Three more quick thoughts on the Okafor/Chandler trade. First, please note that my displeasure from the trade is largely related to the quality & durability of the two players involved. Strictly from a basketball sense, it just is not an even trade. In my opinion, this holds true even if Tyson Chandler stays healthy for two seasons. I just think Okafor's consistency is more valuable. From a long-term financial standpoint, it does provide tremendous flexibility.
Second, and work with me here: if you're the management team of the Bobcats, how do you come to the conclusion that the same player you signed to an extension last summer is no longer a good fit? Seriously, click on that link and read the release from ESPN.com about the signing, paying special attention to the quotes from Rod Higgins and Larry Brown. Does this trade mean they had their doubts even then about his long-term place in Charlotte? The team just signed him to that ridiculous deal in order to trade him a year later? I doubt it; that would take far too much forward-thinking on behalf of the Charlotte organization. But ok, let's say you signed Okafor to that deal and then, a year later, had buyer's remorse. You decide you made a mistake, that he's not a good fit for this team, that you just don't want to pay him all that money; whatever the reason, you decide he needs to be traded. Ok, fine. But, he's durable and a double-double big man, plus he's never in trouble or bad for team chemistry and the best you can do for him is Tyson Chandler? Samuel Dalembert (2 years, $12.1 million in 2009-2010) from Philly, Chris Kaman (3 years, $10.4 million in 2009-2010) from the LA Clippers, Joel Przybrilla (2 years, $6.8 million in 2009-2010) & an expiring deal from Portland, Jamal Crawford (2 years, $9.36 million in 2009-2010) from Golden State earlier in the summer, or any other number of players might have been had for Okafor. Heck, why not play out a year with Tracy McGrady on the roster (McGrady & Chuck Hayes' expiring deals for Raja Bell, Okafor, and VladRad). Better players, with potentially more offensive skills, expiring contracts, or whatever the team desired were available. You just can't tell me the best offer for Emeka was Tyson Chandler.
And third, if you are going to trade a player of Okafor's ability, why not force a team to take one of those three bad deals off your hands too? Diop's is the worst and the longest, but he's just not getting traded for anything other than a seemingly more useful player with an equally bad contract. Nazi plays the same game as Okafor, just older and not as well, so including him would have been tough. But, what about VladRad? Why not force a team to take him and either get back an expiring deal or a more useful player (hey, anybody for a conventional power forward or a scoring guard)? It wouldn't work in all situations, but I think a bit more exploration might have been prudent.
Oh well, what's done is done. The team has traded the original face of the franchise and there is no turning back now. I have not read anyone (other than Scott Fowler) that approves of the deal for the Bobcats. John Hollinger went as far as to say "What are the Bobcats thinking?". Time will tell on this trade, as it does most. I was very, very critical of the Raja Bell & Boris Diaw for Jason Richardson & Jared Dudley swap initially, but it has been good to this point (fine with trading Richardson, but thought they could have done better for him - much like this trade. Let's see if Diaw can continue to play motivated for three more $9 million years). Forgive me if I don't rush out to buy a new Tyson Chandler jersey though.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Top 5 Tuesday: Bobcats
Top 5 Tuesday returns! Today's topic: Great Moves in Charlotte Bobcats history. Straight to the countdown we go...
5)
4)
3)
2)
1)
There you have it folks, the five greatest moves ever by my hometown Charlotte Bobcats. What an incredibly difficult list to construct, so many outstanding choices.
More thoughts on the Okafor trade later. Ben brought up a good point in the "Comments" section of last night's post and I have two other things to mention as well. I'll try to get to that later today.
Yeah buddy, rollin' like a big shot
5)
4)
3)
2)
1)
There you have it folks, the five greatest moves ever by my hometown Charlotte Bobcats. What an incredibly difficult list to construct, so many outstanding choices.
More thoughts on the Okafor trade later. Ben brought up a good point in the "Comments" section of last night's post and I have two other things to mention as well. I'll try to get to that later today.
Yeah buddy, rollin' like a big shot
Monday, July 27, 2009
Gotta Go Shopping: Okafor Trade Analysis
You know, I had a lot to do tonight. There is a pile of clean laundry (whites & towels) laying under my feet on the sofa. There is more dirty laundry to wash in the foyer. I have a proposal to do for work and a 9:30am meeting to get ready for, not to mention a new employee starting tomorrow (shouts Waddle). Wrestling is on, being hosted by Shaq, and the Cardinals and Dodgers are on ESPN. Most importantly, I have a passport to apply for and a flight to book for a wedding/trip to Canada. So how did I spend my Monday evening?
