Next Ben Wallace', and 'Next Michael Finley', there is Iguodala, probably the best defensive player I have ever seen at the college level.

dalmations202 · 03-10-2004, 03:05 PM

If the 7'5" Russian is available when I draft, I would have to take him in hopes that he would become the next Shaq or Sabonis. "IF" he reaches his potential, you have the dominant player that Shaq is now. I do realize that he is raw now though, but his offense seems to be his problem, and Dallas isn't too worried about offense right now.

ddh33 · 03-10-2004, 03:18 PM

Jamison is not my concern. I think he's the kind of guy who can get you 20 without ever having a play called for him, but if you have read any of my posts, then you may gather the impression that I don't believe Jamison is the best fit playing beside Dirk. He's a better fit than Walker, no doubt. But I would still like to have someone with a little more ballhandling and shooting range beside Dirk. Personally, I love Jamison and hope that he can stay here. I'm just not sure that is what is best for this fanchise. We'll see...

I am interested to see what will be available when draft time rolls around. The Perovic kid interests me a little. I know Vlade is partial to him, but he knows basketball too.

But before anyone even thinks about moving Jamison, Walker needs to be sent packing!

grndmstr_c · 03-10-2004, 03:31 PM

Quote:

But before anyone even thinks about moving Jamison, Walker needs to be sent packing!

Yeah. This is the thing. Figuring out what to do with Walker is priority number one because he's the piece that doesn't fit. As I see it there are two things this team needs: 1) shooters, or, at least they need their young guys (JHo and Marquis) to learn to shoot. Our only legit three point threats right now are the Big 3. We need at least one more guy with reliable (35%+) three point range, IMO. 2) A atarting caliber center. Duh.
I'd like to see the Mavs do their best to satisfy these needs by trading Walker in the summer. After that's taken care of, they can look at the draft to see if a trade of AJ makes sense.

dashthemavfan13 · 03-10-2004, 03:32 PM

If we did do that trade, and aquired the #4 pick, couldn't we potentially say to the team that has the #1 or #2 pick, we will give you the #4 and our pick next year. I think that could possibly bite, and we could draft either Emeka Okafor or Dwight Howard.

OutletPass · 03-10-2004, 03:53 PM

Quote:

But before anyone even thinks about moving Jamison, Walker needs to be sent packing!

--Totally agree, I was just responding to the scenario posed by Marc Stein at ESPN.

To tell the truth, it's going to be a very interesting summer...and I'm afraid that a lot of quick decisions are going to have to be made on the fly...a lot of factors are going to come into play....we've got the draft, the expansion draft, Kobe's situation in Court, opt outs by a number of players, and on and on and on...those who can respond most creatively to fluid situations will be poise to reap some real benefits. TO me, the Mavs front office seems to do very well in those situations. That's a plus for our team.

I have no overriding desire to move Jamison at all. I've always liked the fact that he brings us that inside junkball game that's so different from our outside shooters.

MightyToine · 03-10-2004, 04:11 PM

What if our worst nightmare comes true, OP?

What if Cuban decides to keep Walker?? [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-shocked.gif[/img]

That would be INSANE! (unless Walker absolutely goes All-World on us in the playoffs or some crazy sh*t)

OutletPass · 03-10-2004, 04:20 PM

Quote:

(unless Walker absolutely goes All-World on us in the playoffs or some crazy sh*t

MT, you need to go to a WA meeting, young friend. A good 12 step program might do you a world of good !! [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]

ddh33 · 03-10-2004, 04:53 PM

Again, OP, you and I agree. I like what Jamison brings to this team. I don't want to move him out just because this team is fundamentally flawed. I believe that the desired result that we want can be acheived in the right kind of Antoine Walker trade. We'll see...

At this point, I see no way Walker returns next season. I didn't before this latest outburst, but now his fate has been sealed, in my mind. I think if Walker goes All-Word in the playoffs, then it just means his trade value is higher...He's gone though...

The Jamison to Charlotte deal makes some sense for Charlotte, but I can't help but think that this won't happen. As the article mentioned, that's a lot of coin tied up in one guy who has already proven to be unworthy of being a foundational piece. Jamison is best in a system where he allowed to be a "super" role player who is able to get you 20 every night with ease. With Charlotte's hesitation to take on that salary (I suppose), and the Mavs desire to win now (and not wait on a rookie) and not completely blow up the team again, I find this deal a little hard to believe AT THIS POINT. Sure, it makes some sense and may be revisited at a later time, but there are a lot of things up in the air to get too worked up about this right now.

