Allen Iverson in Charlotte?

[davcbow]

Something I found at google tonight...:cool:

http://www.google.com/hostednews/canadianpress/article/ALeqM5h9YfwKAuVyrSolTgKkrbuOTVK3DA

[bellringer21]

I can see it....give Henderson a year to develop before he gets significant minutes.

Felton
Iverson
Wallace
Diaw
Okafor

I personally don't want Iverson here, but I can see Brown bringing him in.

Practice? You talkin bout practice?

[jpf_v2.0]

Not really sure it's a good fit but if he did end up here I'd certainly cheer him.

[ammofan]

I have wanted AI in Charlotte since there were trade discussions a few years ago before he ended up in Denver.

He would be great here. i also have always thought that if we had a star 2 guard we would be one of the top teams in the east. With Gerald and Meks defense, Raymonds leadership, and Boris's playmaking...Ai could fit right in as the primary scorer and we really have all the tools to be a GREAT team.

[ziggy]

I just don't see how a 34 year old, past his prime, undersized, low fg%, volume shooter that refuses to come off the bench really helps us out. :g:

Maybe its just me.

[mrtarheel]

If AI comes in I think that means Bell is gone. Maybe package him with Nazr to Portland for a sign an trade for Frye, Outlaw and Webster. Give Frye a 3 or 4 yr deal at about 3.5mil would sure up or bench.

Felts, Dj, Jefferson
AI, Hendo, Webster
Wallace, Outlaw, Brown
Diaw, Frye, Radman
Okafor, Diop, Ajinca

Or send Nazr and Bell to GSW for Azuibuke, Turiaf and Randolph

Felts, Dj, Jefferson
AI, Azuibuke, Hendo
Wallace, Randolph, Brown
Diaw, Turiaf, Radman
Okafor, Diop, Ajinca

[ammofan]

I just don't see how a 34 year old, past his prime, undersized, low fg%, volume shooter that refuses to come off the bench really helps us out. :g:

Maybe its just me.

I think it is just you.....

Its not like he is a guy like Michael Finley who used to be good and now he is average as he is older.....Allen Iverson was one of the top 5 players IMO in the league when he was in his prime, so as he gets older(just a few years removed from averaging 30 ppg...) he is still better than any of the current cats.

[jpf_v2.0]

Problem I have with it is I don't see us getting better by signing AI. If we sign him wouldn't we almost certainly trade Raja to help keep payroll under the luxury tax threshold?

And at that point, don't we pretty much 'break even' trading Bell's defense for AI's offense?

[SWedd523]

I think it is just you.....

Its not like he is a guy like Michael Finley who used to be good and now he is average as he is older.....Allen Iverson was one of the top 5 players IMO in the league when he was in his prime, so as he gets older(just a few years removed from averaging 30 ppg...) he is still better than any of the current cats.
He's not better than Crash

[Slam]

Ai is a very unique player with a very unique style that can only really succeed in the perfect environment for him.

Thing is, LB is the one guy who has really been able to create that environment for him in the past. Is it unfair to think he couldn't do it again?

Also, I wouldn't see Ai replacing Raja - although I would be a little worried about how his introduction might hold back Dj and Hendo.

Key for me when it comes to Ai is three fold:

- How much gas does he have left in the tank?
- What sort of role does he want to play?
- How much money is he going to want?

I'll say this though: If I had the choice between Ai for the MLE and Sheed at the MLE, I'd take Ai.

[TheBeagle]

He's not better than Crash Damn straight!

As for him coming here, I really don't care for it at all as it will effect (negatively) on Raja and/or 12. From all that I remember Larry saying, 12 could be the protegee to Raja's mentor, and having Iverson come here would fuck that up quite a bit. I mean, really, the key purpose of drafting Henderson was that he was NBA ready; why relegate him to 3rd string off guard? And if not, that means a Raja trade, which I'm not keen on at all. Still, if the right pieces could be acquired, I'd consider it, love Raja as I do.

Basically my equation for this is such:

Raja + Henderson>AI

and that's enough for me to wish the AI talk would go away....though, alas, I don't expect it will.:(

[EvetsMorrison15]

I just don't see how a 34 year old, past his prime, undersized, low fg%, volume shooter that refuses to come off the bench really helps us out. :g:

Maybe its just me.

THANK YOU FUCKING GOD! (thank you fudgin gosh!)

I don't need REP so I'm not sucking Zig's ass.

AI sucks my ass. NO WAY HE SAVES US! He didn't play well with a contender in Detroit, why would he save our non repected expansion team ass. I told you a while ago, players like him can no longer make it in this league. He's a punk. He was born with a great basketball ability but given a greater attitude. Plus...hahaha he doesn't have it anymore.

If I'm wrong, I will cut off my hands.

[TheBeagle]

THANK YOU FUCKING GOD! (thank you fudgin gosh!)

I don't need REP so I'm not sucking Zig's ass.

AI sucks my ass. NO WAY HE SAVES US! He didn't play well with a contender in Detroit, why would he save our non repected expansion team ass. I told you a while ago, players like him can no longer make it in this league. He's a punk. He was born with a great basketball ability but given a greater attitude. Plus...hahaha he doesn't have it anymore.

If I'm wrong, I will cut off my hands. Ah, there's nothing like a Steve Morrison post...unfortunately they're too few and far between.

You may wish ill on me, but I had to +1 you if for nothing else than the "I don't need REP so I'm not sucking Zig's ass," that's beautiful stuff!

By the by, I always did like your banners or whatever you call them that used to be at the top of the BCP page. I petition we put them back!

[SWedd523]

I don't need REP so I'm not sucking Zig's ass.
You, sir, have been awarded the quote of the month award! :p

[superb1]

i'm still up in the air, we need someone like AI here but not AI himself. I think if we sign him we are signing AI the player for what he got left but not thinking about AI the person too much. I also see people tuning in to Bobcats games, forums, etc to watch AI blow up in our faces and that still translate into dollars for the team.

It would be a intriguing and interesting season to have AI in Bobcat attire, will AI the 30ppg return, will AI the ball hog player here, or will AI I love Coach Brown show up, will it be AI I have noting else but prove the critics wrong about me lead us to the playoffs.

Quite a gamble, but does MJ place the stacks that high especially with Bob's money. Well if he go ahead and ante up the 300 mil or so he can do what he may.

[BRNC]

We need the team together for the entire year...training camp...we do not need to continue creating distractions and excuses...and the last thing we need is AI...

I'm fed up with his buddies in the media selling this crap...I'm sorry AI is having a hard time getting a job with a team...wonder why...so the Bobcats are suppose to "suck it up" and hire this franchise savior when no other team will even talk to him...I really do not want AI here period...we have good players that need to continue to develop/grow without the AI distraction...and that is all it would become (regardless of any "lesser role") despite he or his agent indicated that he'd come off the bench...that BS would last 15 nano-seconds and then we have to live with his BS attitude or eat another contract...so why even start it...let it go...

[Chef]

i think it is clear that some on this board do not understand team dynamics and deeper basketball strategy. as the cats are currently constructed and considering the coach we are not a run and gun, 5 second or less to shoot, high volume possession team. we are a slow methodical team who's goal is to hold our opponents to 89 pts and score 91. AI does not fit in with our team. however, anybody suggesting that raja and rookie (refuse to give a nickname to someone without flare or personality) are enough at sg to get us anymore than 7 or 8 seed are also fooling themselves. if we were going to take on a high salary, past prime vet it needed to be crawford or ray allen, not AI. I am afraid we are in for another mediocre season as the playoff teams/contenders in the east got much better and we made no moves.

