Bonnell on free agency [Archive] - Bobcatsplanet Forum

BRNC

07-02-2009, 05:30 PM

He's OK...6'8"...I'd hoped we could get someone with a little more height..biggest problem will be (even with mid-level FAs is they all think they're worth the full MLE...and they'll use Diop and Vlad as "proof"...I'm beginning to think FA (unless we really wait out some of these guys) will be fruitless...but I'd still rather have Gooden over Bass...just me...

davcbow

07-02-2009, 05:33 PM

There's a old saying in cattle ranching, "If you want the pick of the litter, you better be first in line." :cool:

BRNC

07-02-2009, 05:36 PM

True...but the first in line this time had the cash...everyone else seems to be bargaining shopping (same as us) even the other teams with cash...you do have to admire Detroit though...Dumars knew who he wanted and got them...although I think he overpaid...but then I think they're all overpaid...LOL

spectre

07-02-2009, 05:51 PM

BRNC

07-02-2009, 06:02 PM

Dallas is the only other team I've heard on Bass spectre...but I'm sure some of the teams that wanted CV (and the ones that don't get 'Sheed) will have an interest...

polarcat

07-02-2009, 06:12 PM

bass is my option 1A to CV which makes bass numero uno now. i did notice an article posted earlier today that states new orleans, orlando, dallas and the spurs are interested as well as us. scroll down to the bottom of the article where it quotes bass as saying one team is "really really really into him". god i hope that's us. http://www.wwltv.com/sports/hornets/stories/wwl070209mlbass.299b56bf.html

also, i didn't realize how defensive he was....found a great youtube vid that makes me want him even more. plus he's only 24 and would be great off the bench.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RXI3TxoQmQ4

playoffs...PLAYOFFS?

07-02-2009, 06:15 PM

Not surprised in Singletary...

If I'm reading this correctly Dontell Jefferson addresses the 3rd PG that LB wants. I don't feel to comfortable having Jefferson be the backup if DJ or RF were out with injuries..

spectre

07-02-2009, 07:56 PM

Good find polarcat! I bet it is us!

LOL, I know it's not NOLA! Bass is obviously holding a little bit of a grudge!

jpf_v2.0

07-02-2009, 08:53 PM

God I hope that is us!

spectre

07-02-2009, 10:18 PM

Dallas is out, looks like they're getting Gortat.

Gotta worry about Orlando.

TheBeagle

07-03-2009, 12:25 AM

This has me pretty excited as I never thought they'd give out a full MLE deal with the owner situation. Getting a legit backup PF gives us a good chance to make some noise this upcoming season!

What kind of competition are we going to have for Bass? Think Dallas would match? Absolutely, spectre! Very proud of the guys for not falling into the Iverson bullshitfest that the media is propogating! Also, adding Bass along with Henderson and UPS would be a terrific off-season, assuming Raymond comes back at a reasonable price and number of years (2-3).

As an aside, I was impressed to see from a Bonnell blog http://scottfowlerobs.blogspot.com/2009/06/bobcats-no19-in-attractiveness-list.html

that we are viewed as the 19th best destination in the NBA. I would've sworn we would be in the mid-upper 20s. I though we only had Memphis, Toronto, Sacramento, and OKC beat. Sure it could be better, but all things considered, namely the media's poor treatment of us, I'll take it.

spectre

07-03-2009, 06:14 AM

Aw heck yeah beagle...if we were to pull in Bass this off season would have to rank as one of our best ever.

Have we EVER been the desired destination of a free agent that had other options at the same money? A big part of me wants Bass for that. I think it would say something.

teej

07-03-2009, 02:39 PM

Have we EVER been the desired destination of a free agent that had other options at the same money? A big part of me wants Bass for that. I think it would say something.

Heh, only when the minimum was in play.

WAM9

07-03-2009, 04:33 PM

I agree with you guys...Bass would be a great acquisition for us. He is a very good player and fills our biggest need.

