View Full Version : Extrapolating Jordan's Comments On the Team
spectre
03-19-2010, 08:41 AM
Jordan's words (http://blogs.charlotte.com/inside_the_nba/2010/03/jordans-words.html)
ON THE TEAM ALREADY BEING CLOSE TO NEXT SEASON’S PROJECTED LUXURY-TAX THRESHOLD:
“In all honesty, I have very little wiggle room right now. If we make the playoffs, our (first round) pick is gone. I think our (payroll obligation for next season is somewhere around $59 million. Depending on what the gap is – everyone is projecting it right around $61 million.
“I don’t see a need to go over the luxury tax unless we go deep (in the playoffs) and feel we’re a player away. If we were that close, I’d entertain that. But if we got into the playoffs and we got swept or eliminated in the first round, I’d have to reevaluate that thinking.
“I’d like to give my team another year to bond, to blend together, and then find something else that could get us over the hump. The thing people tend to forget about this team is we haven’t been together a year yet.’’
“This will be a very interesting end of the season for us as far as letting us know whether we should maintain the course we are on – keeping Stephen Jackson, Gerald Wallace, all these guys intact. And if we can sign Raymond (Felton) without going over the luxury tax, if we can keep Tyrus Thomas, barring any kind of movement of other personnel to free up (cap) space.
“If not, then I think we need to explore a lot of different situations that, not just from a financial standpoint or to throw money away, but things that would create some options, a little bit of flexibility, going into next season.Jordan talks about Brown, roster, possible name change (http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2010/03/18/1322833/jordan-talks-about-brown-roster.html)
Jordan confirmed he now owns about 80 percent of the team, after buying most of former majority owner Bob Johnson's interest.
Much as Jordan wants to improve the product, he acknowledged the team's payroll for next season - nearly $60 million - plus the likelihood they'll be giving up two first-round picks in the next three drafts, make dramatic changes unlikely.
He said the core of his team is still too new to evaluate whether management has hit the right mix of players, or whether another rebuilding process should take place.
Jordan talked in his news conference about his competitive drive to pursue an NBA championship, and that it's not unrealistic to make that happen for Charlotte.
But later he addressed the reality that the team is within millions of next season's projected luxury-tax threshold, even before addressing point guard Raymond Felton's unrestricted free agency and power forward Tyrus Thomas' restricted free agent status. Also, the Bobcats owe first-round picks to the Minnesota Timberwolves and Chicago Bulls.
Jordan said he'd consider paying the luxury tax only if his team was on the verge of a title, where one or two moves would put them over the top. Right now, he's still evaluating what he has, after replacing all but three players from the team that existed before Brown was hired in spring 2008.
"This will be a very interesting end of the season for us as far as letting us know whether we should maintain the course we are on - keeping Stephen Jackson, Gerald Wallace, all these guys intact,'' Jordan said.
Jordan said it's possible the Bobcats might have to trade an asset in order to free up salary-cap flexibility to make other trades or signings.
spectre
03-19-2010, 08:47 AM
I wonder where he got the 61 million number for the LT next year?
It seems on the one hand that he's planning on putting a lot of weight on how we do in the playoffs, but on the other he keeps saying he wants to keep the "core" together for another year to see if we can make some noise or if we need to reload.
And if we can sign Raymond (Felton) without going over the luxury tax, if we can keep Tyrus Thomas, barring any kind of movement of other personnel to free up (cap) space.
“If not, then I think we need to explore a lot of different situations that, not just from a financial standpoint or to throw money away, but things that would create some options, a little bit of flexibility, going into next season.I don't see how in the hell we can stay under the tax and re-sign just one of those two guys...so I think the most important part is the 2nd paragraph. It appears they are already of the mind to tie an asset along with a bigger contract in order to get some flexibility to keep the FAs.
Nice to see they're already thinking about it.
dav7z
03-19-2010, 09:49 AM
I don't think we can even offer Felton a contract starting at 6 milion , And just pay TT his QO and still stay under the tax. Off season moves will be very instresting . The balance of staying competive without rebuilding.