Teams that got stronger:
Orlando
Boston (now healthy)
Cleveland
Atlanta
Washington
Teams that will be better than last year:
Chicago (probably trading thomas and hinrich to get better: drafted two thomas replacements)
Indy
Teams that are still better than us:
Miami

[dav7z]

I changed my season seats today . And the last few days Mike my rep and i talked about AI . Mike seems to think picking up AI would be great for ticket sales but hes not sure what it would do for the team or getting better.
Beagle Mike got me in section 211 row b , A lot better than section 214 we was in last season at the same price. 20 dollar seats thair i couldn't belive'
So if any you guys are instrested pm me and i will get him to hook you up.
Im thinking we make one trade to try and move Nazr. But i don't see any big changes coming. And i don't see Bob going into the MLE to get AI. Unless hes sure it inproves ticket sales.

[TyHill]

Well we've already tried to get rid of Raja. So does Larry Brown really want Henderson to learn under Raja? Honestly I think LB can teach the kid himself, if LB got AI to listen and play good ball in philly he can get anyone to play. Which honestly I wouldnt mind AI being here, if we lose Raja people are saying "Oh were not gaining or losing anything" ok if were not then bring in AI for ticket sells and we still make the playoffs then?. I honestly think the level we are at now we can make the playoffs .

I think a 1 year deal for AI will help us out in tickets, etc but if everyone thinks AI has nothing left in the tank then a 1 year opportunity in a starting role he could have a shot to prove a lot of people wrong and then maybe get a look from one of the top tier teams to try and get a championship..honestly there is nothing to lose here. Like someone said LB can control Iverson so im not worried about his attitude, I think if we do bring him in we get the, "Im going to prove ya'll wrong AI".
He hasnt been in a system where he was able to shine in, he was good in denver, but too many scorers, Detroit, AI is better than coming off the bench and it was REAL evident Curry didnt know how to coach that team. AI in a role where all he needs to do is score is perfect for the Bobcats..hate him all you want, the guy can score and we can make up for the defense with our other solid 4 starters and the backups.

[Mustachio]

dav, there is no doubt that his signing would be good for ticket sales.


on-court basketball wise, it doesn't seem like a great fit to me. He is good (and still better than Ray Allen or Crawford as someone suggested... eww) but it just seems to be too little production for the log jam it would create at the guard spots. Can he raise his game to Larry Brown/6ers level... can he even maintain his level of play from last year? Will it hurt the devolopment of DJ/Hendo? lots and lots of questions from a basketball sense. and im not sure if its worth the trouble.


All that said, i think psychologically this could be a huge move for us... on par with Larry Brown. When Larry signed it gave us a certain legitimacy, a feeling of confidence knowing that a proven, winning, legendary coach, liked our situation enough to give us a try. That legitimacy was felt by players, staff and fans alike. Despite a 35 win season, I dont think i've seen the collective Bobcat Nation self esteem this high.

I think signing Allen Iverson would do the exact same thing from a player standpoint. Fans would have another reason to show up to games. AI is a star personality, even besides his basketball talent. It would be our biggest headline signing to date (even if it wasn't our most important), and again would add legitimacy to a squad that has the anti-free agent stigma attached. If you can get one of the stars of the league like Iverson to sign... you can get anybody.

If i've said it once, I've said it a thousand times... this team could use a spark... a level of nastiness and toughness we have lacked each of our under 500 seasons. Allen brings experience, ability, toughness and that mean streak some of us have been begging for. So it basically comes down to this: A) Do Mike and Larry think that AI's many positive aspects outweigh to potential pitfalls of his signing? B) Can they keep him happy with effective minutes and not hurt the team? C) Can he be signed to a decent cap friendly contract?

I say if the answer to at least 2 of those is Yes... then its worth the gamble. and besides whats really the worst that could happen ? we have another 35 win season and start again next year? I mean come on.

[Scottley Crue]

dav, there is no doubt that his signing would be good for ticket sales.


on-court basketball wise, it doesn't seem like a great fit to me. He is good (and still better than Ray Allen or Crawford as someone suggested... eww) but it just seems to be too little production for the log jam it would create at the guard spots. Can he raise his game to Larry Brown/6ers level... can he even maintain his level of play from last year? Will it hurt the devolopment of DJ/Hendo? lots and lots of questions from a basketball sense. and im not sure if its worth the trouble.


All that said, i think psychologically this could be a huge move for us... on par with Larry Brown. When Larry signed it gave us a certain legitimacy, a feeling of confidence knowing that a proven, winning, legendary coach, liked our situation enough to give us a try. That legitimacy was felt by players, staff and fans alike. Despite a 35 win season, I dont think i've seen the collective Bobcat Nation self esteem this high.

I think signing Allen Iverson would do the exact same thing from a player standpoint. Fans would have another reason to show up to games. AI is a star personality, even besides his basketball talent. It would be our biggest headline signing to date (even if it wasn't our most important), and again would add legitimacy to a squad that has the anti-free agent stigma attached. If you can get one of the stars of the league like Iverson to sign... you can get anybody.

If i've said it once, I've said it a thousand times... this team could use a spark... a level of nastiness and toughness we have lacked each of our under 500 seasons. Allen brings experience, ability, toughness and that mean streak some of us have been begging for. So it basically comes down to this: A) Do Mike and Larry think that AI's many positive aspects outweigh to potential pitfalls of his signing? B) Can they keep him happy with effective minutes and not hurt the team? C) Can he be signed to a decent cap friendly contract?

I say if the answer to at least 2 of those is Yes... then its worth the gamble. and besides whats really the worst that could happen ? we have another 35 win season and start again next year? I mean come on.
I couldn't agree more with this, especially about "legitmizing" the idea of the frachise as a place for big name free agents to go and the need of spark in general. The guy can still put the ball in the basket and that's a sorely needed asset here.

If the front office decides that the answer to your first two questions are yes, then I think the contract takes care of itself to a large degree. If the reports are true, NOONE is offering him anything and I've heard some analysts throw out retirement as an option. It might be that we're the only team willing to give him a shot, but it'll have to be on our financial terms. If that's how it goes down, I'm good with that.

[Dead_Real]

Like I've said before when this topic came up I'm all for it because LB thinks he can coach and win with Iverson once again. My only issue like Slam posted is how this will hurt Hendo I wouldn't want someone that is NBA ready sitting on the bench behind Raja AND AI.

[bing!]

Ticket/Jersey sales boost v Roster development... if I were Bob...

[Chef]

how can you say ai would be much better for us (not as an individual player) than a three point threat who can knock down open 3's and spread the floor for our two penetrators ray and crash. if we had ai we would have him, ray and gerald fighting over touches and driving with no one to kick to. every defense could wait to pick us up at 18 ft and pack it in. we need a strong shooting sg, not a small drive and kick type.

ai would put butts in the seat early. but winning games and making deep playoff runs keep them in the seats. i am not all that convinced that ai will do either of those for us.

[Zoolander]

I just don't see how AI's game fits in with what we have right now. Our game is predicated on passing the rock and finding the open man, that man taking the open shot. It's not an Iso type offense that clear the way for one superstar player like Kobe, Lebron or Melo to go one on one against his defender. We're not built like that. If AI comes here, he'll be the opposite of what we're trying to build. Team unity and togetherness.... is that a word?:confused:

[110oldeast]

how can you say ai would be much better for us (not as an individual player) than a three point threat who can knock down open 3's and spread the floor for our two penetrators ray and crash. if we had ai we would have him, ray and gerald fighting over touches and driving with no one to kick to. every defense could wait to pick us up at 18 ft and pack it in. WE NEED A STRONG SHOOTING SG, not a small drive and kick type.

