Esteban Batista

[Wallace15]

Not sure if anyone has mentioned him but this link says we're one of 4 teams pursuing him

http://www.rotoworld.com/content/playerpages/player_main.aspx?sport=NBA&id=1198

[dav7z]

At least some real news . Does any one know any thing about this guy . I know nothing about him .
Good find Wallace REP IT UP........

[Wallace15]

Same here, I don't know anything about him, and thank you for the rep.

[Muttley]

He played well during the FIBA Americas Tourney. Don't know how he'll be when he's not allowed to swat the ball away right off the rim.

[davcbow]

Atlanta released him.... :g:

[Alex]

I saw him against the US in the FIBA Americas tourney and he was tearring it up inside against Amare and Howard. He was showing all kinds of moves as well, hook, midrange shot, up and under, nice dunks and he was grabbing ferociuos rebounds at the other end. He's definitely three or four times the player Primoz is and I don't need more than that one performance to say that with confidence.

Who cares if the Hawks released him? They have the most braindead front office in sports. I say we go after him and we go after him hard! Him and Walter could make a hell of an south american combo for us.

[davcbow]

Looks to me that no one knew who he was until the FIBA tourney except the Hawks. Go for it if we can afford him. :g:

[spectre]

Very interesting. Not the type of guy I thought we were targeting...but he is another big. We'd sure be loaded with big projects though.

We're up against the Celtics, Suns and the Pacers. The first two (and probably the Pacers too) can only offer the minimum right? If we really want the dude we should be able to beat it money wise...and that's probably what it'd take to win out.

Is he worth a 2/4 million deal? Why didn't he get any burn on the Hawks?

[ALong13]

I say why not? He's another big and has done well this season..He's only 24 years old, and it looks like he can shoot and score...In a total of 579 minutes, he's only got 11 blocks though, so hopefully he can get that up, but I think he's worth giving him a shot...

[Keetch]

YO! I've mentioned him a few times in recent threads ??? but I guess nobody reads my crap! :D

I watched him in FIBA Vegas and thought he looked very good. Then I read somewhere's that he's a FIBA star but an NBA stiff. I dunno. He sure looked GOOD in Vegas. I'd give him another shot for sure. Big body with good footwork and a nose for the ball and the hoop. Or so it seems...

We need that really bad.

[davcbow]

That is where I heard his name before.... :g:

[dvdbumpus]

That would be pretty sweet if we signed him. I like that he's got some weight on him and when he's played some minutes in the past couple of years he got some boards. Emeka and Crash can handle the blocks, we need someone that can play like him...if he play to his potential.

[timang]

othella out, batista in! 8)

we'd getting be getting lots of WWE fans just for his jersey alone :wink:

[ziggy]

Heres a long thread discussing Batista over at HawkSquawk.net.
Check it out (http://www.hawksquawk.net/forums/showflat.php?Cat=0&Board=homecourt&Number=247756&Forum=,f1,&Words=batista&Searchpage=0&Limit=25&Main=247214&Search=true&where=bodysub&Name=&daterange=0&newerval=&newertype=&olderval=&oldertype=&bodyprev=#Post247756)

[tamburello]

I made a brief research about him. He played majority of his career in his native, Uruguay. He played only 8 games in Europe (2nd division of Spain, namely LEB) and 70 games(576 minutes) with Hawks in two seasons which says to me that he's very limited major club experience. That's why he wasn't tendered a qualifying offer by Hawks and released.

But his breakthrough performance came in very recent Americas Championship in Las Vegas. He was fourth on top scorers list and top rebounder of the tournament.
http://www.2007lasvegas.fibaamericas.com/pages/eng/fe/07/fibaAmer/men/teamPlay/play/p/competitioncode//eventid/3965/langlc/en/playernumber/45592/roundid/3965/searchstr//season//teamnumber/380/fe_teamPlay_playStat.html

Now he's an unrestricted free agent. Especially in the last season, he saw very little playing time. He's surely demanding respectable time on the floor. Maybe that's why he declined the offer of Celtics. I don't think he'd play as much as he desired if he signed with the Celts.

