Messages

1096

Philadelphia 76ers / Re: Brand Opts Out - ESPN News Reports

« on: July 01, 2008, 09:37:37 AM »

The Clips also picked up Eric Gordon this year as I recall, they could have a very talented team.  Not necessarily title contenders, but 50+ wins with some playoff success.

As far as the Lakers go I wonder if their long-term future is really going to be all that bright as it seems?  I just have a feeling with Bynum that injuries might be a large part of his future, despite his prodigious talent I don't know that ten years from now we'll be looking back glowingly at an Andrew Bynum era of any sort, possibly more of a what might have been story.  Gasol has been pretty exposed for what he can't do and Kobe is already edging past his prime.  I ilke them for the next few years, but I don't see a run like they had with Kobe-Shaq, Magic-Kareem or the teams of West-Baylor and/or Chamberlain.

And I always toss out that California stuff for you Jem, since I know you have the local scoop.

1097

Philadelphia 76ers / Re: Brand Opts Out - ESPN News Reports

« on: July 01, 2008, 09:09:29 AM »

Except he's elton brand, who really isn't a huge endorsement draw.

BTW - since lebron james has been drafted reports are that the global shoe market has dropped almost 50% from 4.5 billion....

Not that he reduced the shoe market by his actions, but the one thing I will always give credit to Marbury for is his affordable shoes idea.  And from reading Consumer reports they are actually a pretty well made shoe.

For Brand I think its his production company tieins and lifestyle that tie him to LA, I thought the endorsement issue was likely to be more of a wash, although it would help raise the Clips profile if theyw ere running Brand and Baron out there.  With thornton not being the youngest rookie out there last year, a Brand-Baron pairing would definitely have a limited shelf life.

1098

Philadelphia 76ers / Re: Mr. Smith visits Philly...

« on: July 01, 2008, 08:53:32 AM »

If a S&T involved the two Joshes coming here in return for Iggy and Jason Smith + a draft pick was offered, that would be an interesting possibility. 

1099

Philadelphia 76ers / Re: Brand Opts Out - ESPN News Reports

« on: July 01, 2008, 08:51:15 AM »

I think we might be looking at Brand and Baron as Clippers.

I wonder how Philly fans will react to Brand signing a 6yr/110M+ deal with the Clippers?  Would people feel like that is overpaying him?  I guess we would have to give Ed a free pass, since there is no way the Sixers could out bid that, even with a sign and trade.

SAS is reporting that Brand wants 4 years/$60MIL. I think some of the children on realgm will be flipping out if he does sign for that little.

If he does that you can bet he is leaving room for Baron Davis to come to LA and giving a hometown discount he won't get here. The endorsement deals and Hollywood connections tend to make up for any money he leaves on the table to stay in LA.

1100

Philadelphia 76ers / Re: Minor FA News- Calderon resigns

« on: July 01, 2008, 08:48:11 AM »

I would have liked their other FA as a shooter, Delfino, but it sounds like he may head back to Europe.  Calderon was only a pipe-dream, especially after TJ Ford went bye-bye.  I imagine Bargnani will be available.

1101

Philadelphia 76ers / Re: Mr. Smith visits Philly...

« on: July 01, 2008, 08:20:43 AM »

Despite all of their athletes, Atlanta has never struck me as playing a real up-tempo game that would better suit Smith's talents.  Smith definitely needs to grow his game and harness his considerable talent, but if he didn't have some flaws we would have no shot at him.  Playing with a real PG, and sadly Bibby is as close as Atlanta has had, like Miller could do wonders for his offensive game.  On D he needs to learn when to play his man staright-up and when to rotate defensively.  Sometimes he is like a kid in a candy store when he sees a blocked shot possibility and gets out of position.  We would need to get the post-game from Speights and others and would have to plan on Thad becoming the go to scorer (personally I think he will) as Smith and Iggy are not number 1 options in the last few minutes of an NBA game.

The way to get Smith would be the Joe Johnson method IMO as I posted over on PhilaPhans.  Agree to terms that Atlanta would have some difficulty swallowing with Childress, Williams and Horford due raises over the next few years and the need to re-sign or replace Bibby soon and Joe Johnson down the road.  Then go to Atlanta witha trade proposal.  Ed has repeatedly said that we will likely make a trade for a big, not a pure FA signing.  Offer up Jason Smith and a couple of first rounders.  They want to move Horford to PF anyway, Smith provides cheap and productive help at C and the picks get them more help at C and PG down the road, while saving them a bunch of money to use on Childress, Horford, etc.