Because of the Charlotte Bobcats, I was driven to playing the drums, trying a new beverage, and trying to digest the latest trade by MJ & Co.
The drums? A subpar effort on some Billy Joel, Boston, and The Band. New groups to drum to, but not my best. The drink? Orange Crush + Captain = Orange Creamsicle-esque beverage. It was good, but I think it would be better as a frozen treat. The trade? This potential trainwreck.
With the trade still in discussion, I hesitate to write too much on it. However, if I don't write tonight, it's not happening this week. Emeka Okafor for Tyson Chandler, huh? Not so much, 'Cats, not so much.
A few quick notes, then some analysis. First, I find it odd/funny that ESPN.com broke the news of this trade that was apparently agreed to in principle on Friday, as opposed to the Charlotte Observer or a Charlotte news station digging it up. As much as I have defended Rick Bonnell, the Bobcats beat writer for the Observer, it is a bit frustrating that he did not have the scope on this deal first.
Second, Scott Fowler of the Observer has already written an article defending the trade. I know this only because that is what the headline says. I will read his piece only after I finish writing this, as to remain close to my opinion only. However, I would have put $100 that someone, perhaps multiple writers, would defend this trade in the hometown paper. Maybe it is part of the gig; don't totally offend the folks who you need a future story from. And as an amateur blogger, I have no inside information or expert knowledge that a professional might. But, seriously, can someone at this paper please call a spade a spade for once?
And third, this trade (should it happen) is not your average NBA trade for Charlotte. Okafor, though not an NBA superstar (or even All-Star), is/was the face of the Bobcats franchise. He was our first ever draft pick. He is incredibly active in the community. He is unfailingly polite, articulate, and reliable off the court. Though fans may have some frustrations with his lack of offensive development, he still holds a special place within the community. Gerald Wallace might be the team's best player, but Okafor is the most recognizable. A deal like this can only further bury the Bobcats far away from the area's sports spotlight.
Now, let's try and look at this trade objectively. My first reaction, on a -10 to +10 scale (-10 being "I absolutely hate this deal" and +10 being "Oh my Lord, what a steal"), was a -2. After stewing on it for an hour, I went to about a -4. That's where I am as I write this. Why? Let's look at the +/- of the deal:
The negatives:
- Tyson Chandler costs more money short-term than Emeka Okafor. According to Hoops Hype, Chandler is due $11.85 million this season, with a player option (which he will surely exercise) next year for $12.75 million. Okafor is only due $10.5 million in 2009-2010, and $11.5 in 2010-2011. That's about $2.5 million more for Chandler. For a team that is supposedly pinching the pennies just to try and re-sign Raymond Felton and a couple low-dollar free agents, does it really make sense to add salary?
- Tyson Chandler is not as good a player as Emeka Okafor. According to ESPN.com's Trade Machine, this trade would cost the Bobcats 6 wins next season. Chandler's PER is 13.4 while Okafor's is 18.0. Granted, Chandler had a rough, injury-plagued season last season, dropping his PER...which makes me wonder why the Bobcats would trade for him. To further illustrate, consider that Chandler has averaged a double-double in only one season in his career: 2007-2008, thanks in large part to the assists of Chris Paul on his dunks. On the other hand, Okafor has averaged a double-double in all five of his NBA seasons.
- Tyson Chandler has not been as durable a player as Emeka Okafor in recent seasons. Not only did Chandler miss 37 games last year, but he has never played in all 82 games in his career. Okafor has done that both of the last two seasons. In addition, Chandler was traded this past season to Oklahoma City, only to have the trade rescinded due to a failed physical (concern over his toe injury). In fact, New Orleans was so desperate to get rid of him and his salary that they were only getting back Chris Wilcox & Joe Smith in the deal, both of which would have left the Hornets at season's end. Now, instead of dumping Chandler for next to nothing, they get back a durable double-double machine. And the Bobcats get back...well, all of those same issues that made the Hornets want to get rid of Chandler for next to nothing.
- Tyson Chandler, even if healthy and playing at his best, does not bring a lot of what the Bobcats could use. This team really, really needs a big guy who can get easy baskets. Not dunk-off-a-dump-off baskets, but back-your-guy-down-and-score baskets, a la Elton Brand, Tim Duncan, or Pau Gasol. Whether or not this is at power forward or center does not really matter, but it needs to happen. Yes, Boris Diaw is effective as an offensive weapon, but he is not that type of scorer (although I will admit that he's been very good for this team...thus far). For a team to be an efficient offense/tight defense squad, a low-post threat who shoots a high-percentage is necessary.
