Okafor for Chandler

[bozzy]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4359609

I hope this isn't true. Why would the Bobcats want a often injured player like Chandler?

[rsxnova]

I just read it. This does not make us better.

[dnbman]

Yeah, I'm not really sure what this accomplishes for us, other than giving us more height at the C position. Chandler is probably a more aggressive finisher than Okafor, which is worth noting.

It does, however, reduce the future debts of the Bobcats considerably, making the team more palatable to sell.

I'm wondering who else will be included, if anyone.

[Marvel]

I was just about to post this.Sean May losing half a pound makes more sense to me than this,why in the world would we want a guy who get's injured all the time no way.What's also worth noting is Okafor is averaging a double double on his career and Chandler is getting 11 mill to sit on the bench because of injuries.

[rsxnova]

Yeah, I'm not really sure what this accomplishes for us, other than giving us more height at the C position. Chandler is probably a more aggressive finisher than Okafor, which is worth noting.

It does, however, reduce the future debts of the Bobcats considerably, making the team more palatable to sell.

I'm wondering who else will be included, if anyone.

Something has to be added. Maybe they will go after Nazer to be their new C.

[SWedd523]

Makes my previous trade proposal look much more appealing :g:


A little editing to put Mek in the deal: http://games.espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=mwbal5

We trade two starters and a backup, they do the same. Thoughts?

[ohara831]

5 yrs vs 2 yrs on Contracts I guess.

[hbk999]

Chandler has a similar skill set to Okafor. He is similar as a rebounder,superior as a shot blocker, and equal as a defender. He may not be quite as skilled offensively, but overall if Chandler is healthy then this move is okay. His contract is 3 years shorter than Okafor's is. I'm torn on this, but it leaves cap flexibility later on. From a production standpoint I don't think this hurts us unless Chandler gets hurt. I would also think that this would be a precursor to another move to get another PF,maybe Warrick?

[Marvel]

Chandler has a similar skill set to Okafor. He is similar as a rebounder,superior as a shot blocker, and equal as a defender. He may not be quite as skilled offensively, but overall if Chandler is healthy then this move is okay. His contract is 3 years shorter than Okafor's is. I'm torn on this, but it leaves cap flexibility later on. From a production standpoint I don't think this hurts us unless Chandler gets hurt. I would also think that this would be a precursor to another move to get another PF,maybe Warrick?


Superior as a shot blocker:confused: Okafor has Chandler in that department:
Okafor 1.9
Chandler 1.4
Not much of a difference there but i fail to see Chandler as superior to Okafor in blocking shots.

[rsxnova]

Maybe this will include a sign and trade with Felts for Paul:biggrin:

[TheLegend]

Maybe this will include a sign and trade with Felts for Paul:biggrin:

If only it was true lol.

[Weezy21]

Makes my previous trade proposal look much more appealing :g:


A little editing to put Mek in the deal: http://games.espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=mwbal5

We trade two starters and a backup, they do the same. Thoughts?

i would definitely do that...but i have a VERY hard time seeing them part with david west...he is a beast!...then id go out an sign AI

PG-felton/dj
SG-AI/Mo/Henderson
SF-Wallace/Vlad/UPS
PF-Diaw/West/Lexy
C-Chandler/Diop

SCARY!!!...but again highly unlikely...if it is just a swap of okafor an chandler an maybe a filler, id still consider it cuz atleast we'd be getting a player that showed some real emotion out there!

[rsxnova]

i would definitely do that...but i have a VERY hard time seeing them part with david west...he is a beast!...then id go out an sign AI

PG-felton/dj
SG-AI/Mo/Henderson
SF-Wallace/Vlad/UPS
PF-Diaw/West/Lexy
C-Chandler/Diop

SCARY!!!...but again highly unlikely...if it is just a swap of okafor an chandler an maybe a filler, id still consider it cuz atleast we'd be getting a player that showed some real emotion out there!


Im not sure if Diaw or West would be the sixth man in this rotation.

[SWedd523]

Well everybody knows the Hornets are cutting salary. They know West will command a higher salary and they don't want to lose him for nothing as they won't be able to afford that salary. :g:

[SWedd523]

Im not sure if Diaw or West would be the sixth man in this rotation.
Don't sign AI and move Diaw to the 2?:shrug:

Ray
Diaw
Crash
West
Chandler

[Weezy21]

Im not sure if Diaw or West would be the sixth man in this rotation.

yea i was thinking the same thing...which makes me 99% sure that a deal involving west would not go down

[Walt Cronkite]

This makes no sense. Like Swedd pointed out, Hornets want to cut salary... why trade for Okafor? Maybe it's a 3-way?

[rsxnova]

Don't sign AI and move Diaw to the 2?:shrug:

Ray
Diaw
Crash
West
Chandler

Think about the mismatches we would create!

[hbk999]

Superior as a shot blocker:confused: Okafor has Chandler in that department:
Okafor 1.9
Chandler 1.4
Not much of a difference there but i fail to see Chandler as superior to Okafor in blocking shots.
Noted..oversight and assumption on my part!

[Marvel]

Think about the mismatches we would create!


Mismatches............................ ohhh right you mean when Kobe or Wade or VC constantly burn Diaw off the dribble.:paddle:

[BIGCatBobcat]

I saw the title and wanted to punch whoever was floating this idea. Turns out it's Rod Higgins and Jeff Bower. If George Shinn screws us with this garbage, I will drive to New Orleans and drag him out by his ear and kick him in front of the Super Dome. Come one come all, if this actually goes down. BigCat Vs. Smilin George Shinn Crescent City Showdown. No for real, Okafor's pedigree far exceeds anything Chandler may or may not be able to do that this shouldn't be a discussion.

[Marvel]

I saw the title and wanted to punch whoever was floating this idea. Turns out it's Rod Higgins and Jeff Bower. If George Shinn screws us with this garbage, I will drive to New Orleans and drag him out by his ear and kick him in front of the Super Dome. Come one come all, if this actually goes down. BigCat Vs. Smilin George Shinn Crescent City Showdown. No for real, Okafor's pedigree far exceeds anything Chandler may or may not be able to do that this shouldn't be a discussion.


Agreed and can you add in a baseball bat to the head for me

[SCBobcat]

I could see this netting us either Hilton Armstrong or Kris Humphries to play backup PF as well as Chandler. The problem is with NO wanting to cut salary, I don't see them wanting to take Nazr, Diop, or Vlad to make the money match. For this reason I think they may have to work a 3rd team into the deal.

[rsxnova]

Mismatches............................ ohhh right you mean when Kobe or Wade or VC constantly burn Diaw off the dribble.:paddle:

I was being sarcastic...

[Ampsportsduo]

West will not be moved. He has the worst (read: best for the team) contract of any player in the league.

[nugentrk]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4359609

I hope this isn't true. Why would the Bobcats want a often injured player like Chandler?

for the insurance money, why else?

[TattoodCats4life]

Think about the mismatches we would create!

Ray,
Diaw,
Lexi,
West,
Chandler

WOO there's a mismatch for a few minutes per game.

[Marvel]

I was being sarcastic...


My bad it's hard to sense sarcasm at times on the net

[SWedd523]

Mismatches............................ ohhh right you mean when Kobe or Wade or VC constantly burn Diaw off the dribble.:paddle:
I mean you couldn't put Crash on them or anything?

[rsxnova]

My bad it's hard to notice sarcasm at times on the net

Dont worry about it.

[BIGCatBobcat]

I know it sounds like Ball Whore, aka Testicle Prostitute, but I called whatever number for the front office and really nice guy named Jeff told me that this is what he was hearing as well. He didn't have inside info but it sounded like this was just as done as could be and he was already pushing Chandler. Unless he's just a junkie like us and feels Chandler for Okafor is great, he was giving me some talking points like a spin sort of deal. His point was yeah Okafor has been here since the beginning and he's a great 4 but we've never had a real legit center and now we have a 4 in Diaw, we need a center to compliment him.

7'1" 8.2 ppg, 9 rebounds, 1.4 blocks. He's played in 72% of his games. He has 2 years left on his deal...these are the facts however my gut is telling me this sucks.

[Dead_Real]

*Prays this is another monthly Bobcat rumor that doesn't come true* http://img1.uploadhouse.com/fileuploads/4394/4394811b791aba8df1bf133dd1dba40c98bb221.gif

[ALong13]

The Hornets and the Bobcats are reportedly close to finalizing a trade that would send Tyson Chandler to Charlotte in exchange for Emeka Okafor.

Okafor signed a six-year, $72 million contract last summer, but will earn about $3 million less than Chandler over the next two seasons (Chandler has a player option for 2010-2011, then becomes a free agent). Details are still emerging, so stay tuned.

-rotoworld

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

this would be upsetting if it's just those two...Chandler can be more energetic, but rather keep Okafor...

[TheLegend]

So we're just swapping centers? We're not gonna get anyone else?

[Proudiddy]

I'm not sure about this deal. In a way, I'm kind of excited b/c Oak is limited offensively, and while Chandler is no offensive juggernaut himself, the man can get up and throw it down when healthy. This may also present the opportunity for easier points on lobs and such - IF HE'S HEALTHY.

But, I've got to believe that we're getting something greater in return or dumping another contract in addition to Oak's on them so we can make another move. I really hope we get something else out of the deal, either a valuable rotation player or cap room to add another piece, such as Big Baby or Warrick.

[ALuhrs704]

this would be the worst trade........ okafor is better defensively, offensively, he is smarter. the only thing chandler has is ups and height. if we are doing this to try to stop the big centers of the east. i would hate hate hate to see this go down, and i do trust larry but this cant be right. we better be getting a SOLID SOLID backup and chandler. julian wright?

[GoBobs]

Oak is way better then Chandler even without considering he is younger and Chandler has the injury problems. Oak is worth is contract and Chandler is way overpaid. Only way we should do this deal is if we are getting Chris Paul. If this is a straight up swap it is a very very STUPID move that will set us back years.

[rsxnova]

So we're just swapping centers? We're not gonna get anyone else?

If this comes true my confidence in the FO will be in question...

ILBIT?????

[Dead_Real]

CP3 is going to make Mek look like an All Star Center just like he had the league overrating Chandler.

[ReesieNCPantherCatfan1]

Garbage trade, I feel sick to my stomach. I know Diaw-Jrich worked out okay, but man I just don't see it with Chandler.

[Proudiddy]

I know it sounds like Ball Whore, aka Testicle Prostitute, but I called whatever number for the front office and really nice guy named Jeff told me that this is what he was hearing as well. He didn't have inside info but it sounded like this was just as done as could be and he was already pushing Chandler. Unless he's just a junkie like us and feels Chandler for Okafor is great, he was giving me some talking points like a spin sort of deal. His point was yeah Okafor has been here since the beginning and he's a great 4 but we've never had a real legit center and now we have a 4 in Diaw, we need a center to compliment him.

7'1" 8.2 ppg, 9 rebounds, 1.4 blocks. He's played in 72% of his games. He has 2 years left on his deal...these are the facts however my gut is telling me this sucks.

Honestly, the point that now we would have a legit starting center beside a legit PF in Diaw, just made this deal a lot more appealing. I see MJ and LB working now.

[BIGCatBobcat]

New Orleans didn't have a comment. Why again, am I calling people?

[Mustachio]

And the George Shinn f**king continues.


