Originally Posted by
N.O.Bronco
GA, I think you are really arguing an argument no one is really making.
Barnes is a solid starter. We all pretty much agree on that. He is an above average defender and can hit open shots decently though not ideally.
If both players were going to command identical salaries then it would probably be a toss up for who to go after. However thats not the case.
Furthermore signing Bazemore could open up the door to signing someone like Dudley to be a swing role player this team needs. Being able to step into positions 2-4(even 5 occasionally) and doesnt try to do too much so he stays efficient. Probably still leave us room to add another low cost prospect role player.
If I am looking at a closing lineup of Jrue, Evans/Hield, Bazemore/Qpon, Dudley/Cunningham and Davis vs Jrue, Evans/Hield, Barnes/Qpon, Barnes/Cunningham, Davis, Im not sure the on the court difference is all that much.
What I am sure of though is that going forward, Bazemore/Dudley are much better/flexible/less risky assets you can use to nab that long term cornerstone piece in FA or a trade. Or they at the minimum won't be major walls to getting a major difference maker.
Barnes is a very high risk asset to acquire for this organization. If it isn't a homerun you have another difficult to move, high price contract on your hands. We aren't in a position to take that risk. And when you have alternative options with similar total output but retain flexibility and are lower risk assets to acquire, you take it.
