Article about possible Ariza departure...

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Originally Posted by 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.

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Lets not underrate Barnes defensively. He's a good defender as well. Had a defensive rating of 95.5 this year.

Ariza has always been just a tad overpaid due to getting his contract after winning a championship. He would be a GREAT off the bench guy, but he is just paid too much to do so.

What if Golden State gets their pick back, and then we offer Jack + Minny pick for Millsap if we draft MKG or Drummond?

I doubt Ariza is going to bring in much value, so I think we should just trade him for some late 1st or 2nd round, or even just a straight up salary dump.

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Originally Posted by CP3forMVP

Lets not underrate Barnes defensively. He's a good defender as well. Had a defensive rating of 95.5 this year.

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That is lower than the team's defensive rating of 92. Plus, it helped having Henson and Zeller in the frontcourt.

Sully's defensive rating was 85 while his team's rating was 91. He had sucky defenders around him outside of Craft.

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Originally Posted by Mr. West

Ariza has always been just a tad overpaid due to getting his contract after winning a championship. He would be a GREAT off the bench guy, but he is just paid too much to do so.

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I agree. That's why most teams would amnesty him.

Regardless, Barnes has all the physical tools and attitude to be a good defender. If we draft him, I'm sure he'd be a solid defender. Monty gets the most out of everyone on the defensive side.

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Originally Posted by Hornets78

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.

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I disagree that Millsap and Favors would struggle in the Playoffs. They are as good as any other 4-5 duo in the NBA. Millsap is probably the most underrated player in the league. They will struggle in the Playoffs bc of their guard play and lack of team defense

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Originally Posted by Bee-Fense

Regardless, Barnes has all the physical tools and attitude to be a good defender. If we draft him, I'm sure he'd be a solid defender. Monty gets the most out of everyone on the defensive side.

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He could, but remember, alot more room to operate offensively in the NBA with illegal defense rules, a much longer 3-point line. I wonder how good his defense will be in the league. I'm sure he will be solid. Athletic, long arms. Wonder how his foot speed will be. I still like his ability to extend defenses with his range. I'm ok with drafting him with the Minny pick, but I would rather draft Sullinger if available.

Depends on what happens with Sullinger and his legs. He's going to drop like a rock if one leg is longer than the other.

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Originally Posted by ATR22

I disagree that Millsap and Favors would struggle in the Playoffs. They are as good as any other 4-5 duo in the NBA. Millsap is probably the most underrated player in the league. They will struggle in the Playoffs bc of their guard play and lack of team defense

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Millsap has always struggled against the Lakers frontline like most PFs. Too small against bigger frontlines.

Both guys have played well this season, but I want to watch them against the Spurs frontline of Duncan and Splitter.

Utah still views Kanter and Favors as their future frontline. It could change, but they're definitely not trading neither for Lillard, Ariza, and Henry. The Hornets will have to do better than that.

Ariza is a guy you need to finish your team rather than some one you'd build with. It doesn't make sense for a team like the Hornets to keep him especially when the drop off between Aminu and Ariza becomes smaller with experience.

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Originally Posted by CP3forMVP

Depends on what happens with Sullinger and his legs. He's going to drop like a rock if one leg is longer than the other.

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How legit is that rumor? Sullinger didn't have the same type of injury history compared to Oden, but it would be a concern.

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Originally Posted by Hornets78

Millsap has always struggled against the Lakers frontline like most PFs. Too small against bigger frontlines.

Both guys have played well this season, but I want to watch them against the Spurs frontline of Duncan and Splitter.

Utah still views Kanter and Favors as their future frontline. It could change, but they're definitely not trading neither for Lillard, Ariza, and Henry. The Hornets will have to do better than that.

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i am not too sure about that...kanter(who went #3 last yr) probably would go #6 this yr, so we could trade the 10th and ariza for the 6th and a filler like demarre carroll...not too bad of a trade for both teams...kanter is the guy i would target

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Originally Posted by CP4MVP

i am not too sure about that...kanter(who went #3 last yr) probably would go #6 this yr, so we could trade the 10th and ariza for the 6th and a filler like demarre carroll...not too bad of a trade for both teams...kanter is the guy i would target

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Utah could definitely use the pick for a PG, but if Lillard is gone, then the pick is worthless to them.

Plus, why would they want Ariza when Hayward is already at SF?

