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June 25, 2007
Suns' trade could limit Bobcats' options
The Phoenix Suns are working a deal, and if they pull it off, I suspect it will affect who’s available to the Charlotte Bobcats with the No. 8 pick.
The Suns have an audition today with Georgetown’s Jeff Green and Florida’s Corey Brewer and Joakim Noah. Phoenix has two picks in the 20s, and neither of those is high enough to get Green, Brewer or Noah.
So clearly the Suns are working a deal to move up – certainly into the top 10 and probably top seven. Why else would agents have their lottery picks converge on Phoenix the day before they fly to New York for the draft?
I’m guessing the Boston Celtics are Phoenix’s potential trade partner. The Celtics have the No. 5 pick and have offered it around. I hear there’s a division in Celtics management with Danny Ainge favoring Chinese pro Yi Jianlian and coach Doc Rivers preferring Green. The compromise would be trading the fifth pick for a veteran, and the Suns would part with Shawn Marion.
The Suns’ trade activity helps explain why Green turned down the option to work out for the Bobcats. It also adds to the mystery about who will be left when the Bobcats pick eighth.
A Western Conference scout who I greatly respect says there are only four locks to be gone when the Bobcats pick: Greg Oden, Kevin Durant, Al Horford and Mike Conley Jr. I bet Brewer and/or Green are gone, too.
That would be a shame, because Brewer’s defense could really help the Bobcats.
Posted by rbonnell on June 25, 2007 at 06:00 PM | Permalink
Comments
So that would mean we are probably looking at Thornton or Noah with the eighth pick? Ugh, don't particularly like either of those options.
Posted by: Brad | Jun 25, 2007 6:40:40 PM
Bonnell......the Celtics are not the trading partner.....Chad Ford of ESPN is saying that the Bobcats are the trading partner. The deal would be the 24 pick, ATL's 1st round pick next year, and Marcus Banks.
Posted by: Andy | Jun 25, 2007 8:50:07 PM
Phoenix moving up gives them like 3 picks in the top 7? It doesn't matter what team is picking.....they only can draft 1 player. It doesn't limit who is available anymore than if the Celtics keep the pick.....they are also looking at Brewer and Green. This blog makes no sense. The Bobcats will have either Brandan Wright, Brewer, Thornton, Nick Young, or trade the pick for Jason Richardson if Yi is available for GS
Posted by: Mark | Jun 25, 2007 8:59:22 PM
The 24, a No. 1 next year and Marcus Banks??? I'm sorry, but that would SUCK. Banks was a horrible acquisition for Phoenix -- I think he shot 17 percent on 3-pointers last year, and he still has four years left on his contract. Maybe if Phoenix also gives us the No. 29 pick, which would leave us with 22, 24 and 29. Then we could package two of those to move up into the teens for Nick Young or Rodney Stuckey. I could live with that.
Posted by: Brock Landers | Jun 26, 2007 12:11:30 AM
Mark... PHX will not have 3 picks in the top 7 if they trade up. They have none as of right now because ATL's pick was protected from PHX getting it if it was in the top 3. As of right now, PHX has no lottery pick.
Posted by: what? | Jun 26, 2007 12:25:19 AM
what? I was mocking Bonnell when I said that. Read my whole statement. Why would it matter which team was picking in front of us whether it be Boston or Phoenix? They both are targeting the same players. I was saying that it's not like the Suns would get 3 picks in front of us and take all the players we want. To me Bonnell's blog didn't make sense bc the Suns and Celtics/Twolves (trading partners) are interested in Brewer, Noah, Green, etc.
Posted by: Mark | Jun 26, 2007 12:30:43 AM
Well all I know is, since all that is suppose or might happen..All the Bobcats need to do, well Jordan needs to do is offer Chauncey what he wants since people say my boy aint no point(RF20).....put him at 2....then no trades for no body...okay got that bobcat world....then sign R. Lewis to a contract from Sonics, then no trades for nobody, got that...We dont give up nothing....just sign.....and then whom ever that come available in 8th and 22nd spot...Rudy Fernandez, Cory Brewer if we pray to GOD he'll be there..:)) but obviously one of the Gator boys or Al Thorton or Terrance Roberts or Arron Afflalo...It doesn't matter as you see.