The positives:
- The Bobcats save a ton of money from 2011-2015. Chandler will likely walk after the end of his deal, or at least earn whatever type of contract he might get from Charlotte (less than what was due Okafor, I'm sure) after two years. That's great, flexibility is key in the NBA. But, that logic also admits a major mistake by the Bobcats' management team: re-signing Okafor to a 6-year deal worth that much money to begin with prior to last season. We just did it! Now, my philosophy is that you only sign marquee, super-duper stars for more than four years and more than $12 million/year at any point in the contract. So yes, I thought the Okafor contract was a bit much when they did it. But, I did see some logic: double-double machine, face of the franchise right now, premium for a big man, and they seemingly had the money to spend (at the time). Since then, the organization has added the $26.5 million over 4 years for Diop & nearly $13 million for 2 more years of VladRad, crippling its short & long term space. In essence, those two added contracts have helped generate the "need" to rid the team of a questionable long-term deal of a solid, if unspectacular, player.
- The Bobcats, specifically Coach Larry Brown, wanted a taller center. This does make some sense. It was clear when Brown signed off on adding Diop to the roster that he values size at the 5-spot. His preference was further driven home by rumors of Samuel Dalembert becoming a Bobcat (he of the equally ridiculous contract). Okafor played center at UCONN, but is a bit undersized at the center position. Long arms, but not a lot of vertical. The really good centers in the league just tear him up (see Howard, Dwight). At the 4-spot, Okafor is way too slow to go out and guard anyone with a face-up game (see Bosh, Chris) and never provided the offense necessary from most power forwards. Chandler, at a legit 7-0, does give Coach Brown a taller, more athletic center. This is honestly a good thing in this trade.
- The Bobcats may have a valuable trade piece for use around January 2011. I believe, and I need to check to make 100% sure, that even after Chandler exercises his player option for 2010-2011, he can still be traded to another team. This would mean the Bobcats would have the ability to trade his $12.75 million worth of salary for another player or two from a team looking to free up cap space after the 2010-2011 season ends. Of course, the Bobcats could also just let Chandler play out his deal and use that cap room to attack a free agent or two of their own: VladRad & Nazi's deals both expire that same summer, meaning that the 'Cats could have as much as $25 million to spend in the summer of 2011. That does require two things to happen though: 1) free agents have to actually agree to play in Charlotte; and 2) the Bobcats have to still exist in Charlotte.
In summary, I see the long-term benefit of this deal after typing all of this out, especially the above point about all the cap room. However, for a team that was "making the playoffs next season" (2009-2010), it sure doesn't look like they have improved in the short-term with this deal. They have further crippled their short-term cap room and no doubt drove away some more fans (do these "fans" even exist?) by trading the face of the franchise. I am therefore officially assigning my trade evaluation as a -3 on this deal. This franchise needed to make a decision to preserve cap room last year or figure out a way to go for it and they made the wrong decision.
As for me, I now have to buy a new Bobcats jersey. My #50 is no longer in style. Personally, I'm planning to wait until this team gives me a long-term player who's worth spending $60 on. Call me in the summer of 2011 I guess.
Because of the Charlotte Bobcats, I was driven to playing the drums, trying a new beverage, and trying to digest the latest trade by MJ & Co.
The drums? A subpar effort on some Billy Joel, Boston, and The Band. New groups to drum to, but not my best. The drink? Orange Crush + Captain = Orange Creamsicle-esque beverage. It was good, but I think it would be better as a frozen treat. The trade? This potential trainwreck.
With the trade still in discussion, I hesitate to write too much on it. However, if I don't write tonight, it's not happening this week. Emeka Okafor for Tyson Chandler, huh? Not so much, 'Cats, not so much.
A few quick notes, then some analysis. First, I find it odd/funny that ESPN.com broke the news of this trade that was apparently agreed to in principle on Friday, as opposed to the Charlotte Observer or a Charlotte news station digging it up. As much as I have defended Rick Bonnell, the Bobcats beat writer for the Observer, it is a bit frustrating that he did not have the scope on this deal first.
Second, Scott Fowler of the Observer has already written an article defending the trade. I know this only because that is what the headline says. I will read his piece only after I finish writing this, as to remain close to my opinion only. However, I would have put $100 that someone, perhaps multiple writers, would defend this trade in the hometown paper. Maybe it is part of the gig; don't totally offend the folks who you need a future story from. And as an amateur blogger, I have no inside information or expert knowledge that a professional might. But, seriously, can someone at this paper please call a spade a spade for once?