Okafor is better than Chandler in every single way other than catching alley oops... and now he wont even have CP3 tossin em up.

Lets trade the original Bobcat for a guy that is worse in every single way AND has a bum leg. Yeah that sounds like an excellent plan.

[TheLegend]

How would Larry Brown would be thinking if this happens. I just hope we could get a PF also in the mix. I don't mind Chandler being here as long as hes healthy and puts up his scoring.

[Proudiddy]

Oak is way better then Chandler even without considering he is younger and Chandler has the injury problems. Oak is worth is contract and Chandler is way overpaid. Only way we should do this deal is if we are getting Chris Paul. If this is a straight up swap it is a very very STUPID move that will set us back years.

Actually I had to look myself, remember Chandler came straight outta high school and Oak went all 4 years at UCONN. Chandler is actually younger by a couple days.

[ALong13]

While I'm not thrilled about this I do believe Chandler could be an upgrade...he's a few inches taller and can throw it down...I think he's more of a force than Okafor and he could get more pts on a team that doesn't have a Chris Paul, David West, & shooters like Peja & Posey

[rsxnova]

And the George Shinn f**king continues.


Okafor is better than Chandler in every single way other than catching alley oops... and now he wont even have CP3 tossin em up.

Lets trade the original Bobcat for a guy that is worse in every single way AND has a bum leg. Yeah that sounds like an excellent plan.

He took our team, its only natural he comes back for our players.

[Dead_Real]

While I'm not thrilled about this I do believe Chandler could be an upgrade...he's a few inches taller and can throw it down...I think he's more of a force than Okafor and he could get more pts on a team that doesn't have a Chris Paul, David West, & shooters like Peja & Posey
CP3 made Chandler a productive offensive player

Lets not forget about David West...

[Proudiddy]

In other news, Jamareo Davidson was released by the Warriors... hmmm...

[SCBobcat]

Actually I had to look myself, remember Chandler came straight outta high school and Oak went all 4 years at UCONN. Chandler is actually younger by a couple days.

Oak actually only went to UCONN for 3 years. He graduated early and won co-player of the year, so he moved on up.

[rsxnova]

http://www.hoopangle.com/hornets/2009/07/27/tyson-chandler-to-the-bobcats-for-emeka-okafor/

Looks like the hornets fans are jumping on board.

[Proudiddy]

Oak actually only went to UCONN for 3 years. He graduated early and won co-player of the year, so he moved on up.

oops.

-1 credibility for me. lol

Sorry, I was just thinking how everyone was talking about how old he was in that draft compared to Howard and talked about him as a senior. It seemed like he was there 4 years.

[SirBobcat]

This is horrible if this stays similar to this...

[playoffs...PLAYOFFS?]

Well, in retrospect it's now pretty easy to read between the lines...

Candid to the end, Charlotte Bobcats coach Larry Brown said at his postseason news conference Friday that he'd love for center Emeka Okafor to love basketball more. As in, use the offseason to become a better player, not just a better-conditioned athlete. “I always tease that he has an ‘A' in stretching, Pilates and yoga. I'd like him to have an ‘A' in basketball,”

It's hard to judge this trade. Emeka was also injured early in his career. If Chandler stays healthy..it may not be bad at all

[Scottley Crue]

While I'm not thrilled about this I do believe Chandler could be an upgrade...he's a few inches taller and can throw it down...I think he's more of a force than Okafor and he could get more pts on a team that doesn't have a Chris Paul, David West, & shooters like Peja & Posey
While I do have mixed feelings about this deal (in the end, I'm Ok with it), I believe I can see why the 'Cats do this. The height difference is huge thing. Okafor certainly is strong, but he's just a little too short to be an ideal center. Chandler's legit 7 feet, can really jump and is very aggressive to the basket.

The main reason I think they do this because of the fire LB had to constantly light under Oakfor to get him going. We all remember LB cussing him to get him going against the Clippers and at the end of the season LB was telling him to "get an A in basketball" as well as stretching. I'm sure LB wasn't thrilled that he had to tell one of his key basketball players to focus on basketball. Most coaches greatly prefer people they have to reign in rather than those they have to kick in the ass. I'd think that would play a big part in this.

[ziggy]

Every time I go away on vacation for a couple of days all hell breaks loose.:facepalm:

If this is a straight up Okafor for Chandler deal, then we are getting taken to the cleaners. CP3 is going to make Mek look like a star.

[Dead_Real]

Every time I go away on vacation for a couple of days all hell breaks loose.:facepalm:

If this is a straight up Okafor for Chandler deal, then we are getting taken to the cleaners. CP3 is going to make Mek look like a star.
Exactly I'm not sure a lot of people watch the Hornets but all Paul does is drive, which draws the D in which leaves Chandler open for lobs all night long.

[SWedd523]

How was the vacation?

[chabber]

It won't just be CP3 either, he's going to be playing beside a very good PF who can spread the floor for him to operate inside.

[Marvel]

OMG it looks as though this deal will really really really really go down :facepalm::facepalm:
http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;_ylt=AqO1l0XF4Z4CFfj5btRPZqy8vLYF?slug=ap-hornets-bobcatstrade&prov=ap&type=lgns NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO O

[Mustachio]

While I do have mixed feelings about this deal (in the end, I'm Ok with it), I believe I can see why the 'Cats do this. The height difference is huge thing. Okafor certainly is strong, but he's just a little too short to be an ideal center. Chandler's legit 7 feet, can really jump and is very aggressive to the basket.

The main reason I think they do this because of the fire LB had to constantly light under Oakfor to get him going. We all remember LB cussing him to get him going against the Clippers and at the end of the season LB was telling him to "get an A in basketball" as well as stretching. I'm sure LB wasn't thrilled that he had to tell one of his key basketball players to focus on basketball. Most coaches greatly prefer people they have to reign in rather than those they have to kick in the ass. I'd think that would play a big part in this.

Primoz Brezec had an enthusiastic approach to basketball too. How'd that work out. In 4 postseason games last year Chandler averaged 3.8 points and 2 turnovers a game. You can be 7 foot, athletic and enthusiastic as hell... but it doesn't make you a great sound basketball player.

In Okafor we had a good, smart, community minded basketball player with some limitations and still averaged a double double. Now we have a tall guy with an attitude. not happy at all about this.

I guess Jordan wasn't happy with just whiffing once on the 2001 draft so he figures he will just go back and do it again. Maybe if we're lucky he will trade Gerald Wallace to get Eddy Curry to make it a 3 bust year. :facepalm:


P.f.S. if you thought Dwight Howard looked good against Okafor, boy are you about to get a show.

[bing!]

Why am I being indifferent (?), hell, I thought I cared about Emeka... guess not.

[rsxnova]

OMG it looks as though this deal will really really really really go down :facepalm::facepalm:
http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;_ylt=AqO1l0XF4Z4CFfj5btRPZqy8vLYF?slug=ap-hornets-bobcatstrade&prov=ap&type=lgns NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO O


http://www.thefullgamut.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/darth_vader_nooooooo.gif


This sucks...

[SirBobcat]

Even the ESPN Trade Machine understands how stupid a straight up deal is:

http://games.espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=mccbyb

[Proudiddy]

the swap of 26-year-old centers wasn’t expected to be completed until tuesday and was unlikely to include other players

smh.......

[docend24]

Where is ballwhore when we need him?!

[TattoodCats4life]

There is something in my gut that says this has to be a 3 or 4 way deal, and we're either not getting Chandler, or we're getting Chandler and something else... I see us moving Okafor and something on the side for Chandler and a near starter quality PF. I can pray right?

[millst2]

Well I admit I could give a shit about Okafor as he is and always will need a swift kick in the ass to get him playing better. For years this board has had threads how okafor sucks ( a.k.a goes to the basket like a fairy, has more of his shots blocked than anyother).

I agree with the majority that even with okafors lack of will the trade seems a little one sided. Chandler has always had a chip on his shoulder thinking he was better than everyone else, but in a way that could be a good change. My main issue is his health. Wasn't he going to be traded last year but the deal fell through cause he had a strained big toe? I mean wtf.

I don't see chandler as being a downgrade if he stays healthy, but it goes back to the same issue with May, CAN Chandler stay healthy? Who the hell knows, but if this is only a 1 for 1 then we only get a salary in shorter length and a player who sits on the bench.

Boggled right now.....

[GoBobs]

Hopefully we are either going to reciend the trade due to chandlers health like last time the hornets tried to give him away. Why do you do this if you are the bobcats. They can't believe that chandler is going to be a good player for them. A guy that played 30 something games last year due to injury. If we wanted to give Oak away the least the fo could have done is find a team with some expiring contracts or a team with cap room like the thunder. The thunder would have taken him for sure then we could have gone after free agents next summer with our cap room.

[ammofan]

I actually dont mind it.....Okafor didn't do that much anyway. Chandler is 3 inches bigger and he is a better rebounder. He also can throw it down so no more of those easy baskets being missed because Okafor was afraid to dunk. I just have a feeling this could be a prelude to a iverson signing......

[ziggy]

Hornets fans are understandably gleeful about this deal.

http://hornetsreport.com/HRForums/showthread.php?t=56461&page=1&pp=25

If we were going to deal Mek, Is this seriously the best that we could do?

[Scottley Crue]

Primoz Brezec had an enthusiastic approach to basketball too. How'd that work out. In 4 postseason games last year Chandler averaged 3.8 points and 2 turnovers a game. You can be 7 foot, athletic and enthusiastic as hell... but it doesn't make you a great sound basketball player.

In Okafor we had a good, smart, community minded basketball player with some limitations and still averaged a double double. Now we have a tall guy with an attitude. not happy at all about this.

I guess Jordan wasn't happy with just whiffing once on the 2001 draft so he figures he will just go back and do it again. Maybe if we're lucky he will trade Gerald Wallace to get Eddy Curry to make it a 3 bust year. :facepalm:


P.f.S. if you thought Dwight Howard looked good against Okafor, boy are you about to get a show.
Primoz was enthusiastic, but he wasn't nearly as talented as Okafor. Okafor has the talent, but I'm pretty sure LB feels he lacks the drive to be more than he is right now. Both those things together can make a really special player. That's what drives LB (and I'm sure MJ) nuts about the guy--they think he can be really special, but don't know if he wants it bad enough. Again, most coaches really don't like to have to push a guy really hard to "love" the game. I think that disappointment is in large part where this trade comes from.

I'm not saying Chandler's the best thing ever. I am concerned about his health. But let's let him recover, have a training camp and play a few games before we decide he's awful and this is the worst thing ever. Think about some of the successful teams LB's had and the centers on those teams...Dalembert, Ratliff, Wallace...all guys who get after it and in the case of the first two, also have height. This fits what he does with that. Not to say Okafor's bad, I just don't think in the end he fit what LB ultimately wants from his starting center.

Just remember...the Bell/Diaw trade looked bad at first, too.

[SirBobcat]

http://games.espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=lxmqp7

One can only dream right?

[Ampsportsduo]

Several things to consider:

1. This move could be little more than a debt removal to hopefully make the team more sellable for Bob-o. Mek is owed nearly $40 million more than TC. Less money owed to players could make the team more attractive to someone that wants to come in and make the team theirs. If this isn't a Bob-o directed move, the FO may recognize that the team will be in a "holding pattern" until Bob-o is out of the picture and would rather have cap space sooner rather than later. They probably recognize that the team is a fringe playoff team and will not be anything more until Bob-o is gone, so perhaps having a large chunk of change available for 2011 free agency is what they are angling for.