While I can see some of the plusses of AI, THIS point is the one thing that still concerns me about our roster as we enter the season.

Don't be fooled by LB's "hating of the 3/jumpshot." He had a team full of guys who could knock it down in Detroit. It's part of what made their team so tough to defend. This ain't the 1990's. You can't just physically dominate teams with athleticism, strength, and quickness if you don't have the perimeter threats to make teams pay when they help off.

Getting AI to me has to mean: a) You let Felton go; b) You let Raja go; c) You hold DJ back this year; d) You let DJ go; or e) LB works a miracle rotation and defensive miracle with 3 small guards, another vet and a rookie.

I honestly don't see how it can not be one of those scenarios. But that's why LB gets paid what he does (to make these things work), I suppose.

[Chef]

this from nba.com front page

topic: free agents that make sense for each team:

Allen Iverson to Charlotte
Under Larry Brown, the Bobcats were a much-improved defensive team last season, ranking seventh by allowing just 107.5 points per 100 possessions. But they were 27th offensively, scoring 106.0 points per 100 possessions.

Iverson would be an instant shot in the arm to the Charlotte offense, and this may be one team that could actually use him in the starting lineup. Best of all, Brown is a coach that has dealt (and succeeded) with Iverson before, when they helped lead the Sixers to the 2001 NBA Finals.

Brown often said that the best offense that Sixers team had was letting Iverson get into the paint and having his rebounders (such as Tyrone Hill, George Lynch and Theo Ratliff) clean up the glass. Those players couldn't create their own shots, but Iverson's shot attempts created put-back tries for them.

Emeka Okafor is one of the best offensive rebounders in the league, and Gerald Wallace, Boris Diaw and DeSagana Diop can also take advantage of Iverson's game by cleaning up the glass.

my take is again that the national media does not know our team. especially the last paragraph. this is exactly what raymond does for us. ray can penetrate anytime he wants to (much to the behest of the bobcat's planet collective sanity). iverson brings scoring but ray can penetrate just like he can.

[teej]

Well we've already tried to get rid of Raja. So does Larry Brown really want Henderson to learn under Raja? Honestly I think LB can teach the kid himself, if LB got AI to listen and play good ball in philly he can get anyone to play. Which honestly I wouldnt mind AI being here, if we lose Raja people are saying "Oh were not gaining or losing anything" ok if were not then bring in AI for ticket sells and we still make the playoffs then?. I honestly think the level we are at now we can make the playoffs .

I think a 1 year deal for AI will help us out in tickets, etc but if everyone thinks AI has nothing left in the tank then a 1 year opportunity in a starting role he could have a shot to prove a lot of people wrong and then maybe get a look from one of the top tier teams to try and get a championship..honestly there is nothing to lose here. Like someone said LB can control Iverson so im not worried about his attitude, I think if we do bring him in we get the, "Im going to prove ya'll wrong AI".
He hasnt been in a system where he was able to shine in, he was good in denver, but too many scorers, Detroit, AI is better than coming off the bench and it was REAL evident Curry didnt know how to coach that team. AI in a role where all he needs to do is score is perfect for the Bobcats..hate him all you want, the guy can score and we can make up for the defense with our other solid 4 starters and the backups.


Exactly.

Guys, we've BEEN trying to trade Raja. We have a confirmed offer from Charlotte to GSW with Raja in it. LB must not like him that much. LB is brilliant enough to teach Hendo everything he needs without Raja, considering he taught Raja himself. We have 5 staters who are higher overall defenders than scorers, and that doesnt get you where you need to be today. How many times did we have guys pass up open looks and wear down the shot clock, so that we had to force a bad shot? Enough that AI could take those shots alone every game and have his total, and we'd be winners.

AI brings more money to us than it'd cost to sign him, so Bob J won't worry about that too much if he gets the go ahead from MJ and LB. With ticket sales, jerseys, tv, advertising, and just the buzz around the team he might even be able to sell it. Plus we might be able to get rid of someone so we wouldnt go over the tax. Hendo is NBA-ready for a rookie, but not playoff-team ready. We need a guy who can eat minutes, and Raja's injuries concern me a lot. I love Raja, I love what he does, he's a great leader, but I think AI is a better way to go for this team right now.

[spectre]

Exactly.

Guys, we've BEEN trying to trade Raja. We have a confirmed offer from Charlotte to GSW with Raja in it. LB must not like him that much. LB is brilliant enough to teach Hendo everything he needs without Raja, considering he taught Raja himself.

We've heard of ONE rumor where we get a very good deal. We've heard multiple rumors about Crash, Mek & Felton.

Maybe we just throw out trade ideas out to other teams that highly favor us just in case they might bite?

If you listen to what management said up until the draft it's been "we need a backup for Raja". I do think the idea that LB doesn't play rookies is blown out of proportion...but to think LB wants to trade in a very viable vet for a rookie is stretching it.

Didn't LB also say before the draft that he'd like another veteran?

[teej]

We've heard of ONE rumor where we get a very good deal. We've heard multiple rumors about Crash, Mek & Felton.


We've had one confirmed rumor from GSW. There have been other rumors. I was just responding to people who seemed to be shocked at the thought of getting rid of Raja.

And I'm sure with his expiring deal we could get a lot for him if we decided he was the piece to move upon signing AI.

[Mustachio]

teej brings up another great point. Raja gets hurt and misses games. AI gets hurt and plays like Brett Favre almost.

and I agree that our starting 5 is better defensively than offensively. what could it hurt to have one guy in the starting 5 that could score better than defend?

having either player is cool with me though.

[spectre]

We've had one confirmed rumor from GSW. There have been other rumors. I was just responding to people who seemed to be shocked at the thought of getting rid of Raja.

And I'm sure with his expiring deal we could get a lot for him if we decided he was the piece to move upon signing AI.

Involving Raja? What?

I would be shocked if LB moved Raja Bell. Very shocked. I think Higgins was just doing his due diligence in regards to putting out feelers for our guys. If you remember we did it last year too, and management said we were just trying to gauge their "worth".

In case y'all forgot:

NBA 5-man unit sortable stats - 82games (http://www.82games.com/0809/USORT2.HTM)

BOS Rondo-R.Allen-Pierce-Garnett-Perkins 1074 +260
CLE Williams-West-James-Wallace-Ilgauskas 485 +187
POR Blake-Roy-Batum-Aldridge-Przybilla 560 +174
LAL Fisher-Bryant-Ariza-Odom-Gasol 499 +156
LAL Fisher-Bryant-Walton-Odom-Gasol 423 +148
ORL Nelson-Lee-Turkoglu-Lewis-Howard 256 +120
CHA Felton-Bell-Wallace-Diaw-Okafor 809 +120

If we're moving one of our 5 starters then it had better be one hell of an upgrade.


teej brings up another great point. Raja gets hurt and misses games. AI gets hurt and plays like Brett Favre almost.

and I agree that our starting 5 is better defensively than offensively. what could it hurt to have one guy in the starting 5 that could score better than defend?

having either player is cool with me though.

In Larry Ball our defense initiates our offense.