It looks to me as if a rabbit has to be pulled out of the hat.
If TT is extended then paying Ray any "reasonable" contract puts us over...I can't see how we keep them both and not go over the tax without a trade...
spectre
03-19-2010, 12:52 PM
If TT is extended then paying Ray any "reasonable" contract puts us over...I can't see how we keep them both and not go over the tax without a trade...
Hell, just giving TT the QO will likely put us over...or at least butt us up so close to the LT that we can't do anything else (and that'd be with like 11 players and no starting PG).
Lord help us if MJ's 61 million number is correct.
I think they're going to have to look at other avenues to clear space.
mj4life
03-19-2010, 03:26 PM
This is where the new cba talks are going to get interesting. I'm hearing that many players in the middle to low income bracket are going to take serious cuts in pay. i think the days of middle market players who should be making 5 million instead of 12 million are over. I think you might see the cats try to persuade chandler to opt out of his contract and sign a extension for a lower amount or they may try to move his contract altogether or possibly mohammed or diop either way i see them resigning felton for something like 6 million a year and t2 will probably sign his tender
WarioVsMooChicken
03-19-2010, 04:27 PM
Won't Nazr and I think Diop be in their final years?
Wouldn't that make them really tradeable?
110oldeast
03-19-2010, 05:33 PM
Nazr's comes off the books after next year.
Diop's expires in about 30 years....
Won't Nazr and I think Diop be in their final years?
Wouldn't that make them really tradeable?
Diop's expires in about 30 years....
Made me laugh.
110oldeast
03-19-2010, 07:10 PM
To keep from crying right.
Made me laugh.
Ampsportsduo
03-19-2010, 07:20 PM
Spectre, have you seen anything about TC's contract, such as buyouts, etc? Seems like a reach to hope that Paxson would do something intelligent like that, but it sure would be nice.
To keep from crying right.
Pretty much.
It sure does feel like it's 30 years long it weighs so heavily around our necks.
It's so ironic. If Theo had Gana's contract and Gana had Theo's contract the universe would be in balance, but because it's the other way around............
spectre
03-19-2010, 07:40 PM
Spectre, have you seen anything about TC's contract, such as buyouts, etc? Seems like a reach to hope that Paxson would do something intelligent like that, but it sure would be nice.
You've lost me Amp...unless you meant TC instead of Paxson?
TC won't take his option and I doubt a buyout either.
I figure a Nazr/Hendo for a 2nd move before the trade deadline...maybe from SAC. That'd cover Felton, TT, Theo and probably Hughes or another vet if we wanted.
Ampsportsduo
03-19-2010, 07:44 PM
You've lost me Amp...unless you meant TC instead of Paxson?
TC won't take his option and I doubt a buyout either.
I figure a Nazr/Hendo for a 2nd move before the trade deadline...maybe from SAC. That'd cover Felton, TT, Theo and probably Hughes or another vet if we wanted.
If I am not mistaken, it was Paxson that signed TC to the deal, so it would've been him putting in a buyout clause. I know it's a long shot, but with Dampier's contract constantly being discussed, I was hopeful.
I agree, the team will have to be over the cap for the better part of the year or risk losing all the momentum that has been built this season. Depending on what the big free agents do, you could make a case that this team might be poised to make a deep run next season. A first round series win (or near win) this season would go a long way.
Marvel
03-19-2010, 08:12 PM
For some reason, considering we've had some luck with our trades this
year like Theo from SA,TT from CB and Jax,i have faith MJ can pull a rabbit out the hat to keep us a playoff team for years to come.
spectre
03-19-2010, 10:26 PM
If I am not mistaken, it was Paxson that signed TC to the deal, so it would've been him putting in a buyout clause. I know it's a long shot, but with Dampier's contract constantly being discussed, I was hopeful.
I agree, the team will have to be over the cap for the better part of the year or risk losing all the momentum that has been built this season. Depending on what the big free agents do, you could make a case that this team might be poised to make a deep run next season. A first round series win (or near win) this season would go a long way.
Ah!
