[Official - trade complete] Hornets Trying to Land RFA Lopez from the Suns {merged}

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Originally Posted by whodat504

What about Anderson? And you left out PJIII for them who I believe will turn into a very strong player for them.

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I'd say Davis/Anderson = Durant :D

I fell asleep, is anything official yet?

Davis= Ibaka (the hope is Davis takes it to the next level defensively)
Gordon= Harden ( again the hope is that Gordon can take it to the next level
Anderson= Durant (a poor poor man's version, he just needs to stay efficient)
Rivers= Westbrook (can he get to the basket at will? can he get others involved?)

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Originally Posted by RaisingTheBrow

yes reading comprehension problems, because in that post i didnt say those two would start together. i said my belief was that our best lineup is rivers, gordon, anderson, davis and lopez. best lineup, as in people on the floor together at the same time. your best 5 players that work best together do not always start. would manu not be in the spurs best lineup? i didnt say starting because i dont think rivers is going to start for us day 1. no didnt backtrack you just suck a reading.

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Your crazy if you think Lopez is in the best lineup. If it so, then we are worse off than I thought we were. I'm not even convinced he runs with the 2s. You are overvaluing the guy as a basketball player. He's a project at best.

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Originally Posted by DefensiveMind

Davis= Ibaka (the hope is Davis takes it to the next level defensively)
Gordon= Harden ( again the hope is that Gordon can take it to the next level
Anderson= Durant (a poor poor man's version, he just needs to stay efficient)
Rivers= Westbrook (can he get to the basket at will? can he get others involved?)

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Interesting. I wasn't comparing their skillets so much as their impact on the team, but this is an interesting way to look at it. I don't really see Davis as our Ibaka for example. He is going to be way way better than Ibaka. He's going to be the guy who puts butts in the seats next year. That's why I labelled him our Durant.

I don't know where Anderson fits on the "Okc" scale. Maybe their Jeff Green before they traded him? It just shows how much potential this team has! And all under the age of 25! Wowzers.

The deal is still on track.

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Originally Posted by GameBreaker

Your crazy if you think Lopez is in the best lineup. If it so, then we are worse off than I thought we were. I'm not even convinced he runs with the 2s. You are overvaluing the guy as a basketball player. He's a project at best.

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You should give Lopez a chance. Also, you should go back and watch the Sun's 2010 semifinals against the Lakers. Lopez was a beast. Watching his exit interview online, it is pretty clear to me he felt like he could never get going this year because of his playing time. He would get six minutes here and eight minutes there. There just weren't that many minutes available with Gortat on the team. Also, he mentioned his injuries held him back last year.

This year he will hopefully be healthy and in a system that knows how to utilize bigs. He should get regular minutes, lots of them, and he loves NO gumbo so he may be a happy camper for once.

He does have a lot of potential. I always liked his heart and passion for the game. That's I think what pushed him above some of the other center options out there like Haywood or Hollins in my mind. That and that he is a genetic clone of a max player in the league.

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Originally Posted by GameBreaker

Your crazy if you think Lopez is in the best lineup. If it so, then we are worse off than I thought we were. I'm not even convinced he runs with the 2s. You are overvaluing the guy as a basketball player. He's a project at best.

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and you obviously have no idea what you are talking about.

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Originally Posted by GameBreaker

Your crazy if you think Lopez is in the best lineup. If it so, then we are worse off than I thought we were. I'm not even convinced he runs with the 2s. You are overvaluing the guy as a basketball player. He's a project at best.

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You are entitled to your own opinion, but come on. Not even run with the 2s? Yeah, Dell is paying him 3 years/15 mill to sit on the bench. Don't be ridiculous. He's 24, and has regressed, but maybe Monty can get that talent that was seen his rookie year out of him? If not, then he's a 5 mill a year back up C to someone we add later on.