If he's looking for minutes, he should select either us or Pacers. We know D'Antoni uses bench players very shortly, so he could easily be the next Pat Burke if he chooses there. We also know that he cannot speak English and had difficult times because of it. In this aspect, I guess we have the greatest chance to land him.

To conclude, he would be a fruitful player in the rotation, even he may be a better contributor than Primoz, as some of you have mentioned. But filling up our roster with any player but Derek Anderson seems me extremely pathetic. If we'll waive Othella, than he'd be OK. Before signing Derek Anderson, I'm against him.

[dav7z]

http://www.realgm.com/boards/viewtopic.php?topic=711645
Sounds like we the frunt runner for him

[dav7z]

another link
http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/rumors/post/Big-man-Batista-turns-Celtics-down?urn=nba,45847

[dvdbumpus]

If he's potentially as good as he's said he is especially against the Americans', I'd definitely consider signing him. DA and him while cutting Othella..done deal.

[Wallace15]

Can someone tell me what the point was in signing Othella in the first place? Because he's been nothing but a waste of a roster space since he's been here.
Signing Batista and re-signing DA. Then releasing Othella sounds pretty good to me.

[dvdbumpus]

Can someone tell me what the point was in signing Othella in the first place? Because he's been nothing but a waste of a roster space since he's been here.
Signing Batista and re-signing DA. Then releasing Othella sounds pretty good to me.


I think a big part of it was a locker room presence and just the veteran presence to the overall team. Whatever he provided on the court was probably just an added bonus.

[davcbow]

I read this evening that Batista turned down the Celts.

http://www.rotoworld.com/content/playerpages/playerbreakingnews.asp?sport=NBA&id=1198&line=84232&spln=1
:g:

[Muttley]

DA + Batista to one-year deals each sounds like a pretty reasonable solution to me, if management can bear to release another player (obviously - Othella). Obviously, DA probably wouldn't be around after next year anyway (I believe someone on this board said he wants to coach.) Also, if Batista doesn't work out, he's no worse than Othella and if he does work out, we might have an inside edge to re-sign him. His Celtic denial kinda surprises me, though. I wonder if the money was the issue, or if it was foreseeable playing time, or maybe even that he didn't click with the suits in Boston.

[dav7z]

From what i've read we have offered him a contract. Thats what his agent said. Playing time is a big issue to. He wants to get some mins. Everone seems to think we his number 1 choice . Because playing for Charlotte gives him a better chance to get mins. Thats why we the frunt runner.

But i think if we sign him we done . I don't see us signing D A too. As bad as i would love to get both.

[davcbow]

I wonder what the Bobcats management is up to? Does anybody know somebody that knows somebody? :g:

[dvdbumpus]

cut othella after signing batista then sign DA. Worse come to worse, I'd hire DA as an assistant.

[ALong13]

Phoenix may be out the running now, there's a huge rumor going around PSD that Brian Skinner may sign with him, taking their final spot...


Center Brian Skinner and the Suns do not have a contract, but they have agreed on one thing: Each is at the top of the other's wish list.

The Suns likely will not fill their reserve big-man void until at least Monday but would feel complete and content to have Skinner signed up for their Oct. 2-7 training camp.

Skinner is weighing one other NBA offer. Phoenix's trio of candidates - Skinner, Esteban Batista and Vitaly Potapenko - are vying for as much of a guaranteed contract as possible in a market that includes teams over or near the tax threshold.

Skinner, 31, is considered the best and most proven player of the three because he can give the Suns defense and rebounding and keep up with their up-tempo style. The Suns considered adding two big men for camp, but signing Skinner would make that unnecessary.

Skinner, who started 44 games for the Milwaukee Bucks last season, worked out in Phoenix on Thursday and said the Suns are at "the top of my list" because they are a title contender. He turned down a better offer this summer from a non-contender.