[dav7z]

dav, there is no doubt that his signing would be good for ticket sales.


on-court basketball wise, it doesn't seem like a great fit to me. He is good (and still better than Ray Allen or Crawford as someone suggested... eww) but it just seems to be too little production for the log jam it would create at the guard spots. Can he raise his game to Larry Brown/6ers level... can he even maintain his level of play from last year? Will it hurt the devolopment of DJ/Hendo? lots and lots of questions from a basketball sense. and im not sure if its worth the trouble.


All that said, i think psychologically this could be a huge move for us... on par with Larry Brown. When Larry signed it gave us a certain legitimacy, a feeling of confidence knowing that a proven, winning, legendary coach, liked our situation enough to give us a try. That legitimacy was felt by players, staff and fans alike. Despite a 35 win season, I dont think i've seen the collective Bobcat Nation self esteem this high.

I think signing Allen Iverson would do the exact same thing from a player standpoint. Fans would have another reason to show up to games. AI is a star personality, even besides his basketball talent. It would be our biggest headline signing to date (even if it wasn't our most important), and again would add legitimacy to a squad that has the anti-free agent stigma attached. If you can get one of the stars of the league like Iverson to sign... you can get anybody.

If i've said it once, I've said it a thousand times... this team could use a spark... a level of nastiness and toughness we have lacked each of our under 500 seasons. Allen brings experience, ability, toughness and that mean streak some of us have been begging for. So it basically comes down to this: A) Do Mike and Larry think that AI's many positive aspects outweigh to potential pitfalls of his signing? B) Can they keep him happy with effective minutes and not hurt the team? C) Can he be signed to a decent cap friendly contract?

I say if the answer to at least 2 of those is Yes... then its worth the gamble. and besides whats really the worst that could happen ? we have another 35 win season and start again next year? I mean come on.

Great questions , very informitive . I compleatly agree with ever statment. If he could help sell out the place consistantly . That by its self would make talent want to come to Charlotte. Though i see the other side all so.

[TyHill]

this from nba.com front page

topic: free agents that make sense for each team:

Allen Iverson to Charlotte
Under Larry Brown, the Bobcats were a much-improved defensive team last season, ranking seventh by allowing just 107.5 points per 100 possessions. But they were 27th offensively, scoring 106.0 points per 100 possessions.

Iverson would be an instant shot in the arm to the Charlotte offense, and this may be one team that could actually use him in the starting lineup. Best of all, Brown is a coach that has dealt (and succeeded) with Iverson before, when they helped lead the Sixers to the 2001 NBA Finals.

Brown often said that the best offense that Sixers team had was letting Iverson get into the paint and having his rebounders (such as Tyrone Hill, George Lynch and Theo Ratliff) clean up the glass. Those players couldn't create their own shots, but Iverson's shot attempts created put-back tries for them.

Emeka Okafor is one of the best offensive rebounders in the league, and Gerald Wallace, Boris Diaw and DeSagana Diop can also take advantage of Iverson's game by cleaning up the glass.

my take is again that the national media does not know our team. especially the last paragraph. this is exactly what raymond does for us. ray can penetrate anytime he wants to (much to the behest of the bobcat's planet collective sanity). iverson brings scoring but ray can penetrate just like he can.


Which would be GREAT for AI. Let Ray penetrate to an open AI for 3 or if Ray can put it up in the lane cause we still have great rebounders. It just makes sense. Some of the games that costed us, one in particular the Wizards game we lost..too much passing..everyone was afraid to shoot. AI can fix that.

[Mustachio]

In Larry Ball our defense initiates our offense.




ummm our offense was ranked 30th last year at 93.62 per game. so our defense didn't initiate much of anything.


again I could go either way on this. Iverson or No I'll still be at every game I'm physically able to attend. My only point is that we have never won more than 35 games in a season. What is there to lose by trying this?

[teej]

ummm our offense was ranked 30th last year at 93.62 per game. so our defense didn't initiate much of anything.


Spectre, you're great, but you just got :owned1:

But seriously, Mustachio's right, what do we have to lose? He's either going to take us where we need to be, or we'll sit him and be in a playoff race like last year.

[Mustachio]

haha Spectre didnt get owned really. his stats show that the starting 5 (which AI would crack here) was actually quite proficient in scoring off of defense.

I understand what the anti-AI crowd is saying completely. Our starting 5 plus some drafted depth, plus the offseason development and tuning of our bench players will be set back by the signing of Iverson.

I just happen to believe that Raja, Hendo, DJ and Ray can coexist with AI in a productive way if it comes at a decent price. meaning we sell more tickets, get more tv games, become relevant AND dont get set back at all. but hey i could totally be living in a dream world. I get that. I just think ... you know fuck it... roll the dice once.

[teej]

haha Spectre didnt get owned really. his stats show that the starting 5 (which AI would crack here) was actually quite proficient in scoring off of defense.

I understand what the anti-AI crowd is saying completely. Our starting 5 plus some drafted depth, plus the offseason development and tuning of our bench players will be set back by the signing of Iverson.

I just happen to believe that Raja, Hendo, DJ and Ray can coexist with AI in a productive way if it comes at a decent price. meaning we sell more tickets, get more tv games, become relevant AND dont get set back at all. but hey i could totally be living in a dream world. I get that. I just think ... you know fuck it... roll the dice once.

I know he didnt really get owned, thats why I said "but seriously" after that

I understand the anti-AI crowd too, but when this team can't get out of the offensive cellar, we need something to help us, and Hendo and UPS aren't going to do that, sorry. We need a go-to scorer in the worst way, and AI is the best one for us that we can get.

And his positives outweigh his negatives.

[Dcarnys]

Man i have to admit, I was one of the anti- AI people for the longest time. But now im kinda shying away from that. He could bring us some needed offense, help with team exposure (also needed) and as long as LB can keep him in check, he should be ok.

[Weezy21]

ummm our offense was ranked 30th last year at 93.62 per game. so our defense didn't initiate much of anything.

u beat me to it....we all keep saying we NEED a scoring SG right?? well lets face it guys, what scoring FA can we pick up right now??? who?? umm IVERSON! seriously even if there was a better SG out there, what would draw him to come play for us??...we NEED to bring in iverson now so we can have a face to attract players in here like somebody mentioned earlier in the thread...it does suck tho cuz raja played so well defensively last year...but we NEED a scorer...no not a j-rich scorer....he didnt fit in well with our sceme....but having diaw now makes us get so many more open looks...AI would be great on our team...an packaging raja an nazy an another filler for a PF would be great

[SWedd523]

The only way we bring Iverson in is if we deal Raja.

[teej]

The only way we bring Iverson in is if we deal Raja.

Or Ray. Or Gana. Or Nazzy. Or Mek.

Why ONLY Raja?

[SWedd523]

Or Ray. Or Gana. Or Nazzy. Or Mek.

Why ONLY Raja?
Seriously? What does a PG and three Centers have anything to do with it?

Raja commands a lot of playing time. AI obviously commands a lot of playing time. Bo will need some playing time. Something has to give.

[teej]

Seriously? What does a PG and three Centers have anything to do with it?

Raja commands a lot of playing time. AI obviously commands a lot of playing time. Bo will need some playing time. Something has to give.

AI can also play PG, and I didn't know if you were referring to the cap hit.

Hendo can go to the D-League, Raja's likely to be injured, and neither can play heavy minutes. Let Raja start against Kobe, D-Wade, etc. but let AI start on other nights. Raja and AI can also take a couple DNP's at this stage, and I know Raja would be fine with it.