And third, this trade (should it happen) is not your average NBA trade for Charlotte. Okafor, though not an NBA superstar (or even All-Star), is/was the face of the Bobcats franchise. He was our first ever draft pick. He is incredibly active in the community. He is unfailingly polite, articulate, and reliable off the court. Though fans may have some frustrations with his lack of offensive development, he still holds a special place within the community. Gerald Wallace might be the team's best player, but Okafor is the most recognizable. A deal like this can only further bury the Bobcats far away from the area's sports spotlight.
Now, let's try and look at this trade objectively. My first reaction, on a -10 to +10 scale (-10 being "I absolutely hate this deal" and +10 being "Oh my Lord, what a steal"), was a -2. After stewing on it for an hour, I went to about a -4. That's where I am as I write this. Why? Let's look at the +/- of the deal:
The negatives:
- Tyson Chandler costs more money short-term than Emeka Okafor. According to Hoops Hype, Chandler is due $11.85 million this season, with a player option (which he will surely exercise) next year for $12.75 million. Okafor is only due $10.5 million in 2009-2010, and $11.5 in 2010-2011. That's about $2.5 million more for Chandler. For a team that is supposedly pinching the pennies just to try and re-sign Raymond Felton and a couple low-dollar free agents, does it really make sense to add salary?
- Tyson Chandler is not as good a player as Emeka Okafor. According to ESPN.com's Trade Machine, this trade would cost the Bobcats 6 wins next season. Chandler's PER is 13.4 while Okafor's is 18.0. Granted, Chandler had a rough, injury-plagued season last season, dropping his PER...which makes me wonder why the Bobcats would trade for him. To further illustrate, consider that Chandler has averaged a double-double in only one season in his career: 2007-2008, thanks in large part to the assists of Chris Paul on his dunks. On the other hand, Okafor has averaged a double-double in all five of his NBA seasons.
- Tyson Chandler has not been as durable a player as Emeka Okafor in recent seasons. Not only did Chandler miss 37 games last year, but he has never played in all 82 games in his career. Okafor has done that both of the last two seasons. In addition, Chandler was traded this past season to Oklahoma City, only to have the trade rescinded due to a failed physical (concern over his toe injury). In fact, New Orleans was so desperate to get rid of him and his salary that they were only getting back Chris Wilcox & Joe Smith in the deal, both of which would have left the Hornets at season's end. Now, instead of dumping Chandler for next to nothing, they get back a durable double-double machine. And the Bobcats get back...well, all of those same issues that made the Hornets want to get rid of Chandler for next to nothing.
- Tyson Chandler, even if healthy and playing at his best, does not bring a lot of what the Bobcats could use. This team really, really needs a big guy who can get easy baskets. Not dunk-off-a-dump-off baskets, but back-your-guy-down-and-score baskets, a la Elton Brand, Tim Duncan, or Pau Gasol. Whether or not this is at power forward or center does not really matter, but it needs to happen. Yes, Boris Diaw is effective as an offensive weapon, but he is not that type of scorer (although I will admit that he's been very good for this team...thus far). For a team to be an efficient offense/tight defense squad, a low-post threat who shoots a high-percentage is necessary.
The positives:
- The Bobcats save a ton of money from 2011-2015. Chandler will likely walk after the end of his deal, or at least earn whatever type of contract he might get from Charlotte (less than what was due Okafor, I'm sure) after two years. That's great, flexibility is key in the NBA. But, that logic also admits a major mistake by the Bobcats' management team: re-signing Okafor to a 6-year deal worth that much money to begin with prior to last season. We just did it! Now, my philosophy is that you only sign marquee, super-duper stars for more than four years and more than $12 million/year at any point in the contract. So yes, I thought the Okafor contract was a bit much when they did it. But, I did see some logic: double-double machine, face of the franchise right now, premium for a big man, and they seemingly had the money to spend (at the time). Since then, the organization has added the $26.5 million over 4 years for Diop & nearly $13 million for 2 more years of VladRad, crippling its short & long term space. In essence, those two added contracts have helped generate the "need" to rid the team of a questionable long-term deal of a solid, if unspectacular, player.
- The Bobcats, specifically Coach Larry Brown, wanted a taller center. This does make some sense. It was clear when Brown signed off on adding Diop to the roster that he values size at the 5-spot. His preference was further driven home by rumors of Samuel Dalembert becoming a Bobcat (he of the equally ridiculous contract). Okafor played center at UCONN, but is a bit undersized at the center position. Long arms, but not a lot of vertical. The really good centers in the league just tear him up (see Howard, Dwight). At the 4-spot, Okafor is way too slow to go out and guard anyone with a face-up game (see Bosh, Chris) and never provided the offense necessary from most power forwards. Chandler, at a legit 7-0, does give Coach Brown a taller, more athletic center. This is honestly a good thing in this trade.