He hasn't averaged more than 19 minutes per game before but has put up good numbers in those limited minutes. That tells me 2 things. 1) He plays well off the bench and 2) he would probably put up very respectable numbers if he had to play starter minutes (due to an injury or something).

TheBeagle

07-04-2009, 12:06 AM

Have we EVER been the desired destination of a free agent that had other options at the same money? A big part of me wants Bass for that. I think it would say something. Well, my man Smitty comes to mind in year one, but I don't know that he had any other teams interested since it turned out to be his final year (after being traded to the Heat for one last fling). Then last year was Juwan, but again, I don't know about other team's interest.

DA is the only one I can think of that fits the bill. Admittedly, I don't think teams were jumping all over themselves for him, but if what folks said at the time were true, he picked us over at least a few teams.

But yeah, getting a player in his prime to come here of his own volition would be a big step!

BRNC

07-04-2009, 01:07 AM

Our biggest problem getting Bass (for us) is the opportunity to start with the Magic (since Hedo left) vs. coming off the bench for us...I know they went to the finals...and if I were him that would speak to me also...but...in his position I think I'd go to the team where I'd have the best shot at starting...Lewis can play the 3 or 4 so he can step in and probably start at the 4...would be nice if we could get him but I think it is doubtful now...If the Magic do get Bass then we're quickly down to two reasonable alternatives (guys we could probably get for the MLE) McDyess and Gooden...any preference between the two?

SirBobcat

07-04-2009, 04:36 AM

Do you guys think there's any chance that Varejao or Marion will slide under the cracks and sign the MLE with the Bobcats?

dnbman

07-04-2009, 08:19 AM

Re: Marion and Sideshow

Doubtful. Marion is a guy who can play a LOT better than an MLE contract type guy. A contender would surely snatch him up.

BRNC

07-04-2009, 11:12 AM

The thing is...all the contenders (except Blazers) can only offer the MLE...and now that Hedo goes to Toronto Marion is on the market...looks like Blazers choose one piece over the MLE then we compete (just like everyone else) with the MLE...I hope the Blazers go Miller instead since that leaves the "bigs" for everyone else to fight over...maybe we can get Bass after all...

SWedd523

07-04-2009, 11:30 AM

BRNC

07-04-2009, 11:35 AM

Bass or Varejao would be ok...I Varejao is one of the players I'm hearing nothing about...wonder if everyone is assuming he's back with the Cavs and any interested team would feel they are just bidding him up for the Cavs?

dnbman

07-04-2009, 01:20 PM

Marion isn't worth the MLE anymore. He hasn't done anything substatial since being traded to Miami. Varejao will be looking for more than the MLE but likely won't get it. I think he'd be a nice pickup but we won't get him.

His numbers really aren't that bad. If he's motivated again, I think he easily goes back to 18 and 9-10 rebounds a game. All of the rest of his numbers are still pretty good.

He's just been very frustrated with the teams he's been on.

SWedd523

07-04-2009, 03:53 PM

His numbers really aren't that bad. If he's motivated again, I think he easily goes back to 18 and 9-10 rebounds a game. All of the rest of his numbers are still pretty good.

He's just been very frustrated with the teams he's been on.

Then Charlotte is not where he's going to do it. The only way he goes back anywhere near 20/10 is if he goes back to Phoenix.

BRNC

07-04-2009, 04:12 PM

Hey Swedd...now that the Suns have "Robin" maybe Marion will play for free with them...:rkiss0:

dnbman

07-04-2009, 06:45 PM

Then Charlotte is not where he's going to do it. The only way he goes back anywhere near 20/10 is if he goes back to Phoenix.

My original point was that it wasn't a good match:

Doubtful. Marion is a guy who can play a LOT better than an MLE contract type guy. A contender would surely snatch him up.

But I can see him signing to one of the contenders to give them a versatile 3/4 for cheap. He'd probably be great for Cleveland.

WAM9

07-04-2009, 11:51 PM

Do you guys think there's any chance that Varejao or Marion will slide under the cracks and sign the MLE with the Bobcats?

