Article about possible Ariza departure...

[Pelicans78]

The team needs a SF who can consistently shoot. Ariza nor Aminu do that.

I like MKG as a better prospect than Barnes long-term, but a player like Barnes would be a better fit next to Gordon. Still, I would rather sign a proven SF who can shoot and defend solidly because this team won't progress unless they find more shooters.

[aas3452]

I think we are gonna get the 2nd and 6th pick, we get luck on our side

I like the way you think.

[Joe Gerrity]

I might be in the minority here as well, but I think Ariza has some value again. He's always been a good defender, and he stopped chucking it this year and as a result has become a solid offensive player. Plus he has a good bit of experience in big games, whatever that's worth.

[GeauxPelicans]

I think Ariza can net us a late first without taking back a bad contract. He has always got to much hate on this forum. He's not a 1st/2nd/3rd option on offense, which he has been forced to be here since he arrived because of all the injuries the Hornets have had. He is one of the best wing defenders in the game and as long as you keep him under 10 shots a game, he's definitely worth his contract.

[UNO Gracias]

I can't believe the amount of people saying Ariza can't net us a 1st. Ariza is good (not great) sf. He is a key def. player, and he can be a big time asset (lakers series last year). A team would easily throw a 1st at us to get him off our hands. Not a top 10 pick, but there are maybe 2 kids in the draft better than Ariza, and at Arizas price tag he is a steal.

[BP225]

It's not just netting you a first, it's netting a first and cap space. He's most effective on a playoff team. Most playoff teams can give you a late 1st, but not cap space.

[Pelicans78]

If the team can trade him for value without getting salary back, that's a good thing. I could be wrong, but I don't see that happening. A contending team would be the best option, but those teams are usually close to the cap or luxury tax. Also, a non-contending team will be reluctant. His salary isn't that bad, but still has 2 years left.

His numbers weren't that much different from last season. His shots went from 10.2 to 9.8 per game. His 3-point attempts went down from 3.6 to 2.1 this season which was a good thing. His FG% went from 39.8 to 41.7 this season. Still not good at all. His 3-point attempts went down while his percentage went up to 33%. His FT% went from 70 to 77%. Taking less 3's per game helped him improve offensively.

His offensive rating last season was 97. The Hornets team rating was 106 while the league average was 107.3. His defense was strong, but his offense decreased his impact considering Paul, West, and Okafor had much higher win shares while Ariza was tied with Marco even though Ariza played much more minutes.

This season Ariza's offensive rating is 100. The team's offensive rating is 101.6. League average is 104.7. He has improved somewhat, but its not a huge improvement and he's still below the team's and league average.

His salary is fair, but this team needs more shooters especially at SF which is why the team needs to find a SF who can shoot whether its Barnes from the draft or in FA which I would prefer.

[Hard'n'DaPaint]

I think we are gonna get the 2nd and 6th pick, we get luck on our side

"I bee-lieve" Right?

[Atmosphere]

I think we are gonna get the 2nd and 6th pick, we get luck on our side

If we do get the 2nd and 6th pick and Charlotte got the 1st pick... do you think the Bobcats would trade us their pick+Corey Maggette for both of our picks+Ariza? Ariza will be a much better option for them moving on and we only have Maggette's contract for a year right before a very strong FA class in 2013

[groundpatty]

If we do get the 2nd and 6th pick and Charlotte got the 1st pick... do you think the Bobcats would trade us their pick...

I have a hard time seeing anyone trade the #1 pick with Davis on the board.

[DroopyDawg]

If defense is what we want in a SF, the MKG might be the pick according to where we land. I think Trev has played his last game in N.O.

[nolaslim213]

I have a hard time seeing anyone trade the #1 pick with Davis on the board.

You are probably right, but a team like Charlotte needs help everywhere, and the talent from 2-10 is all about equal, so they might be interested in 2 solid Grade A players instead of 1 A+.

[nolaslim213]

If defense is what we want in a SF, the MKG might be the pick according to where we land. I think Trev has played his last game in N.O.

If defense is what we want in a SF, we already have it in Aminu.

[AD23nEG10]

I actually really loved Ariza's game. I think he was paid pretty fairly... on-ball defense is so underrated these days and he's a great role player for a team, doesn't need to take shots away from others but can have a good offensive game from time to time. if he leaves, he'll be missed

[nolaslim213]

I might be in the minority here as well, but I think Ariza has some value again. He's always been a good defender, and he stopped chucking it this year and as a result has become a solid offensive player. Plus he has a good bit of experience in big games, whatever that's worth.

He definitely carries value around this league. A 26 year old defensive specialist who can slash and provide leadership and Championship experience. Very valuable. He just doesn't fit into this system with EJ because he's not a great off the ball shooter, and we already have his replacement (younger and cheaper) on the roster.

[nolaslim213]

I actually really loved Ariza's game. I think he was paid pretty fairly... on-ball defense is so underrated these days and he's a great role player for a team, doesn't need to take shots away from others but can have a good offensive game from time to time. if he leaves, he'll be missed

This is my main problem with Ariza. He actually does take a lot of shots - way more than he should. At least Aminu knows he doesn't shoot well, so he doesn't waste many possessions... Ariza chucks it up all day.

[Pelicans78]

This is my main problem with Ariza. He actually does take a lot of shots - way more than he should. At least Aminu knows he doesn't shoot well, so he doesn't waist many possessions... Ariza chucks it up all day.