Nicky31 · 03-10-2004, 05:38 PM

I wish the Bobcatt's really wanted Walker for trade bait next season, but their idea in theory is correct getting someone who is really active in the community and is a native will do more for them recreating a fan base in NC.

Now after this whole recent Walker drama scene as a fan made me angry because we have Jamison fighting for minutes willing to come off the bench..

So with that in mind I would hold off on all talks that don't include Walker into the deal...

OutletPass · 03-10-2004, 06:47 PM

Quote:

As the article mentioned, that's a lot of coin tied up in one guy who has already proven to be unworthy of being a foundational piece.

Sure it is ddh, no question about that...but consider a few things in comparison to Mavs' history:

1) Charlotte has already had a franchise that failed. So the initial excitement of NBA ball isn't going to be as high as it was here in Dallas when we got the Mavs. Jamison, as an established player, may well help put butts in seats.

2) A lot of people think that this franchise started with Aguirre and Blackman. But it didn't. Here's a list of the guys we got in our expansion draft...Del Beshore (Chicago), Winford Boynes (New Jersey), Alonzo Bradley (Houston), Mike Bratz (Phoenix), Marty Byrnes (LA Lakers), Austin Carr (Cleveland), Jim Cleamons (Washington), Terry Duerod (Detroit), Jack Givens (Atlanta), Joe Hassett (Indiana), Geoff Huston (New York), Abdul Jeelani (Portland), Jeff Judkins (Boston), Arvid Kramer (Denver), Tom LaGarde (Seattle), Billy McKinney (Kansas City), Wiley Peck (San Antonio), Bingo Smith (San Diego), Jim Spanarkel (Philadelphia), Raymond Townsend (Golden State), Richard Washington (Milwaukee), Jerome Whitehead (Utah)...see any BIG NAME draws there ? Carr, Lagarde, Spanarkel, Jeelani and a few others played ok, but there were no DRAWING CARDS in that group. It seems to me that Charlotte may need one...

3) The Mavs first (regualar draft in 1980 produced the following: #11 Kiki Vandeweghe (1st round), #34 Roosevelt Bouie (2nd round), #57 David Britton (3rd round), #80 David Johnson (4th round)
#103 Darrell Allums (5th round), #126 Leroy Jackson (6th round), #149 Tony Forch (7th round)
#169 Clarence Kea (8th round), #189 Ken Williams (9th round), #206 Tom Morgan (10th round). Well we all know that Kiki refused to play here and we got absolutely zero out of this draft. With the "experts" calling this a weak draft, Charlotte may not get a whole lot out of their #11 either. Add it all up and you've got a pretty ugly team in an area that has already had a failed franchise...and again, that's what makes the trade at least half plausible.

So we're through the '05 season with a group that's very similar. And the Bobcats finish last and have the very first pick in the draft...here's how the Mavs did in their second draft: #1 Mark Aguirre (1st round), #9 Rolando Blackman (1st round), #24 Jay Vincent (2nd round), #43 Elston Turner (2nd round). The Mavs got VERY lucky and hit on all 4 picks. Vincent had a very nice but short career...and Elston Turner was a pretty decent player, too. Now, just stop and compare that to current daydrafts....there are very few guys who went to 4 years of college, and it's filled with a lot of high school kids and long term European projects...the following year's draft turned out to be a real downer for the Mavs...and this is the sort of thing that could happen to Charlotte, even in the first year. #4 Bill Garnett (1st round), #50 Corny Thompson (3rd round).

Now, we're through the '07 season in Charlotte...and Jamison has a player option that summer and one more year on his contract. He becomes the infamous "expiring" contranct at this point...and here's the Mavs 3rd draft... #9 Dale Ellis (1st round), #11 Derek Harper (1st round), #30 Mark West (2nd round)...The first group (Aguirre, Blackman, etc) are getting ready to go into their 3rd season and 2 more good rookies come in...things are starting to look good and the area fans have someone to really identify with now.

Two points:
a) I think that the draft is an even more uncertain way to build these days given the youth and inexperience of a lot of the players...so many are just projects. It's equally easy to run into a bad pick here and there. It's pretty far fetched, too, to think that Charlotte is going to get 2 or 3 REALLY good players out of the expansion draft at a decent cost. It just doesn't work that way.
b) I doubt that big time FA's IN THEIR PRIME are going to want to go to an expansion team.

