Matt52 wrote:
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Free Agency 2011
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planetmars wrote: View PostI'd give Battier a $22-$24 million contract for 5 years. With all the qualities you mentioned - high IQ, perfect role player - he would be outstanding for the Raptors. He'd help shift the culture which is what we desparately need. Casey is a good start, but a coach in my opinion doesn't really have that much power in the NBA unless your name is Phil, Greg or Jerry (and both Jerry and Phil are out of jobs right now).
We have a lot of young talent, and no veterans other than Jose - and Jose is not really the leader our team needs. You bring in Battier, and our team will be even better a year or two from now.
If we amnesty Linas, trade Bargnani for picks and expiring contracts, trade Barbosa, and let Jose's contract expire in two years - Battier's contract won't be so bad.. he would be a mid-level player earning his keep - the same amount Jarrett Jack made yet no one seemed to care.
Also now a days a 32-year old player is still young in the NBA, especially when you see players like Allen, Nash, Garnett and Kobe still playing strong.
Your wish to have Battier play for a contender sounds great - but wouldn't it be better if that happened while he was a Raptor in say 3 or 4 years, while helping mold our team to become such a contender in the next 2 years?
There are only a few players I'd try and get my hands on, even as a rebuild is taking place.. Battier is one of those guys for me.
It may seem like more the norm because most of those older players are high profile, so you notice them more.
It's not that it won't be so bad in 3 or 4 years (although it very well might be if he's declined a lot) but the money you're spending on him might be better spent next summer on a younger free agent who will be productive longer or in a trade to bring in a bigger contract. By spending it on Battier, you're not using the money well because he's not going to have a big impact on the team when you need it most; when they're hopefully contending.
Now I am a huge fan of Battier and would have loved to have gotten him 5+ years ago, but not now. The amount of money it would take make him choose Toronto over one of the contenders that will be trying to get his services is not worth it. And the funny thing is that Kleiza, who you suggest amnesty-ing, will probably be more productive than Battier will in five years.Read my blog, The Picket Fence. Guaranteed to make you think or your money back!
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Matt52 wrote: View PostI hope the Raptors can get lucky here and put a 'bid' in on a useful player under contract for a few years, dirt cheap. Marvin Williams immediately comes to mind but I'd imagine: 1) other teams would be interested in him cheap too, and 2) it would essentially end the stay of JJ or Kleiza.
This assumes he is cut of course.
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http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/28/sp...ref=basketball
Beck at NYTimes.com reporting few teams likely to avail of amnesty clause.
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I disagree with this writer. Last round of amnesty teams didn't pull the trigger because the money still counted against the cap. Now this time around the money won't count against the cap. The amnesty clause isn't about getting rid of an obligation, it's about lessening the obligation and removing the obligation for the cap number. Teams won't have to pay a lump sum to the player. They will honor the contract as is, less any compensation the player gets should some team choose to claim him before he clears waivers. A team like the Blazers for example, who have a billionaire owner in Paul Allen, can afford to cut ties with Brandon Roy. Doing so would help revitalize their chances of getting back on track and avoiding tax penalties in the future. This is addition by subtraction.
Judging by the article Beck talked to one guy. Did this one guy survey the league?
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Apollo wrote: View PostBattier is 32. How's that contract going to look in two years?
What is the likelihood of a high IQ player who understands his role and does not depend on his athletism to remain effective as a 34 through 37 years old?
I would not bet against it.
Having said that, I doubt Toronto is a desirable destination for Battier at this stage of his career.
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What's worse, he relies heavily on defense for his game and defense gives way earlier because of the loss of athleticism.
Its those guys who's entire game was based on athleticism in the first place that give way the most at an older age (whether on D or O), not the guys whose game was based on IQ.
(this is not a statement that the Raps should sign Battier)
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I would because he's not working out physics problems on a chalk board. He's playing basketball and a lot of what he does is on defense. You're selling his athletic abilities short in my opinion. I think you're understating the impact that has on his game. IQ is important but he's not just getting it done with brain power.
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Matt52 wrote: View Posthttp://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/28/sp...ref=basketball
Beck at NYTimes.com reporting few teams likely to avail of amnesty clause.
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Third string PG: Boykins, TJ Ford???, Antonio Daniels??, Mike Wilks
Back up SG: Dionte Christmas, Lester Hudson, Reggie Williams (love this guy)
Backup SF: Ime Udoka, Shawne Williams, Aleksandar Pavlovic, (Trade James Johnson + 2nd rounder for Al Thornton)
Third String C: Jamal Magloire, Francisco Elson, Jarron Collins, Dwayne Jones
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Apollo wrote: View PostI would because he's not working out physics problems on a chalk board. He's playing basketball and a lot of what he does is on defense. You're selling his athletic abilities short in my opinion. I think you're understating the impact that has on his game. IQ is important but he's not just getting it done with brain power.
Woot?
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