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Originally Posted by Hornets78

How legit is that rumor? Sullinger didn't have the same type of injury history compared to Oden, but it would be a concern.

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I'm not sure, but it's something I keep hearing. From what I've heard though if it is proven to be true it's going to be a huge issue.

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Originally Posted by Hornets78

Utah could definitely use the pick for a PG, but if Lillard is gone, then the pick is worthless to them.

Plus, why would they want Ariza when Hayward is already at SF?

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They want to start defensive minded SF. Milsap and Jefferson provide enough offense but aren't as strong defensively. They would love to be able to start Hayward at the 2 or bring him off the bench (he would still play extended minutes similar to Ginobli's role for SA)

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Originally Posted by Hornets78

He could, but remember, alot more room to operate offensively in the NBA with illegal defense rules, a much longer 3-point line. I wonder how good his defense will be in the league. I'm sure he will be solid. Athletic, long arms. Wonder how his foot speed will be. I still like his ability to extend defenses with his range. I'm ok with drafting him with the Minny pick, but I would rather draft Sullinger if available.

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He's not gonna last until the Minny pick... Him and Davis are the two all stars out of this class. With Jones III and Beal being the other likely candidates.

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Originally Posted by TBlaze

He's not gonna last until the Minny pick... Him and Davis are the two all stars out of this class. With Jones III and Beal being the other likely candidates.

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I'd be stunned if Barnes is an All-Star. He's not anywhere near Davis's class. Complimentary player. Over glorified Batum.

He's going to be a much better offensive player than Batum. I'm not trying to call you out or anything, but for a guy that always posts all those stats, have you ever seen Batum's? They aren't good, his defensive rating is also higher than the teams average, which I've seen you talk about.

I don't really care about having All-Stars. If you are a top team in your conference you will have guys make the All-Star game that are arguably not deserving, even though they are good players.

It's no different than guys like Stinchcomb and Bushrod making the Pro Bowl for the Saints.

Don't wanna be THAT guy, but it sounds like the Hornets knows something that we don't know. Which may mean good or bad about the draft. Davis and Barnes? T-Rob and MKG? Drummond and Barnes? Either way Im in. Just wanna see my team succeed, they really deserve it based on being treated unfairly over the years.

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Originally Posted by CP3forMVP

He's going to be a much better offensive player than Batum. I'm not trying to call you out or anything, but for a guy that always posts all those stats, have you ever seen Batum's? They aren't good, his defensive rating is also higher than the teams average, which I've seen you talk about.

I don't really care about having All-Stars. If you are a top team in your conference you will have guys make the All-Star game that are arguably not deserving, even though they are good players.

It's no different than guys like Stinchcomb and Bushrod making the Pro Bowl for the Saints.

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I've never said Batum was anything more than a complimentary player. Never said he was a good defender either. I said he would be a good complimentary player next to Gordon because of his shooting.

I was just responding to my nemesis who said Barnes would be an All-Star player. Otherwise I wouldn't have mentioned it.

If we do have Barnes as a complimentary player next to Gordon, we're gonna need a low post scorer as well. Not an All-Stat but someone who can score in the paint.

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Originally Posted by Hornets78

I've never said Batum was anything more than a complimentary player. Never said he was a good defender either. I said he would be a good complimentary player next to Gordon because of his shooting.

I was just responding to my nemesis who said Barnes would be an All-Star player. Otherwise I wouldn't have mentioned it.

If we do have Barnes as a complimentary player next to Gordon, we're gonna need a low post scorer as well. Not an All-Stat but someone who can score in the paint.

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Yes... and in this draft, won't we have the option to get that in a Sully/Zeller and at worst Henson/Leonard?

You won't get talent like Barnes, but the post is deep... and with that second pick, you look for a frontcourt player and still have the option to fall back on your beloved Lillard or Marshall.

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Originally Posted by TBlaze

Yes... and in this draft, won't we have the option to get that in a Sully/Zeller and at worst Henson/Leonard?

You won't get talent like Barnes, but the post is deep... and with that second pick, you look for a frontcourt player and still have the option to fall back on your beloved Lillard or Marshall.

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Or you could just draft two frontcourt players since we don't have a long-term answer at either center or PF. Same with SF as well and PG. But seems to make more sense to fortify the frontcourt.

If you are basing it off of shooting alone lets talk about more realistic options, like Barnes.

BTW, Batum has no offensive game inside the arc.