2. LB and the FO have determined that EO50 will not be the starting center for a true championship contender. Many of us thought his contract would be very difficult to move, so maybe they feel they have to jump at the opportunity. I for one, don't think this team will ever compete for a championship with a 6'10" center and although I am more reserved in my short term expectations, I always believed Emeka would have to be moved for this team to truly compete down the line. To that end, I see this move as a positive.

3. To me the biggest question is, "What do the Bobcats think they are getting in Tyson Chandler?" Worded another way, "Is this a basketball move?" In most people's mind, he's a 7-foot "if". If he's healthy, he can contribute and it could be argued is a better pairing for Boris. If, however, they are looking at him purely as oft-injured cap relief in two years, the team is in trouble for the near term. There's a school of thought that the Hornets do not believe TC will ever be able to play a full season again, but it's hard to tell because of their salary cap situation. Chandler's rehab will presumably keep him out into training camp, so it's hard to be optimistic.

4. Could this mean that Nazr has truly shown significant improvement this off-season? Ok, I couldn't keep a straight face typing that.

[Mustachio]

I actually dont mind it.....Okafor didn't do that much anyway. Chandler is 3 inches bigger and he is a better rebounder. He also can throw it down so no more of those easy baskets being missed because Okafor was afraid to dunk. I just have a feeling this could be a prelude to a iverson signing......


"okafor didnt do that much anyway"...:banghead:.

[ammofan]

"okafor didnt do that much anyway"...:banghead:.

what did he do? Seriously? He may have okay stats but he was non-existent. He did nothing to severely impact the game other than the game he had like 10 blocks.

[Proudiddy]

The thing that bothers me though is, let's say Chandler's healthy and contributes just as much, if not more than Okafor and we make the playoffs. On the other side, Oak plays great for Nawlins, and they're just as happy as we are. Now, they got a guy for 4 more years and we only got Chandler for 1 and he'll opt out looking for another big contract.

This is where I don't get the logic.

[Mustachio]

what did he do? Seriously? He may have okay stats but he was non-existent. He did nothing to severely impact the game other than the game he had like 10 blocks.

you're right... he didn't rip the goal down with a dunk so he was just standing still out there pretty much.

If you honestly think averaging a double double doesnt severely impact games... then well i guess enjoy Chandlers 8 points and 2 MONSTER DUNKS a game.

[SirBobcat]

I hope Okafor leaves now...and it's because this fan base never appreciated Okafor. They expected a 20/10 guy and when they realized they ended with a 13/10 guy they never gave him a shot. I hope Okafor goes to a team with someone like Chris Paul who will elevate Okafor to become a better player.

[BIGCatBobcat]

Has anyone mentioned...what if he doesn't pass the physical?

[Ampsportsduo]

you're right... he didn't rip the goal down with a dunk so he was just standing still out there pretty much.

If you honestly think averaging a double double doesnt severely impact games... then well i guess enjoy Chandlers 8 points and 2 MONSTER DUNKS a game.

I'm quite certain both fan bases could go blow for blow in their frustration of each guy. EO is a model citizen, but if you've never yelled at him to just dunk the damn ball, groaned as he went to the bench with early foul trouble, lamented his seemingly small hands, or shaken your head as he missed a clutch free throw, you're not a Cats fan.

[SirBobcat]

And to further elaborate. Okafor puts up his numbers without being demanding of the basketball, but rather playing in the team concept. What I always appreciate about Okafor is that (and to steal from the Rock some) he knew his role and played it. He never stepped out of his role, but he'd put his 10-13 a game and 10 rebounds without barely needing the rock to constantly be thrown to him.

[GoBobs]

There is really not that much drop off from Oak to Naz. I am not bothered by losing Oak but losing Oak without gaining an asset. There is no doubt we are getting screwed if this is a 1 for 1 swap.

The problem is this.

We recently considered Oak such an asset we decided to give him a big contract. Now your telling me he is so bad that the only way we can get rid of the deal is by trading him for a player with huge injury questions and two years left on a big deal. If Chandler can't play the next two years he will be getting about 8x sean mays qualifing offer to ride the pine. Thats enough to kill a team for a while.

[Ampsportsduo]

Has anyone mentioned...what if he doesn't pass the physical?

He won't "pass" in the sense that he's ready to play, because he's still rehabbing his ankle and toe that he had surgery on. That's why I want to know what the FO thinks they are getting out of this deal. Not the line they'll feed the public, but fly on the wall in the war room honesty.

[Marvel]

Several things to consider:

1. This move could be little more than a debt removal to hopefully make the team more sellable for Bob-o. Mek is owed nearly $40 million more than TC. Less money owed to players could make the team more attractive to someone that wants to come in and make the team theirs. If this isn't a Bob-o directed move, the FO may recognize that the team will be in a "holding pattern" until Bob-o is out of the picture and would rather have cap space sooner rather than later. They probably recognize that the team is a fringe playoff team and will not be anything more until Bob-o is gone, so perhaps having a large chunk of change available for 2011 free agency is what they are angling for.

2. LB and the FO have determined that EO50 will not be the starting center for a true championship contender. Many of us thought his contract would be very difficult to move, so maybe they feel they have to jump at the opportunity. I for one, don't think this team will ever compete for a championship with a 6'10" center and although I am more reserved in my short term expectations, I always believed Emeka would have to be moved for this team to truly compete down the line. To that end, I see this move as a positive.

3. To me the biggest question is, "What do the Bobcats think they are getting in Tyson Chandler?" Worded another way, "Is this a basketball move?" In most people's mind, he's a 7-foot "if". If he's healthy, he can contribute and it could be argued is a better pairing for Boris. If, however, they are looking at him purely as oft-injured cap relief in two years, the team is in trouble for the near term. There's a school of thought that the Hornets do not believe TC will ever be able to play a full season again, but it's hard to tell because of their salary cap situation. Chandler's rehab will presumably keep him out into training camp, so it's hard to be optimistic.

4. Could this mean that Nazr has truly shown significant improvement this off-season? Ok, I couldn't keep a straight face typing that.


Kendrick Perkins is 6'10,freaking Matt Bonner is 6'10 and did a handy job throughout wouldn't you say..... so that comment goes out the door.I do agree that Chandler is a better pairing with Diaw but that's not due to a flaw in Okafor's game defensively.I would be happy if Chandler was coming off playing a full season healthy but even then his offense only thrived off CP's brilliance.If Okafor is limited offensively what does that make Chandler......................non existent.And by the way i have never been a Okafor hater unlike Fatty ass McMay,just a lil let down that he could have been better

[SirBobcat]

I'm quite certain both fan bases could go blow for blow in their frustration of each guy. EO is a model citizen, but if you've never yelled at him to just dunk the damn ball, groaned as he went to the bench with early foul trouble, lamented his seemingly small hands, or shaken your head as he missed a clutch free throw, you're not a Cats fan.

For small hands he sure does bring down a great deal of rebounds. He's not a real good free throw shooter...let's shoot him down because big men are notoriously good free throw shooters. The first two you mentioned is frustrating, but like I said...he isn't a black hole on offense and he puts up the numbers he does. Everyone wants him to be a 20/10 guy and that's fine, but that's not Okafor. The problem is that we needed to find the offensive post player who is the go to scorer and just leave Okafor to do what he does best: Rebounding (more so offensively) and Defense.

[Ampsportsduo]

We recently considered Oak such an asset we decided to give him a big contract.

I firmly bleieve this was a PR move to a certain extent. The city of Charlotte was slow to accept the team and they'd made EO the face of the franchise. If they had let him walk in precisely the same manner that the Hornets had let so many stars walk, it would've been a PR disaster with people throwing their hands up saying, "New owners, same as the old owners." I think in trying to prove the Cats were not the Hornets, they overpaid for a good, but not great center that also happens to be undersized.

[Mustachio]

I'm quite certain both fan bases could go blow for blow in their frustration of each guy. EO is a model citizen, but if you've never yelled at him to just dunk the damn ball, groaned as he went to the bench with early foul trouble, lamented his seemingly small hands, or shaken your head as he missed a clutch free throw, you're not a Cats fan.

nice try.

Chandler has a worse free throw percentage, and absolutely ZERO game outside of 2 inches. He's never on the line for a clutch free throw, because you wont find him anywhere near the action in the clutch.

There is no way to spin this positively... we just gained 3 inches and lost ... well just about everything else.

but he makes cool dunks, and those count more than an Okafor layup after all.

[rsxnova]

The FO will have to sign AI to ammend for this bullshit of a trade.

[BIGCatBobcat]

Apparently Charlotte has the preeminant foot guy. He's the James Andrews of toes. If it's that big a deal...he'll take a look at him. Not worried about the toe, I mean we'll find out about it. Okafor for Chandler...It's a bigger deal than J-Rich for Diaw/Bell.

[ohara831]

This is just our way of making sure we still keep our 1st rounder for next season.

[jazzer89]

Sorry im late to the discussion but can someone please tell me why this a bad trade?
Other than the fact Chandler gets hurt a little more often than Okafor, dont they accomplish pretty much the same thing when playing basketball.

Look I love the trade, for one Okafor will probably not be as good as the money we would have been paying him in the upcoming years. So we now decrease our cap room for the future.

Second Chandler is taller, that is a plus. I think they both defend about the same and are equal on the offensive end of the court.

So we lose a face of the franchise, i like this trade and would not mind if it went through. (as long as Diaw, Augustin, Henderson and Ajinca are not traded)

[SirBobcat]

I just saw a BRILLIANT line on ESPN.com about the article from a fan...Read this and tell me what you think.

Rooshil19 (http://sportsnation.espn.go.com/fans/Rooshil19) says:
July 27, 2009, 5:25 PM ET

Okafor, Howard, and Duncan are the only three players to average a double-double the past five seasons.
Chandler's done it once in his career.
Let that sink in.

[Ampsportsduo]

Kendrick Perkins is 6'10,freaking Matt Bonner is 6'10 and did a handy job throughout wouldn't you say..... so that comment goes out the door.

Matt Bonner has never caused a comment to be thrown out the door, other than the complete lack of gingers in the L.

Kendrick Perkins makes less than half what EO makes and he's just a contributor, not the highest-paid player on the team. You can have a 6'10" center, but only if you're playing him with multiple HOF-caliber players like both examples you mentioned.

Hey, what's that? It's the argument walking back in the door.

[SirBobcat]

The FO will have to sign AI to ammend for this bullshit of a trade.

That won't even save them. Iverson is a short term move while trading Okafor is dealing a long term piece. This is a horrid move in the long term.

[Ampsportsduo]

For small hands he sure does bring down a great deal of rebounds. He's not a real good free throw shooter...let's shoot him down because big men are notoriously good free throw shooters. The first two you mentioned is frustrating, but like I said...he isn't a black hole on offense and he puts up the numbers he does. Everyone wants him to be a 20/10 guy and that's fine, but that's not Okafor. The problem is that we needed to find the offensive post player who is the go to scorer and just leave Okafor to do what he does best: Rebounding (more so offensively) and Defense.

You don't get to be the highest-paid guy and left alone to be just an average player.

