Walker big upgrade over DJ

[dav7z]

All day the people on 610 radio have been saying . Walker is a big upgrade over DJ.
Thoughts as why if so. Should be a instresting comparing the two...........

[spectre]

Kemba's floor should be around what DJ is now.

He certainly can't be worse defensively.

[WAM9]

I actually think his defense will be one of the main areas he separates himself from DJ in. I fully expect Kemba to be a superior on ball and transition defender from day 1.

I have really thought about the rest of the equation and it is so tough to compare a guy who plays in the NBA with a guy coming in who has only played against college level talent. Based on that, I need more time to figure out my stance on who is the better passer and such.

I keep hearing that Kemba is an extremely strong leader. That is what you need from your point guard and I don't think DJ does that as well.

Don't get me wrong, I am no DJ hater in any way, shape or form but I expect Kemba to be a major upgrade over DJ, even early on, based on defense and leadership skills alone.

I hope I am right. Go Bobcats!

[Fred Williamson]

He's DJ with a Nutsack

[dav7z]

He's DJ with a Nutsack
I heard that on 610 radio . Was that you??

[dav7z]

From all im hearing Walker is being compared to AI. Hes said to be a scorer not a shooter. DJ is said to be a shooter. Walker is said to be a leader . DJ isn't a leader. Walker is said to be much tougher than DJ. If Walker is a young AI THEN ITS NO COMPARING

[Fred Williamson]

I heard that on 610 radio . Was that you??

610 radio? I'm about 4500 miles away from North carolina :D

[Kemba2Hendo]

Kemba has the "it factor", D. J. does not!

[bes628]

From all im hearing Walker is being compared to AI. Hes said to be a scorer not a shooter. DJ is said to be a shooter. Walker is said to be a leader . DJ isn't a leader. Walker is said to be much tougher than DJ. If Walker is a young AI THEN ITS NO COMPARING

That was my initial comparison in my head. I was a huge AI fan, Kemba kind of reminds me of him..the only difference I can tell is that AI was a bit quicker and had a filthy crossover. As far as there scoring abilities..I think they are very very similar.

[BRNC]

All day the people on 610 radio have been saying . Walker is a big upgrade over DJ.
Thoughts as why if so. Should be a instresting comparing the two...........

Big...maybe an 1"...possibly 1.5"...

[Kemba2Hendo]

If we are ever in position anytime soon to draw up a game winning / tying shot Kemba will not hesitate to pull the trigger with confidence and if they double or run a big at him, he will drive or kick to someone who is bound to be open.

[kickazzz2000]

what is "it", one might ask?




http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fKbLHkDvhk8


THIS.

[Proudiddy]

what is "it", one might ask?




http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fKbLHkDvhk8


THIS.

I was watching that game when he did that... I just sat there mouth wide open, jaw-dropped when he made dude fall over. Awesome.

[kickazzz2000]

I was watching that game when he did that... I just sat there mouth wide open, jaw-dropped when he made dude fall over. Awesome.

I was going so batshit crazy over the crossover that I barely noticed that the ball actually went in! ;)

[ohara831]

That was surely one of the most memorable moments of the Big East Tourney last year. What a cross over to make someone just fall over like that! A thing of beauty.

*Thank you for reminding me Spectre. Had a brain lapse there. :-)

I think most of us here like DJ and root hard for him. I dont think this is meant to be a DJ bashing Thread, and I dont think it has become one. I could have even lived with him being our starting PG, and think he certainly will be for most of next season. But it is really hard to not see the major upside of Kemba as not being an upgrade. He is vastly superior in his defense. His confidence - "the swag"- is something I think DJ once had, but has no more. I think DJ tried really hard to prove it in his challenge to Ray for the starting job, And then LB just did a mind -f___ on him and really messed with his head All the time talking to the press about how much he missed Ray, like DJ was not going to hear it or be affected. Maybe a stronger minded and confident PG would not have been affected, and that is what LB wanted to find out. I dont know. But DJ just seems to have lost that "it" factor. And Kemba, man that guy just oozes confidence. He is a natural born leader, and it shows on the court. And with Crash and Jax gone, really only DJ and Hendo can be said to be the leaders of this team. And I dont know that either is an Alpha Male enough to keep Kemba from becoming the leader of this team. *But I do expect him to share that role with Biyombo as I see Biyombo as an enforcer whome Kemba will work hard to get in tight with from the beginning.

