The Great Raymond Felton Debate

[BETCATS]

(first off, i am not sure if this deserves its own thread, i think it does because it would be nice to have all Felton related discussion in one place instead of scattered everywhere/if any mod feels otherwise please lock this)

http://www.nba.com/playerfile/raymon...eer_stats.html

Their has been a lot of talk about resigning Felton or letting him walk. How much to pay him or if to pay him at all. If a sign in trade is the best option or if just flat out signing him is what is in our best interests. The point guard's job is to lead the offense, and it seems we are not all in the same boat as to whether Felton is the guy or not. I will state my opinion after the discussion starts going. I dont think it belongs in the orginal post.

Have at it....

[murphman]

It is so early right now and LB's future is a factor. However, PG is the one position in free agency that appears to not be very deep on starting caliber players so there may be many teams looking for one after the draft. I am leaning towards a sign and trade, perhaps for a low 1st round draft pick in 2011 or for an expiring contract that we can add to heap (Tyson, Nazr, Brown, others we sign this summer) and use as trade bait.

[WAM9]

My biggest concern is that point guards in general take some time to adjust to LB's style. A big free agent crop of free agents was mentioned but, in reality, who is available who will be better next year than Raymond Felton?

I'm not saying who is better than Felton but instead who will be better for our team in LB's system...

I hate to start over and have LB start training another point guard from scratch. DJ is not ready to be our full time starter. Is there a better option than Felton out there?

[teej]

DJ will never be a true point guard, much less starter quality. If we keep LB, then we need to sign Ray back for a 3 year/$18 million deal with a mutual option for the 4th.

Other than that, start Jack at point for all I care, Graham can play the 2.

[ziggy]

I think that this is easily deserving of its own thread, so no problem here BETCATS

[BobCatsFanInTx]

For me, when it comes to Raymond there really is no debate. Raymond is a solid middle of the NBA talent PG and he is far from a detriment to the team. On the other hand those that think we can do better may be quite upset if it turns out we can not.

Larry Brown has spent a lot of time working with both Raymond and DJ and I don't think he want's it all to be used against him when they are playing well for some other team.

I feel that should Raymond stay, it would be a real turning point in his career. In my opinion Raymond deserves a third season in the NBA. You ask how it is he has only been in the league two years? Well technically he has been around longer but one must consider that he really only started growing up and playing solidly when Larry coached him. I feel that he is worthy of a decent contract. Not a top ten one mind you but at least a top 15.

In recent years the NBA has been producing some good pg's but it is a crap shoot and their is a chance a young pg won't really do much for our Bobcats. Our guys have chemistry and they are only going to get better with another season together.

So for me there is no debate to be had. I think Ray is good enough to remain a Bobcat considering the options may not be better. Unless we can get a Deron Williams, CP3, Rondo or Nelson I don't see this urge to replace Raymond.

If Ray is allowed to go then I hope we have a better option to replace him. I hope we know that option is better and we don't just speculate.

That is where I am at on the issue.

[etothet]

For me, when it comes to Raymond there really is no debate. Raymond is a solid middle of the NBA talent PG and he is far from a detriment to the team. On the other hand those that think we can do better may be quite upset if it turns out we can not.

Larry Brown has spent a lot of time working with both Raymond and DJ and I don't think he want's it all to be used against him when they are playing well for some other team.

I feel that should Raymond stay, it would be a real turning point in his career. In my opinion Raymond deserves a third season in the NBA. You ask how it is he has only been in the league two years? Well technically he has been around longer but one must consider that he really only started growing up and playing solidly when Larry coached him. I feel that he is worthy of a decent contract. Not a top ten one mind you but at least a top 15.

In recent years the NBA has been producing some good pg's but it is a crap shoot and their is a chance a young pg won't really do much for our Bobcats. Our guys have chemistry and they are only going to get better with another season together.

So for me there is no debate to be had. I think Ray is good enough to remain a Bobcat considering the options may not be better. Unless we can get a Deron Williams, CP3, Rondo or Nelson I don't see this urge to replace Raymond.

If Ray is allowed to go then I hope we have a better option to replace him. I hope we know that option is better and we don't just speculate.

That is where I am at on the issue.

I think you are probably correct. Letting Raymond walk for nothing is not a good move.

[BRNC]

Two points have already been made...quality (lack of) with FA PGs this year and learning the LB system...

Second first...there is absolutely no guarantee that LB will be here next year so his "system" could be a moot point...if he is here next season that could be his last...so...

How much do you over-pay Ray (if you do) and for how long to run a "system" that is very likely going to change next season or (very likely) the one after that?

or...do you try to get by for a year with a Blake or Ridnour...or

...make a trade for a PG you actually think can run the team better and let Ray leave...those seem to be our options...

[teej]

Even if LB leaves my money is on Dave Hanners becoming head coach, so it'd be the same system.

[BRNC]

teej...I'm really not sold that Hanners will be our Head Coach if LB leaves...and if he were that "great" why wouldn't LB want Hanners as his Head Coach if he does take a FO position calling the shots?

I can think of other guys I'd rather have than Hanners...I'm really tired of not developing young players...if LB leaves I'd rather bring in a guy more willing to play them...but that's just me...