[SWedd523]

AI can also play PG, and I didn't know if you were referring to the cap hit.

Hendo can go to the D-League, Raja's likely to be injured, and neither can play heavy minutes. Let Raja start against Kobe, D-Wade, etc. but let AI start on other nights. Raja and AI can also take a couple DNP's at this stage, and I know Raja would be fine with it.
We drafted Bo to get playing time in the NBA not the NBDL. He's been heralded as being NBA ready and able to fit in on an NBA roster immediately. I'm pretty sure LB won't be willing to send him to the D League, especially after it took nearly a year for him to let Lexy go down there.


If we were drafting just to put a kid in the NBDL, we would have gone after somebody like......... Holiday.



So back to what I was saying. If AI comes, Raja goes.

[Weezy21]

So back to what I was saying. If AI comes, Raja goes.

agreed...an teej AI doesnt play well as the pg...didnt u watch him as a nugget?

[spectre]

You guys think LB would prefer AI over Raja?

[kickazzz2000]

Hendo can go to the D-League,

dude.............no

[rsxnova]

You guys think LB would prefer AI over Raja?

LB could get AI on the cheap and trade Raja when he is most valuable.

[Chef]

Which would be GREAT for AI. Let Ray penetrate to an open AI for 3 or if Ray can put it up in the lane cause we still have great rebounders. It just makes sense. Some of the games that costed us, one in particular the Wizards game we lost..too much passing..everyone was afraid to shoot. AI can fix that.

except ai isn't a three point shooter. and this is the thing everyone in favor of him coming here as the missing piece is ignoring.

[Chef]

1 last thing and all of my points and arguments have been made. after this it is pissing into the wind.

rolling the dice with ai could work but if it doesn't it is another wasted season to mek, ray and especially crash's primes.

if we do it we would do it for publicity and to move raja for solid pieces or draft picks. the only way we can do it is IF ai agrees to a 1 or 2 year deal for the MLE. we can't chunk up cap space. maybe a 1st year cheap year and 2nd year pay day (plus expiring) that we can move in 2010-2011.

[TyHill]

1 last thing and all of my points and arguments have been made. after this it is pissing into the wind.

rolling the dice with ai could work but if it doesn't it is another wasted season to mek, ray and especially crash's primes.

if we do it we would do it for publicity and to move raja for solid pieces or draft picks. the only way we can do it is IF ai agrees to a 1 or 2 year deal for the MLE. we can't chunk up cap space. maybe a 1st year cheap year and 2nd year pay day (plus expiring) that we can move in 2010-2011.


I agree and I think the people who want AI here understand that, were not going to break the bank for this guy. As for the 3pt shooting thing 31% for his career isnt terrible not to mention its more of the fact that he WILL take the shot and not pass an open look. Thats what I was getting at.

[jpf_v2.0]

Wait a minute, people rip on Felton because of his 31% 3pt percentage and wish that he'd quite taking so many 3's, yet part of your argument supporting AI being brought in to be the answer to our offensive woes is that his 31% 3 pt percentage isn't terrible and shows he will take 3's?

Uh...

[TyHill]

Wait a minute, people rip on Felton because of his 31% 3pt percentage and wish that he'd quite taking so many 3's, yet part of your argument supporting AI being brought in to be the answer to our offensive woes is that his 31% 3 pt percentage isn't terrible and shows he will take 3's?

Uh...

If you show me where i bashed Felton on shooting..ill agree..otherwise Felton can keep taking 3s for all I care. problem is when hes open..he passes. Hell, having AI will help free Felton up to shoot more, which is fine.

[jpf_v2.0]

I never said you did, I said people in general. ;)

[SWedd523]

Fuck AI. Let's do something to pick up Rip Hamilton. The Pistons just signed Gordon, making Rip expendable.

Steady on offense, plays team ball, doesn't make many mistakes, LB loves him, and MJ has a history with him. Let's make it work!

[TyHill]

Fuck AI. Let's do something to pick up Rip Hamilton. The Pistons just signed Gordon, making Rip expendable.

Steady on offense, plays team ball, doesn't make many mistakes, LB loves him, and MJ has a history with him. Let's make it work!


If SOMEHOW that were possible then yeah forget AI. That would be awsome.

[jpf_v2.0]

Raja & Nazr for him would work salary wise... ;)

[Scottley Crue]

Fuck AI. Let's do something to pick up Rip Hamilton. The Pistons just signed Gordon, making Rip expendable.

Steady on offense, plays team ball, doesn't make many mistakes, LB loves him, and MJ has a history with him. Let's make it work!
Now that is more desirable. I'd like to have Iverson (if not, that's Ok too...just lean to the side of getting him on the cheap) but if a trade can be made for Hamilton, that's a splash that I can sign on with, too.

[SWedd523]

Only problem with Rip is that he still has 4 years left at about 10mil per. That's pretty steep unless we can offload some contracts somewhere

[scottie33]

well the Bobscats best do something- the pistons got gordon and vill. man, that is moving and shaking. dumars gets his guys. too bad he passed on Melo.

[davcbow]

If we want to be better than last year, we are going to have to gamble a bit and spend some money too...:cool:

[mrtarheel]

Nazr and Bell work for Rip. We then need to unload Radman for sign and trade Frye and Outlaw. That would be one helluva team.

Felts, Dj, Jefferson
Rip, Hendo
Wallace, Outlaw, Brown
Diaw, Frye, May
Okafor, Diop, Ajinca

[SWedd523]

Nazr and Bell work for Rip. We then need to unload Radman for sign and trade Frye and Outlaw. That would be one helluva team.

Felts, Dj, Jefferson
Rip, Hendo
Wallace, Outlaw, Brown
Diaw, Frye, May
Okafor, Diop, Ajinca
Pretty sure the Nuggets will land Frye

[Demon DeaCat]

According to Aldridge's article on the signing, it doesn't sound like Dumars has any intention of parting with Hamilton. So that's yet another team that has either passed us by or widened the gap this off-season. Standing pat is clearly not an option. Last week we were probably a playoff team even if we did nothing, but that's not a foregone conclusion anymore. It couldn't be anymore obvious that we have to go after AI. I understand some of the concerns, but I really don't get the the extreme bitterness that some have towards him. It's pretty simple. The guy can score and we need a scorer. Sure his 30 ppg days are over, but he's not the washed up scrub some make him out to be. His 17.5 ppg would have led this team in scoring last year. And as for his age, he's only year older than Raja. This is the best chance we've got to keep pace in an increasingly tough eastern conference.

[BRNC]

It might be obvious that it would help to do something (as long as it is something obvious to most of us)...it is not obvious to me that we need to sign AI...

The FO tied hands with the Diop and Vlad trades...and at this point we don't know how much help those will be until practice time and more play time...

I believe for many of us it is a far stretch to say AI will be a help to this team...rather...many of us feel he will be more of a hindrance...and for those who feel so strongly that AI is still the "answer" then why are no teams banging on his door...could it be that they know exactly the kind of answer AI would be for their teams...

I keep hearing how great and wonderful a job LB will do with AI if we sign him...I don't know if it is true so I'd rather have him do a great and wonderful job with two guys he already wanted to bring in and did last year...Diop and Vlad...or don't you have that kinda confidence in LB...?

[teej]

Only problem with Rip is that he still has 4 years left at about 10mil per. That's pretty steep unless we can offload some contracts somewhere

How long is Diop's? Trade him and Raja?

[BRNC]

How long is Diop's? Trade him and Raja?

Diop has four also...