Now that we have the following bigs wrapped up:

Robin Lopez
Anthony Davis
Ryan Anderson
Hakim Warrick
Jason Smith


I can't help but recall that comment Eric Gordon made about our frontline during free agency. Something along the lines of, "What bigs do the Hornets have, Jason Smith?" Is there any irony to the fact we have like half of the Suns' front line players from last year? Lol.

jason smith is his name.

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Originally Posted by sfernald

Now that we have the following bigs wrapped up:

Brook Lopez
Anthony Davis
Ryan Anderson
Hakim Warrick
Steve Smith


I can't help but recall that comment Eric Gordon made about our frontline during free agency. Something along the lines of, "What bigs do the Hornets have, Steve Smith?" Is there any irony to the fact we have like half of the Suns' front line players from last year? Lol.

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You mean Jason Smith? and Robin Lopez?

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Originally Posted by sfernald

Now that we have the following bigs wrapped up:

Brook Lopez
Anthony Davis
Ryan Anderson
Hakim Warrick
Steve Smith


I can't help but recall that comment Eric Gordon made about our frontline during free agency. Something along the lines of, "What bigs do the Hornets have, Steve Smith?" Is there any irony to the fact we have like half of the Suns' front line players from last year? Lol.

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Steve Smith? he plays for the Carolina Panties....

I love everything that Dell has done this offseason, how he has moved our Hornet chess pieces. The pieces of the puzzle have come together nicely. I would love to flip X for a better asset (draft pick?) though. His summer league were the pitts.

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Originally Posted by sfernald

Now that we have the following bigs wrapped up:

Brook Lopez
Anthony Davis
Ryan Anderson
Hakim Warrick
Steve Smith


I can't help but recall that comment Eric Gordon made about our frontline during free agency. Something along the lines of, "What bigs do the Hornets have, Steve Smith?" Is there any irony to the fact we have like half of the Suns' front line players from last year? Lol.

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HUUUUUUHHH?

nah, If we were trying to be OKC we would have tanked this year, spurs model yeah,
Duncan=Davis
Manu=Gordon
shooting big, defensive big
and Small forward is a "swing man" for this team.
A bunch of castoffs with defined skill sets that become role players (Smith, Vazquez...)
Total Spurs.

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Originally Posted by BeeBall Reasons

nah, If we were trying to be OKC we would have tanked this year, spurs model yeah,
Duncan=Davis
Manu=Gordon
shooting big, defensive big
and Small forward is a "swing man" for this team.
A bunch of castoffs with defined skill sets that become role players (Smith, Vazquez...)
Total Spurs.

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Yea you kinda nailed it actually. I like it!

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Originally Posted by GameBreaker

Your crazy if you think Lopez is in the best lineup. If it so, then we are worse off than I thought we were. I'm not even convinced he runs with the 2s. You are overvaluing the guy as a basketball player. He's a project at best.

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You so Funny !:cartman: When Lopez, AD and Jason smith are in the game together, those freakin point guard are gonna have welps all over their bodies . Gonna be like gettin slapped continuously with big ole *** fly swatters !:bash: Lopez is fast, runs the floor & long ! Monty will teach him defense ! Smith, Davis and Lopez side by side take up the whole damn width of the floor arms extended !:freakman:

Vasquez/Rivers
Gordon
Aminu/Miller/Henry
Anderson/Smith/Thomas/Warrick
Davis/Lopez

We are still in need of a backup 2, hopefully we can flip Henry for a pick and use the cap space to sign Meeks/Pietrus/W.Green... just please no Roger Mason.

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Originally Posted by sfernald

Now that we have the following bigs wrapped up:

Brook Lopez
Anthony Davis
Ryan Anderson
Hakim Warrick
Steve Smith


I can't help but recall that comment Eric Gordon made about our frontline during free agency. Something along the lines of, "What bigs do the Hornets have, Steve Smith?" Is there any irony to the fact we have like half of the Suns' front line players from last year? Lol.

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Man , that stuff from the can must be really good !:wstupid:

He was up late. He knows it's Robin and Jason.

