The Word Is .........

Updates, Answers, Notes

Just to keep everything in perspective, and with all due respect, what we are talking about here is what is being said and what is being offered. A lot of the "information" being circulated by teams etc… is basic spin doctoring 101, some of it is merely last minute draft positioning. But it is reportable. (No. I am not dyslexic. This is numbered to reference my initial post.)

1. Byron Scott finally gets to make public his confirmation as the new coach of the Nets. First thing out of his mouth is that the Number One is still available for trade. Even though it has been on the table for a while. Essentially: "Last call, going once, going twice, any takers??????? Just two high first rounders?" Apparently not. Same story for two weeks. All sports news agencies are reporting this AM that Kenyon will be a Net and as noted yesterday, I concur.

3. As I noted, Vancover needs a punisher in the middle, someone to protect SAR. They also have to find a spot for O. Harrington because he wants out. Toronto needs to free some space and move some people. Oakley in the second year of his contract makes sense. Of course they also have to par up the salaries. Hard to deal because of Othella's low end price? I do not see that as a very big uphill battle as some. The Boston Globe story: Calbert Cheaney? Why would Vancover do this? Now if they were sending Price and Harrington to Boston I could see the worth in the Grizz effort. Why do they need Cheany? Sorry, I may be wrong, but I think the Globe has a different agenda here. Like maybe saving more bean face for a fledging team. ("For godsake Fadda Piteeeno, tell us yare doin' sumptin' !!!!!")

4. Toronto is trying to make the deal. Dell Curry to Charlotte for Ricky Davis . Curry suits Charlotte, but they are offering Dale Ellis, NOT DAVIS. Toronto hasn't said yes. They want Davis. As noted Toronto is after a first round PG. It remains to be seen if moving up a couple of spots will get them Dooling or someone comparable. They are Very Interested in Dooling. They are still talking. But the deal of "want and willing to give" requires further negotiation. Personally, I hope the Dinos get Davis.

5. The Clippers: Man, all this Orlando involvement has been going around for a while. I mean it stands to reason that any BIG deals this year will likely occur around either the Bulls or the Magic, because they both have good multiple picks and both have gaping holes in the roster. That familiar Orlando buzz about #5, #10 and #13 with Doleac and Maggette thrown in is also just as NOT accurate. What can I say? Orlando is shopping picks for picks. They included Doleac in some offers and Maggette in another. Now the misinformation starts. Extrapolating that into: They are including all of the above. Sorry. Not True. Doesn't make any sense. Orlando also had discussions with the Nets and the Bulls. Essentially I sourced some knowledgeable people who stated, "…. A pick and swap between the Clips and the Bulls may solve all the problems…" Arguing that this may or may not happen because Orlando has some standing offer… a mega deal with #5,#10,#13, Doleac, Maggette, the kitchen sink and two passes to Disney World for the Clippers #3 spot is ludicrous. That is not accurate. Just for an added note: All BBS members either underestimate or overestimate the value of our roster at one time or other. Me included. Usually because we have players we like more than others or we humanistically (I know it's not a word, but it fits, and ya'll know what I mean) tend to not appreciate our own grass as much as our neighbor's. And I will certainly lend my voice of protest to those who get tired of hearing a Drew for Odom type of scenario. However, the other side of the coin must be heard too. I also get tired of hearing how he and other roster player are worthless. Bryce Drew is a great all-around player. He has trade value. He has proven himself as a worthy PG. Admittedly, he needs experience, but he is coachable, he has excellent fundamentals, and would be an asset, if not a starter on some teams. I guess I am trying to squelch some of the self-depreciation that keeps popping up when we talk trades.

7. The Payton story is accurate. I guess if someone believes that Gary Payton cannot use a phone … or, communicate with his team's management while is in one city and they in another … then I guess I would have a hard time convincing someone of Payton's inherent displeasure at being surrounded by nonproductive players. That wasn't the point by the way. It is no new discovery that the Sonics need to make some noise. Or that Paytoin would personally like to get a little closer to the finals. The real story was that Payton told the Sonics within the last four days that they better start making those moves soon or he wants out. My point was: "….I love the timing…". Maybe the Sonics will be trying a little harder to move up. That's all. On another note: Well, you can believe the Baker for Reeves story or not, that is everyone's prerogative. I have a very good line on that, but anyone who wants to believe it as false may do so. I'll stand by my sources. Ya'll would have to agree though, that if you offered your seven figures (X Million a year) frontcourt man for Reeves and was turned down, would you admit it? Do you think Vinnie's value would plummet if that got out? Would that really help you move him a few days before draft day? Or would you be going public strenuously denying it?