[SWedd523]

That was surely one of the most memorable moments of the NCAA Tourney last year. What a cross over to make someone just fall over like that! A thing of beauty.

That was during the Big East Tourney Quarterfinals



I want him to perfect the UTEP 2 Step. Nothing would make me happier than to see him turn into Tim Hardaway Lite

[ammofan]

You know....I wasnt that convinced about taking Kemba before the draft. I wanted Kawhi and Bismack ahead of anyone. BUT, after we took Bismack and Kemba was available at 9, I was all for it. I still dont think he is a huge upgrade talent wise but he has a big name and a huge heart which will mesh well with DJ. They should both be able to be on the court at the same time despite size problems. And Bismack+Kemba is a great building block for the franchise. We actually have a good future now with Kemba, DJ, Smack, Tyrus, Hendo, Dante, DJ2.

[dnbman]

I think most of us here like DJ and root hard for him.

Yes! This will be our third point guard debate in our franchise's history. I was a big believer in Felton, but I want DJ to succeed now. If they can coexist, great. If one has to be traded, great. I just want both of them to be successful, as that's what benefits the team the most.

Oh, and if Kemba can routinely create space like that in the league, he's going to be great.

[jazzer89]

Does anyone here think that we could possible trade DJ with one of our bad contracts (Diop/Tyrus) and clear up even more space? I dont know what the trade would be for but DJ might be that asset that continues to get us out of bad contracts.

[dnbman]

Does anyone here think that we could possible trade DJ with one of our bad contracts (Diop/Tyrus) and clear up even more space? I dont know what the trade would be for but DJ might be that asset that continues to get us out of bad contracts.

That's a tough one. Is he worth more on our team, as an individual commodity to get us something positive, or as a partner chip with one of our albatross contracts? I think we definitely need him this year unless we could get a vet pg in return along with shedding Diop's contract.

TT I definitely want to wait on. I'd like to see if he can play 82 games and give us solid production first. As long as he can play good ball in half of those games, he'll still be tradeable.

[BRNC]

I think in a package with Doris expiring we could probably get some asset and maybe another 2012 first...but I think it would have to be close to the dead-line if there is a season...which there might not be...:facepalm:


...and frankly that might have more value....Hammer and Diop don't have that much longer on their contracts...I'd rather bring assets in that ship those contracts out for nothing or very little...maybe Eddie and his contract gets us even better asset and 1st....but either is probably possible...

[dnbman]

I think in a package with Doris expiring we could probably get some asset and maybe another 2012 first...but I think it would have to be close to the dead-line if there is a season...which there might not be...:facepalm:


...and frankly that might have more value....Hammer and Diop don't have that much longer on their contracts...I'd rather bring assets in that ship those contracts out for nothing or very little...maybe Eddie and his contract gets us even better asset and 1st....but either is probably possible...

Diop's the one that really matters. Carroll's contract goes to down to 3.5 million or something like that in 12/13, but Diop goes up to 7.3. That's a lot of dough being paid for nothing in a critical year for us.

[JGib23]

Diop's the one that really matters. Carroll's contract goes to down to 3.5 million or something like that in 12/13, but Diop goes up to 7.3. That's a lot of dough being paid for nothing in a critical year for us.

Hopefully, he will be gone with the amnesty clause in the new CBA

[BRNC]

dnb...we can hope for one amnesty...but even so...it's not that long (Diops contract) anymore...and I'm tired of garbage-in-garbage-out...if we get assets in lets keep them until we can do something positive...not just a contract dump...or at least that's what I'd like to do...

[dnbman]

Maybe this is obvious, but if we get an amnesty dump, do we take Diop over Maggette?

[WAM9]

Maybe this is obvious, but if we get an amnesty dump, do we take Diop over Maggette?

I hate to over simplify but it isn't even a question for me. Magette is much more productive and has 1 less year on his contract, right?

Diop would 100% be the one for me.

[BRNC]

I hate to over simplify but it isn't even a question for me. Magette is much more productive and has 1 less year on his contract, right?