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Originally Posted by sfernald

Now that we have the following bigs wrapped up:

Brook Lopez
Anthony Davis
Ryan Anderson
Hakim Warrick
Steve Smith

I can't help but recall that comment Eric Gordon made about our frontline during free agency. Something along the lines of, "What bigs do the Hornets have, Steve Smith?" Is there any irony to the fact we have like half of the Suns' front line players from last year? Lol.

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http://i.cdn.turner.com/v5cache/TBS/...1420100123.jpg

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Originally Posted by jhow0036

You mean Jason Smith? and Robin Lopez?

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Lol. Brain fart. I watched a lot of panthers football last year with Cam playing and at least I mentioned an identical twin for the other. Hahah. And yes I stayed up way past my bed time last night.

I'm interested to see what a change of scenery and much better coach can do for Lopez. Hate that his vertical is practically gone now, but hopefully he stays healthy. We don't need him to do much, just be that solid reliable banger so AD doesn't have to be.

I am pretty sure his name is Jason Smiht! not Smith

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Originally Posted by GameBreaker

Your crazy if you think Lopez is in the best lineup. If it so, then we are worse off than I thought we were. I'm not even convinced he runs with the 2s. You are overvaluing the guy as a basketball player. He's a project at best.

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Lopez isn't a project. He's too old to be a project at this point (NBA players usually reach their potential by 24). He is who he is.

With that said, he's certainly capable of being a backup center. Although personally I think he has a legit shot at being the spot starter on this team with Ryan Anderson being the sixth man but seeing the floor a lot more often. Lopez could start, but likely would only average 12-20 minutes per game.

As for best lineup... it will probably be:

Rivers (assuming he develops quick enough, but I don't think he starts any time soon)
Gordon
Aminu (for defense)
Anderson
Davis

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Originally Posted by bradael

Lopez isn't a project. He's too old to be a project at this point (NBA players usually reach their potential by 24). He is who he is.

With that said, he's certainly capable of being a backup center. Although personally I think he has a legit shot at being the spot starter on this team with Ryan Anderson being the sixth man but seeing the floor a lot more often. Lopez could start, but likely would only average 12-20 minutes per game.

As for best lineup... it will probably be:

Rivers (assuming he develops quick enough, but I don't think he starts any time soon)
Gordon
Aminu (for defense)
Anderson
Davis

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What? That's pretty presumptuous to assume that a player who has not gotten minutes has maxed out by age 24.

The question remains... is Anthony Davis gonna start at center?

I say this season... no... MAYBE next. Monty says no. I guess we'll find out.

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Originally Posted by bradael

Lopez isn't a project. He's too old to be a project at this point (NBA players usually reach their potential by 24). He is who he is.

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I've read in various places that the average Center's best statistical year is 27 years old. Could be wrong on that but I seem to remember reading that. IE, Centers take longer to mature.

Not saying that will be the case with Lopez.

QUOTE=Miss_318;969911]I personally haven't thrown any lineups out....cuz I haven't even seen these guys play together yet. But I guess I just like to see with my own eyes what they look like on the floor as a team and in different situations before I make any suggestions........I personally think the NBA has changed to the point where whoever "starts" is irrelevant....its what the best lineup is for that particular opponent....[/QUOTE]

You're totally right. For each opponent there is a different "starting five". But coaches and players kind of have an unspoken deal to keep putting in the same five players at the start of each game; that way the whole "Who's starting?" garbage dies quickly.

All we know for sure as of now is that Davis, Gordon and Anderson will be on the court during crunch-time. And Gordon, Davis and Aminu will start the game

That's why Davis is so good. His versatility allows for

J. Smith and A. Davis playing the 4 and 5 and R. Anderson playing SF on offense. While letting A. Davis guard the SF against teams like OKC, while playing two combo-guards.