Now, just add that to the fact that Charlotte has already had a failed franchise and it's possible to come up with the idea that Charlotte may need an established "drawing card" more than any expansion team in recent memory.

If this exercise in Mavs history has been a help for any of our newer or younger fans, then it's served a second purpose !

(And, honestly, I just wanted to talk about something besides #8 )

ddh33 · 03-10-2004, 09:43 PM

Wow. That was some in-depth stuff there.

You've got me thinking that Charlotte may consider it more than I originally thought. I mean, I know that I would do that deal, but I don't have to write the checks in Charlotte, and I didn't think they would do something like that.

As for whether or not Dallas would make that trade, I would just have to wait and see what was available.

Dirkenstien · 03-10-2004, 10:52 PM

I really hope we do this

dalmations202 · 03-11-2004, 08:40 AM

I would consider doing it, but not sure I would pull the trigger. A project at #4 might not be as good as the establised Jamison. I like his game. Of course, who is available at #4, and what other changes have been made? ? ?

MightyToine · 03-11-2004, 09:07 AM

Here's my 12-step program, OP :

1.) #8

2.) #8

3.) #8

4.) #8

5.) #8

6.) #8

7.) #8

8.) the number that comes after 7. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]

Nicky31 · 03-11-2004, 10:07 AM

I agree with you OP...

If this was last season's draft, and they had several top picks they would have been fools to trade someone like Carmelo or Lebron would have been the perfect player to bulid around.

Is the number 4 pick the only lottery pick they own? Why didn't the league grant them a number 1 pick overall for a starting franchise it seems only fair?

Drbio · 03-11-2004, 02:20 PM

MT has 1872 posts as I write this......only 1-2 of those posts were worth reading. The rest of them state teh same damn thing over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-mad.gif[/img]

Dirkenstien · 03-11-2004, 02:45 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by: Nicky31
I agree with you OP...

If this was last season's draft, and they had several top picks they would have been fools to trade someone like Carmelo or Lebron would have been the perfect player to bulid around.

Is the number 4 pick the only lottery pick they own? Why didn't the league grant them a number 1 pick overall for a starting franchise it seems only fair?

Pavel has drawn many comparisons with Yao in terms of fluidity and coordination... at 7-5 300 pounds he could truly be a force. I think he'll come into work outs this offseason and wow everyone even more with how much better he has gotten. I havent gotten to see him play so far this year but have read many good things

Speedy · 03-11-2004, 03:04 PM

Quote:

Yet another possibility, of course, is that the Mavericks send Jamison to Charlotte for No. 4 and find a third team interested in the pick, to bring Dallas something it likes even better than a big youngster.

I kinda like that idea. Now if Dallas packaged that pick and Walker together, that would be a very attractive offer to a rebuilding team.

dalmations202 · 03-11-2004, 04:07 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by: Speedy

Quote:

Yet another possibility, of course, is that the Mavericks send Jamison to Charlotte for No. 4 and find a third team interested in the pick, to bring Dallas something it likes even better than a big youngster.

I kinda like that idea. Now if Dallas packaged that pick and Walker together, that would be a very attractive offer to a rebuilding team.

What do you think you could get for the #4 and Walker? ? Give me an example.

OutletPass · 03-11-2004, 04:17 PM

dal202...one never knows...that's going to depend on all sorts of factors...

But let me just throw this one out...and it's total speculation to illustrate a point.

Let's say that Kobe does leave the Lakers (involuntarily or voluntarily) and either Payton or Malone (or both) decide not to resign...that leaves Shaq sitting there alone...iff you were LA, would you trade Shaq for the biggest package that you could (expiring contracts and young picks) or try to surround Shaq with some role players ?

I don't have the answer to that, but it's just an illustration of how crazy things could get this year.

Another scenario, if Rasheed Wallace has a change of heart and decides to stay in Detroit, who will Detroit be forced to dump...Darko, Okur, or even Ben Wallace ?