Diop would 100% be the one for me.

Both expire 12/13...

Maggs will make 10 million more over the next 3 years...he's gave 67 games, 21mpg, and 12 ppg last season...I think with a good rookie pick we could do better for a lot less....

Diop gives very little but 10 mil is 10 mil...and in the right circumstance he gives youy six fouls...

[SWedd523]

Diop and Maggs are both only on the roster for another two years. The only player on the roster for longer than two years is Tyrus.


We're having pretty much the same discussion on RGM and I think you'd have to go with Diop mainly because we have 4-5 guys already on the roster who can play the 5 spot and only one (maybe 2 if you count Hammer) who can play the SF. You also have to think we're going to be relying on Maggs to make up for a sizeable chunk of Jack's production so cutting him means we have no guys other than a rookie who excel at scoring the ball. You also have to consider that Maggs will have more value on the trade market this time next year as a productive expiring that vet teams would love to pick up for his scoring punch.


We're definitely in a bind, that's for sure. If we can sign a couple of wings (Dante doesn't count) then I'll change my stance.

[BlockParty]

Maybe this is obvious, but if we get an amnesty dump, do we take Diop over Maggette?

I'd take Diop, at least Maggette can contribute something. Diop has been in the league longer as long as most middle school students have been alive and his career high is 10 points...TEN!

[kickazzz2000]

Aside from the obvious size differences, does anybody else see a little bit of D Wade in Kemba?

Remember how D Wade literally WILLED a decent Marquette team into the Final Four? Anyone rememeber that triple double he had against Kentucky? Drives to the lane, not afraid to take the last shot, can distribute.

Size wise, people want to compare Kemba to AI, but I see a lot of D Wade intangibles.

And like what was said before, if he can get half the separation as he did on that ankle shattering crossover, holy shit look out.

[SWedd523]

Tim Hardaway.

[Livingston's Fro]

I agree. I think they're pretty comparable, but you can't teach heart. Kemba is a natural born leader, while DJ wasn't demanding anything from anyone.

[BRNC]

The only thing about Maggs is the miserable...and I mean for his salary miserable production with the Bucks...and he has never (and will never) play "D"...and I have no idea how that will impact the young guys...if we had Oak coming back I'd be less concerned 'cause he'd bust his nuts but I doubt (with his health) that happens...

If we do get an amnesty I'd rather have him out and try to get a FA more balanced...

[spectre]

The only thing about Maggs is the miserable...and I mean for his salary miserable production with the Bucks...and he has never (and will never) play "D"...and I have no idea how that will impact the young guys...if we had Oak coming back I'd be less concerned 'cause he'd bust his nuts but I doubt (with his health) that happens...

If we do get an amnesty I'd rather have him out and try to get a FA more balanced...

I have never liked Bad Porn (pun intended). If LB were still here I wouldn't expect anything more than what he did with the Bucks (Skiles benched his no D playing ass). With Silas...tho he demands D he won't be quite so demanding as those other guys. With his player coach style it's possible he might get a little more out of him. At least enough where we could pawn him off for a project/expiring.

I've seen a lot of sick Kemba vids today. Kid has what we want. With him already issuing a challenge to DJ that he's going to be pushing him I expect the future is gonna be a lot quicker than some are thinking.

I really do think it's in our interest to move him sooner rather than later.

[BRNC]

spectre...I hear you and I hear what SWedd was saying earlier...here is my dilemma for us...if the owners do get an amnesty but we have no season...

1). We keep Maggs and the best we get is what the Bucks got (when we finally do play again) ...very little (if any) chance to move his contract unless we do a "we lose" deal...

2). We get an amnesty and cut him...FAs are going to be available and with cap space (IMO) we can pick up a better fit for the team...easier to get better quicker...

3). We get an amnesty and have a partial season...pick up a "filler" or two to get through the season and grab a high pick...have a solid draft and with cap space get the best FA(s) we can get after the draft...