9. I agree that LA has several rumors floating out there. The Brian Grant to LA has some merit. Also Kukoc possibly, but I believe that was more of a " …if this happened who you do that …" sort of thing. The Grant talks were further along. A lot has to happen including having both these guys getting a medical pass from team physicians. From what I understand, Tony may have a more difficult time passing than Brian. But my bet is that PJ Brown would be a more desirable commodity. Riles has approached several teams actively this past two weeks. Last night a move with Strickland and Voshon for Gatling was announced. Pat is bold, forward-thinking. I suspect that PJ is closer to being dealt than any other time in his Heat career. Watch for a (Rice-PJ Brown involved) serious trade offer coming soon to a theatre near you.

10. I wrote: "… The Jazz already have #23 and #26 and that would mean another pick at either #22 (if NY is involved) or #27 (if IND is involved)…" That clearly is in error now, as the Jazz traded that #26 four days ago.

I wrote: "…They (Indiana) would have to come up with $20 (some)Million worth of players to pay off Utah. Even with their $4.5M trade exemption that still leaves a heck of a lot of scratch for the Pacer's to gather. That means Miller has to be involved and possibly a short contract (one year) with the Dutchman…." Well, as formulated this is an educated conjecture on my part, as the Indiana involvement was not known as I noted. Some posters may have left the impression that any deal involving Miller and/or Smits would not be doable because they are Free Agents. But a sign and trade for each of these players separately, then traded as independent deals for Stockton and Malone would seem to satisfy the CBA requirements. Again, as I noted any involvement with Indiana was conjecture, because although they were contacted by the Jazz and some dialogue took place, it is unclear what was actually the meat of any proposal.

I wrote: "…My bet is it will be NY, if it happens ..." I'll stand by that.

11. The Jamison Issue: I wrote: "… They have approached several teams, including the Rockets for a lottery swap …………… I can't help but think CD sent a message back that he would include our pick if we involved Antwan Jamison somehow…" . No, I do not know what CD actually did. No, I do not think Golden State would hand over Jamison without an awfully good deal on the table. But then again, we are talking about the Warriors here. Historically, their moves have been "unpredictable" to say the least. My Wish: Well, I agree with the majority of you. Antwan would be awe-some-awe-someawe-some to the Rockets Red Glare. But no, sadly I have no more awareness of a Jamison to Houston deal than you do.

More Notes:

It is debatable when really honest impressions stops and when spin-doctoring takes over. All this varied media hype, self promotion, and subtle vested agendas make this whole thing what it is, I guess. That notwithstanding, I still think Barkley has probably the better overall skills. And, Dooling has shown some real fire during workouts. Cleaves value certainly has gone up since he hit town and hired a posse of press reps. Guys like Madsen and AJGuyton are finely getting some decent print. Mihm's is modest about his game then uncharacteristically pats himself on the back for three days running, thus tarnishing himself in some people's eyes. Fizer gets tired of dropping in all the Mock's and does the same thing, and he is perceived as even more aggressive than previous, which actually reverses his slide. It is a strange phenomena. This all makes the movement of these guys a constant slide up and down the scale. I remain doubtful that Crawford will push ahead of Barkley. Less Doubtful that Pryz will go before Mihm, as I have to admit the scorecards on the centers shifts almost daily it seems. Last evening Orlando press reported that given a choice Doc will take Pryz over Mihm. I hope that DerMarr is there for #9 if for no other reason than to make the damn draft decision an interesting one from a Rocket fan's point of view. Stories coming out of the press have the Rockets "…. actively seeking to trade away the #9….". Say it isn't so!!!!!!!

Have a fun time tonight, everyone!



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[This message has been edited by oeilpere (edited June 28, 2000).]

 

Who covers for Swift. Let's me honest here, Swift is a great player an d will undoubtedly make a mark in this league, but to have be beaten up inside everynight does not make sense. To me these "serious talks" that keeps coming my way would illustrate the premise that I mentioned. That is a punisher inside. Someone that makes any offender think about keeping his head down coming into the slot or banging away at will while defending the Grizz and someone that gives you instant respect in the PF position.

To me that spells Oakley. Not an ineffectual and foul prone Carr. Not Grant. Certainly not Othella, especially an unhappy Othella. No, to me it makes sense.

Your going to get arguably the best all around Power Forward in the draft. Now you want some on to tandem him with that will take the muscle heat away when necessary. Swift gives away weight and gains athleticism. Some compensation must be made.

I agree that when build you must also look at a star(SAR) relkief, but realistically they have to be looking at what is the grewatest need here. A sub for a starter. Or a protector for a (supposedly) starter.

I would not be unhappy if I were the Vancover Grizzlies and the day of the draft my problems were that I had to chose between finding someone to protect my new athletic start 4, or harboring up a bench that could give my star 3 a better substitute while ridding myself of an unhappy forward.

I can think of worse concerns. LOL

Have a great time tonight.



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