G. Billups
G. R. Felton
G/F R. Lewis
F. S. May
C. Okafor..now you tell me that isnt an up and run starting line-up goin into training camp....then look at our bench..Our players wont tire or bomb out by the last 25 games. Get on it Bobcat staff!!!!!!::))) just a little bit...Get ready Bobcat world our time is soonly coming.
Posted by: Dee | Jun 26, 2007 1:36:50 AM
The Bobcats time is coming, but I don't think May will be a starter... and are you saying that we should let Wallace go?!?!? Even if we did get Billups and/or Lewis, I don't like that. WE NEED TO KEEP GW and if we don't get any free agent from a new team I think we will be fine. Start Felton, Carroll (resign him), Wallace, Okafor, Brezec (I think he will be much better next year w/o the fatigue factor). Then you have a bench including Herrmann, Morrison, May, and the #8 pick (although if it is Brewer or Noah they could start)
Posted by: Bobcats | Jun 26, 2007 2:40:58 AM
The bobcats are doing a good job of building a consistant team. With toughness and youth. I think the game is going to the young people anyways so getting a veteren super star is not neccessary. Jordan could do one senario:
jump on the KG trade wagon: sign Alan Anderson, gerald wallace and trade them and okafor for KG and Rashad McCants (and maybe ricky davis if the money is good): don't think it will happen though.
Thats just a thought that I had. But I like the team as it is, in the draft just grab another tough low post scorer and rebounder, then an athletic 3/4 and run run run. I like Noah matching with okafor or may, cause he will always respond aggresivly from the weak side. Very good team defender and on the ball defender for a 4. (oh and his father is some kind of tennis history serving wimbelton champion or something) There is true passion in that kid. For that 22nd pick we should grab that combo forward. something like al thorton or sean williams.
I think that would make the team stacked with players who are defensive minded first and still have the atheleticsm to score.
Posted by: T-Dub | Jun 26, 2007 3:16:14 AM
Rick,
Please do explain how a trade in front of the Bobcats really affects the team? Is the team that trades ahead of us going to pick some mystery player that only the Bobcats new about? Or are they going to be rewarded with multiple picks because they pulled off such a fine trade? Anyway you cut it, one of the same players is taken off the board. Am I wrong? Please stop wasting ink.
Posted by: Dave | Jun 26, 2007 7:41:28 AM
You guys are being way too hard on Rick here, he's providing us inside info and you guys instantly throw him under the bus. We asked for more pertinent info, now we get it, and you call him an idiot.
Thank you Rick for providing this, now obviously this would affect us because you know Brewer is probably #1 on our list, and if they're working him out, this means more than likely Yi will fall to us, where Golden State will want to trade, therefore we get J-Rich and take our big at 22, and hopefully get a second round pick as a throw-in from them and get a backup point guard so we can get rid of Brevin Knight. That's how it affects us, man.
Posted by: BobcatsPlanet | Jun 26, 2007 8:07:00 AM
This begs the question: does Rick really have the inside scoop when it comes to Bobcats basketball? When Ford is saying that the Cats are dealing their pick, and our lone local writer isn't talking about it, it makes you wonder.
Guys like Shaughnessy have made their careers by getting inside the minds of sports executives....Simmons interviewed David Stern last week...
Rick: we need you to get us the inside scoop! Where are the exclusive interviews with Jordan, Vincent, Economou? What is really going in here?
Charlotte hoops continues to get a bad rep...the NBA has it tough enough in the public eye...if this franchise is going to make the leap, it begins with the fans...and we need someone to be our voice in the papers and online. Is that you, Rick?
Posted by: Felton Fan | Jun 26, 2007 8:42:34 AM
Hey Fat Buddies! I have been silent and listening until something of substance came about. And BobcatsPlanet nailed it. That looks like a good deal for me and for the #22 pick I'll take Sean Williams. THE END!