[GOBOBCATS24]

We need to buy him out and thats all there is to it. If we can negotiate a $10 Million buyout then it will give us a lot more flexibility. I looked up how exactly buy outs effect the teams future salary cap situation. Of course this is under the old CBA but http://members.cox.net/lmcoon/salarycap.htm#Q63 right here on question 63 it explains how it would effect the salary cap if he was bought out for $15 million. I had no idea it was like that. I thought if a players contract is bought out then the contract is voided and it doesn't count against the Cap. My bad. But still this would put us in a lot better situation than we are in now.

[BRNC]

I'm not sure any player, particularly one going down-hill, is going to leave money on the table with a buy out....amnesty is the only help and picking between (IMO) Maggs and Diop is like real stink and real stink...comes down to money for me and Maggs is 10 mil more over his contract...

[ohara831]

I have never liked Bad Porn (pun intended). If LB were still here I wouldn't expect anything more than what he did with the Bucks (Skiles benched his no D playing ass). With Silas...tho he demands D he won't be quite so demanding as those other guys. With his player coach style it's possible he might get a little more out of him. At least enough where we could pawn him off for a project/expiring.

I've seen a lot of sick Kemba vids today. Kid has what we want. With him already issuing a challenge to DJ that he's going to be pushing him I expect the future is gonna be a lot quicker than some are thinking.

I really do think it's in our interest to move him sooner rather than later.

If we can get a decent player and a 2012 1st out of it, I'd move him now. But I figure the best offers would come around the Trade Deadline. But the big concern is would Kemba pushing DJ so hard and so publicly only regress DJ to where come the Trade Deadline he is playing like crap, sulking, and driving his value down. So if the offer is good enough, then I could see him being moved quicker.

Spectre, the lollipop is gone and replaced with Cho. I like it.

[BRNC]

ohara...I think the concern that the pressure from Kemba might "regress" DJ even more is legit...since we did not take a PG with #39 and I doubt any of the "undrafted" PGs can really be a #2 PG we'll have to go FAs for a #2...I'd trade DJ for another #1 in 2012 if we can get it...the FO has made it obvious (IMO) DJ is not the "guy" so go with Kemba and get best value for DJ before it is "no value"...

[spectre]

Some spillover, so I'll be brief on the OT stuff.

Amnesty. Amnesty only cuts the guy from our cap...we'll still owe him the money. Would it really be worth it to lose either of those guys and get absolutely nothing while still paying them? I think I'd rather ride it out and try and get something in a year or so when their contracts aren't so bad.

Hard to say tho until we see what kind of amnesty provision might be proposed.

Lolly. Yeah, it was time for him to go. It seems Jordan has recognized that he needed an opinion that wasn't his own...and from the trade/draft it certainly appears that he's giving Cho the power to see his (Cho's) vision through. That one night showed that we're now relevant and not a pushover when at the bargaining table.

It's all Cho, but Jordan deserves the credit for it being that way.

[BRNC]

I defended MJ for letting LB have the "input/control" while he was here...if you're going to hire guys to run it then that's what they need to do..run it...

I simply hope that he's a better judge of talent...and please give it a couple of year before we "bust chops" on Biyombo/Kemba as bust or declare them the "greatest things" since air...LOL...

[ohara831]

Ifwe were to trade DJ, I would assume we want to send him out West. To me, the 3 most obvious would be Phoenix, Lakers and the Clippers. A 1st from the Lakers would be a late 1st, a Phoenix 1st would be mid round maybe? Of couirse if we want the Clippers 1st, would be a bit more difficult to get. Dont think they have multiples in 2012, do they? Rockets own the Knicks 2012 Top 5 protected. But they dont need DJ since they have Lowery and I think they just traded for Flynn to boot.

[spectre]

I don't think we'd have to limit ourselves to just the western teams. Think of someone that will like select just outside the lottery and they need some PG depth. Orlando maybe. The Griz? Weren't they about to give Mayo away for that Duke guy end of last year?

[LiquidWayno]

I would do DJ for Mayo in a heartbeat. DJ doesn't scare me as a player who would "burn us" if sent within the conference or division, so I would go for whatever team gives us a good deal.

[BRNC]

DJ doesn't scare me as a player who would "burn us" if sent within the conference or division, so I would go for whatever team gives us a good deal.