[rsxnova]

That won't even save them. Iverson is a short term move while trading Okafor is dealing a long term piece. This is a horrid move in the long term.

I know and it makes me sad.

[Mustachio]

I just saw a BRILLIANT line on ESPN.com about the article from a fan...Read this and tell me what you think.

Rooshil19 (http://sportsnation.espn.go.com/fans/Rooshil19) says:
July 27, 2009, 5:25 PM ET

Okafor, Howard, and Duncan are the only three players to average a double-double the past five seasons.
Chandler's done it once in his career.
Let that sink in.


but but but... Okafor doesnt do anything for us. he can't even get in the top 10 plays on sportscenter.

[rsxnova]

but but but... Okafor doesnt do anything for us. he can't even get in the top 10 plays on sportscenter.

Because we are the GD Bobcats!

[GoBobs]

terrible trade

[SirBobcat]

but but but... Okafor doesnt do anything for us. he can't even get in the top 10 plays on sportscenter.

He no good. Me like supa dupa dunk! :clapping::clapping::clapping:

[teej]

I would say ILBIT, except for the fact that he's in France. If this trade goes down, I will go on the biggest tirade I've ever been on. Rod, MJ, this SUCKS! Mek and Crash are the only players a lot of people know about, we're trading one for who? An injury-prone dunker? I'd much rather make the playoffs than be on sportscenter's top 10...wow. Not even AI AND Big Baby or Powe make this better. Jeez

[ammofan]

but but but... Okafor doesnt do anything for us. he can't even get in the top 10 plays on sportscenter.

shoot....sportscenter doesn't even show our highlights.

[rsxnova]

I would say ILBIT, except for the fact that he's in France. If this trade goes down, I will go on the biggest tirade I've ever been on. Rod, MJ, this SUCKS! Mek and Crash are the only players a lot of people know about, we're trading one for who? An injury-prone dunker? I'd much rather make the playoffs than be on sportscenter's top 10...wow. Not even AI AND Big Baby or Powe make this better. Jeez

My exact feelings on this. It sounds like daddy went away so the boys are trying to play. This has FAIL written all over it.

[SirBobcat]

HOP ON KIDDIES!

http://blippitt.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/failboat.jpg

[TheLegend]

Wow, its a done deal..

[Marvel]

Matt Bonner has never caused a comment to be thrown out the door, other than the complete lack of gingers in the L.

Kendrick Perkins makes less than half what EO makes and he's just a contributor, not the highest-paid player on the team. You can have a 6'10" center, but only if you're playing him with multiple HOF-caliber players like both examples you mentioned.

Hey, what's that? It's the argument walking back in the door.


Howdy come back to shoot yourself in the head have we.You made it a matter of Okafor's height i don't think that's the problem here.7'0 or 6'10 numbers don't lie.

[SirBobcat]

Wow, its a done deal..

I found the source...

http://www.charlotteobserver.com/597/story/856106.html

[dav7z]

Damn, And i have all ready paid for my season pass.
I have been expecting somthing like this out of Johnson . Would not be suprized he lets Felton walk all so . And trades Crash for a ice cream cone,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Damn ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

[Mustachio]

I'd rather have Ryan Hollins. Same skill set, better attitude, smaller contract.

[SirBobcat]

:xplode::xplode::xplode::xplode::xplode::xplode::x plode::xplode::xplode::xplode::xplode::xplode::xpl ode::xplode::xplode::xplode::xplode::xplode:

[docend24]

Howdy come back to shoot yourself in the head have we.You made it a matter of Okafor's height i don't think that's the problem here.7'0 or 6'10 numbers don't lie.

Have you just said shoot in the head?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TSqkdcT25ss

[Ampsportsduo]

Howdy come back to shoot yourself in the head have we.You made it a matter of Okafor's height i don't think that's the problem here.7'0 or 6'10 numbers don't lie.

Umm... not sure how to respond. You're saying that two guys that are paid the 5th and 6th most on their team somehow proves that having a 6'10" center as your highest paid player makes sense?

[dav7z]

I'd rather have Ryan Hollins. Same skill set, better attitude, smaller contract.


Agreeded , The most pissed ive ever been at the Cats. Im about ready to say the hell with my season tickets . I at least wanted them to be competive.....

[rsxnova]

Umm... not sure how to respond. You're saying that two guys that are paid the 5th and 6th most on their team somehow proves that having a 6'10" center as your highest paid player makes sense?

Yes. It makes since as long as you have four other All Star players.

[Marvel]

Umm... not sure how to respond. You're saying that two guys that are paid the 5th and 6th most on their team somehow proves that having a 6'10" center as your highest paid player makes sense?


Dude i'm saying 6'10,7'0 what's the difference........................ oh oh i know 2 inches............. come on seriously

[Ampsportsduo]

Realistic expectations for the Cats were 7th-10th in the Eastern Conference this season. If TC can play, I don't see why that would change.

[teej]

Dude i'm saying 6'10,7'0 what's the difference........................ oh oh i know 2 inches............. come on seriously

It makes a difference...Have you played basketball? There's two inches between Diaw and Mek too...

[Mustachio]

Umm... not sure how to respond. You're saying that two guys that are paid the 5th and 6th most on their team somehow proves that having a 6'10" center as your highest paid player makes sense?


makes almost as much sense as trading your 6 10 double double machine for an injured high jump champion.

[Ampsportsduo]

Dude i'm saying 6'10,7'0 what's the difference........................ oh oh i know 2 inches............. come on seriously

And yet, the only two examples you can give play with HOF PFs. That says something? Right? David Lee is having a tough time finding a bidder, despite being a good player and he's asking for less than Mek and put up the same numbers at center last season.

[Dead_Real]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2TlVZKHGg3Q
lmao

[teej]

At least Ray can throw the ball up, like he does with Gerald. But he'd have to be great with Tyson for this to work. I have an email in with Michael, waiting to hear back.

[Ampsportsduo]

makes almost as much sense as trading your 6 10 double double machine for an injured high jump champion.

One thing to consider is that Mek signed his deal before the economy collapsed. There's no way he gets that deal if the team anticipates the salary cap stagnating (and even reducing) the way it has. I like Mek, but his contract would've proved a hindrance down the line. Even if Chandler doesn't make us better in the near term, the team has ample cap room a lot sooner to hopefully make the push with Crash, Diaw, DJ, Ray? and GH? to become a legit contender in the east.

[Marvel]

It makes a difference...Have you played basketball? There's two inches between Diaw and Mek too...


Have you? And yes i have if i haven't than i would be the dumbass to make such statements wouldn't i.When all is said and done Okafor puts up basically the same numbers as Chandler so again tell me how 2 inches matter

[ohara831]

Oh, I think this just set us back about 8 games from last season. Unless Chandler has a break out year, we just took a big step back.

[polarcat]

just got in here late but wow....wtf!! it's not so much that okafor is going out that hurts, but i really hope there is more to this than a 1-1 trade. hopefully it's still early and the "sources" have the foundation of the trade and not the extra details. if chandler IS healthy enough to go forward it's a wash but we get cap relief, but that's a pretty big question mark. damn i hope there is more to this deal than just money and the potential to sign a.i.

[Mustachio]

Realistic expectations for the Cats were 7th-10th in the Eastern Conference this season. If TC can play, I don't see why that would change.

fixed it for you.


so your basically saying IF he can play we wont get much worse than we are now. thats lofty standards... i hope we can live up to it.

we just traded for a 7 foot IF thats had 3 more years to prove himself than Okafor. So his stats suck AND his upside/potential is worse.

there is no defending this.

[rsxnova]

At least Ray can throw the ball up, like he does with Gerald. But he'd have to be great with Tyson for this to work. I have an email in with Michael, waiting to hear back.


Maybe this will push Ray over the edge as a PG.

[Marvel]

One thing to consider is that Mek signed his deal before the economy collapsed. There's no way he gets that deal if the team anticipates the salary cap stagnating (and even reducing) the way it has. I like Mek, but his contract would've proved a hindrance down the line. Even if Chandler doesn't make us better in the near term, the team has ample cap room a lot sooner to hopefully make the push with Crash, Diaw, DJ, Ray? and GH? to become a legit contender in the east.


East Contenders?????????? with who exactly the Raptors

[SirBobcat]

lol What if Chandler opts out and we traded Okafor for a year rental? LOL This is so shameful. There's a good shot he'll opt out of his deal and go sign to a championship contender after a season.

[teej]

Have you? And yes i have if i haven't than i would be the dumbass to make such statements wouldn't i.When all is said and done Okafor puts up basically the same numbers as Chandler so again tell me how 2 inches matter

Yes I have. I hate this trade, very much so. But the height of TC is the only redeeming factor I can see. It gives a better target and makes the player harder to defend for opposing players. Plus he's overall more athletic. But other than that, this trade is shit.

[Mustachio]

One thing to consider is that Mek signed his deal before the economy collapsed. There's no way he gets that deal if the team anticipates the salary cap stagnating (and even reducing) the way it has. I like Mek, but his contract would've proved a hindrance down the line. Even if Chandler doesn't make us better in the near term, the team has ample cap room a lot sooner to hopefully make the push with Crash, Diaw, DJ, Ray? and GH? to become a legit contender in the east.


i buy season tickets to watch them play basketball not balance a budget.

[Ampsportsduo]

fixed it for you.


so your basically saying IF he can play we wont get much worse than we are now. thats lofty standards... i hope we can live up to it.

we just traded for a 7 foot IF thats had 3 more years to prove himself than Okafor. So his stats suck AND his upside/potential is worse.

there is no defending this.

I said it could be a Bob ordered move. If it's not, I have to believe the FO believes he can come back and play. Beyond that, they felt they had to get rid of EO's contract when they could, even if they took 85 cents on the dollar.

As for his stats sucking, that's just a lie. He was injured last season, we all know that, but he'd been a double-double guy the last two seasons.

[teej]

lol What if Chandler opts out and we traded Okafor for a year rental? LOL This is so shameful. There's a good shot he'll opt out of his deal and go sign to a championship contender after a season.

Who in their right mind is going to pay him anywhere close to 11 million?? It's the summer of LeBron, D-Wade, Bosh, etc. No room for him to make bank, esp. with the cap going down. No, I think we'll see very few players opt out.

[Ampsportsduo]

lol What if Chandler opts out and we traded Okafor for a year rental? LOL This is so shameful. There's a good shot he'll opt out of his deal and go sign to a championship contender after a season.

Cap space in 2010? No one in the league wants that.

[SirBobcat]

Who in their right mind is going to pay him anywhere close to 11 million?? It's the summer of LeBron, D-Wade, Bosh, etc. No room for him to make bank, esp. with the cap going down. No, I think we'll see very few players opt out.

Maybe he's part of the very few.

[Ampsportsduo]

i buy season tickets to watch them play basketball not balance a budget.

Like it or not, this trade gives you a chance to see this team play basketball deeper in to the playoffs sooner than if they had kept EO.

[SirBobcat]

Cap space in 2010? No one in the league wants that.

Cap space means shit when you're not a contender and your team dealt a franchise player for a year rental (potentially).

[Scottley Crue]

i buy season tickets to watch them play basketball not balance a budget.
I buy season tickets to watch them play ball, too. And they will next season, I promise. Let's just let everything finalize. Remember, the glass can be half-full too. Not everything that isn't 100% certian is bad.