That's why I say...one never knows. We could be in for some very unexpected things....

or not...

grndmstr_c · 03-11-2004, 04:17 PM

Considering that would be basically packaging AJ and Walker from our end, we'd have to get one heck of a good return on that investment. I'm talking bonafide, in or just entering his prime, Top 10 player who fits a need, eg., Jermaine O'Neal.

dalmations202 · 03-11-2004, 04:39 PM

I just don't think you would get Shaq, TD, KG, JO, Kidd, Kobe, TMac, Yao, or even Vinsanity. I like the Shaq idea, but don't really think it would happen.

I am not sure that would be the way to go, but I would be open to it, if the players were "right".

Speedy · 03-11-2004, 04:46 PM

Dalm, it's pretty difficult to say. Like alot of other people, I'm not in a hurry to get rid of AJ. I was mostly referring to a rebuilding team being more interested in AW(contract)+#4 pick than AW by himself or AW+AJ. Okafor would be the only player, imo, that could come in and right away 1) fill a big need 2) contribute, but he'll be gone before the 4th pick.

On the topic of who they could get? Maybe a Chandler or a Curry depending on what they want in a center. As you know, unexpected and crazy things can happen in the off-season and with the draft. Teams change their minds all of the time as to what direction they want to go in and as to what other teams are offering, like Phoenix this year.

What are your thoughts?

Speedy · 03-11-2004, 04:49 PM

Sorry about the slow post. I got a call in the middle of my typing.

dalmations202 · 03-11-2004, 05:04 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by: Speedy
Dalm, it's pretty difficult to say. Like alot of other people, I'm not in a hurry to get rid of AJ. I was mostly referring to a rebuilding team being more interested in AW(contract)+#4 pick than AW by himself or AW+AJ. Okafor would be the only player, imo, that could come in and right away 1) fill a big need 2) contribute, but he'll be gone before the 4th pick.

On the topic of who they could get? Maybe a Chandler or a Curry depending on what they want in a center. As you know, unexpected and crazy things can happen in the off-season and with the draft. Teams change their minds all of the time as to what direction they want to go in and as to what other teams are offering, like Phoenix this year.

What are your thoughts?

It is difficult to say as well. I don't think Chandler or Curry are worth the #4. And definately not worth the #4 and Walker. I haven't figured out what the Mavs would want the #4 for. If they do get it, I hope they get either the Serbian that Vlade likes, or the big Russian. A developmental Big Man with huge upside if he pans out would be nice.

My personal "GM for the Day" offseason move would be to trade Walker to Denver for Camby, Anderson, and Jon Barry. Barry and Anderson would have to be Sign and Trades (FA), and Camby can opt out, and be a sign and trade as well (to make the #'s work). Three ROLE players that could fit nicely, and defer their offense to the Big 3 and Jamison (if he is still here).

Speedy · 03-11-2004, 05:27 PM

Dalm, I don't think Denver would give up both Camby and Anderson, but you never know. I do agree about your idea on three solid role players though.

I don't think AW+#4 is worth Chandler or Curry either, but maybe for one of those guys+the right package of players+pick/picks would be. Not to mention you could involve a third team. It's hard to single out a certain scenario, but there are many possibilities.

dalmations202 · 03-11-2004, 05:36 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by: Speedy
Dalm, I don't think Denver would give up both Camby and Anderson, but you never know. I do agree about your idea on three solid role players though.

I don't think AW+#4 is worth Chandler or Curry either, but maybe for one of those guys+the right package of players+pick/picks would be. Not to mention you could involve a third team. It's hard to single out a certain scenario, but there are many possibilities.

It would take all of them to get close to the #s though. I am not sure they would really want Walker, but from their perspective of Anderson and Barry being just FA, and Camby possibly opting out to be a FA, the acquisition of Walker might be a good thing...maybe. I really think he and Carmelo are basically the same player, and it would just muck things up for them, but who knows? I still like the trade from Dallas's perspective, and it does send talent to Denver for it.

As for the #4 then, I have no idea outside of the Big men that I have heard about, and of course Okafor and Howard.

OutletPass · 03-12-2004, 09:44 PM

Quote:

I like the Shaq idea, but don't really think it would happen.

Daalm202...as I noted, it wasn't really my idea...just idle speculation about the crazy things that might happen this year. I just think that we're in for a very odd summer...where "up is down" and "down is up". There are some strange scenarios with a number of teams. In addition to the Lakers and Detroit, we might see some odd things out of New Jersey, the Clippers, Seattle, and about 3 or 4 other teams that I can think of.