This^^^^^^

[Marvel]

You know....I wasnt that convinced about taking Kemba before the draft. I wanted Kawhi and Bismack ahead of anyone. BUT, after we took Bismack and Kemba was available at 9, I was all for it. I still dont think he is a huge upgrade talent wise but he has a big name and a huge heart which will mesh well with DJ. They should both be able to be on the court at the same time despite size problems. And Bismack+Kemba is a great building block for the franchise. We actually have a good future now with Kemba, DJ, Smack, Tyrus, Hendo, Dante, DJ2.

You wanted everyone, from what i can remember. And didn't you say Bismack was a bust.

[Marvel]

You wanted everyone, from what i can remember. And didn't you say Bismack was a bust.

Let's not rush to conclusions here. Let's wait to see DJ and Kemba play together before we start talking about shipping out DJ or that he's a HUGE upgrade. I think DJ's every bit as good as Kemba without the "swag", but a better passer. Difference is, Kemba gets to enter the league without LB.

If anything, Kemba should push DJ to higher heights.

[ammofan]

You wanted everyone, from what i can remember. And didn't you say Bismack was a bust.

No.....I may have said some things about Bismack in the past but after seeing his workouts with teams I grew to like him alot. I dotn remember what I said abotu him way back a few weeks/months ago tho. I was always intrigued by him.

And yes I pretty much wanted everyone. IS there anything wrong with that? It was just that kind of draft. I think I said before that would have been happy with/embrace whoever we got....

[Marvel]

As far as pure PG abilities go, Kemba's a scorer first and foremost, it's in his DNA, his genes, he's a passer, playmaker after that.
DJ's more of a pure point/passer than Kemba, and is more developed in that aspect than Kemba is at this stage.

DJ has more pure point abilities in him than Kemba does, in that he looks to get his teammates involved before scoring. Not saying either is a bad thing, but in terms of running an offense, DJ > Kemba.

[ohara831]

As far as pure PG abilities go, Kemba's a scorer first and foremost, it's in his DNA, his genes, he's a passer, playmaker after that.
DJ's more of a pure point/passer than Kemba, and is more developed in that aspect than Kemba is at this stage.

DJ has more pure point abilities in him than Kemba does, in that he looks to get his teammates involved before scoring. Not saying either is a bad thing, but in terms of running an offense, DJ > Kemba.

Dont think you can fairly say that yet. Cannot really compare what someone does in college to what he will do in the NBA. You may turn out to be correct, but we wont know that for a while.

[Ghost Kat]

Post 3,000 bitches.....suck it!!!


Excuse me, I'm sorry. I think DJ having not lived up to his potential is on the hot seat alot like Felton. Now comparing them I think Kemba has the same heart as felton. But Kemba is a better shooter, Felton was a better playmaker. DJ is probably a better passer, But Kemba is a better playmaker. DJ is a better shooter, But Kemba has the swagger and leadership skills DJ seems to be lacking. I think Kemba will become a better player overall than DJ so this pattern continues. Lets hope in three years we aren't looking for a replacement again.

[dnbman]

Post 3,000 bitches.....suck it!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6sBI60bV-A8

Dr. Octagon, aka Kool Keith.


Kemba is good. yes.

[spectre]

Post 3,000 bitches.....suck it!!!


Excuse me, I'm sorry. I think DJ having not lived up to his potential is on the hot seat alot like Felton. Now comparing them I think Kemba has the same heart as felton. But Kemba is a better shooter, Felton was a better playmaker. DJ is probably a better passer, But Kemba is a better playmaker. DJ is a better shooter, But Kemba has the swagger and leadership skills DJ seems to be lacking. I think Kemba will become a better player overall than DJ so this pattern continues. Lets hope in three years we aren't looking for a replacement again.

Other than the last line I pretty much have to agree with this.

DJ has gotten better...but let's not forget this is the same guy who averaged 3.5 assists in 26.5 mpg his rookie year...that's averaging something like 1 assist for every 8 minutes played. His 2nd year he averaged 2.4 assists in 18.4 mpg, which is 1 assist for every 7.7 minutes played. This past season his assists did go up as well as the quality of his passes (6.1 in 33.6; 1 in 5.5 minutes), but this wasn't an everyday occurrence at all.