[Scottley Crue]

Like it or not, this trade gives you a chance to see this team play basketball deeper in to the playoffs sooner than if they had kept EO.
We sir, are in agreement.

[Ampsportsduo]

Cap space means shit when you're not a contender and your team dealt a franchise player for a year rental (potentially).

Franchise player? Shouldn't you make at least one all-star game before you get that label slapped on you?

[teej]

Maybe he's part of the very few.

Not even close.

[teej]

Franchise player? Shouldn't you make at least one all-star game before you get that label slapped on you?

Then we, sir, have no franchise player.

Though for the record, I do agree with you.

[SWedd523]

See. Everyone has been bitching about the FO not making a move. SEE WHAT YOU DID?! :facepalm:


Seriously though guys, CALM DOWN. Holy shit.

[SWedd523]

Then we, sir, have no franchise player.

Though for the record, I do agree with you.
That has a lot to do with us not being a contender......

[Ampsportsduo]

See. Everyone has been bitching about the FO not making a move. SEE WHAT YOU DID?! :facepalm:


Seriously though guys, CALM DOWN. Holy shit.


Haha, where's that most boring offseason thread?

[Mustachio]

Like it or not, this trade gives you a chance to see this team play basketball deeper in to the playoffs sooner than if they had kept EO.


how is that exactly?

[Dead_Real]

I'll put money on Mek having a breakout season playing along side
www.youtube.com/watch?v=CuYXxtdRB98

*waits for the Howard vs Mek talk to heat up again*

[GOBOBCATS24]

If this trade ever works out to benefit us then our Front Office is full of geniuses. this is just rediculous but I mean I'll just wait and see until its finalized. I won't kill myself yet but I'm tying the noose as I speak.

[SirBobcat]

Franchise player? Shouldn't you make at least one all-star game before you get that label slapped on you?

So the Bobcats never had a franchise player then? Because he couldn't beat Dwight Howard, Chris Bosh, and Kevin Garnett?

Even if that term isn't right...why would you go to an organization that just dealt their #1 player (debatable, but to me he is) for cap relief? It's bad no matter how you say it.

[Weezy21]

Cap space means shit when you're not a contender and your team dealt a franchise player for a year rental (potentially).

i highly doubt he will opt out...also i think yall r hyping okafor up a bit too much...we all no that the bobcats cant score, meaning okafor is getting more chances to score than if he had always been on a team with a go to scorer...just like his rookie season...his stats are inflated because nobody else is taking the shots...plus he has NO DRIVE!! y cant yall see that?? chandler is a true center who will be a nice fit for us....dude behind the scenes okafor was just a dude who worked out an kept to himself...he's a solid player but just looks alot better cuz he's on our roster...his contract was WAY too much an yall know that!....yes chandler has a high contract too...but for 3 less years...i truly think yall will be surprised with this trade...im excited for our players because now they can count on having a team mate who will go out an play hard vs. having an undriven work out buff

if im wrong, im wrong....but im not :biggrin:

this will be another diaw/bell for jrich trade

[docend24]

ILBIT, shallow ones!

[teej]

why would you go to an organization that just dealt their #1 player (debatable, but to me he is) for cap relief?

Crash???? wow. Mek isn't even close. He's a good role player.

[Mustachio]

i trust larry brown... hell i trust MJ. i defend them constantly.

i think this goes higher up to that stink ass owner.

[teej]

ILBIT, shallow ones!

He's across the pond...this can't be his monster. I refuse to believe that. I'd sooner accept a firesale than LB losing his mind...

[Marvel]

Like it or not, this trade gives you a chance to see this team play basketball deeper in to the playoffs sooner than if they had kept EO.

They haven't made the playoffs a bit of pre mature thinking there

[polarcat]

the problem with eo50 in charlotte, we have probably seen his ceiling and it's not what most had hoped out of a franchise player with the first ever bobcat pick and #2 overall. i'm by no means freaking out especially after the diaw & bell/ richardson deal. early on, it looked like we got hosed, though this deal looks worse, i'll wait until november or so to pass judgment. thinking with my heart, this looks like bob johnson teabagging the city of charlotte before he jumps ship and we got the sh*tty end of the deal. this deal is supposedly getting finalized on tuesday, so maybe some other details are getting sorted out with additional players and/or draft picks.

[Dead_Real]

ILBIT, shallow ones!
http://img1.uploadhouse.com/fileuploads/4395/4395390f50301fe647149f69f2364edaffae8f7.jpg

[Weezy21]

crash???? Wow. Mek isn't even close. He's a good role player.

thank you!!!!!!

[rsxnova]

Crash???? wow. Mek isn't even close. He's a good role player.

There is no question about it now. Crash is the only original cat left.

[Scottley Crue]

i highly doubt he will opt out...also i think yall r hyping okafor up a bit too much...we all no that the bobcats cant score, meaning okafor is getting more chances to score than if he had always been on a team with a go to scorer...just like his rookie season...his stats are inflated because nobody else is taking the shots...plus he has NO DRIVE!! y cant yall see that?? chandler is a true center who will be a nice fit for us....dude behind the scenes okafor was just a dude who worked out an kept to himself...he's a solid player but just looks alot better cuz he's on our roster...his contract was WAY too much an yall know that!....yes chandler has a high contract too...but for 3 less years...i truly think yall will be surprised with this trade...im excited for our players because now they can count on having a team mate who will go out an play hard vs. having an undriven work out buff

if im wrong, im wrong....but im not :biggrin:

this will be another diaw/bell for jrich trade
I'm with you on this one. This does have alot of the Diaw/Bell trade written all over it. And that turned out just fine, didn't it?

[Ampsportsduo]

how is that exactly?

We all knew Diaw and Mek weren't great compliments, even if we didn't want to believe it. With both of them locked up long term and being paid starter money, the team had very few options for mobility in the front court. Who knows what TC will bring for the team, but his cap number will come off the books a lot sooner. The team can be rid of him, Vlad, and Nazr all in the same off season leaving in place the majority of the core that lead to the team's modest success this past season. $24 million of expiring contracts could be used to add a tremendous piece or the cap room will allow the FO to pursue multiple free agent pieces.

The crux, I don't believe having a 13-11 guy taking up approx. 20% of the salary cap is a recipe for success.

[Mustachio]

the problem with eo50 in charlotte, we have probably seen his ceiling and it's not what most had hoped out of a franchise player with the first ever bobcat pick and #2 overall. i'm by no means freaking out especially after the diaw & bell/ richardson deal. early on, it looked like we got hosed, though this deal looks worse, i'll wait until november or so to pass judgment. thinking with my heart, this looks like bob johnson teabagging the city of charlotte before he jumps ship and we got the sh*tty end of the deal. this deal is supposedly getting finalized on tuesday, so maybe some other details are getting sorted out with additional players and/or draft picks.


i liked the Bell/Diaw trade the second it happened.

Chandler was a number 2 and has been in the league for 3 more years than Okafor... so if we've seen Okafors ceiling, its still higher, wider and better looking than Chandlers. Okafor is the Sistine Chapel to Chandlers Cici's Pizza.


again... if this is all we get, there is no defending this trade.

[Ampsportsduo]

So the Bobcats never had a franchise player then? Because he couldn't beat Dwight Howard, Chris Bosh, and Kevin Garnett?

Even if that term isn't right...why would you go to an organization that just dealt their #1 player (debatable, but to me he is) for cap relief? It's bad no matter how you say it.

Mek was the face of the franchise. I truly loved Mek for everything he did off the court, and I liked him on the court, but his contract would become an albatross as the years go along.

It's not an uncommon debate on these forums whether the expectations are to contend for the playoffs (my prefered short term goal) or a championship. Even though this move may stink in the short term, I do believe it frees them up to become a legitimate contender sooner. I'm not even advocating this, just merely trying to explain what I perceive to be the FO's logic.

[rsxnova]

We all knew Diaw and Mek weren't great compliments, even if we didn't want to believe it. With both of them locked up long term and being paid starter money, the team had very few options for mobility in the front court. Who knows what TC will bring for the team, but his cap number will come off the books a lot sooner. The team can be rid of him, Vlad, and Nazr all in the same off season leaving in place the majority of the core that lead to the team's modest success this past season. $24 million of expiring contracts could be used to add a tremendous piece or the cap room will allow the FO to pursue multiple free agent pieces.

The crux, I don't believe having a 13-11 guy taking up approx. 20% of the salary cap is a recipe for success.

That makes since and i hope it works out for us.

[SWedd523]

Mek is a great role player on a championship team.


He is NOT a cornerstone Center and building block for a championship team. We are never going to compete for a championship with this current roster. Looking at it like that you have to make trades.

Crash is untouchable. DJ and Diaw (to an extent) are also. Raja can be traded because of his age and Ray is much easier to deal because his contract won't be near as large as Mek's.

We trade him now. Save $40 million over the next 6 years. And use the cap space to build. Do we get fair value? Not really. But it's not like the drop off is huge. Stop being homers.

I would much rather be a bottom 5 team getting high picks and young talent over the next couple of years with some cap space to use to build an actual championship contender... than be a team that has a ceiling of the 7th spot in the playoffs with no cap space to work with whatsoever.

[ohara831]

I am worried about something. Since this news, I have not seen Spectre post anything! Somone better check on our friend. He might be in shock right now. He's got to have an opinion on how and why this trade and how it can possibly help us other than cutting 3 years off of Contract exposure.

[WarioVsMooChicken]

If we get a 1st rounder or a backup player as well, I'm all for the trade. I think it makes both teams better.

If not, well, I understand the logic behind it but I think we could have done a better trade and achive the same goal.

[docend24]

He's across the pond...this can't be his monster. I refuse to believe that. I'd sooner accept a firesale than LB losing his mind...
We don't know how long this was planned and how discussed in advance.

Is it France end of the world with no connection with the rest of the world, or what?

[swetooth9]

tyson is taller. 7-1 center vs 6-10 center. i don't think it was a bad trade. getting some cap relief earlier and they both basically don't have very good offensive games. i think it was good actually

[Mustachio]

We all knew Diaw and Mek weren't great compliments, even if we didn't want to believe it. With both of them locked up long term and being paid starter money, the team had very few options for mobility in the front court. Who knows what TC will bring for the team, but his cap number will come off the books a lot sooner. The team can be rid of him, Vlad, and Nazr all in the same off season leaving in place the majority of the core that lead to the team's modest success this past season. $24 million of expiring contracts could be used to add a tremendous piece or the cap room will allow the FO to pursue multiple free agent pieces.

The crux, I don't believe having a 13-11 guy taking up approx. 20% of the salary cap is a recipe for success.

thats putting a lot of faith in this adminstrations ability to sign a quality free agent in a time where every single team is trying to save cap space. we are two steps behind Memphis in the race for most unappealing free agent destination... "whether we want to admit it or not"

[Dead_Real]

Swedd you don't see CP3 making it A LOT easier for Mek? as he did with West & Chandler when he was hurt those guys played like sh1t.

[teej]

so if we've seen Okafors ceiling, its still higher, wider and better looking than Chandlers. Okafor is the Sistine Chapel to Chandlers Cici's Pizza.

LMAO!


But it's not like the drop off is huge. Stop being homers.
TC got the benefit of Chris freaking Paul and he still couldn't beat him. I don't really like Mek, man, and I'm still pissed.


