two starting centers on one rebuilding team

by sofutomygaha on Dec 15, 2011 10:51 AM EST

With Chris Kaman going to New Orleans in the Chris Paul deal, the Hornets find themselves with two very good defensive starting centers, a very weak group of forwards, and no one to run the point. Though Eric Bledsoe would have been a better building block for the Hornets, I think that they accepted Chris Kaman either as a tradable asset or as a replacement for Emeka Okafor.

As we all know, acquiring a starting-caliber center is a very difficult thing to do. At present, the Celtics have a few assets that many of us have identified as tradable- the expiring contract of a possibly serviceable Jermaine O'neal, young combo guard Avery Bradley, and of course the highly-valued (or is he worthless?) Jeff Green. MIx that up with two rookies that we are trying to get excited about and one Rajon Rondo who we apparently would just love to move in a 3 team trade that brings us back a new PG with some shooting ability.

On paper, here's one deal that works:

Jeff Green and Jermaine O'Neal straight up for either Kaman or Okafor.

Does Boston like this deal? If we think O'Neal has sneaky value and is going to be able to play significant minutes this season, then we don't do a deal like that. Otherwise, I see no reason why we wouldn't. The greatest single improvement we could make this off season would be to acquire a reliable center who plays strong defense, rebounds well, and can score a little bit. That describes both Okafor and Kaman.

Does NO like this deal? Watching how the Chris Paul situation played out, they will probably hold out for more. That said, this deal works for them. Green would be a starter at either forward position for New Orleans, and trading Kaman's expiring for O'Neal's expiring is nothing but a $5 million savings in the long run. Alternatively, if they want to get out of Okafor's contract and extend Kaman, this gives them the flexibility to do so and furnishes them with a backup.

If NO is intrigued by Green at all, I'm guess that they would ask for Bradley to be added. My initial reaction is "too much," because I have somehow convinced myself that if Avery Bradley had some playing time and a duffle bag full of guns he would basically be Delonte West. I'm a homer, though. Avery Bradley might be worthless.

What do you guys think? Do you think that the new Hornets give us a move for a starting center?

Be respectful and keep it clean. Thanks.

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Jeff Green can't be traded

can’t remember why, but i think the league doesnt allow a trade after signing a guy so soon

by MrCross on Dec 15, 2011 11:47 AM EST reply actions

Chris Kaman has been hampered by serious injuries two of the past three seasons. If the Celtics managed to acquire both, which they couldn’t, they would most likely retain Okafor, who is more serviceable at this point in his career.

Kaman is on the wrong end of a career trajectory arch. A trade could bring in one or the other, but it may not be worth it. Okafor is only 6’10, maybe 6’11 with the rights shoes on, so why not use the power forward depth already assembled and keep a large rotation of fresh bodies- I think WIlcox is 6’10, Garrnett is listed as 6’11 (he is obviously at least 7 feet, though) and Steisma is 6’11.

Truthfully, given all players are healthy, I would rather have a player like Jeff Green than Kaman… although not necessarily rather than Okafor. I think Kaman will be traded, he is in a contract year, and New Orleans is looking to reduce pay roll and bring in young assets. Expect him to be moved by the trade deadline, especially if the Hornets are not playoff bound. If the Celtics could pick him up for nothing at the trade deadline- i.e., clippers protected 1st round draft pick, a couple of second rounders, and O’neal’s expiring contract, then why not.

by Cam85 on Dec 15, 2011 11:59 AM EST reply actions

Good point in pointing out kaman’s injury history, though with his age (29) and very good, though intermittent, bounce backs there is still a lot of reason to believe in him.

I think that, though Okafor is undersized, you underestimate the value of his skill at the center position specifically. He is an excellent at defending and boxing out post-up bigs. Perkins is also 6’10", but you would never group him with a bunch of power forwards and call it front court depth. His skill set is too different from the other large bodies the celtics have on the roster.

Looking forward to seeing if Steisma has something, though.

by sofutomygaha on Dec 15, 2011 1:56 PM EST up reply actions

I had this same thought once I heard he was traded.

I think it’s likely Kaman or Okafor gets traded before the years out. Kaman would be the more desirable asset because of his age and contract (expiring.)

This trade works:

http://games.espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=6rfk264

But do you do it?… Still gives us only one real center. But one who was healthy last year, and only 2 years removed from being a bonafide all star. And a guy who has one of the best mid-ranges games of us 7fter in the league.

But you’d have to give up a young asset in Bradley to do it, and a very useful player in Wilcox, and it doesn’t really solve the whole “we only have 1 real Center” problem. I think it makes some sense for the Hornets though, they get an asset in Bradley, a guy who can back up Jarret Jack, a useful player in Wilcox (and they have a need at PF), and JO is likely to reach a buyout, and not hurt they’re future cap flexibility.

Very difficult choice.

"Phil is obviously a good coach. You don't win that many games without being a damn good coach, ... Remember one thing: He's been very fortunate. He picks his spots. That's all I can say." - Red Auerbach

by Sizzlack on Dec 15, 2011 1:03 PM EST reply actions

you would only do it if you were confident Kaman would give you more minutes than JO

that seems likely to me, though I hold out hopes that JO has a comeback in him

by sofutomygaha on Dec 15, 2011 1:59 PM EST up reply actions

Agreed.

Like I said, difficult choice.

by Sizzlack on Dec 15, 2011 2:08 PM EST up reply actions

the landry deal that just went down, and the Jeff Green health scare

probably make my idea moot

by sofutomygaha on Dec 15, 2011 2:02 PM EST reply actions

Kaman

Trade Green for him.

by juanpan on Dec 15, 2011 4:46 PM EST reply actions

We can’t trade Green for a long time as he just signed with us.

"Can't eat sushi in Utah, brother. Landlocked."

by IsItTheShoes on Dec 16, 2011 7:19 AM EST up reply actions

no way it will happen we dont have the money or trading chips, but keep dreamin, it cant hurt.

by JESUSFULFILLEDPROPHECY on Dec 15, 2011 5:06 PM EST reply actions

Okafer

has a worse contract than Perk wanted-they’d trade him for nothing.

by calc on Dec 15, 2011 7:24 PM EST reply actions

Get Kaman!

with Landry’s signing, NO would certainly trade Kaman or Okafor, but right now our only trade chips are Avery, JO and the draft picks.. Kaman for AB, JO and a 1rd or 2 2rd picks.. Then midseason, we can dangle Kaman , Green, a 1rd pick and maybe JJJ for Dwight!

by Rany on Dec 15, 2011 8:44 PM EST reply actions