I think this is interesting:

http://www.blazersedge.com/2011/6/23/2239415/walker-a-winner-for-better-or-worse


But at the very least, he has an encouraging history. When he was a pass-first point guard coming out of Rice High School (N.Y.), some wondered whether Walker would ever develop the necessary scoring skills. But after becoming an energy scorer off the bench in his freshman year at UConn and taking another major leap this past summer to become "the man" on a roster that at times appeared nearly barren, he’s progressed to the point where we question his ability to be a pass-first point guard.

[dav7z]

Let's not rush to conclusions here. Let's wait to see DJ and Kemba play together before we start talking about shipping out DJ or that he's a HUGE upgrade. I think DJ's every bit as good as Kemba without the "swag", but a better passer. Difference is, Kemba gets to enter the league without LB.

If anything, Kemba should push DJ to higher heights.

Marvel hears where we diaagree. DJ is not a bad player at all. But this is a few things to think about. 1st its his contract if we trade him now it gives the other teams flexability. 2nd As of today hes our starting point . If we go through with this youth movement SKY -Walker is going to eat into his playing time hurting his value. If we trade DJ right now i think he could net us a 2012 mid to late 1st round pick . I f we keep him, we won't pick up his option next season just to save cap. I think hes worth a return of some kind. SKY - Walker has to be part of our core for at least the next three years. So trading DJ just makes to muck sence right now.












SWEEDD SKY -Walker is mine til you come up with something better............................................ .................................................. ...............


Just think MJs new newest brand . SKY - Walkers . Damn that name makes me just want to buy a pair. Could be one hell of a marketing tool.

[Mustachio]

It's Kemba's team now.

there should of course be an early camp and early season competition but if Kemba is even relatively close to DJ it should be his team.

But trading DJ is stupid. You guys act like it only takes 5 guys to win games.
DJ in my opinion isn't good enough to start. But he makes for one hell of a back up.
He doesn't like it? tough, show that you're better.

We don't just need a starting 5. We need everything. trading away players like DJ and Diaw just doesn't make sense to me. We need depth.

[dav7z]

It's Kemba's team now.

there should of course be an early camp and early season competition but if Kemba is even relatively close to DJ it should be his team.

But trading DJ is stupid. You guys act like it only takes 5 guys to win games.
DJ in my opinion isn't good enough to start. But he makes for one hell of a back up.
He doesn't like it? tough, show that you're better.

We don't just need a starting 5. We need everything. trading away players like DJ and Diaw just doesn't make sense to me. We need depth.

Then you don't agree with what CHO is trying to do ?Hell if we was keeping assets we should have kept Wallace and JAX. Why is trading DJ STUPID?? We sign a one year vet min contract. If we blowing the team up what reason is it to keep DJ. Everone knows we blowing up this team up . Hell we trying to lose and gain assets. And the first pick in next years draft is our main goal. What makes you think we have any long range plans for DJ. Im not talking about DJs abilitys . Im talking about the teams long term plans.

Now considering CHO and the teams long range plans . What makes trading DJ STUPID . explain please?

[BRNC]

It's Kemba's team now.
But trading DJ is stupid. You guys act like it only takes 5 guys to win games.
DJ in my opinion isn't good enough to start. But he makes for one hell of a back up.
He doesn't like it? tough, show that you're better.

I've always viewed him as a solid NBA backup...the concern is if he continues to shrink/regress (as he did with the competion with Ray) he has no value...so the question becomes...

Are we better off (since the FO obviously has no confidence in DJ as the starting PG for this team going forward) trying to trade DJ while he still has value or hope he accepts being a backup to Kemba?

[Mustachio]

Then you don't agree with what CHO is trying to do ?Hell if we was keeping assets we should have kept Wallace and JAX. Why is trading DJ STUPID?? We sign a one year vet min contract. If we blowing the team up what reason is it to keep DJ. Everone knows we blowing up this team up . Hell we trying to lose and gain assets. And the first pick in next years draft is our main goal. What makes you think we have any long range plans for DJ. Im not talking about DJs abilitys . Im talking about the teams long term plans.

Now considering CHO and the teams long range plans . What makes trading DJ STUPID . explain please?


Stupid was a poor word choice, and relax I wasn't attacking you or the CHO-sen one.