Hold on to your hat, we might be in for a wild ride.

dalmations202 · 03-13-2004, 10:18 AM

OP,
It's all speculation till Mark makes it official anyway (on any move), so keep it up. I love questioning moves that might make the Mavs better. I also like to read other's opinion, whether I agree/disagree with it.

Now, since the Shaq thing wasn't your "idea", what is your "idea" that would improve the Mavs in the offseason (whether they win it all this year, or go out in the first round).

steponhens · 03-13-2004, 01:43 PM

I would do this trade for the Mav's. My personal top four prospects for this draft are:
1) Dwight Howard
2) Emeka Okafor
3) Pavel
4) Luol Deng

I believe all of these people would fit this team better than Jamison. The top three are all big men and I would love to get one. And if Deng were the only one left I would still be overjoyed. It would give Nelson someone who can run the point forward, thus giving him no reason to keep Walker, who will be their most valuable trading peice next season.

Even though I want to win now, we have a bright future as well with our young players(Howard, Daniels), and want the Mav's success to continue for a lot longer. And Dirk still hasn't even hit his prime yet, so getting a young player can help us now, and help us be even stronger in the future.

In five years a team of Pavel, Dirk, Howard, and Daniels is one I would not want to face. Plus if we get Pavel, just due to his size would be able to help out at center for 5-10 minutes a game, and could bang with Shaq and slow him down a little bit. Two players 7'5'' or taller is definately a luxury in the NBA.

It's obvious (I think) this team right now is not going to win anything. Our biggest need is a big man who can play defense and block some shots. In this draft three of the top five prospects fit that mold. The worst defensive big man at the top is Howard, and he is almost a lock to go number one. If Pavel or Okafor drop to four the Mav's would instantly upgrade their interior defense and would increase options to trade Walker for. To me it's a no brainer trade for the Mav's to do this.

Misfit Mav · 03-13-2004, 09:15 PM

This is a great thread. Very good discusion. I hate to say, but given our play of late, I have been thinking more and more about the off-season.

Quote:

Originally posted by: Speedy
Dalm, it's pretty difficult to say. Like alot of other people, I'm not in a hurry to get rid of AJ. I was mostly referring to a rebuilding team being more interested in AW(contract)+#4 pick than AW by himself or AW+AJ. Okafor would be the only player, imo, that could come in and right away 1) fill a big need 2) contribute, but he'll be gone before the 4th pick.

On the topic of who they could get? Maybe a Chandler or a Curry depending on what they want in a center. As you know, unexpected and crazy things can happen in the off-season and with the draft. Teams change their minds all of the time as to what direction they want to go in and as to what other teams are offering, like Phoenix this year.

What are your thoughts?

I wanted to give an opinion on this point: I think a trade for Curry or Chandler would be very do-able and probably in the best interests of both the Mavs and Chicago. Chicago GM Paxson has made some recent comments about changing the direction of the team and staying away from high-schoolers (at least in the upcoming draft.) I know Chandler is out of favor there. Walker would be great for the Bulls: he is from Chicago, and could shoulder a lot of the offensive load, which he clearly wants to do. Also, he helps them cut salary if he doesn't work out. I think we could do the following trade:

Dallas Trades:

Antoine Walker

Chicago Trades:

Tyson Chandler
Antonio Davis
Jamal Crawford

This would give us a starting center, who is already a good defensive role-player, which is exactly what we need. I think he will turn out to be like a better version of Marcus Camby. He will give us shot-blocking, rebounding, and some inside scoring. Davis is in for salary reasons but could be a good back-up at the power forward spot. Jamal Crawford could be huge for us coming off the bench behind Nash and Fin.

We would also still have the MLE to use on Ostertag, which I think would give us an excellent center rotation. The line-up would look like this:

Tyson Chandler / Ostertag / Bradley
Dirk / Jamison / Antonio Davis
Howard / Jamison
Fin / Crawford
Nash / Crawford

With Chandler, Tag, and Howard we could finally play some solid man-to-man D, we have an excellent back-up point, and a renewed focus on the big three.

dalmations202 · 03-14-2004, 10:09 AM

I could live with this trade for sure. It strengthens their weakness at the 5, and gives them Crawford. I would actually try to package Crawford for one of the Barry's or NVE, but your trade works for me. In fact if it were Walker, for Curry, Chandler, and filler, I would go for it as well. But, I don't see Paxson giving up on Chandler just yet. Who knows, maybe.