I would much rather be a bottom 5 team getting high picks and young talent over the next couple of years with some cap space to use to build an actual championship contender... than be a team that has a ceiling of the 7th spot in the playoffs with no cap space to work with whatsoever.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IMk5sMHj58I&feature=related

[SirBobcat]

thats putting a lot of faith in this adminstrations ability to sign a quality free agent in a time where every single team is trying to save cap space. we are two steps behind Memphis in the race for most unappealing free agent destination... "whether we want to admit it or not"

Correct sir!

[Marvel]

STOP PRESS: Put the Tyson Chandler bandwagon on lock..................All i see outta this is salary cap issues nothing more so please get off Chandlers knob thinking he's going to take us to the playoffs.No one here has mentioned that defense or rebounding wasn't our weakness,offense was,we were 2nd to last in that category.Oh no that's right he's 2 inches taller man i sure hope Chandler has a VIP pass with that 2 inches along with 17-18ppg.

[rsxnova]

Our FO has to sign someone appealing to sell tickets. They have been promoting EO50 forever so they have to start over. I forsee Crash being promoted as the face of this team.

[Ampsportsduo]

Swedd you don't see CP3 making it A LOT easier for Mek? as he did with West & Chandler when he was hurt those guys played like sh1t.

I'll be interested to see if he gets called for moving screens when running the pick and roll with CP3. With them moving TC, but getting very little cap relief I wouldn't be surprised if Mek's time with CP was limited.

[docend24]

Funny fact. Cahndler is (already) forth player from lottery picks of 2001 NBA Draft we traded for.

[Ampsportsduo]

we are two steps behind Memphis in the race for most unappealing free agent destination... "whether we want to admit it or not"

I would disagree with this statement. The FO has made compotent moves since LB got here and a lot of the players in the league have respect for him. We may not get many discounts, but I don't foresee players refusing to come here ala Stevie Franchise and Memphis... er... Vancouver.

[SWedd523]

Swedd you don't see CP3 making it A LOT easier for Mek? as he did with West & Chandler when he was hurt those guys played like sh1t.
Well yeah. Mek will likely be an All-Star next year playing alongside CP3 and West. But still, he wasn't taking us anywhere. He's a solid mid level talent. With him, we're a solid mid level team.

I want to be better than that.

Short term this will affect us. But let's be serious, what are we really? A fringe playoff team with no cap space and a late lottery pick?

[Ampsportsduo]

STOP PRESS: Put the Tyson Chandler bandwagon on lock..................All i see outta this is salary cap issues nothing more so please get off Chandlers knob thinking he's going to take us to the playoffs.No one here has mentioned that defense or rebounding wasn't our weakness,offense was,we were 2nd to last in that category.Oh no that's right he's 2 inches taller man i sure hope Chandler has a VIP pass with that 2 inches along with 17-18ppg.

Another positive for TC (if he plays) is he has better "blocking range" than EO. He has the ability to come from the weak side on the fly and swat a shot, where Mek was often blocking shots jumping straight up. While they have similar numbers in regards to blocks, Mek was never the kind of shot blocker that could be considered a force. Chandler can alter far more shots and be a constant source of consideration for the opponents' perimeter players.

Also those offensive numbers are skewed by the early part of the season, before the team acquired Diaw and Bell and while they were still adjusting to LB's system. The scoring was much better the second half of the season. Scoring 86 or less in 8 of the 1st 14 didn't do the scoring average any favors.

[teej]

Funny fact. Cahndler is (already) forth player from lottery picks of 2001 NBA Draft we traded for.

As long as Eddy Curry isn't the fifth...dear Lord.

Maybe Joe Johnson could be the fifth?

[Scottley Crue]

I would disagree with this statement. The FO has made compotent moves since LB got here and a lot of the players in the league have respect for him. We may not get many discounts, but I don't foresee players refusing to come here ala Stevie Franchise and Memphis... er... Vancouver.
Man, could you ever forget that face he made when they drafted him? There's high comedy, then there's that.

To be on topic...This will help long term, as it will be tough to justify a 15-11 guy (just what I think he'd do in a few more years here) making over $13 million later in his contract. $24 million in moveable salaries/cap space is not a bad thing. All told, to be at least in part a salary dump, it could have been way worse talent-wise.

[Ampsportsduo]

As long as Eddy Curry isn't the fifth...dear Lord.

I won't even try to defend that. Mustachio will be responsible for talking me off the ledge.

[ammofan]

some sick chandler highlights:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gtk6Tl10fLo&feature=related

[ohara831]

I am worried about something. Since this news, I have not seen Spectre post anything! Somone better check on our friend. He might be in shock right now. He's got to have an opinion on how and why this trade and how it can possibly help us other than cutting 3 years off of Contract exposure.

Wait! I dont think I've seen The Beagle give his input either! Come on. There are two of the most brilliant minds on this Board who have not given their input. Come on guys, lay some of that brilliant commentary on us!

[polarcat]

Well yeah. Mek will likely be an All-Star next year playing alongside CP3 and West. But still, he wasn't taking us anywhere. He's a solid mid level talent. With him, we're a solid mid level team.

I want to be better than that.

Short term this will affect us. But let's be serious, what are we really? A fringe playoff team with no cap space and a late lottery pick?

+1 and well put, though i don't think okafor will be an all-star....but that's up for debate. okafor was very solid but is a complimentary player, not our cornerstone franchise guy. the part that gets me is the value in this deal even though it's in essence, a salary dump.

last year, the new orleans - oklahoma city deal that got nixed by okc was:

chandler for chris wilcox and joe smith. the deal was killed because of the physical that chandler failed. now, we come in months afterward, while chandler is still rehabbing (and have no idea of his future) and trade okafor straight up for him? i don't get it, unless i'm undervaluing (is that a word) the salary dump. coming into the offseason, i felt okafor had the most likelihood of being traded and would get us a pretty solid return. chandler is ok, but not a good return, considering the value that he was fielding in trade talks before.

[swetooth9]

let's just hope we have lots of good passers on our team. chandler lives off of alley oops

[teej]

Just got this in an email from Michael Thompson


First I had heard of the okafor trade rumor was on espn.com late this afternoon. On the surface a straight-up swap of the 2 centers doesn't make a lot of sense for new orleans, but that's just my opinion. I worked with chandler in okc and at the start of their 56-win season before I came here. He was a beast that season, but that was also a reflection of cp3 and his ability to get an athletic big man involved in a halfcourt set.

[rsxnova]

let's just hope we have lots of good passers on our team. chandler lives off of alley oops

Felts and Diaw should be good for TC.

[ammofan]

^so is it gonna have more players involved?

[ammofan]

Felts and Diaw should be good for TC.

yeah exactly...DJ can throw alleys too....

[110oldeast]

The Hornets SYSTEM has been predicated on running a 4 out 1 in type of offense. They keep 2 shooters on the wing and then have a 4 man in David West who is possibly the best midrange shooter at the 4 position in the league. That SPREADS THE FLOOR and leaves space for CP3 to go freely through the lane and for the big man to have freedom down low. It's been the VISION that Bass and crew have had since they had CP3 and have built their team accordingly. It has strengths and its drawbacks. However, there is a reason why they always are having Peja and a guy like Rasual Butler or MoPete on the wing, b/c the offense doesn't work as smoothly when they have subbed in guys like Julian Wright and Bonzi Wells (athletes who aren't perimeter shooters) on the wing.

Paul is a terrific facilitator no doubt, but the cogs are just as important (the Hornets for a while had a worst record without West than they did without Paul). It's also why I continually harp on the notions of us trading away guys who can shoot without returning other guys who can shoot. It's also why we STILL need another guy who can KNOCK DOWN SHOTS on the wing despite bringing in 2 athletic guys.

Paul does not do it all on his own. The offense runs smoothly when he has FLOOR SPREADING wings, but he gets swarmed when he does not and turns it over more. I think that Chandler can certainly be productive here, but we still need another knock down guy on the wing beyond Raja.

[110oldeast]

For the record, Chandler's health concerns me most out of all this.

That said, while Hollins is not quite at Chandler's level, this only reiterates the questionable nature of the Carroll and Hollins for Diop trade.

[playoffs...PLAYOFFS?]

i've read some posts saying that chandler only lived off alley oops and CP3 drawing the offense....how is that any different than Okafor's offensive game? Okafor only knows how to score through put backs, alley oops, or passes when he is open..he can't ever create a play on his own. His off the ball playing is questionable, LB was calling him out for not setting enough screens. He is not necessarily the best defender as a center either

I liked him fine though..but as someone else put, Mek just made us an average team, he wasn't going to take us to the playoffs..

now, i don't know much about Chandler, but ILBIT, if he is healthy, i'm sure there's a reason why he is coming here. health will be the main factor.

I don't think Chandler will take us to the playoffs either... in my mind we didn't win or lose much. we're about the same as we were before.

[playoffs...PLAYOFFS?]

Fresh off the press...

Okafor for Chandler good deal for Bobcats - Scott Fowler
http://www.charlotteobserver.com/bobcats/story/856445.html

[ammofan]

Just read that fowler article....nice read

[mrtarheel]

I'm not sold on the trade as of yet but if TC stays healthy it could be to our advantage. Okafor had hands of stone while TC I think catches the ball well in traffic. He is more Athletic, more getty up and is energetic about the game. On the other hand Okafor was steady. It would help me out more if there were more players in the trade. I don't want picks, I want players who can get on the floor and contribute, although some picks could be added on with the players.

[TheLegend]

Fresh off the press...

Okafor for Chandler good deal for Bobcats - Scott Fowler
http://www.charlotteobserver.com/bobcats/story/856445.html

Beat me to it. I'd also read and it was a good read, I just hope what he said is true.

[Weezy21]

i find it hilarious how it went from being the most boring offseason of all time to the most interesting of all time in a matter of hours

[playoffs...PLAYOFFS?]

Just read that fowler article....nice read

He lays out all of the points nicely. As someone else said and I agreed, Mek wasn't going to take us to the playoffs.

This is apples to apples trade assuming that Chandler stays healthy. And if he is healthy, there is always that upswing.

At least this shows that whoever is deciding on this trades has a set of balls and is willing to take risks, rather than just doing what we have been trying to do for four years over and over again (that is, thinks like building a team with Mek as a center piece and hoping he improves)

[Chef]

I'll put money on Mek having a breakout season playing along side
www.youtube.com/watch?v=CuYXxtdRB98

*waits for the Howard vs Mek talk to heat up again*

unless paul can throw it to him and catch it for him, you will lose this bet.

[teej]

That may be the best thing Fowler has ever written about the 'Cats. He's supporting it, and even he acknowledges "it's a gamble" and "on the surface it's a bad deal"

Really encouraging when a guy who doesn't like Mek can't really like the trade. And this paragraph summed up my feelings.

"Then, if you're the Charlotte Bobcats, you might just overlook all of Emeka Okafor's good points – the career double-double average, the durability, the certainty that his name would never show up on the police blotter – and trade him to New Orleans for Tyson Chandler."