-AZCentral



So looks like Charlotte and Indiana are the remaing two...

[Keetch]

Bonnell has a new article in today's (Sunday's) Charlotte Observer and online at charlotte.com.

"Vincent has mentioned free agents Michael Ruffin or Marc Jackson as possibilities, and the team also worked out Vitaly Potapenko recently. Vincent uses the word "rugged'' to describe what he needs, and all three of those guys know how to throw their bodies around the lane."

Ruffin is signing with the Bucks. I sure hope they don't pick up Potapenko. He's very slow footed and been cut by many teams. Man of those 3, there's really only one choice, if you can get him.

RB also picked up our thread (and many others) about the possibility of cutting Harrington, and adds that his knee may still be a problem enough that the Cats could recoup some of his $2.4M guaranteed salary through disability insurance. So some news there.

With Brian Skinner likely going to the Suns, that leaves us and the Pacers bidding on Batista.

RB doesn't mention Marc Jackson this time.

[dav7z]

Good find Keetch. It's starting to look like we getting Batista . Him being our frunt runner. And coach V is leaving us wiggle room to get D.A . What a great way to end a off season . If we pull this off we will be 13 deap or better. I COULDN'T SAY ONE BAD THING ABOUT OUR OFF SEASON



http://www.charlotte.com/bobcats/story/289301.html

I all so wander what he means about creating a roster spot . We should have one left.Or has somthing happened behind the seans like D.Anderson allready signed . Makes you wander.

[spectre]

cut othella after signing batista then sign DA. Worse come to worse, I'd hire DA as an assistant.


Bobcats' Harrington at risk? (http://www.charlotte.com/sports/story/289301.html)

There is a God!!!!!!!!!!!

According to Boston.com Batista's agent is saying the Celtics are back in the mix, so I'm assuming all teams are offering the minimum salary (because I know that's all Boston can offer). You'd have to think he'd get the most burn with us...so if we really want him why not kick the money up to 1.75-2 million per for a couple of years?

From what I've read I'm wondering if it's really worth it though...presumably he's got a long way to go. According to that article we've already worked out Potopenko and it looks like we're going to get one of Jackson/Pot/Batista.

Is there that big a difference?

I think Bonnell is assuming we're bringing in another point...doubt SERIOUSLY if he's gotten any inside info from the 'Cats.

[tamburello]

Boston can offer only minimum. Phoenix still has its full MLE, but it's soooooooo unlikely that they'd offer more than minimum, since Robert Sarver is doing ridiculous stuff to cut luxury tax (remember Kurt Thomas trade). They both are already over the luxury tax limit, so every cent they'll pay will double. Pacers has exactly 3.8 millions to spend, they are 1.1 millions under the lux. tax limit. And us, although not definite, we can pay any kind of money he wants. We have absolutely the best salary situation right now.

This years' minimum for 2 year veterans is $770.610. Pacers can sign him without going over limit. But among the "NBA" teams, I believe we have the best chance to land Batista by any means.

But I predict he's demanding more than minimum. Because each decent team in the Europe can offer him exactly the same money as well. Actually a handful of teams can offer him +1.5 millions per year easily. I guess Batista is demanding around 2 millions, and that's what stops the negotiations without result right now.


Also I'm so sorry for Othella, although I desperately wanted him to be waived, it would be a shame if he's forced to retire due to a knee injury.

[dav7z]

Batista and D. Anderson would be a great way to finish our roster.

[davcbow]

Batista and D. Anderson would be a great way to finish our roster.


I agree with you totally. Right now its between Indiana and Charlotte biding for Batista unless somethings changed that I havent heard of..... :g:

[Keetch]

Looks like Boston has somehow returned into consideration for Batista. I sure hope they don't sign him too.

I really hope we sign this guy. I think we'd all enjoy watching how he progresses on the team. He'd find a nice job here I'm sure. Come on Cats spend a little to bring him home!