At the end of a close game, Anderson, Davis and Gordon will be paired with:
Al Farouq Aminu vs. Jason Smith vs. Robin Lopez vs. Hakim Warrik
Vasquez vs. Rivers vs. (WE NEED A PLAYER HERE

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Originally Posted by fullcourtpress

QUOTE=Miss_318;969911]I personally haven't thrown any lineups out....cuz I haven't even seen these guys play together yet. But I guess I just like to see with my own eyes what they look like on the floor as a team and in different situations before I make any suggestions........I personally think the NBA has changed to the point where whoever "starts" is irrelevant....its what the best lineup is for that particular opponent....

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You're totally right. For each opponent there is a different "starting five". But coaches and players kind of have an unspoken deal to keep putting in the same five players at the start of each game; that way the whole "Who's starting?" garbage dies quickly.

All we know for sure as of now is that Davis, Gordon and Anderson will be on the court during crunch-time. And Gordon, Davis and Aminu will start the game

That's why Davis is so good. His versatility allows for

J. Smith and A. Davis playing the 4 and 5 and R. Anderson playing SF on offense. While letting A. Davis guard the SF against teams like OKC, while playing two combo-guards.



At the end of a close game, Anderson, Davis and Gordon will be paired with:
Al Farouq Aminu vs. Jason Smith vs. Robin Lopez vs. Hakim Warrik
Vasquez vs. Rivers vs. (WE NEED A PLAYER HERE[/QUOTE]


Why not XXXXXXXXXX? That's X.

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Originally Posted by HORNETSFAN

What? That's pretty presumptuous to assume that a player who has not gotten minutes has maxed out by age 24.

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I hear ya D. West went from 6.1 to 17.2 ppg at the age of 24!

Everyone knows a system can change a role player into a super star not saying he's going to be a superstar but with more players playing defense and not having everyone around him shooting threes it might give a chance to find a groove in this system! I say give him a chance to start! The right coaching the kid could be good for us!

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Originally Posted by DroopyDawg

The question remains... is Anthony Davis gonna start at center?

I say this season... no... MAYBE next. Monty says no. I guess we'll find out.

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On offense or defense?

He will jump for the ball I hope.

The rest is for the program and all-star votes.

Ask Pops about this. He has made a mockery of this subject for years.

Since the day D. Robinson left Duncan played center on offense, yet they would call him a PF. He dreamed of finding a center that would allow him to play PF again both ways but instead he would start a big then take him out for the majority of the game

The way I see it we have 96 minutes between pf and c
Davis 30 minutes
Anderson 30 minutes
Lopez 20 minutes
Smith 12 minutes
Warrick 4 minutes

positions are overrated but our lineup will probably be
PF: Davis/Anderson/Smith/Warrick
C: Anderson/Lopez/Smith

Anderson can't play D on good true centers, but there aren't a lot of those anyway and Anderson can really rebound. Offensively, in that line up, Davis will use his quickness in the face up game to drive by opposing centers, while Anderson spreads the floor. This lineup opens the floor for Davis and will allow his offensive game to grow significantly.

With Lopez and Davis, we can play D on the true centers. Offensively we'll be more limited, but Davis will go to the post on most powerforwards, but could also use the face up game. I think this lineup will protect him early in his career and protect him from banging down low.

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Originally Posted by Purple Haze

I'm interested to see what a change of scenery and much better coach can do for Lopez. Hate that his vertical is practically gone now, but hopefully he stays healthy. We don't need him to do much, just be that solid reliable banger so AD doesn't have to be.

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I think his lost a lot of his vertical is due to the weight he's carrying. I just watched some stuff from his rookie year and he is much heavier looking right now. He needs to get back to that 255 range.

Is this deal done?

What are the parameters?

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Originally Posted by Panic Hoops

Is this deal done?

What are the parameters?

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i think the deal is agreed upon but the hold up is that lopez is on "vacation" right now and the deal cannot be official until our team doctors give him a physical.

this could change but the latest i saw as far as details was hornets get lopez + warrick (pretty much an expiring contract), suns get wes johnson, minn's 1st and brad miller's contract, not quite sure what minn gets but i believe we are also giving up 2 future 2nd rounders.

What numbers do you predict?