Nah, far as I know there's only a player option. Boy wouldn't that be nice tho! But then again if he can stay healthy for the rest of the year I'd just as soon hang onto him and then get that big relief at the end of next season. He's far and away our best defending big on picks/screens.
I like Nazr, but if we moved him at the deadline we really wouldn't be losing that much.
Well...we have to move Nazr or Diop if they plan to resign Theo...and Diop would not bring back a pick...still...only works if we don't bring salary back...I'd also rather have the first Minny second (#2 in the second round) and they have a ton of picks, cap space, and might want a veteran player (with a young player added) for that pick...that's the one I'd go after...:g:
I just finished checking and Minny (knew they had a bunch) has 3 first and 3 seconds=6 picks...I think we could do a deal with them...
spectre
03-20-2010, 08:03 AM
BRNC I really don't think we could do it this summer in time for the draft but I'd love to be wrong. I think we stay over the LT til the deadline, then depending on where we are we either do a Hendo/Nazr type of dump or (if we're not gelling) we move more of a core player and look to hit the re-set button.
If the latter is the case then I'd think no one is safe.
spectre...hard for me to believe we hit the "reset" if we make the play-offs...I see any move (before the draft) as an attempt to get off some money and possibly get a "pick"...Nazr and someone might accomplish both...but why "reset" if you make the play-offs...?
Toocool
03-20-2010, 02:36 PM
I don't see why we should start a rebuilding phase. We have a top 5 SF, top 15 (I gave leeway) SG, a solid PG, a decent defensive center (when healthy) and an inconsistent PF who can make or break a game.
Adding to that, we have TT, UPS and Hendo, all who have a nice chunk of potential. Also have a solid backup in Nazzy and a salary whore in Diop. Also a developing PG who could be very very good in the future. We also got Old Man Theo who can dunk the ball...HARD.
The Bobcats have a strong team. I don't see why another year with each other wouldn't help them gel even more.
polarcat
03-20-2010, 02:37 PM
Am I wrong to not see the LT implications as a bad thing if they don't "technically" affect us until the end of the 2010 season? I mean if we re-sign Felts, T2, Theo and Hughes to respectable deals it would mean us being over the LT. I get that, however, a dump of one of our albatross centers at the deadline along with "incentive" (Lexy, Hendo, draft pick) would then alleviate the remaining money and bring salaries back under the LT. I know GM's don't just take on contracts, but if sweeten the pot, I think MJ and Co. can get it done and hold off on pushing the panic button.
mj4life
03-20-2010, 03:08 PM
wish i had more info about the cba talks if there is any type of movement between the players and the owners would give me a better idea of what i think might happen. as i posted earlier a player like chandler who has a expiring contract may be willing to opt out to sign a long term deal. I know it sounds off the wall to most people because he is set to make 12.8 million, but I am all but certain that the cats will move this contract before the next trade deadline whether we are over the cap or not since MJ fells the best way to build teams are through the draft and by trades. If Chandler likes it here or if he doesn't want to move his family maybe 2 or 3 times in the next year or so may accept a more cap friendly contract say 4 yrs 30 million to give us cap room in the short term
spectre
03-20-2010, 03:32 PM
spectre...hard for me to believe we hit the "rest" if we make the play-offs...I see any move (before the draft) as an attempt to get off some money and possibly get a "pick"...Nazr and someone might accomplish both...but why "reset" if you make the play-offs...?
I don't think we re-set after we make the playoffs. I think we re-sign Felton & TT and go thru most of the season next year with approx. 70 million in salary...which would be over the LT if we carried that thru til the end of the year. By that point if we're say in the top 4 I think MJ would then do something like the Nazr/Hendo idea to get under. If we're borderline playoff or just out I think MJ would then want to re-set by moving some of the core group.
He wants a contender from what I'm gettting...not just a perennial 8th seed team.
Just my opinion o'course.
