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June 12, 2008
More draft chatter
Danilo Gallinari’s first trip to the United States involved playing a basketball tournament in Charlotte in 2004.
It’s probably a safe bet his next trip to Charlotte won’t be as the Bobcats’ first-round pick.
Gallinari, a 19-year-old Italian pro, indicated to reporters in New Jersey Thursday that he might not want to play NBA ball for a team outside the New York City metropolitan area. That would mean the Nets or New York Knicks.
That confirms a report by Ian Thomsen on si.com.
Gallinari would have some leverage over this: He’s young enough that he could still pull out of the draft (Monday is the deadline) or he could simply continue playing in Italy if he doesn’t like the team that drafts him.
I doubt this is a big deal for the Bobcats. A jump-shooting small forward is far from their greatest need and International players haven’t been central to their building plans.
-- I’m told UCLA’s Kevin Love never was scheduled to audition for the Bobcats, one more indication he thinks he’ll be gone before the Bobcats pick ninth. Love cancelled a workout with the Nets, drafting 10th.
Posted by rbonnell on June 12, 2008 at 04:49 PM | Permalink
Comments
Is this supposed to be a haiku the way it is written?
Posted by: LeeL | Jun 12, 2008 5:35:49 PM
I like the idea of getting another (a better) point and I think there will be three options available at #9 that will suffice- Augustin, Lawson, and Chalmers. I haven't heard a lot about Chalmers (was anyone watching the Final Four?) but his stats are awesome. We could even trade down to get him.
As far as picking up a power forward, the key is getting a rebounder that can spread the floor. I'm still hoping that May can do that eventually (waiting for everyone to slam me on that one) but I'm more excited about the possibilities of signing Antawn Jamison. He'd be a great fit for this team, someone who can guard perimeter bigs, stretch the floor on offense and rebound. We'd have to take care of the Okafor situation before making a move like that but that would give us a really nice starting five.
Also, while Felton may not be the solution at the point, he would be a great combo-guard backup (ala Monta Ellis or Louis Williams)
Posted by: BustaCat | Jun 12, 2008 5:52:34 PM
At #9 we should be looking at Anthony Randolph and Russell Westbrook.
Kevin Love will be long gone by the ninth pick and honestly who gives half a crap about Galinarri... I'll pass.
If you want to see why we should pick Randolph then click --> http://www.bobcatsplanet.com/vb/showthread.php?t=7068
If he is off the board, the Westbrook should be or guy and this is why --> http://www.bobcatsplanet.com/vb/showthread.php?t=7024
Posted by: bobcatsplanet | Jun 12, 2008 6:10:06 PM
Yeah, I think it's supposed to be some sort of poem. The way this guy writes, I just picture him talking like a combination of Bill Walton and Daryl Waltrip.
As for what he had to say: Okay, that doesn't mean anything since Yi pulled the same thing last year with Milwaukee. Speaking of Yi, I know he was way disappointing last year but why don't the Bobcats offer up Morrison and a second rounder for the 19 year old, who wants out of Milwaukee. We'd be upgrading in size and certainly not downgrading in shooting or athletisism. Teach the 7 footer to do some pick and rolls with Richardson and Wallace and get him at the three point line for a kick out pass. Certainly Yi wouldn't start, but he might be solid off the bench in Charlotte.
Posted by: Nick | Jun 12, 2008 6:10:27 PM
Nick, The problem with that is he wants out of Milwuakee for the same reason he wouldn't want to come to Charlotte. He doesn't want to play for a small market team, which we are. Besides, I don't think we should give up a player and a second rounder unless we are getting a starter in return. Draft Randolph and get a backup pg through 2nd rd or free agency and we'll be ok.
Posted by: Eric | Jun 12, 2008 6:47:52 PM
True, true. I'm just saying giving up Morrison would be a good thing. Maybe I'm wrong but I think he's awful and would rather see Carroll or Dudley on the court over him. Possibly instead of using a 2nd rounder maybe we could sign Keyon Dooling or someone like that. I agree with taking Randolph at the 9 pick.