[SWedd523]

Diop has four also...
At about $4mil less and he's 4 years younger too.

[teej]

At about $4mil less and he's 4 years younger too.

Yea and 1/4 as good

I'd take Rip for Diop and Raja.

I'd take AI

I'd take Leon Powe/Big Baby/Chris Wilcox/Drew Gooden and Luther Head/Keith Bogans/Flip Murray

I'd take a trade of Radman

I'm open-minded, as long as it's basketball-oriented.

[SWedd523]

I'm just playing the Devil's advocate here dude. Do you remember that I was the one who just suggested we take Rip? :rolleyes:


And I'm sure you'd take just about anybody on the Celtics' roster.

[teej]

And I'm sure you'd take just about anybody on the Celtics' roster.

Hell no.

Not Perk, not Mikki Moore, not KG (I think he's done), not Starbury (that dumbfuck has a tatoo on his HEAD!!! his HEAD!!!! WTF?!?!), not Ray Allen.

But the rest of em, why not?

[SWedd523]

Hell no.

Not Perk, not Mikki Moore, not KG (I think he's done), not Starbury (that dumbfuck has a tatoo on his HEAD!!! his HEAD!!!! WTF?!?!), not Ray Allen.

But the rest of em, why not?
I'll take Perk wayyyy before I'll take Big Baby.

[teej]

I'll take Perk wayyyy before I'll take Big Baby.

Like I said in the other thread...do you watch the Celtics?

[BRNC]

I'd take Rip long before I'd take the Celtics dudes...Rip is only 29...he'll be what 33 when is contract is finished...I liked the Raja and Diop idea but I doubt Dumars would go for it...he did fire Curry 'cause he would not make up with Rip...I'm not sure what signing Gordon does for them (regarding Rip)...maybe Dumars wants Rip and Gordon to start?

[jpf_v2.0]

Rip is 31.

http://www.nba.com/playerfile/richard_hamilton/

[BRNC]

jpf...correct...my son is laughing at me since he said "what did you think it was...like 2007"...LOL....my mistake but he'll be 35 at end of this contract....he's taken care of himself (nose excluded) so I think he'd be worth the risk...

[SWedd523]

Like I said in the other thread...do you watch the Celtics?
Yes? Perkins is better.


Davis hits a game winner and all of a sudden he's one of the best players in the league

[davcbow]

Yes? Perkins is better.


Davis hits a game winner and all of a sudden he's one of the best players in the league


If you think about it thats what happened with the Cats when Felton hit his first game winner.... We need someone that can shoot at a higher % to take these shots at the end of the game.... :cool:

[Ghost Kat]

:rolleyes: Yes

Bring in Iverson with his old almost a NBA senior citizen ass. Bring him to the Cats if he'll sign a MLE contract...Booo @ U haters. I'm been a fan since the Georgetown days, Still have the game vs. Notre Dame on VHS :biggrin:

[Marvel]

Hell no.

Not Perk, not Mikki Moore, not KG (I think he's done), not Starbury (that dumbfuck has a tatoo on his HEAD!!! his HEAD!!!! WTF?!?!), not Ray Allen.

But the rest of em, why not?

KG done????? I hope you mean done as in not putting up the numbers he put up in Sota.No way is KG "done",and yes i have seen the Celtics play and they finished with the 2nd best record in the Eastern Conference despite KG being out for the last quarter of the season.Perkins also displayed a vast improvement on both ends of the court and he was the best post defender in the playoffs and against Dwight Howard.I would have anyone on that Celtics roster including Eddie House who was lights out the whole season,he hustles plays hard and was more valuable that Vujab**ch who totally sucked this season,i don't know how many clanks,bricks he threw up in the finals i remember seeing him throw up 3 in a row at 1 point.

[SWedd523]

If you think about it thats what happened with the Cats when Felton hit his first game winner.... We need someone that can shoot at a higher % to take these shots at the end of the game.... :cool:

I've never thought that about Ray. And if you think Iverson will fix our shooting woes, he never was a high percentage shooter from two and got even worse from three. He's not what we need if we want shooting.

[BobCatsFanInTx]

Without a 5 like Rasheed the Bobcats won't get close to the playoffs. AI won't mean jack without a low post scoring threat on our team. Rasheed adds a post presence and a solid outside shot. He is also a pretty good defensive player.

Forget AI!! We need Rasheed.

[BobCatsFanInTx]

Ai is a very unique player with a very unique style that can only really succeed in the perfect environment for him.

Thing is, LB is the one guy who has really been able to create that environment for him in the past. Is it unfair to think he couldn't do it again?

Also, I wouldn't see Ai replacing Raja - although I would be a little worried about how his introduction might hold back Dj and Hendo.

Key for me when it comes to Ai is three fold:

- How much gas does he have left in the tank?
- What sort of role does he want to play?
- How much money is he going to want?

I'll say this though: If I had the choice between Ai for the MLE and Sheed at the MLE, I'd take Ai.Sheed plays a position of need and AI does not. I take Sheed.

[BobCatsFanInTx]

haha Spectre didnt get owned really. his stats show that the starting 5 (which AI would crack here) was actually quite proficient in scoring off of defense.

I understand what the anti-AI crowd is saying completely. Our starting 5 plus some drafted depth, plus the offseason development and tuning of our bench players will be set back by the signing of Iverson.

I just happen to believe that Raja, Hendo, DJ and Ray can coexist with AI in a productive way if it comes at a decent price. meaning we sell more tickets, get more tv games, become relevant AND dont get set back at all. but hey i could totally be living in a dream world. I get that. I just think ... you know fuck it... roll the dice once.Our team has solid three point shooters but we need an inside post presence to open them up. Rasheed is no more of a thorn in a teams side than is AI. Rasheed played some of his best basketball not all that long ago under LB. Rasheed is a scoring threat inside as well as outside and he is a pretty good defensive player. Rasheed would probably be glad to come back to Charlotte. That is if Rasheed would be willing to play for less. I doubt he would.

If not Rasheed I would be thrilled to have McDyess. If neither of those two players can be had then I think we look at signing AI. All three have a good history of playing their best under LB. I would have no problem rolling the dice with Sheed or AI. I just think Sheed has more in the tank than does AI. Maybe I am wrong. I also think a solid PF would be a better fit then getting an aging 2. Give Hendo a chance to play and see what he can do.

If we make no moves between now and the start and part of the regular season I am guessing AI will still be available. Most teams don't want to ruin team chemistry with AI. He should be available for quite some time.

This argument however is a moot point. With all the media jumping on the sign AI to Charlotte bandwagon I predict before camp starts AI will be a Bobcat. I can also see some trades taking place.We will all know soon enough.

[BRNC]

I think if MJ were the fan of AI that the guys in the media are he would have already been signed...I know AIs buddies have him here...but does MJ...so far not...

[BobCatsFanInTx]

AI is the exciting choice for the Bobcats but is he indeed the best choice? What kind of a teammate has AI been since leaving Philly? Some say we have nothing to lose signing AI but in my opinion we stand to lose a lot. This team we have now is a growing team full of high character guys. They seem to have eachothers backs and want to win for one another. What happens when a primadonna old guy comes in and dictates things and want's star treatment?

Don't get me wrong, AI could add a boost to the teams fan base but at what real cost? AI also is seen as a poison by the rest of the league. Just because AI and LB did well together in the past does not mean the team dynamics will work this time. Our two draft picks may fit in well with the team we have and I would hate to see that ruined by Me, Myself and Iverson. As Skip Bayless correctly calls him.

