66. "probably better deals available is kinda hard to defend. " In response to In response to 61
>I mean, besides trading for Joe Johnson's shit contract there >were probably better deals available (at least, get the #10 >from New Orleans).
worse would have been trading for any other huge and long contract (Rudy Gay, Amare, JJ - there are plenty of them) or trying to overspend/trade for Mayo, Harden, or Gordon. no way in the world the Hornets give up the number 10 pick in deep draft for Rashard Lewis's contract.
>For me, that's the key. You added 40+ million in payroll and >didn't get better. Lewis's contract was a very good asset so >if you're going to take on a bad contract, at least get >someone back in return. The Wiz had a very good chance of >sneaking in as a third team in a deal, taking on a contract >and a player.
i dont see how they arent much better. Statistically, Okafor has done what Serpahin hopes to do. Ariza is already who Singleton hopes to be.
the cost is $40M+ over two years. the length of their contracts is what is important, not the total value. no one on the team other than Nene makes any real money and a healthy okafor in the final year of his contract will be very easy to move. If Okafor was signed for 3 more years, i'd view this a lot differently.
>And I think, worst case scenario, buying out Rashard and at >least having a chance to add a young PF/SG in a trade or free >agency would have been better.
Leonsis has stated that he doesnt pay people not to play. so the buyout was never on the table for Ernie.