At least he fills a need; has got nice potential (upside!) and wouldn't be another slow or overweight or undersized or otherwise flawed NBA journeyman taking up space for a year.

Maybe we'll know more on Monday. Camp opens very soon!

[spectre]

Boston.com Sports (http://www.boston.com/sports/basketball/celtics/articles/2007/09/25/celtics_pierce_says_a_burden_has_been_lifted/)


As of today, Ainge had not made any contract offers to the free agents working out at the team practice facility in Waltham: ex-Celtic forward Eric Williams, forward Linton Johnson III, center Kelvin Cato, and forward-center Esteban Batista. Ainge said he also has interest in free agent swingman Dahntay Jones, who averaged 7.5 points for Memphis last season.

Ainge acknowledged some interest in adding more big-man depth prior to training camp. He did, however, express concern about the aforementioned free agents probably wanting guaranteed contracts.

The Celtics currently have 15 players on their training camp roster, including 12 with completely guaranteed contracts.

"I'm not concerned about depth," Ainge said. "But you're always concerned about injuries or whatever can happen."

It appears that Batista has NOT gotten a guaranteed contract from Boston. Are we sure our's was guaranteed?

[Keetch]

Yeah Spectre, who knows? It sounds like the Celtics and Cornstein are each dancing around each other waiting for the other one to give in.

I'm doubtful they're even talking to anyone else now. Bring on Potapenko! Argh.

[spectre]

Obviously the fans don't know crap (heh, just look at us!)...but they seem to be favoring Cato due to his experience. At the end of the day we very well might be his choice.

What REALLY blows my mind is a lot of their fans wanting to bring back Eric Williams.

[Wallace15]

I've seen some stuff too about the Boston fans wanting to bring back Eric Williams. Who knows why they would want him back.

[ziggy]

According to this article (http://www.boston.com/sports/basketball/celtics/extras/celtics_blog/2007/09/camp_roster_set.html) it looks like the Celtics signed Batista today. :-\

We'll have to look elsewhere for a physical big man.

[Wallace15]

Well damn, that sucks. I was really hoping we could land Batista :-\....I guess in that case, Marc Jackson anyone?

[spectre]

The Celtics signed former Memphis Grizzlies guard-forward Dahntay Jones and Atlanta Hawks forward-center Estaban Batista to non-guarenteed contracts and will join the team in Europe for training camp, bringing the roster to 17.

Non-guaranteed?

Interesting.

[Muttley]

That sucks. Can a team offer as many non-guaranteed contracts as they want, have an army of a roster in the pre-season, and just pull the plug on the leftovers by opening night?

[davcbow]

Well he must not have been interested in the Bobcats because all we ever heard about it was we were interested in him, so I wonder what we will end up doing, just play with what we have? Lordy lordy hope not..... :g:

[Keetch]

Yes very unfortunate. If we had been willing to guarantee even a year, maybe we could have landed him. At this point there is no one out there that as a fan, I care about. Even if Batista turned out to be a bust, at least he would have been an interesting bust. Everyone else is already pre-certified "bust."

I'm confused and a upset the Bobcats passed on this guy while at the same time possibly strengthening the Celtics, whom by the way, I'm starting to strongly dislike. I hope we kick their ass.

It's possible that Batista for whatever nutty reason just had no interest in the Bobcats, but otherwise, it sure doesn't seem like it would have taken much to sign him. Crap stupid pfft dammit. Well at least we got a new asst. coach.

dropped the ball.

[spectre]

I think we definitely bring in another big.

We worked out Vitaly Potapenko and Coach V mentioned Marc Jackson by name (Ruffin's been signed). Out of those 2 I guess I'd lean towards Jackson...Pot will NEVER pass muster...he had issues passing the Kings' conditioning test that they require to play, and I'm surprised that we even gave him a chance. Looking at his stats he doesn't appear to be a good rebounder either...and I'd like at least one other skill besides being able to get 6 fouls.