[Chef]

great article. he summed up my thoughts exactly. okafor was about 1 year away from becoming a boondoggle to any moves we could make for the rest of his contract. we needed to do that. chandler will resign unless he has a 20/13 season nobody is going to give him any more $ than he is getting now. if he sucks, we get space and a huge expiring in two years to re-draft or trade for pieces. if he is healthy we are no worse off than when we had mek and at best a pretty stout team (if we add a shooter....like NOW)

[playoffs...PLAYOFFS?]

chandler will resign unless he has a 20/13 season nobody is going to give him any more $ than he is getting now. if he sucks, we get space and a huge expiring in two years to re-draft or trade for pieces. if he is healthy we are no worse off than when we had mek and at best a pretty stout team (if we add a shooter....like NOW)

Only thing that scares me though, is LB going to be around if Chandler is unhealthy and his contract expires?

The backup center is questionnable..

again, I respect the deal, but it's definitely a big risk...but taking risks by making these moves are the only way we are going to get into the playoffs

[playoffs...PLAYOFFS?]

Another Fowler read..
http://scottfowlerobs.blogspot.com/2009/07/thoughts-on-okafor-deal.html

[dnbman]

Wow. Such mixed emotions.

First, while this was in some sense a basketball move, clearly this trade is about contracts. Amp and others have spelled it out, so I'm not going to get into it.

These are my thoughts on Okafor:

Okafor was obviously a wonderful guy to have on your team, not a great personality, but a good, solid citizen who you liked wearing your logo. On the court, he got a ton of rebounds and made some great plays. I would be happy if he remained a Bobcat.

However, I have never a seen a guy as strong and athletic as Okafor be so timid and wimpy on the offensive end. He wasn't especially great getting the ball in the post and he mostly left you frustrated when he did the get the ball. Yeah, layups are worth the same as dunks, but dunks energize the crowd, get more fouls, and are the highest percentage shot in the game. The value of dunks go beyond the superficial value of ESPN highlights, even though they are often seen as mere showboating.

For years now, I've wanted a guy in the middle who could take a good inlet pass or get a rebound and then thrown down a thunderous dunk, an unquestionable two points that wouldn't float off the backboard or glance off the rim: two points and something to cheer about.

Chandler has a lot of huge question marks; I'm not trying to dismiss them, but they've already been addressed. Instead, I'll just say that I think Chandler can be that interior finisher that we've needed since day 1 or the organization. He also gives us a legitimate, athletic big man to battle guys like Bynum, Howard, and Amare. He also plays with fire underneath, which gives us more of an edge. I'm not feeling good right now about the trade, but I can see where this could be good for us.

I've been saying for years that Okafor is the type of player who has to believe in the ship and the ship's captain to do his best work. Aside from playing with Paul, simply moving to a team that has been a western conference playoff team for the last couple of seasons might be the thing that turns him into an all-star. However, if it takes trading him to an already competitive team with a future HOF point guard to light his fire, was he a player really worth keeping? In other words, even if he does become an all-star next season, is there much of a chance he would have been one here?

All I know is, I think we have a lot of good pieces, guys with more clear roles than at any point in our history, save year one when we had much less talent. Perhaps now is the time when the system starts to be greater than the sum of its parts.

It's tough to say if we'll be a significantly better team than last year. I think we'll improve on a record if only because we can keep a close pace to the second half of last season and won't repeat the dismal first half.

I know the season will be a lot more exciting.

ILBIT

[Ampsportsduo]

I once shadowed Scott Fowler as part of an Explorer program. I think my logic rubbed off on him.

[playoffs...PLAYOFFS?]

Any thought that maybe the Bobcats FO knows the deal won't go through...and that this is just a kick in Mek's ass for him to step it up?...

[dnbman]

Any thought that maybe the Bobcats FO knows the deal won't go through...and that this is just a kick in Mek's ass for him to step it up?...

That's interesting. Though, a bit of Russian Roulette. Who knows if Mek responds positively to such a ploy.

[teej]

Any thought that maybe the Bobcats FO knows the deal won't go through...and that this is just a kick in Mek's ass for him to step it up?...

If so, that'd be the biggest bust if a writer got ahold of it. But that'd be good. It's an insult for someone as intelligent as Mek to be "salary dumped" and traded for an inferior player.

[teej]

That's interesting. Though, a bit of Russian Roulette. Who knows if Mek responds positively to such a ploy.

Worked for Chandler...

[docend24]

As long as Eddy Curry isn't the fifth...dear Lord.

Maybe Joe Johnson could be the fifth?

I guess one thing is sure - it won't be Kwame.

[Chef]

However, if it takes trading him to an already competitive team with a future HOF point guard to light his fire, was he a player really worth keeping? In other words, even if he does become an all-star next season, is there much of a chance he would have been one here?


ILBIT

Very well put! of course the national media will never understand this point as they do not watch or even attempt to learn about our team. Just by reading the comments on the espn article you can appreciate the complete lack in understanding of mek's abilities. They think he is already an all-star. I will admit, I think we need more from him considering they sold Chandler for nothing last year. But Mek was never going to be what they say he already is. For a refresher, just re-read game and forum threads over the last 3 years.

[dnbman]

Worked for Chandler...

Did it? Did he become a better player, playing with more fire? Or did he just get healed?

[teej]

Did it? Did he become a better player, playing with more fire? Or did he just get healed?

He still isn't healed...that's why we're saying it's possible this could all be a kick in the ass for Mek.

That only leaves a fire...

[Dead_Real]

unless paul can throw it to him and catch it for him, you will lose this bet.
So Chandler is better cause he catches wide open ally's while Paul is triple teamed? Just as Chandler benefited from Paul's outstanding vision no doubt Mek will as well.

Give me the less athletic, walking double double & better defensive 5 over the explosive gimpy center.

[dnbman]

So Chandler is better cause he catches wide open ally's while Paul is triple teamed? Just as Chandler benefited from Paul's outstanding vision no doubt Mek will as well.

Guys in the center get the ball in many more ways than just playing off Chris Paul triple-teams. Chandler benefited from playing with Paul in the Hornets system, no doubt. However, Chandler was one of those sharks underneath the got the ball, knew what to do with it, and had the athleticism to finish.

[dnbman]

He still isn't healed...that's why we're saying it's possible this could all be a kick in the ass for Mek.

That only leaves a fire...

I know he's recovering now. I'm saying the issue with Chandler was his health before. Did he do much better after the trade fiasco because it lit a fire or that he was simply feeling better?

[teej]

Chandler benefited from playing with Paul in the Hornets system, no doubt.

Yet Mek still perfomed better...:rolleyes:

[teej]

I know he's recovering now. I'm saying the issue with Chandler was his health before. Did he do much better after the trade fiasco because it lit a fire or that he was simply feeling better?

I don't think he was feeling much better the days afterward, when he did better. This shows he also needs a fire lit to be as effective as we NEED him to be...that requires taking another year of LB's life...

[dnbman]

Yet Mek still perfomed better...:rolleyes:

But just because he was helped by a good system doesn't mean he can't be good in another system. Paul wasn't rebounding for Chandler. Paul wasn't blocking shots for Chandler. Those are two of his biggest contributions. And, again, Chandler's biggest improvement over Okafor is that he will be a much better finisher under the rim, which is something we are dire need of.

[teej]

But just because he was helped by a good system doesn't mean he can't be good in another system. Paul wasn't rebounding for Chandler. Paul wasn't blocking shots for Chandler. Those are two of his biggest contributions. And, again, Chandler's biggest improvement over Okafor is that he will be a much better finisher under the rim, which is something we are dire need of.

Is it worth losing our 3rd best player?

And Ray and Crash weren't grabbing the rebounds or blocking the shots for Mek, either.

[dnbman]

I don't think he was feeling much better the days afterward, when he did better. This shows he also needs a fire lit to be as effective as we NEED him to be...that requires taking another year of LB's life...

When was the trade? I'm looking at his game log and all I see is a bunch of zeros for about a month before Chandler starts playing again in February where he was pretty solid before petering out and then going back to zeros.

The point isn't really worth debating. I'm just not sure that the much discussed "lighting a fire" method that so many people talk about actually works.

[dnbman]

Is it worth losing our 3rd best player?

And Ray and Crash weren't grabbing the rebounds or blocking the shots for Mek, either.

That's true they weren't. However, if Chandler is healthy, the rebounds and blocks will be almost a wash. We're talking about the overall value of Chandler versus Mek.

Paul helped Chandler, but that doesn't mean that Chandler can't be a great contributor here.

[Dead_Real]

Besides being a banger he doesn't do anything better than Mek & he's gimpy http://img1.uploadhouse.com/fileuploads/4395/43959212c4ea52698a62b675603e85f076a0181.gif

PS Zig SadBron has to be added to the smilies lol

[rsxnova]

As long as TC is healthy we should be good to go. Im sure there were other options for Okafor.

[playoffs...PLAYOFFS?]

I'm waiting for QC Hoops to put up an analysis of Mek vs Chandler stats

a few things I noted from basketball reference:

*Mek avg 34 mins/gm vs Chandler's 28
* Chandler had 9 rbs/game vs Mek 10.7
* Chandler at 5.6 fg/game vs Mek 11
* Chandler 8.2 pts/game vs Mek 14
* same assist 0.9/gm for both players
* same PFs at 3 for both players
* almost same amount of blocks, chandler at 1.4 and Mek at 1.9
* disgusted to see both of Chandler/Mek at 59% FT


so, at a high level..it seems we aren't losing much if we can get Chandler more touches and minutes/game, pretty much the same stats..

I just hope that Diop is good enough insurance if Chandler doesn't stay healthy

[teej]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4359609

It was almost done Friday...how did we not hear about it???

[rsxnova]

ESPN reports it as a done deal

[bozzy]

As long as TC is healthy we should be good to go. Im sure there were other options for Okafor.

A lot of posters keep saying this. However, Chandler isn't healthy. His foot is going to remain a problem. It isn't going to magically fix itself.

[Black]

Nooooooooooooooo! What the fuck bobcats?!

[ALong13]

Anyone remember how much we bashed trading J-Rich and Duds away, and look what it did for us, We also got rid of Ammo for a decent shooter off the bench, as well as another defensive center that is very young for Carroll and Hollins who weren't playing or producing at all...so far the trades during Larry Brown's era has turned out well for us...maybe it'll continue...

I'm willing to give Chandler a shot...

[teej]

Anyone remember how much we bashed trading J-Rich and Duds away, and look what it did for us, We also got rid of Ammo for a decent shooter off the bench, as well as another defensive center that is very young for Carroll and Hollins who weren't playing or producing at all...so far the trades during Larry Brown's era has turned out well for us...maybe it'll continue...

I'm willing to give Chandler a shot...

I think this isn't in the same league as those...those were basketball trades, this is a money trade...if TC turns into a baller, then LB is the fucking man. I'm sorry, I just don't see how this helps us, other than having a true center. If we get nothing else back, which is what it looks like, then we really aren't doing our jobs in the FO. Rod and MJ haven't been doing what's necessary. This should at least get us a first rounder the same way we traded ours.

[GOBOBCATS24]

i am very optimistic and semi-excited about this. I think Tyson can do big things here. he was a beast a couple of years ago. would I rather have traded Mek for Andrew Bynum? sure. but i gotta stay realistic and positive.

[spectre]

I am worried about something. Since this news, I have not seen Spectre post anything! Somone better check on our friend. He might be in shock right now. He's got to have an opinion on how and why this trade and how it can possibly help us other than cutting 3 years off of Contract exposure.