Am I wrong to not see the LT implications as a bad thing if they don't "technically" affect us until the end of the 2010 season? I mean if we re-sign Felts, T2, Theo and Hughes to respectable deals it would mean us being over the LT. I get that, however, a dump of one of our albatross centers at the deadline along with "incentive" (Lexy, Hendo, draft pick) would then alleviate the remaining money and bring salaries back under the LT. I know GM's don't just take on contracts, but if sweeten the pot, I think MJ and Co. can get it done and hold off on pushing the panic button.
With all the teams potentially having caproom I tend to agree. What I am worried about is the cost. Utah just gave up a starter for relief, so I don't know that Hendo would be enough.
spectre...I don't disagree if that's what we have to do but I'd prefer (if we can) to get a pick (Minny preferably) for Nazr and a combo with Lexy/or Hendo preferably Lexy...it may have some appeal to Minny since they are center challenged (unless they decide Darko is an answer) and could the veteran influence Nazr would bring...I'd take their first second for Nazr/Lexy in a nano-second if we only bring that pick back and we could pull it off before the draft...
spectre...I don't disagree if that's what we have to do but I'd prefer (if we can) to get a pick (Minny preferably) for Nazr and a combo with Lexy/or Hendo preferably Lexy...it may have some appeal to Minny since they are center challenged (unless they decide Darko is an answer) and could the veteran influence Nazr would bring...I'd take their first second for Nazr/Lexy in a nano-second if we only bring that pick back and we could pull it off before the draft...
Three great things about this.
1. Darko is going back to Europe.
2. Jefferson and Love don't work together, so one of them or both is gone, and they appear to want a wing for Jeff.
3. David Kahn is a moron.
The third being the best part. If we can convince him there aren't any point guards in the second round, then maybe he'll take Nazr, Lexy and a future second (protected) for the 32nd. I'd even do Gana and Hendo for that.
But with this revalation that the cap may be higher, we might only need to move that and be able to keep everyone else and add the pick.
BobCatsFanInTx
03-22-2010, 03:28 PM
What good is a first round pick if that pick gets little to no playing time? If we must get a draft pick let it be a 2nd rounder. I know that don't mean shit for the luxury tax but in my opinion Nazr is too important a piece to get rid of for a high first round pick that won't hardly play.
What good is a first round pick if that pick gets little to no playing time? If we must get a draft pick let it be a 2nd rounder. I know that don't mean shit for the luxury tax but in my opinion Nazr is too important a piece to get rid of for a high first round pick that won't hardly play.
Nazr's very important, but not if we keep Theo and have Tyson playing like he has, with Gana as the third center (and he was very solid too). Tyrus and Diaw are there too.
Dexmor
03-22-2010, 07:27 PM
I don't think you guys are being realistic. If MJ doesn't change his mind were in trouble. I don't think a team under the cap will take a crappy overpaid C of ours fo Henderson. I could be wrong but has he shown anybody anything that makes anybody think he has value around the league?
I don't think you guys are being realistic. If MJ doesn't change his mind were in trouble. I don't think a team under the cap will take a crappy overpaid C of ours fo Henderson. I could be wrong but has he shown anybody anything that makes anybody think he has value around the league?
Yes well...neither did Jordon Hill...:g:
crappy overpaid C of ours
Nazr?
http://bobcatsplanet.com/wp/nazr-mohammed-is-a-bargain
Dexmor
03-22-2010, 07:42 PM
Jordan Hill was in a deeper draft and is a 7 footer (6'11 I think to be tecknical) and was mocked as high as 5.
And that article im sure was written before missing a month for back spasims.
Thabeet was drafted higher than both and is taller (or rumor has it) than both...so what's your point...
Hendo has had no more chance than Hill had to show he can play...that does not mean he can't play...
Jordan Hill was in a deeper draft and is a 7 footer (6'11 I think to be tecknical) and was mocked as high as 5.
And that article im sure was written before missing a month for back spasims.
It was written before, but the stats are the same. Nazr is one of the most effective offensive big men in the league this season. And Hendo is a defensive rookie with potential. What GM says no to that?
Dexmor
03-23-2010, 04:36 PM
O.K. ths comparison to the Rockets trade needs to end no now cause it was a huge trade.
Nazi has been out for a while now and is gonna be 33 with back issues and is undersized with no D.
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