At least Jackson can shoot FTs.

[ALong13]

Big Men Free agents Left

Michael Olowokandi | C | PPG 1.7 | RPG 2 | BPG 0.5
Dwayne Jones | FC | PPG 0.8 | RPG 1.5 | BPG 0
Jamal Sampson | FC | PPG 1.1 | RPG 2.2 | BPG 0.3
Dale Davis | C | PPG 1.8 | RPG 3 | BPG 0.7
Zarko Cabarkapa | F | PPG 3.3 | RPG 1.8 | BPG 0.1
Marc Jackson | FC | PPG 7.3 | RPG 3.4 | BPG 0.1
Kelvin Cato | C | PPG 1.2 | RPG 1.7 | BPG 0.6
Alan Henderson | PF | PPG 3.1 | RPG 2.8 | BPG 0.3
Pat Burke | FC | PPG 2.6 | RPG 2 | BPG 0.1
Vitaly Potapenko | C | PPG 0 | RPG 0.7 | BPG 0
Danny Fortson | FC | PPG 2.9 | RPG 3.1 | BPG 0
Lawrence Roberts | F | PPG 5.2 | RPG 4.8 | BPG 0.2



Though I doubt we'd ever look at him, why not Lawrence Robers, he's only 24, and though he's only 6'9" looks like he can still rebound. I think we should also look at Alan Henderson, but this shows you that their are a lot better guys stats wise than Vitaly Potapenko...

(there were a few more, but no one that I though would come...(PJ Brown, Chris Webber, a few others in their 40's)

[Slam]

How would Marc Jackson be any different to Primoz (apart from the obvious colour thing)?

[spectre]

Along13 sweet sig!!!


How would Marc Jackson be any different to Primoz (apart from the obvious colour thing)?

More beef I guess. I know very little about most of those guys other than what I've recently been picking up. Main thing is Pot's crap and Cato is like Princess...so I've been avoiding those two.

[dav7z]

Where the hell we go now , Any good ideas .
I say hell we just sign Vareajo and forget ever thing else .
I really thought Batista was going to sign with us. Hope Boston cuts him and keeps that sorry dude we got rid of. You guys know the one who couldn't play at all.

[Slam]

I'd rather the Kandi Man than Jackson - but maybe that is just me?

At the very least Kandi is a MUCH better shot blocker.

[Keetch]

"a few in their 40's" LOL yeah thats where we are...

I read somewhere that Pot has lost like 30 pounds, so hey I'm liking it! :D

Seriously, Not one of those guys interests me so I don't care. Might as well just keep Othella.

Well except maybe Lawrence Roberts, but he's playing overseas somewhere last I heard.

[dav7z]

Want one hell of a banger . We could resign J White hes a monster. He could push Shaq around. Look back at when J.Rich dunked over him hes a beast...........

[dvdbumpus]

Want one hell of a banger . We could resign J White hes a monster. He could push Shaq around. Look back at when J.Rich dunked over him hes a beast...........


haha...jahidi was a bum. What's he up to anyways?

[dnbman]

What we need to do is hit up some of locally grown pro wrestlers. It's one of the Carolina's greatest exports and natural resources.

Hell, Rick Flair's good for a couple of boards and 6 fouls.

Didn't Hulk Hogan say that pro wrestlers were the greatest athletes on earth?

[davcbow]

Id like to see those 2 steroid bound guys run up and down the court, Id get a kick out of that.... :g:

[dav7z]

Want one hell of a banger . We could resign J White hes a monster. He could push Shaq around. Look back at when J.Rich dunked over him hes a beast...........


haha...jahidi was a bum. What's he up to anyways?


He really wants to play again . You have to addmit hes a big dude. He would be good for 5 mins and 6 fouls. LOL

[ALong13]

I saw we just get The Great Khali (from WWE) to stand at the basket and hold his hands up, it do just as good block wise as some of the guys left in free agency...plus we may be able to get him for cheaper...