1102

Philadelphia 76ers / Re: Baron Davis Opting out?

« on: July 01, 2008, 08:07:42 AM »

Another SAS report... Smith is stating that Davis will go where the money is but that he would prefer to get his money and play for the Knicks. Apparently the lure of NYC and D'Antoni is enough to make the man come East. Again though... this is a SAS report.

I can't imagine the Knicks giving him a long-term, big money deal when they are trying to clear the decks for 2010.  No way GS takes back someone like Zach when they need room to sign their own young guys. And what does Davis do for NY in the short term, make them less sucky?  The deal, if any, would have to match salaries.  It would make no sense for either team really.  I could respect Davis looking to hook up with Brand in LA, it would be a good fit and they could have a good team, but if he some how goes to NYK for pure monetary reasons just to lose and lose some more, I would lose all respect for him.  Of course, this is a SAS rumor so it is highly (in)credible.

1103

Philadelphia 76ers / Re: Wizards Making Money Disappear

« on: June 30, 2008, 10:12:44 PM »

They must feel really at home there

Home is where the money is, right?

I am home, ain't no money here. 

1104

Philadelphia 76ers / Re: Mr. Smith visits Philly...

« on: June 30, 2008, 10:05:38 PM »

I am much more comfortable with Josh Smith now that we have Speights.  With Iggy at the 2, Thad at the 3, Miller at PG and Speights off the bench we will have four guys capable of posting up at their various positions.  Smith is a nice complement to Speights when he plays at C because of the athleticism and shot blocking of Smith.  All things being equal, including age, I would much prefer Brand.  Their age is not equal howver, and that is where Smith has the biggest edge.

BTW, since I had not posted with him until after draft night, kudos to Jem who hopped on the Speights bandwagon very early last season, good call.

Smith may be coming later this week, but you can be darn sure his agent will be on the line with Ed tomorrow.

1105

Philadelphia 76ers / Re: Brand Opts Out - ESPN News Reports

« on: June 30, 2008, 09:33:10 PM »

Iggy is not as easily replaceable as people think.  He will be scimaging against the current Olympic team for a reason - he is very highly thought of around the league.  Also much harder to replace once you have maxed Brand out.  I would happily send Andre to the Clips, if it's needed and if his last name is Miller. 

I doubt the clips want him back for one year

Not since he plays the same position Arenas is supposed to play and I know they have at least one on Agent Zero.

1106

Philadelphia 76ers / Mr. Smith visits Philly...

« on: June 30, 2008, 09:30:29 PM »

A poster on PhilaPhans posted this link to the Atlanta papers citing Josh Smith as planning to visit Philly this week:

http://www.ajc.com/sports/content/sports/hawks/stories/2008/06/30/joshes_0701.html

Maybe that is where Stefanski's "reservations" are coming from.

1107

Philadelphia 76ers / Re: Brand Opts Out - ESPN News Reports

« on: June 30, 2008, 09:22:20 PM »

Iggy is not as easily replaceable as people think.  He will be scrimaging against the current Olympic team for a reason - he is very highly thought of around the league.  Also much harder to replace once you have maxed Brand out.  I would happily send Andre to the Clips, if it's needed and if his last name is Miller. 

1108

Philadelphia 76ers / Re: Brand Opts Out - ESPN News Reports

« on: June 30, 2008, 09:11:27 PM »

Ed should have reservations - for the next flight out to LA!!!!

1109

Philadelphia 76ers / Re: Brand Opts Out - ESPN News Reports

« on: June 30, 2008, 09:08:47 PM »

I have no problem witha S&T, but half the people on RealGm suddenly want to give Iggy in the S&T, that is idiotic.  Teams losing players in S&T deals do not get near full value.  If they get the Utah pick, Reggie (for salary purposes) and Jason Smith they should be ecstatic on the receiving end of a S&T.  They will be free to go after Arenas and have some cheap new assets up front.  

1110

Philadelphia 76ers / Re: What level of success could the Sixers hope for by adding Brand?

« on: June 30, 2008, 09:04:38 PM »

Absolutely are a 50+ win team and at least into the second round for the next several tears.  How much farther they go depends on adding the missing pieces - shooters and a new PG.