HOLLAR
Posted by: Charlie White | Jun 26, 2007 8:53:31 AM
I hope Chad Ford is wrong. The trade as broken down above is no good for the Cats. In the deepest draft in years, we trade the eighth overall pick for Atlanta's pick NEXT year, a much lower pick this year, and freakin' Marcus Banks? Terrible. Now plug in Barbosa instead of Banks and it's a different story. If the Suns move into the top ten without giving up Marion or Barbosa, it would be a major coup for them. I do not see it happening. More likely, they'll move Marion to the Celts for the fifth pick IF Boston does not win the Kevin Garnett sweepstakes. WE do not need Garnett or Marion or Billups at this point in our development--these guys are in their prime and would be great additions to teams that might contend for a championship NOW. That is not us. We need to add younger guys to develop with our core. Rashard would be nice, but only if we can also sign Gerald Wallace, which should be top priority.
Our best play is to keep the pick, take whoever falls between Brewer and Noah at eight--maybe even Brandan Wright if he slips, as he seems to be. Then we take Morris Almond, Rudy Fernandez, or Benilli with the second pick. That would be a great draft for us and a major infusion of talent.
Although Jason Richardson is definitely intriguing, I personally hope that the Bobcats do not bite on the shiny baubles and trinkets other teams are using to lure away our eighth pick. Unlike a lot of people, I think Noah would be a great addition if Brewer is gone. I've got a feeling both will be gone when we pick, but that means somebody has to fall. Wouldn't be shocking to see Wright join Felton and May as part of our Tarheel connection, would it? Seems more and more a possibility each day...
Posted by: Dirk Diggler | Jun 26, 2007 9:08:31 AM
I love the idea of bringing J-Rich to Charlotte. That fills a 3-point threat at the two while also improving defense and athleticism in the line-up as well. If it's true that Golden State would trade him for the 8th pick then there is no question the Cats should pull the trigger. I also agree with many posts that resigning G Wallace has to be the top priority of the offseason for the Cats. I also like the idea of Sean Williams with the 22nd pick. This is a guy who averaged 5 blocks per game last year. He had 13 in one game! Imagine the running ability, quickness, steals and blocks that would come from this line-up:
PG: Ray-Ray
SG: J-Rich
SF: G-Force
PF: Emeka
C: S. Williams
Oh my GOD! And that doesn't even account for next years Sixth Man of the year Walter Herrman plus May, Carrol?, Morrison, Brezec, Knight and Anderson. The only big trades I would be really excited about would be for J-Rich or Ray Allen. I'll mention again, however, that Joel Pryzbilla is being squeezed out of the rotation in Portland and would be the perfect fit for this team (Rebounding and Shot-blocking without ever needing the ball on offense).
Posted by: BustaCat | Jun 26, 2007 10:18:07 AM
Hey i like what you are saying but you forgot one person off that pick and that is branden wright if he is there the bobcats will take him because he is young and people think he will be the next chris bosh but and that help on offense and defense but the bobcats can put weight on him this summer so if he is there you take him or brewer, but then again it would be hard to pass of noah but an the future you look who has the better offense wright defense Noah but hey wright lead the acc in blocks as a freshman and i will take wright because he is better all around
Posted by: dwyan Luckey | Jun 26, 2007 12:17:55 PM
Look for Philly to be a big player Thursday night. They have four picks between 12 and 38. No way will the coach want four rookies at the same time. They seem to be big on Noah. We could trade back from 8 to 12 and pick up #30 or #38 for our troubles. Then we could pick Nick Young, Sean Williams and an athletic combo forward type with the last pick. We'd fill a lot of holes there.
Posted by: Air Borden | Jun 26, 2007 12:49:58 PM
Oh, and as for Philly, 3 of their picks are in the first round, which means guaranteed contracts. They can always cut #38, but they have to guarantee money to the other three. The GM won't like that, especially since two of the three are after pick #20. No guarantee of a star, but guaranteed cash.