I'm pretty sure I read that Marion declined an offer from Toronto of 8-9 mil per. He probably wouldn't turn that money down (even if it is in Toronto) if he and his agent though the MLE elsewhere was the best they could do.

To the point that Marion somehow isn't worth the MLE...I think you are way off. He definitely deserves the full MLE.

I actually think Varejao is a darkhorse for who we use our MLE on. I'm on board like a lot around here with Bass being a great target but for some reason I think Varejao might actually happen. He was willing to sign with us first when he was a restricted free agent before Cleveland matched so there is some type of relationship there. We'll see.

BRNC

07-05-2009, 12:13 AM

He's a real energy guy...rather have Bass he's a better FT shooter...the next week (particularly after the 8th when contracts can be signed) should be really interesting...but according to Bonnell the only two guys we've contacted are Bass and McDyess...maybe that will change...

http://www.realgm.com/src_wiretap_archives/60336/20090704/bobcats_intrigued_by_mcdyess_bass/

Pts. Reb. Blks. FT%
Bass per36= 15.7 8.4 1.3 .867

Varejao per36= 10.8 10.1 1.0 .616

Some slight differances...Bass a better scorer...Varejao better rebounding....differance maker for me is FT%...the team needs to get better at FT...I'd feel better with Bass...
per36 was based on what they did last year not career numbers...they have both improved yearly and I did not feel they've played enough years to base it on career numbers...

teej

07-05-2009, 12:54 AM

Bonnell said on his blog we might be looking at a S&T with the Mavs...get rid of Nazzy or Radman anyone?

SWedd523

07-05-2009, 01:12 AM

I'm pretty sure I read that Marion declined an offer from Toronto of 8-9 mil per. He probably wouldn't turn that money down (even if it is in Toronto) if he and his agent though the MLE elsewhere was the best they could do.

To the point that Marion somehow isn't worth the MLE...I think you are way off. He definitely deserves the full MLE.

I actually think Varejao is a darkhorse for who we use our MLE on. I'm on board like a lot around here with Bass being a great target but for some reason I think Varejao might actually happen. He was willing to sign with us first when he was a restricted free agent before Cleveland matched so there is some type of relationship there. We'll see.
If you want to spend the full MLE on a 31 year old guy that has been in a steady decline for the last two years then go for it.

Marion relies solely on his athleticism in order to be successful. He can't shoot and he can't bang bodies. He's 31, the age at which most players see their biggest decline. You really wanna sign him to a 4 year or longer deal? You're nuts.

Full MLE for one year maybe, MAYBE two. Not anything more.

WAM9

07-05-2009, 01:34 AM

If you want to spend the full MLE on a 31 year old guy that has been in a steady decline for the last two years then go for it.

Marion relies solely on his athleticism in order to be successful. He can't shoot and he can't bang bodies. He's 31, the age at which most players see their biggest decline. You really wanna sign him to a 4 year or longer deal? You're nuts.

Full MLE for one year maybe, MAYBE two. Not anything more.

I'm not even saying that he is a great fit for our team but that he is definitely worth the max MLE for 4 seasons for sure to someone out there. There are many teams that would love to have him. We'll see when he signs just how nuts I am.

SWedd523

07-05-2009, 02:47 AM

I'm not even saying that he is a great fit for our team but that he is definitely worth the max MLE for 4 seasons for sure to someone out there. There are many teams that would love to have him. We'll see when he signs just how nuts I am.

I'm not saying he won't get the money. I'm saying it's not a good idea to give a guy that much money who will be 35 at the end of the deal. He's not big and isn't skilled other than being quick and having a nose for the ball. We'll see when his numbers drop even more over the next two years how crazy you are.

BRNC

07-05-2009, 11:51 AM

I posted this link (not sure we have it in this thread...but might be the one teej refers to) in the "FA that might help" thread...Bonnell contacted Bass's agent to confirm our interest...

http://blogs.charlotte.com/inside_the_nba/2009/07/a-wee-bit-of-news-on-brandon-bass.html