I see:

Davis - 34 minutes - 17/12/3 (ROTY)
Anderson - 32 minutes - 19/8 (same as last year, but a little more scoring needed)
Lopez - 22 minutes - 8/7/1 (basically DeAndre Jordan's numbers without the blocks)
Smith - 18 minutes - 1000 yards, err, 9/5 (slightly less minutes than last year, but highest efficiency)

They will manage this by playing AD and RA sometimes at the 3.

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Originally Posted by RaisingTheBrow

i think the deal is agreed upon but the hold up is that lopez is on "vacation" right now and the deal cannot be official until our team doctors give him a physical.

this could change but the latest i saw as far as details was hornets get lopez + warrick (pretty much an expiring contract), suns get wes johnson, minn's 1st and brad miller's contract, not quite sure what minn gets but i believe we are also giving up 2 future 2nd rounders.

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Minnesota is getting cap space to sign Andre Kirilenko plus it looks like we are giving them 2 future second round picks.

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Originally Posted by sfernald

What numbers do you predict?

I see:

Davis - 34 minutes - 17/12/3 (ROTY)
Anderson - 32 minutes - 19/8 (same as last year, but a little more scoring needed)
Lopez - 22 minutes - 8/7/1 (basically DeAndre Jordan's numbers without the blocks)
Smith - 18 minutes - 1000 yards, err, 9/5 (slightly less minutes than last year, but highest efficiency)

They will manage this by playing AD and RA sometimes at the 3.

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i agree with/like these predictions for the MINUTES. i think anderson and davis will average somewhere around 5mpg each at the 3. i hate predicting stats, especially for davis b\c if he doesnt put up those number people will label him a bust. i am just excited about this year and cant wait to watch our new team.

great deal for Phoenix...

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Originally Posted by CrazyWhoDat

Minnesota is getting cap space to sign Andre Kirilenko plus it looks like we are giving them 2 future second round picks.

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so pretty much we are giving them back the 2 2nds they gave us in the miller trade? :hihi:

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Originally Posted by RaisingTheBrow

i think the deal is agreed upon but the hold up is that lopez is on "vacation" right now and the deal cannot be official until our team doctors give him a physical.

this could change but the latest i saw as far as details was hornets get lopez + warrick (pretty much an expiring contract), suns get wes johnson, minn's 1st and brad miller's contract, not quite sure what minn gets but i believe we are also giving up 2 future 2nd rounders.

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Thanks. Seems like Minny is doing the deal to get Kirilenko and needs the cap space.

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Originally Posted by sfernald

What numbers do you predict?

I see:

Davis - 34 minutes - 17/12/3 (ROTY)
Anderson - 32 minutes - 19/8 (same as last year, but a little more scoring needed)
Lopez - 22 minutes - 8/7/1 (basically DeAndre Jordan's numbers without the blocks)
Smith - 18 minutes - 1000 yards, err, 9/5 (slightly less minutes than last year, but highest efficiency)

They will manage this by playing AD and RA sometimes at the 3.

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I think you have a better shot at hitting the lottery or getting hit by lightning. Especially those rebound numbers. :hihi:

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Originally Posted by Panic Hoops

Thanks. Seems like Minny is doing the deal to get Kirilenko and needs the cap space.

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It's so funny that Brooklyn thought they had a chance to get Kirilenko. That is one dude I knew would want to get paid! All about the money.

http://www.nola.com/hornets/index.ss...cquire_ro.html

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Originally Posted by Panic Hoops

Thanks. Seems like Minny is doing the deal to get Kirilenko and needs the cap space.

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for sure.

dyson being sent to the wolves.

and the hornets receive cash, interesting.

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Originally Posted by Nola Hornet

I think you have a better shot at hitting the lottery or getting hit by lightning. Especially those rebound numbers. :hihi:

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Which ones don't you think are realistic? The Lopez one definitely, but besides that? Ryan averaged 8 last year rounding up and the smith numbers are the same as last year. So that just leave's Davis. You don't think Davis will be a top 10 rebounder next year?