Posted by: Nick | Jun 12, 2008 8:13:44 PM
so word is leaking that miami is not happy with the bulls taking rose and leaving them with beasley(riley is not a fan of him according to some draft sites) they would resort to a "plan b" of sorts and attempt to trade down to draft mayo because of this.mayo will go no further then 5, which means that miami's takers for the 2 spot are minny, seattle/okc, or memphis. minny needs a center so they will take lopez, so they are out(and they would not trade up one spot to get beasley)which leaves seattle/okc and memphis. miami would move a few spots down to get mayo, so whoeber moves up gets beasley.
this is where charlotte comes in.
beasley going to sonics or grizzel means discarded current players at his spot.
and both teams (sonics and grizzel) are in cast off mode.
bobcats could get collison(in beasley's spot) or milicic for a low ball offer like may only or carrol only AND keep the 9 pick and get randolph, arthur, jordan, or love
Posted by: brendan | Jun 12, 2008 10:54:10 PM
every espn mock draft has us taking lopez which would be pretty good as well. defense wins in this league and having another inside presence makes wallace a better defender
Posted by: HJ | Jun 12, 2008 10:57:06 PM
ESPN.com's Chad Ford: "I spoke with a few executives around the league to get an idea of what Detroit's opportunities are. Here are a few scenarios that could make sense for both Dumars and his trading partners:
4. Charlotte's Gerald Wallace, Adam Morrison, Sean May and No. 9 pick for Rasheed Wallace and Tayshaun Prince
Larry Brown has a history of stepping into messy teams and immediately posting impressive results. But he'll struggle to do that in Charlotte unless he gets a few proven winners to put alongside some of the Bobcats' younger players.
This deal would reunite Brown with two of his favorite players from his run with the Pistons. Put Raymond Felton, Jason Richardson and a re-signed Emeka Okafor on the floor with Prince and Rasheed Wallace and you're looking at a playoff team in the East. The deal also would give the Bobcats some future cap flexibility should they want to make more additions down the road.
The Pistons would lose two core players but add an excellent scorer and defender in Wallace. At No. 9, a number of interesting big men could be available, including Kevin Love, Brook Lopez, Darrell Arthur, Marreese Speights and Kosta Koufos. As for Morrison and May? They both look like draft busts right now … but their contracts expire at the end of the season."
Posted by: Trade | Jun 13, 2008 1:12:55 AM
actually I would take that deal if detroit threw in their existing first rounder. there is value down there. they could get hibbert, chalmers, walker, speights, etc.
and you could exchange carrol for morrison. he has played one year (excluding injury year)and they are calling him a bust? he has time to show his worth this season.
As much as I love g wallace, prince is as good a defender, younger, and has a ring. And his style of play is not prone to injuries. and r wallace is a great defender who would play out of the lane to clear for okefor to play post up defense.
have to say it again, to get something good, you have to give up something good.
Posted by: brendan | Jun 13, 2008 8:00:41 AM
As far as that trade with Detroit goes, I don't see them giving up Prince and I don't see why they would take May and Morrison (both coming off injuries). However, it would be ideal for the Bobs b/c it would make Emeka and Felton immediately better by providing 2 individuals that can stretch the floor from their respective positions.
Posted by: LeeL | Jun 13, 2008 8:15:10 AM
why dont we trade Gerald wallace, sean may, amdam morrison, 9 pick for micheal beasley.
Posted by: e | Jun 13, 2008 8:17:08 AM
Bonnell, you have a sweet five head. And you are very smart. I love you.
Posted by: Diddles | Jun 13, 2008 8:50:29 AM
To the person who said defense wins at this level. You got it HALF right. Defense and EFFICIENT HALFCOURT offense wins at this level. If you can't consistently score in the halfcourt, you don't win. 1) It hurts your defense as it creates transition opportunities for the other team. 2) Going on extended droughts due to not being able to score in the halfcourt is the best way to further inspire a run about the opposition.
We need to have the right combo of defense and offensive mix of players. PS: What is one of the greatest needs to score in the halfcourt? SHOOTING. I don't care whether you run your offense through your big man (Duncan), pg (Paul), or wing (Lebron), they need SHOOTERS for them and THE TEAM to be effective in the halfcourt. Until the Bobcats get this point, they will be behind the 8 ball.
If anyone can show me MODERN DAY post zone defense examples that contradict this, I welcome them.
Posted by: jperry | Jun 13, 2008 9:43:23 AM
Morrison, as of right now, is one of the worst draft picks of all-time. Ok, so that statement is a bit absurd, but Morrison did not have a very good rookie season despite an ok scoring average. Here is the problem with Morrison, he was only okay shooting the ball. He needs to be great on offense to make up for his terrible defense and pathetic rebounding. He had the lowest rebounding average per minute for anyone in the league above 6'2. He is 6'8. That is awful, truly awful. I'm hoping that if we don't trade him, he bounces back with more confidence and becomes a valuable offensive weapon in a 6th man type of role. he will never be a legit starter in the NBA and we used the #3 overall pick on him.