Posted by: Air Borden | Jun 26, 2007 12:52:16 PM
I agree bobcat world, Wallace is a must but what if he opts to go elsewhere, trading him for Richardson is fine.....he would do big time....I dont hear much about Glen davis(big baby), doesnt any like him or think he will be a nice player in the league...a baby shaq...remember he came back after playing in the final four and playin with Tyrus T and lost weight and learned how to be ready for the league, or Jared Dudley...ACC players are out there and can contribute quick and often with the system that Coach Vincent is going to run(ala dallas mavs)... Bobcat world we have options and I do think that we will be a surprise to many...cause we work hard....And I know I might get talked about for sayin this but I think if a team like dallas or lakers dont look at getting Artest then would Jordan take that chance with the young guys??...he practically coach Rodman...But guys we have a prosperous season ahead of us even with just one sign or sign and trade now...realization of drafting Noah isnt all that bad...hard worker...then May would have to step it up or out and I dont want to see that...cause once he gets it together he is a 15 10 guy...but its going to be based on what happens with Gerald...would Jordan take Rasheed???
Posted by: Dee | Jun 26, 2007 2:12:41 PM
but guys give rick a break...he's doing the best job he can do....but remember we have to be dicreet with this draft cause we will look back 5 years from now and look to this draft and decisions we have made...Lets wait and see (BW)bobcat world...wait and see...I have a good intuition that we wont be let down....when the decisions are made.....whoever the 12-15 man roster is going to be...they are all going to have to be ready to go and play and run hard and play hard nose defense. Our bench looks promising!!!!!!!!!! 6 or 7 spot here we come....:))))
Posted by: Dee | Jun 26, 2007 2:20:06 PM
We need to stay put where we are, resign Wallace, Carroll, and give Okafor his extension. We arent that far off. We need to draft offense, defense wasnt our problem last year. I dont see the point in overpaying Rashard Lewis, especially when Agent 0 is going opt out next season and become an unrestricted free agent.
Posted by: Eric | Jun 26, 2007 2:46:42 PM
We absolutely need to re-sign GW! I think if we trade for Richardson then that could mean Carroll will be left to sign elsewhere. I think Brewer and Noah are top prospects for us to pick, but Noah worries me because he has such a bizarre shot release. Brewer will be a good defender on the NBA level, he needs to bulk up though. I just wonder how he fits into the lineup when we have a good number of wing players now that Carroll and Herrmann have proved themselves.
Posted by: JR | Jun 26, 2007 3:42:54 PM
I just read where the Nets are interested in Sean May. I agree on resigning Gerald Wallace, but no one else. Dumping Matt Carroll is a must. He is not a bad player, don't get me wrong, but better talent is out there and I would attend more games with a better talented team to watch. The Bobcats have the most available salary cap to spend. Now would be the time to make the spalsh and sign some big name player. I do like Rashad Lewis. Try to keep GW at all cost. Keep raymond felton and adam and dump everyone else. Now is the time to rebuild
Posted by: Jordan | Jun 26, 2007 4:36:59 PM
Wait, did you seriously just say to keep Felton, Morrison, GW and dump everyone else? I disagree with that completely, but the obvious is WHAT ABOUT OKAFOR?!?!?! Are you crazy?
Also from ESPN.com:
"CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Bobcats forward Gerald Wallace will become an unrestricted free agent Sunday after deciding not to extend his contract for another season.
Wallace, who led Charlotte in scoring last season with 18.1 points a game, will explore all options, his agent, Rob Pelinka, said Tuesday.
Wallace made just over $5.5 million last season. He will likely command at least $10 million a season under a new contract that could run as long as six years.
Bobcats vice president of basketball operations Bernie Bickerstaff is expected to fly to Los Angeles to meet with Pelinka shortly after the negotiation period begins Sunday. New general manager Rod Higgins will also be involved in trying to lock up Wallace.
"Rod and Bernie have indicated to me and Gerald that re-signing him is a top priority for their franchise," Pelinka said. "Starting at midnight on July 1, Gerald and I will start evaluating his options and ultimately make a thoughtful decision on what his future will be.""
Posted by: JR | Jun 26, 2007 4:43:19 PM
i predict that the bobcats will select the best black player available. this will continue the hiring pattern of black gm, black managing partner, black owner, black coach, black asst. coach, black players, and a lot of orange empty seats.
Posted by: kevin | Jun 26, 2007 5:18:06 PM
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