- The Bobcats may have a valuable trade piece for use around January 2011. I believe, and I need to check to make 100% sure, that even after Chandler exercises his player option for 2010-2011, he can still be traded to another team. This would mean the Bobcats would have the ability to trade his $12.75 million worth of salary for another player or two from a team looking to free up cap space after the 2010-2011 season ends. Of course, the Bobcats could also just let Chandler play out his deal and use that cap room to attack a free agent or two of their own: VladRad & Nazi's deals both expire that same summer, meaning that the 'Cats could have as much as $25 million to spend in the summer of 2011. That does require two things to happen though: 1) free agents have to actually agree to play in Charlotte; and 2) the Bobcats have to still exist in Charlotte.
In summary, I see the long-term benefit of this deal after typing all of this out, especially the above point about all the cap room. However, for a team that was "making the playoffs next season" (2009-2010), it sure doesn't look like they have improved in the short-term with this deal. They have further crippled their short-term cap room and no doubt drove away some more fans (do these "fans" even exist?) by trading the face of the franchise. I am therefore officially assigning my trade evaluation as a -3 on this deal. This franchise needed to make a decision to preserve cap room last year or figure out a way to go for it and they made the wrong decision.
As for me, I now have to buy a new Bobcats jersey. My #50 is no longer in style. Personally, I'm planning to wait until this team gives me a long-term player who's worth spending $60 on. Call me in the summer of 2011 I guess.
Friday, July 17, 2009
Reason for my Absence
I just wanted to issue a quick apology for the lack of posts recently. A vacation was planned following the week of the NBA Draft, as I journeyed to Garden City, SC with the family. However, I just have not gotten back on the writing bus, as a few of the most loyal Blue Teamers have pointed out.
With that said, I need some prayers folks. Work is very rough right now, as I am having trouble with hitting my sales goal. As a quick summary, I had a great season two years ago, thanks in large part to one major account. Last year proved more challenging, and I suffered a bit from lack of focus and the need to really learn my craft in a tough economy. This year, I re-focused and eliminated a number of distractions from my life in hopes of success. It has not worked. The big account from two years ago, which allowed me to buy my first house, flat-screen TV, furniture, and a sweet pair of UNC shorts, is in peril. If I lose this account, there is no way I will hit my goal this year and will suffer greatly because of it.
Needless to say, I am down and frustrated because of it. The last three weeks, including my "vacation" time, have been filled with self-doubt and wallowing in pity. In efforts to be honest about it, I'm throwing out my personal/professional life on this blog. Some of you know me well, others not much at all. But, I ask each of you to throw a prayer up for me. For discipline, positive thinking, and persistence. For the many accounts I need to close business on to happen, including saving the big one (they need financing - anyone want to invest in some real estate?). For me to work harder than ever before. And for God to do His work in my life as a whole.
Ya'll, this is not life or death, and I'm not trying to paint it as such. It's just that my professional life means a lot to me, as I love my job and what we do. But, do me one other favor and don't ask too much about it. I'll update as things happen, but I don't really want to/can't talk too much about it. I would just appreciate the prayers right now. I acknowledge that either way, God is good all the time and completely in control of everything according to His will.
Don't ever give up, right?
With that said, I need some prayers folks. Work is very rough right now, as I am having trouble with hitting my sales goal. As a quick summary, I had a great season two years ago, thanks in large part to one major account. Last year proved more challenging, and I suffered a bit from lack of focus and the need to really learn my craft in a tough economy. This year, I re-focused and eliminated a number of distractions from my life in hopes of success. It has not worked. The big account from two years ago, which allowed me to buy my first house, flat-screen TV, furniture, and a sweet pair of UNC shorts, is in peril. If I lose this account, there is no way I will hit my goal this year and will suffer greatly because of it.
Needless to say, I am down and frustrated because of it. The last three weeks, including my "vacation" time, have been filled with self-doubt and wallowing in pity. In efforts to be honest about it, I'm throwing out my personal/professional life on this blog. Some of you know me well, others not much at all. But, I ask each of you to throw a prayer up for me. For discipline, positive thinking, and persistence. For the many accounts I need to close business on to happen, including saving the big one (they need financing - anyone want to invest in some real estate?). For me to work harder than ever before. And for God to do His work in my life as a whole.
Ya'll, this is not life or death, and I'm not trying to paint it as such. It's just that my professional life means a lot to me, as I love my job and what we do. But, do me one other favor and don't ask too much about it. I'll update as things happen, but I don't really want to/can't talk too much about it. I would just appreciate the prayers right now. I acknowledge that either way, God is good all the time and completely in control of everything according to His will.
Don't ever give up, right?
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