Now, on to our favorite topic to blog about, you can not compare Raymond's shooting to someone like Wallace. Here is the reason why: Wallace's 3 point shots are the direct result of ball movement or penetration from Rayond for an open spot up 3 pointer (which the defense gives Wallace). Raymond's 3 point attempts usually come late in the shot clock off the dribble, a much more difficult shot and probably the lowest % shot in the NBA. If you want to compare their 3 point shooting ability, you need to isolate only Raymond's spot up attempts where he took an open 3 as the result of ball movement. Here's the deal, neither are very good long range shooters and both take too many long range shots due to poor offensive schemes and bad ball movement. If both players are on the team next season, LB will limit their shots and Raymond will shoot a higher percentage, as he won't take nearly as many last second off the dribble 3's. Wallace will probably shoot around the same as he has terrible form and will never be a very good shooter.
Posted by: Mason | Jun 13, 2008 9:48:30 AM
getting rid of May and Morrison would almost make that trade worth it.
Big question is what to do with the other dead weight and build an actual working bench.
Posted by: apauldds | Jun 13, 2008 10:15:33 AM
I would love that trade that Ford is suggesting. Too good to be true though. And if we could get their later draft pick, then that's just icing.
That trade would allow us to keep carrol and dudley, hope hollins, et al grow as players and if we get their 1st and get spleights then we got ourselves an actual team
Posted by: Bonnell = Procton | Jun 13, 2008 10:25:27 AM
brendan, Prince (28) is older then Gerald (25).
Posted by: Trade | Jun 13, 2008 3:25:44 PM
brendan, Prince (28) is older than Gerald (25). Not younger as you posted.
Posted by: Trade | Jun 13, 2008 3:27:04 PM
Your right.I am wrong about prince's age. I forgot wallace came out after his 1st or 2nd year at alabama and prince was a senior at kentucky, so he is younger then prince.
I still would take that trade through.
speaking of prince, was looking at nbadraft.com at some past drafts and the pistons have good scouts. they took prince late and got okur one year in the second round. hope the bobcats scouts have the same foresight to get a gem or two late.
spurs scouts found ginobili and parker late, too. and these teams have won championships by not wasting picks. granted for every prince or okur there is a rodney white taken. but they have hit more then missed.
bobcats need just a few moves to get going.
Posted by: brendan | Jun 13, 2008 3:40:55 PM
Furthermore, Prince is actually owed more money over the next three years of his contract than Wallace is outside of his player option year despite the fact that he can't score, rebound, or defend as well as Wallace does.
Posted by: Michael Procton | Jun 13, 2008 4:28:14 PM
Actually Prince is a better on the ball one-on-one defender than Wallace. Wallace is a better help defender and "gambler" on defense.
All in all though they are pretty identical players. Wallace probably has a slight edge in overall ability and is younger (however career might be cut short by concussions). If Prince was asked to be the #1 or #2 scoring option his average would jump up to around 20 ppg. As it is, he is their 4th or 5th option which is why he scores less. Pistons also play a very slow tempo game.
Procton, you can't always just compare stats. You have to look at a team's tempo, players and actually watch games.
Posted by: Mason | Jun 13, 2008 4:48:13 PM
About the Prince and Sheed trade mentioned yesterday:
If you go back and listen to the Ford interview, Dumars was very explicit about not making any lateral moves. That trade would be generously termed as a lateral move for the Pistons. It sounds ok for the Bobs(even though they're giving up a lot of young potential) but Prince is a far better scorer than Gerald and Rasheed's trade value has to be a little higher than two unproven bench players and a draft pick.
Posted by: Jared | Jun 13, 2008 5:10:52 PM
Jared - I don't know if Prince is a far better scorer, but I agree with the overall premise. I don't think Pistons get enough. The one thing that could work is if Dumars just wants to blow up the whole thing. a lottery pick is a good start.
Barring that, I'm still for randolph or my personal favorite westbrook.
Posted by: bonnell = Procton | Jun 13, 2008 5:36:11 PM
4th option or not, Wallace is a much more efficient scorer. He gets to the line more often, can score better from the paint, and is a more confident outside shooter, despite giving up a little bit in actual ability from behind the line. Oh, and here's a stat not inclusive of playing time or priority in the offense: Gerald Wallace-1.34 PTS/shot since becoming a starter; Tayshaun Prince-1.18 PTS/shot. Further, Wallace's spot as the #2/3 option in our offense leaves him better defended than Prince.
Posted by: Michael Procton | Jun 13, 2008 6:40:07 PM
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