Maybe I should have said, rushing to trade DJ would be stupid. It's like Clausen and Cam Newton. You are disappointed in the incumbent but have no idea what you have in the new guy, but potential. But you dang sure better not trade one of them before you figure it out.

DJ is still on his rookie contract, he isn't killing us cap wise and he would make an amazing back up point. So why rush to trade that kind of player? Jax and Crash were guys making massive dollars and clogging up the works, and they were both guys who would never take a back up role. Not because they are stubborn, but because they have earned their right to start.

DJ hasn't earned his starting spot, and if Kemba comes in shows that he is even close to DJ then Kemba should be given the keys. Then we have a solid rookie prospect at the helm, that will become the leader and you have a vet backup on a rookie deal. When it comes time to resign him, you probably let him walk, but since he probably wont demand a huge contract, you have the option of him staying in charlotte as the long term back up .


all that said... if you can find me a trade that brings in a vet back up for Kemba on a vet minimum that is as good or better than DJ... then go for it. I just don't think its time for that and I dont think its an option as that is hard to find.

[SWedd523]

I think the biggest knock on DJ is his inconsistency. We've all seen him go out there and play 18/8 ball for a week or so, only to turn around and play 12/3 for a week. The question is:


Is he inconsistent because he's young, and all we need to do is let him grow out of it, or is he always going to be an up and down player?

[ohara831]

I like the young core we have of Kemba, Biyombo, Hendo and TT. We will add to that with our Lottery pick in 2012 draft which is very talented and very deep. I really think trading DJ for another pick in either the late lottery or a few picks thereafter would be a very wise move. Not in a normal draft, but in the 2012 draft - yes. Add 2 from this draft to the 4 young guns we have, that is 6 players around which you can build a contender and possible Championship. (2) teams to consider are Utah who own the Warrior's 2012 1st (Top 7 protected) and Houston who owns the Knicks 2012 1st (Top 5 protected). I dont expect either the Knicks or Warriors to retain those picks. They will likely fall in the range of #13 - #20. And if trading DJ and taking back a slightly lesser player who has maybe another year longer than DJ's contract can get it done, I'd be fine with it. More likely that can be done with Utah easier than Houston as Houston has Lowery and is not really in need of DJ. And I dont see Diaw as someone Houston would value as highly as DJ so as to give up the Knicks pick. Certainly there are other teams who may be interested, but that would require them giving up their 2012 1st and not another team's which they had acquired. With Utah and Houston, they would only be giving up 1 of the 2 1st round picks they have so it makes it easier for them to pull the trigger.

[dav7z]

Stupid was a poor word choice, and relax I wasn't attacking you or the CHO-sen one.

Maybe I should have said, rushing to trade DJ would be stupid. It's like Clausen and Cam Newton. You are disappointed in the incumbent but have no idea what you have in the new guy, but potential. But you dang sure better not trade one of them before you figure it out.

DJ is still on his rookie contract, he isn't killing us cap wise and he would make an amazing back up point. So why rush to trade that kind of player? Jax and Crash were guys making massive dollars and clogging up the works, and they were both guys who would never take a back up role. Not because they are stubborn, but because they have earned their right to start.

DJ hasn't earned his starting spot, and if Kemba comes in shows that he is even close to DJ then Kemba should be given the keys. Then we have a solid rookie prospect at the helm, that will become the leader and you have a vet backup on a rookie deal. When it comes time to resign him, you probably let him walk, but since he probably wont demand a huge contract, you have the option of him staying in charlotte as the long term back up .


all that said... if you can find me a trade that brings in a vet back up for Kemba on a vet minimum that is as good or better than DJ... then go for it. I just don't think its time for that and I dont think its an option as that is hard to find.
When thinking of DJ im not trying to compare him to Walker . You right if we as a team have any intension at all of keeping DJ . And it becomes a true battle for the starting point position . Then we shouldn't try to trade him . But if SKY- Walker is for certain the next starter . Then we should try and market DJ as a starter on a team rebuilding . DJ could be a back up point for over half the teams in the league. Its like Ohara said a 2012 1st in this draft class is big.