Maybe he is a good fit but maybe Rasheed fits another need and is better. Truth be told both players are like a cancer and could damage our teams chemistry to the point where their talents would not matter. Give the current roster 15 to 20 games and see where they are. That is no more a risk than signing a cancer to the team.

[spectre]

Charlotte, Cleveland, Orlando, and San Antonio have also shown interest in Wallace.

Boston Globe (http://www.boston.com/sports/basketball/celtics/articles/2009/07/02/celtics_have_target/)

[Mustachio]

Boston Globe (http://www.boston.com/sports/basketball/celtics/articles/2009/07/02/celtics_have_target/)



haha ok... remember all that talk i did about bringing Iverson in.

If Rasheed is actually in the picture... then i would quickly forget about Iverson.

The only thing about Sheed is (and i read this again on ESPN the other day somewhere) that if he feels like the team can win... you get a great player. If the team has to struggle and fight for what it gets...( you know, like we do every year) he tends to tune out. which is scary.

Still though I like: Ray / Raja / Crash / Sheed / Oak
a little better than : Ray / AI / Crash / Diaw / Oak

I think front court depth with Oak / Sheed / Diaw / Diop and AA would be much better than back court depth with Ray / DJ / Hendo / Raja / AI?

I feel more secure with what Ray / Raja / DJ / Hendo can bring than what
Diaw / Mek / Diop can currently bring.

[teej]

KG done????? I hope you mean done as in not putting up the numbers he put up in Sota.No way is KG "done",and yes i have seen the Celtics play and they finished with the 2nd best record in the Eastern Conference despite KG being out for the last quarter of the season.Perkins also displayed a vast improvement on both ends of the court and he was the best post defender in the playoffs and against Dwight Howard.I would have anyone on that Celtics roster including Eddie House who was lights out the whole season,he hustles plays hard and was more valuable that Vujab**ch who totally sucked this season,i don't know how many clanks,bricks he threw up in the finals i remember seeing him throw up 3 in a row at 1 point.

KG is done in the sense that he isn't going to be a premier player in this league anymore. He'll be decent, but I like our chances against the Celts any day of the week, esp. now that they won't have Powe.

And swedd, I liked Big Baby more than perk before "the shot," and Perk is a body, not much different from Diop. He's overrated because he's a Celtic, kinda like Rondo, but Big Baby has a developing game.

[Chef]

on kg's worst day he is heads and tails better than our front court 4 and 5's

[teej]

on kg's worst day he is heads and tails better than our front court 4 and 5's

He used to be, but I'll take our chances now.

[WAM9]

I have to disagree with you strongly on the KG front Teej. KG may be out of mind because of his injury this year but I am almost completely positive he will be performing at an all-star level for several more years to come.

[SWedd523]

KG has a couple more years left. But his body has a TON of minutes on it and he won't be playing at a superstar level anymore.

teej, you seriously saying Rondo is overrated? He was the bes player for the Celtics in the playoffs and is a top 5 PG in the league.... And I don't even like the kid.

For someone that watches the Celtics so much it's crazy how wrong you are about Perk and Rondo lol

[BRNC]

I agree on Ronda...I can't stand him but he's a good PG...

[Weezy21]

Allen Iverson has made it known through his representatives that he is interested in signing with the Memphis Grizzlies, according to multiple sources. The Grizzlies front office is said to be internally weighing the pros and cons of possibly adding Iverson to the team's youth movement.



http://basketball.realgm.com/src_wiretap_archives/60282/20090702/iverson_interested_in_joining_grizzlies/

[teej]

teej, you seriously saying Rondo is overrated? He was the bes player for the Celtics in the playoffs and is a top 5 PG in the league.... And I don't even like the kid.

For someone that watches the Celtics so much it's crazy how wrong you are about Perk and Rondo lol

I just think that if you put Perk and Rondo on bad teams and made them the 2nd or third option instead of 4th and 5th, they wouldn't be as well regarded. Rondo is good, but everyone is clamoring that he's a triple double machine. If he doesn't have Pierce and Ray, that doesn't happen. He doesn't have that great a shot, and I still think Felton and maybe even DJ would be better than Rondo.

Perk is just a body, seriously what does he do that proves otherwise? Put him on the 'Cats and he's the second or third center, he and Diop are similar, and I think Naz is better than both. It's called being at the right place at the right time.

[BRNC]

Allen Iverson has made it known through his representatives that he is interested in signing with the Memphis Grizzlies, according to multiple sources. The Grizzlies front office is said to be internally weighing the pros and cons of possibly adding Iverson to the team's youth movement.
http://basketball.realgm.com/src_wiretap_archives/60282/20090702/iverson_interested_in_joining_grizzlies/

There was a rumor that his agent had contacted the Bobcats but Higgins told Bonnell that he has not contacted AI or his agent...I guess that's not saying his agent did not call Higgins though...but who knows...and even though I'd rather not have AI here he must be desperate to "want" to play for Memphis...

[teej]

There was a rumor that his agent had contacted the Bobcats but Higgins told Bonnell that he has not contacted AI or his agent...I guess that's not saying his agent did not call Higgins though...but who knows...and even though I'd rather not have AI here he must be desperate to "want" to play for Memphis...

If he "wants" to play for Memphis, then all of LB's reasoning for him not to come is out the window.

[BRNC]

I just think that if you put Perk and Rondo on bad teams and made them the 2nd or third option instead of 4th and 5th, they wouldn't be as well regarded. Rondo is good, but everyone is clamoring that he's a triple double machine. If he doesn't have Pierce and Ray, that doesn't happen. He doesn't have that great a shot, and I still think Felton and maybe even DJ would be better than Rondo.

I think it is a legitimate argument that a good player on a bad team will not play as well...bad/mediocre players do not convert/play "D" as well as good players...and it is also true that a good player on a mediocre team can make his teammates "look" better than they are...but Rondo is a top PG (and his coach was a pretty good one so he had the benefit of that experience) so I think even on a mediocre team he'd play like a good player and be noticed...the triple double crap comes up about someone every so often...that guy does not exist...at least not yet...

[BRNC]

Miami is contacting Artest and AI...

http://www.realgm.com/src_wiretap_archives/60288/20090702/miami_contacts_iverson_and_artest/

[SWedd523]

I think it is a legitimate argument that a good player on a bad team will not play as well...bad/mediocre players do not convert/play "D" as well as good players...and it is also true that a good player on a mediocre team can make his teammates "look" better than they are...but Rondo is a top PG (and his coach was a pretty good one so he had the benefit of that experience) so I think even on a mediocre team he'd play like a good player and be noticed...the triple double crap comes up about someone every so often...that guy does not exist...at least not yet...

Oscar Robertson and Magic Johnson have already retired ;)

Perk is much more than a body. He's A starter and the leading rebounder and shot blocker for a top 5 team. He's better than Big Baby And there's really no denying that.

[BRNC]

LOL...I'll just say that guy is not on the court anymore...

[teej]

Perk is much more than a body. He's A starter and the leading rebounder and shot blocker for a top 5 team. He's better than Big Baby And there's really no denying that.

Bib Baby needs to play the 4 to be effective...Doc isn't the greatest of strategists and misuses people plenty of times, he refuses to alter his lineups to go big or small, and he's not going to let Big Baby be Big Baby.

The center should be the leading rebounder and shot blocker, but if Powe was the 4 instead of KG, he'd be the leading rebounder. Sorry, but I don't see Perk as that good.