Hah! I look for news all day and it was so boring...didn't even check the site when I got home. Then I took a nap and just woke up about a half hour ago. Couldn't sleep so decided to check around...and found THIS.

We just traded Mek for Chris Wilcox (signed for 2 years 6 million) and Joe Smith (vet min guy). Jesus can we EVER get a fucking fair trade? Value-wise this is terrible.

On the court, well...I knew something like this was going to happen. We traded "Just dunk the damn ball" for a guy who does exactly that. This IS a Larry Brown trade, but the value coming back is typical for what we're used to. Mek wasn't LB's kind of player and I think we all knew that. Add to that Mek's final 3 years are pretty toxic and we were going to hurt paying him that kind of cash for what he brings to the court.

If we got their pick and a prospect (do they have a prospect) or at least some PF depth I'd be better with this. BB wise I think we'll be ok with this assuming Chandler's foot turns out ok. It's going to be hard to turn the corner however when we get screwed in EVERY FUCKING TRADE.

[Alex]

When will this team stop being cheap? This does not make us better. F*ck this.

[davcbow]

I see it this way. last year we couldnt even stay in a game with Cleveland with Mek, 4 more years of that would suck, Chandler is just a short term replacment unless he gets healthy again and then maybe longer. Anyhow Mek wasnt our answer and maybe Chandler wont be either but we got 3 years over pay off the books. ILBIT and having said that he will be looking for the answer. Others have said that Chandler will work better with Diaw and if he stays healthy it could be a blessing. This move frees up money to do more with. If it takes getting rid of Mek to be rid of BJ more power to them. Nothing made me more pissed than when Mek would have a great opportunity to slam the ball down and he would hit the brakes and miss the easy layup. He is too soft and we all have said it. BJ may be responcible for the trade but I bet LB and MJ had to agree to it. So once again I say ILBIT.......:cool:

[DEFTFUNDAMENTALZ]

I think it will prove to be a good trade. With all due respect Emeka was good on the defensive end, but lacked a killer instinct. Seems like Chandler plays with a lot more emotion on the court. Plus he is longer and more athletic and his hands have to be better than Okafor's.

[azfollower]

Man, I hope something goes wrong with Chandler's physical.

[tamburello]

Money is inevitably an aspect in this business. I understand some of you guys' frustration, but to me this is a f.....g great trade. We're giving away an offensively retarded player for another one, and we no more have to suffer by watching Okafor's funny post-up attempts for 5 more years. Chandler's fat contract will be here for only 2 years and would be gone off the books.

We had been deeply stuck in salary cap for future, this trade gives us a tremendous flexibility. We already have Wallace, Diaw, Diop, Nazr, Radman... besides Wallace and Diaw, all are highly overpaid players. At some point we would have to this kind of a trade.

And I don't care even a little bit if Chandler ever gets healthy, Diop can be our starter center and we would go on having an offensively retarded center... again.

@spectre, you know the salary aspect of the game surely as well as me, if not better. I'm sure Hornets FO would have preferred to take back Wilcox and Smith's expirings, rather than Okafor's 5 year albatross in exchange for Chandler. I'm sure Bobcats FO would have preferred to take back Wilcox and Smith's expirings, rather than oft-injured Chandler in exchange for Okafor. But they expired and here we are. At this point, I believe we are the certain winners of this trade.

Money IS ruling the world, especially after such a deep economical crisis, it's no surprise it rules NBA and trades. Bye Okafor, welcome Chandler's big toe.

[uncballer1288]

I hope we can swap more than just Okafor for Chandler. Ideally we can trade:

Emeka Okafor
Nazr Mohammad

for

Tyson Chandler
Julian Wright

We can play Julian at 3rd string PF to learn from Diaw as they have similar games, and then sign Iverson and Diogu with the extra 4 million we would save in the trade plus the MLE.

That would give us:

PG - Felton/DJ/Jefferson
SG - Iverson/Bell/Hendo
SF - Wallace/Radman/Brown
PF- Diaw/Diogu/Julian
C- Chandler/Diop/Ajinca

[rsxnova]

I hope we can swap more than just Okafor for Chandler. Ideally we can trade:

Emeka Okafor
Nazr Mohammad

for

Tyson Chandler
Julian Wright

We can play Julian at 3rd string PF to learn from Diaw as they have similar games, and then sign Iverson and Diogu with the extra 4 million we would save in the trade plus the MLE.

That would give us:

PG - Felton/DJ/Jefferson
SG - Iverson/Bell/Hendo
SF - Wallace/Radman/Brown
PF- Diaw/Diogu/Julian
C- Chandler/Diop/Ajinca

I would love that lineup if we could afford it.

[spectre]

Money is inevitably an aspect in this business. I understand some of you guys' frustration, but to me this is a f.....g great trade. We're giving away an offensively retarded player for another one, and we no more have to suffer by watching Okafor's funny post-up attempts for 5 more years. Chandler's fat contract will be here for only 2 years and would be gone off the books.

We had been deeply stuck in salary cap for future, this trade gives us a tremendous flexibility. We already have Wallace, Diaw, Diop, Nazr, Radman... besides Wallace and Diaw, all are highly overpaid players. At some point we would have to this kind of a trade.

And I don't care even a little bit if Chandler ever gets healthy, Diop can be our starter center and we would go on having an offensively retarded center... again.

@spectre, you know the salary aspect of the game surely as well as me, if not better. I'm sure Hornets FO would have preferred to take back Wilcox and Smith's expirings, rather than Okafor's 5 year albatross in exchange for Chandler. I'm sure Bobcats FO would have preferred to take back Wilcox and Smith's expirings, rather than oft-injured Chandler in exchange for Okafor. But they expired and here we are. At this point, I believe we are the certain winners of this trade.

Money IS ruling the world, especially after such a deep economical crisis, it's no surprise it rules NBA and trades. Bye Okafor, welcome Chandler's big toe.

Oh no doubt. I don't think MJ was going to sign him until Larry Brown came to him and said "Unless we can find a comparable replacement we won't make the playoffs without Okafor...and there's not one out there". I'm sure he's regretted that contract ever since he gave it to him.

If Chandler can stay healthy I bet we're better. Mek has shown very little offensive post game and he plays below the rim. Chandler WILL dunk that damn ball.

I just think we could have gotten better. I don't think we'd have done the Wilcox/Smith move as it had to make BB sense; Larry cares about that first and you have to believe they want him signed on fully.

[ELEVATION]

all i can say to this trade is "ILBIT".....

[Chef]

could an insider please post the hollinger analysis of the trade?

[azfollower]

Here is Hollinger's analysis. It isn't pretty:
Usually when a trade happens, I'll write something like "on the surface, it makes no sense" and then proceed to walk you through all the cap ramifications to show why a seemingly lopsided deal can actually make some sense.
This isn't one of those.
I'm just as puzzled as anyone why the Bobcats would agree to trade Emeka Okafor (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?playerId=2399) for Tyson Chandler (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?playerId=984), because in terms of both basketball and cap implications the deal makes a lot more sense for New Orleans than it does for Charlotte.
The Hornets pulled off the rare feat of saving money while becoming a better team. Yes, Okafor's contract runs three years longer, but that matters much less than the near-term implications of having a lower payroll this year and next year because of the luxury tax calculations.
He'll save the Hornets $1.1 million in salary and another $1.1 million in luxury tax, and puts them close enough to the tax line that the Hornets could put themselves under by bribing somebody to take Antonio Daniels (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?playerId=183) at the trade deadline. That will be difficult, yes, but it's not impossible.
Ditto for next year, where the Hornets are already threatening the lowered tax threshold for next summer and the trade would give them an extra $1.2 million in wiggle room to add players. (This presumes Chandler doesn't opt out of the final year of his contract at $12.7 million, which based on his present production would be fiscal insanity).
And, as I mentioned, Okafor is better. Both players have consistently been honorable mention getters in my All-Defense picks, but Okafor is a superior scorer. That may not be saying much -- both players are somewhat limited offensively -- but Okafor can score on post-ups occasionally and make short bank shots, while Chandler's range ends at the charge circle. Over the past three years, Okafor has averaged nearly five points more per 40 minutes -- that's big.
The health disparity between the two has also been mentioned, but look closer and I'm not sure there's any difference. Okafor has averaged 66 games per season over the course of his career, Chandler 67. Chandler has a bad toe that already nuked one trade, but Okafor has a problematic back. Okafor has played 82 games each of the past two years, but over their careers their injury histories show little separation. Age isn't an issue either -- they were born four days apart.
Nevertheless, the Hornets have to be stoked. Getting a not-quite-All-Star caliber center who will do the dirty work on D and also score a little improves their chances of hanging with the West's upper crust, though there remains much work to be done.
As for the idea that this shows a willingness by the Hornets to spend, I'd only believe it up to a point. Yes, they could have just done a straight salary dump of Chandler to ease their way under the tax line, so in that framework their striving to keep the team competitive merits applause. But they did cut their payroll the next two years with this deal and the ones after that don't matter nearly as much -- based on present deals New Orleans goes well under the cap in 2011 even with Okafor's money tacked on. Besides, by then they'll be in a new arena in Las Vegas and money won't be so tight (Kidding, people, kidding ... back off with the knives).
As for Charlotte, I don't get it. This was already a terrible offensive team, ranking 27th in the NBA in Offensive Efficiency a year ago. Chandler is a demonstrably worse offensive player than Okafor, and his one offensive skill (throwing down dunks off pick-and-rolls) doesn't seem to mesh terribly well with the Bobcats' personnel.
Charlotte fans will point out that they freed up some cap space for 2011; of course that space might have been more easily obtained by not signing Okafor to a six-year, $72 million deal a year ago when they were bidding against themselves.
It's hard to believe that the Bobcats' front office had that severe a change of heart over a player in just 12 months, especially when Okafor put up a pretty typical season by his standards. This is prime golfing season in northern Illinois so you know Michael Jordan (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?playerId=1035) wasn't pushing for it, and Rod Higgins (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?playerId=3734) is too sensible to pull such an overnight 180.
That brings up two other plausible possibilities. The first is that this is a classic Larry Brown grass-is-greener trade. Okafor is a good player but he doesn't exude passion for the game and Brown had grumbled about this last season. Chandler is certainly more passionate, and perhaps Brown -- infamous for wanting to trade everybody on the roster -- convinced management to make the swap. (And by "convinced," I mean "whined incessantly about it until they finally agreed to do it just so he'd shut up.")
The other possibility is that it was driven by owner Robert Johnson's need to sell the team. In that case, clearing the $40 million owed on the final three years of Okafor's contract removed a potential liability from his books, possibly making it easier for him to unload the team sooner. If that ends up happening, Bobcats fans might still feel like they won the trade.
Whatever the motivation, it sure as heck doesn't make them a better basketball team. There isn't a wide gulf separating these two players, but Okafor has been consistently more productive, particularly at the offensive end. For a team that desperately needs to find more scoring, it was an odd way to try to improve. And for the Hornets, it's a tremendous opportunity to keep pace with the heavy hitters out West.

[bing!]

Holy mother of #$)(&($/... 247 posts over night... I ain't reading this.

[ohara831]

Yeah. Hollinger slammed us for the trade.

[GOBOBCATS24]

as of right now there still hasn't been anyone to come out and say yes this deal is official. not sure why not but oh well. Hopefully teams have contacted us about Emeka and offering better deals. probably not but I don't know