[Did anyone read the artical about how H Barnes stayed step for step with Durant in camp this week ]

The Heat would love DJ as a starter . A perfect fit for DJ he wouldn't have to be a leader . But they have no value at all as far as trade pieces. It would have to be a three team trade and involve Haslem and the Heats pick.
Diop and DJ and a first for Miller or Haslem i might do ?? Either way i was just thinking of DJ as a way to get another asset.

[JayTeeBeeTee]

I don't think we get a first for DJ or for DJ and Diaw. Be realistic are either one of them that valuable to another team with this 2012 draft coming up?

I don't think we are blowing it up either, we got two first round picks for GW to rebuild, not to blow it up. Getting rid of Jax was a move by Cho, I believe, to try and hit a home run with The Business. Which quite honestly, after watching the Hoops Summit video, could be a grand slam. So as I see it, we have solid group with DJ and Sky-Walker at the helm for the next couple of years. Trading DJ for possible future talent seems like a bad idea. There is always going to be good talent coming up, DJ was that good talent and he is still very capable at leading this team without Larry groping about losing Raymond. I think part of it depends on how much work DJ puts in during the off season. DJ is still very young and has room to grow, it's not like he has maxed out his potential as an old vet, he's still learning the whole system after only one year of starting. 2 cents.

[Ghost Kat]

What I like about Walker is he can get into the paint. Either off pick and rolls or solo. DJ cant seem to create his own shot. He's a good shooter but he can't or doesn't break his man down. I want DJ to improve this year but Kemba might be a better overall investment for his will to win and leadership. DJ never stepped up and took charge as a PG should.

[spectre]

Ran across this article from back when Walker was a rookie at UCONN:

Kemba Walker: Mature Beyond His Years (http://www.bouncemag.com/2009/02/27/kemba-walker-mature-beyond-his-years/)


But I can’t describe how impressed I was seeing “EZ Pass” first-hand at Wednesday’s UConn Marquette game. Walker’s numbers didn’t stick out: a pedestrian nine points, three assists, two steals. But the Rice HS product played solid D, only had one turnover and did a tremendous job of orchestrating the offense and getting the ball into the hands of A.J. Price (36 points) and Stanley Robinson (19) in front of a raucous sell-out crowd on the road.

Perhaps this was to be expected, as Walker has played in front of boisterous crowds all over New York City his entire life. Nonetheless, his poise was something that it seems Big Apple point guards have lacked recently.

I can’t help but feel that if Louisville’s Edgar Sosa took a similar pass-first shoot-second approach, the Cardinals would be a much more potent team and Sosa’s NBA prospects for the 2010-11 season would be a little brighter.
From the comments:


Russ M. says:

I’m glad you pointed out the “solid D” you saw. Watched him on TV last week and was amazed at his defensive foot speed. Definetly not fun bringing the ball upcourt against this boy.
jaquam says:

this is a great post. i seen him play alot in summer tournaments he played with one of my friends in AAU and my friend told me that one thing he’s known for is taking away his opponents confidence. he can do that with his defense and how he’s able to blow past them and he’s a sneaky leaper too which makes his game much more interesting. he was able to display that when he dunked on Jrue Holiday from UCLA (another Good Freshman)in the mcdonald’s all-american game you are most definitely right he has the most poise compared to alot of other NYC guards
Seldom Seen says:

From what little I have seen of Kemba Walker so far it is his poise, confidence and defensive tenacity that stand out the most. We all know he has the ability to score but it is great to see him playing within the UConn system.

[BlockParty]

Saw a link to this from Bonnell, really interesting interview. Kemba's parents have already relocated to Charlotte and he's considering coming to CLT sometime this summer to workout, hopeful that we will have a "captain's camp" put on by the Charlotte veterans (see our earlier thread on who our captain is, that would organize such a camp).



http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=6782048

[davcbow]

I say wait and see on any trades concerning Boris or DJ or both, but if something comes along we cant refuse then trade, use them as bargaining chips for a trade we win. Just Saying :D .....

[ohara831]

I can't tell you how much I really like having this kid on the roster. I think he is going to become a team leader with his defense, scoring ability, energy and attitude. An instant fan favorite. Just as long as he keeps himself out of the papers for doing something stupid, Charlotte will take to Kemba and make him a favorite son.