I agree. Ariza still had no business shooting 10 shots a game this season. He did take less 3 point shots which helped. The dude's not a scorer so he needs to stop acting like it.

[StefanC]

Keeping Ariza is pretty much impossible now. He had "effort" problems at times in the past. Imagine how it would be now with this mess. He is as good as gone.

[hagios]

Keeping Ariza is pretty much impossible now. He had "effort" problems at times in the past. Imagine how it would be now with this mess. He is as good as gone.

Effort problems? When?


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[ATR22]

As it stands now (Jazz in Playoffs) they will only get 1 selection in the 1st round from Golden State (there is some protection for GS, not sure what the protection is). The Jazz pick will go to Minny

Is this Feasible in your Opinion. Would/Should the Hornets do it? Would the Jazz do it?

With Our 2nd pick, assuming he's available, pick Damian Lillard. Then Trade Lillard and Ariza the Jazz for Derrick Favors and another peice. (I would love Hayward but don't think that's realistic). Would the Jazz be willing to part with favors for their pg of their future and a solid defensive minded wing?

Our draft would essentially be: One of these (Davis, Drummond, MKG, T Rob, Barnes) and Derrick Favors.

I think we do it in a heartbeat but not sure if Utah parts with Favors. Would you do it for Kanter?

*I have more ideas for building the roster that atleast deserve exploration and chatter but this is enough to chew on for now.

[Bee-Fense]

I've always thought about trading that pick to the Jazz, ESPECIALLY if they end up with no picks. I don't think they give us one of their young bigs for that pick though. I think if we're offering Ariza + the pick, that might get us Jefferson. If they end up not getting any picks, then maybe we might be able to land Millsap or Kanter if we also threw in Jack. I doubt we're going to get Favors though. He's probably worth a top 5 pick.

[Pelicans78]

Utah won't trade Kanter nor Favors. They're the future frontcourt.

[ATR22]

Not saying your right or wrong but here is the argument.

Jefferson and Millsap are only 27. Jefferson averages 20 and 10 and is an absolute stud offensively. Millsap averages 16 and 19 and is arguably the heart and soul of the team. That alone is already a very good front court and the Jazz could be considered a contender if they had better guard play. I think they would like to hold on to Jefferson bc he's so good for them and he's an expiring that they could get great value for at the trade deadline if the Jazz were to struggle next season. If they have a good year they would definitely look to resign him long term.
Favors has begun to play a bigger role for them as of late bc they have been using a huge lineup for extended minutes with Millsap at the 3, Favors at the 4, and Jefferson at the 5. They don't really have a SF who can defend(Ariza?). I can definitely see that they wouldn't want to give up Favors. However, Kanter plays very little and has developed very little sense arriving in Utah. Even Jazz fans complain about his lack of playing time and development. I think if we offer the right pieces we could atleast land Kanter...maybe favors if we got lucky or Dealer Dell worked some magic. Maybe give up Lillard, Ariza, Henry for Favors or Kanter plus 1 more piece.

With all that being said if we land Davis/Drummond and Lillard that would be a duo worth keeping IMO. Maybe we look to sign Ilyasova via free agency to play the 4. Good thing is we have tons of options

[Pelicans78]

Not saying your right or wrong but here is the argument.

Jefferson and Millsap are only 27. Jefferson averages 20 and 10 and is an absolute stud offensively. Millsap averages 16 and 19 and is arguably the heart and soul of the team. That alone is already a very good front court and the Jazz could be considered a contender if they had better guard play. I think they would like to hold on to Jefferson bc he's so good for them and he's an expiring that they could get great value for at the trade deadline if the Jazz were to struggle next season. If they have a good year they would definitely look to resign him long term.
Favors has begun to play a bigger role for them as of late bc they have been using a huge lineup for extended minutes with Millsap at the 3, Favors at the 4, and Jefferson at the 5. They don't really have a SF who can defend(Ariza?). I can definitely see that they wouldn't want to give up Favors. However, Kanter plays very little and has developed very little sense arriving in Utah. Even Jazz fans complain about his lack of playing time and development. I think if we offer the right pieces we could atleast land Kanter...maybe favors if we got lucky or Dealer Dell worked some magic. Maybe give up Lillard, Ariza, Henry for Favors or Kanter plus 1 more piece.

With all that being said if we land Davis/Drummond and Lillard that would be a duo worth keeping IMO. Maybe we look to sign Ilyasova via free agency to play the 4. Good thing is we have tons of options

Hayward is their SF of the future. He's only 21 and has way more skills and upside than Ariza.

What they're lacking is a PG for the future. They view Burks as their future SG, but they could do better. However, Henry wouldn't be a proven upgrade.

Honestly, Jefferson and Millsap are playing well, but they're not gonna win playoff series with those guys. They're not All-Star big men. Those guys are undersized for their position and will struggle against bigger frontlines. That's why they view Kanter and Favors as the future because they bring size, youth, and athleticism to the frontcourt. Kanter is only 19 and was a top 4 pick in the draft. He's been solid this season and will only get better.

They have no need for Ariza unless they move Hayward to SG, but they really need a PG and would love to get someone like Lillard. Still, they wouldn't trade Kanter for Lillard.

Basically, they wouldn't trade Kanter or Favors for Henry, Ariza, and Lillard.

[Pelicans78]

Also, I would rather do Drummond/Davis and Sullinger. We don't have our future frontcourt in place and Sullinger will have more impact than Lillard. With Gordon established at SG, we need to fortify the frontcourt defensively and offensively. Drafting Davis/Drummond and Sullinger will do that.