[BRNC]

teej...the same thing can be said about LB concerning strategy...but according to "82games" Big Baby is less effective than Perkins or Powe...so it could be that Doc is maximizing Big Baby's effectiveness...just a thought...he did get 41% of the minutes played (not bad for a role player)...

[Weezy21]

teeg im with u on this one...perkins an rondo are way overrated...yes id take perkins over nazy an diop, but that doesnt mean i think perkins is really good...think about how many times kg is double teamed...also think about how many players on offense shy away from goin up against kg...so they rather drive on perk...meaning he's bound to have more blocks an rebounds...an rondo has the big 3 on his team...how much easier can it get?? im not sayin he's bad but he should definitely not be mentioned with the good pg's of the league...i too would honestly have ray

[dnbman]

teeg im with u on this one...perkins an rondo are way overrated...yes id take perkins over nazy an diop, but that doesnt mean i think perkins is really good...think about how many times kg is double teamed...also think about how many players on offense shy away from goin up against kg...so they rather drive on perk...meaning he's bound to have more blocks an rebounds...an rondo has the big 3 on his team...how much easier can it get?? im not sayin he's bad but he should definitely not be mentioned with the good pg's of the league...i too would honestly have ray

Man, I don't know about Rondo. With KG out, the guy was averaging close to a triple-double for a good chunk of the playoffs. He was pretty impressive in terms of doing a little bit of everything to make his team successful.

I don't have any comment about the other guys.

[Chef]

For AI's tweets:

For those of you who thought that I was done, Think Again!
about 15 hours ago from web

someone that knows how to best utilize my skills to make our team the very best that we can be.
about 24 hours ago from web

my only preference will be to play for a coach that knows what I bring to the table and that I am going to bring it every night!
about 24 hours ago from web

I'm a Free Agent, healthy again, and capable of signing with any team
about 24 hours ago from web

[Black]

CBS is reporting that the Pistons and Bulls might try and work out a sign and trade that would send AI to the Bulls.

http://ken-berger.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/11838893/15865675?source=rss_blogs_NBA

[teej]

CBS is reporting that the Pistons and Bulls might try and work out a sign and trade that would send AI to the Bulls.

http://ken-berger.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/11838893/15865675?source=rss_blogs_NBA

Hmm, I see that as a disaster waiting to happen...young coach, young team, inexperience point and bigs, AI would tune out everyone but himself.

[Black]

now they are saying he is interested in Memphis...another team he could easily ruin...I can't even think of their coach of the top of my head

[Weezy21]

I can't even think of their coach of the top of my head

i had to google that cuz i too didnt know who the guy was...Lionel Hollins?!?!...an why would they sign AI as their SG when they have up and coming oj mayo?? i thot iverson wanted to be a starter...makes no sense

[WAM9]

Memphis is one of the few teams that have a little cap room and could offer Iverson more than the MLE. I think that is the only reason he is "interested" in Memphis.

[spectre]

Memphis is one of the few teams that have a little cap room and could offer Iverson more than the MLE. I think that is the only reason he is "interested" in Memphis.

:yeahthat:

Plus don't they have a young coach? AI probably thinks he could bully him into not making him practice.

[teej]

AI probably thinks he could bully him into not making him practice.

Lionel Hollins: Ok team, practice at 6:00 tomorrow.
AI: We sittin in here, I'm sposed to be the franchise player, and we in here talkin bout practice? I mean, listen, we talkin bout practice. Not a game, not a game, not a game, we talkin bout practice. Not a game, not...not the game that I go out there and die for, and play every game like its my last, not the game, we talkin bout practice, man. I mean how silly is that. And we talkin bout practice. I know I sposed to be there I know I sposed to lead by example, I know that, and I'm not, I'm not shovin it aside, you know like it don't mean anything, I know it's important. I do, I honestly do. But we talkin bout practice man. Whatta we talkin bout? Practice? We talkin bout practice man. We talkin bout practice, we talkin bout practice. We aint talkin bout the game, we talkin about practice man......How the hell can I make my teammates better by practice?
Lionel: I quit...

[BRNC]

^...uh...what he said...:hypo:

[davcbow]

Well after reading all his bad points I dont feel AI would work out here....:cool:

[Marvel]

OK this proves that AI is a jerk i mean who the hell want's to play in Memphis ...well i mean in AI's situation anyway,that's like Sheed saying "hmmm well i think at this point of my career i want to play for the Thunder"?????????? "No no i wanna play for the Kings ,yeah cause i know we're close to winning a Championship if i go there" :confused:

Stay away AI we're all good here with Raja and Gerald 'Junior'.Plus i remember AI missing practice on Thanksgiving Day without even calling coach to tell him he wasn't going to turn up.

[BIGCatBobcat]

I'm starting to think it's a national media thing. Let's push Charlotte, dare Charlotte to sign him because aww poor Bobcats need somebody like him. It's not a need, he doesn't fill a gap. He's such an in between player and different from a numbered position or a fit or build around or any of it that it's like "yeah, he's good but for what?"

[gforce33]

he might go mia...

[WAM9]

If you ask Detroit, he's been M.I.A. for a while now. Oh yeah, you meant Miami...my bad.

[BRNC]

Detroit Free Press did an interview with AI...anyone that thought he would work nicely coming off the bench...put that thought out of your head...I still think bringing AI here would be a major mistake...here is the link...

http://www.freep.com/article/20090705/SPORTS03/907050469/Iverson+speaks+candidly+about++most+miserable++sea son+of+his+career

[Demon DeaCat]

If AI did come here he'd be our best offensive player. There would be no need for him to come off the bench here. Detroit was a totally different situation.

[teej]

Yeah, the only time he'd come off the becnh would be for Kobe/Flash matchups...

[mrtarheel]

If AI comes here Bell gets traded with Nazr for pieces to fill the puzzle. AI starts and Hendo and another young player like Almonds fight it out for the second sg spot. The roster could be filled out to LB's liking then. Maybe a sign and trade with Portland sending us Webster, Frye and Outlaw. Felts has shown that he can guard the 2 allowing him to play along with AI.

Felts, Dj, Jefferson
AI, Hendo, Webster
Wallace, Outlaw, Radman
Diaw, Frye, May
Okafor, Diop, Ajinca

I think May comes back on the cheap and will give us extra depth on the frontline. The presences of AI will make Felts so much better. Webster is coming off of an injury so he has to get back into game shape but is on a nice 5yr/3mill deal that gives us 3 sg's all signed under 10 mill combined. Not to mention the ticket sales with AI in the building.

[BobcatsAllDay]

Word is AI is out of Philly. Can he be of use here off the bench?

[ziggy]

Word is AI is out of Philly. Can he be of use here off the bench?


Dear god No. No. No. no. noooooooooo!!!!!!

[Black]

hell no, i was for it before the season,but its clear that hes got a lot of baggage

[superb1]

I too was go it at the beginning of the season, but now idk. AI needs this time to care for his daughter. we can't afford for him to come and take our last spot and be out on LOA. It would good for him and LB to reunite one last time. But now is now the time.

Hope your daughter gets better AI

[Demon DeaCat]

We desperately need backcourt help after trading Flip, but if AI came here it would definitely need to be in a reserve role. He's already shown he can't handle that though so as much as I was for it at the beginning of the year, I too would have to say no at this point. It's a shame though because he really would be a perfect 6th man.

[teej]

If he isn't going to be around for 5 weeks at a time, why the hell would you sign him?

And I love the dude.