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Originally Posted by Hornets78

Or you could just draft two frontcourt players since we don't have a long-term answer at either center or PF. Same with SF as well and PG. But seems to make more sense to fortify the frontcourt.

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I'm all about that... if we don't get Barnes, then I definitely want two post players.

I'm just wondering if T-Rob will pair up well with Zeller or not.

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Originally Posted by CP3forMVP

If you are basing it off of shooting alone lets talk about more realistic options, like Barnes.

BTW, Batum has no offensive game inside the arc.

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I think we do need more shooters, but I still wouldn't draft Barnes with our 1st pick unless it dropped somehow to 7 or 8, mainly because I like the frontcourt players better and I like MKG better long-term.

Batum doesn't have much game besides his shooting, but he still shoots around 50% from two-point range. And he's a proven NBA 3-point shooter. He's developed a quick shooting stroke as well. Very nice proven NBA player and he's only 22.

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Originally Posted by TBlaze

I'm all about that... if we don't get Barnes, then I definitely want two post players.

I'm just wondering if T-Rob will pair up well with Zeller or not.

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I think they could, but I just don't like Zeller that high. Not a fan of his. I like his brother much better, but he's not going up. Preferably I like Leonard a little better.

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Originally Posted by Hornets78

I think they could, but I just don't like Zeller that high. Not a fan of his. I like his brother much better, but he's not going up. Preferably I like Leonard a little better.

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I just prefer Zeller b/c of his offensive capabilities... especially if we do what you are insisting and amnesty Ariza and keep Mek. But yes, I'd have preferred Cody as well, but now that's just a dead horse. I'd take Zeller at 10 unless we are planning on Kaman coming back, then we go PG and try to move Jack.

I just can't wait to see your head spin if we end up with both Barnes AND Zeller... WOW. :D

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Originally Posted by Hornets78

I think we do need more shooters, but I still wouldn't draft Barnes with our 1st pick unless it dropped somehow to 7 or 8, mainly because I like the frontcourt players better and I like MKG better long-term.

Batum doesn't have much game besides his shooting, but he still shoots around 50% from two-point range. And he's a proven NBA 3-point shooter. He's developed a quick shooting stroke as well. Very nice proven NBA player and he's only 22.

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He's shooting close to 50% because he's shooting 64% at the rim, which is expected.

It doesn't change the fact that he's shooting 22% from in the paint and 31% from midrange.

Again, if we want to add more shooters do it smartly. Paying Batum big bucks just because he can shoot from deep isn't wise. It's really the only thing he does.

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Originally Posted by TBlaze

I just prefer Zeller b/c of his offensive capabilities... especially if we do what you are insisting and amnesty Ariza and keep Mek. But yes, I'd have preferred Cody as well, but now that's just a dead horse. I'd take Zeller at 10 unless we are planning on Kaman coming back, then we go PG and try to move Jack.

I just can't wait to see your head spin if we end up with both Barnes AND Zeller... WOW. :D

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I wouldn't be thrilled or excited, but I would live with it. It would be disappointing. I would definitely amnesty Ariza. We would still need a PF long-term as well.

I would prefer Drummond/Davis and Sully/T-Rob. That's just my preference. I want a defensive center and a scoring PF to surround Gordon. Its not too hard finding a SF who can shoot. We don't need a big time scorer next to Gordon. We need someone who can spread the floor and create some room for Gordon. Also, I don't value PGs too much, especially if we have a dynamic PG so I wouldn't focus on PG in the draft.

Drummond just scares me. However, in recent days, I've been souring on T-Rob and reading all the explanations for Drummond's poor year... D12 wasn't exactly great his first two years in the league, mind you. If it were any other team but us, as in, not having all relocation threats, trading a megastar, etc... I wouldn't mind taking him one bit.

But our need to win now/recapture the fan base makes me push for someone else like Barnes/Sully, etc...

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Originally Posted by TBlaze

Drummond just scares me. However, in recent days, I've been souring on T-Rob and reading all the explanations for Drummond's poor year... D12 wasn't exactly great his first two years in the league, mind you. If it were any other team but us, as in, not having all relocation threats, trading a megastar, etc... I wouldn't mind taking him one bit.

But our need to win now/recapture the fan base makes me push for someone else like Barnes/Sully, etc...

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I think we will make the playoffs next year regardless of who we pick in the draft. This current roster is a playoff team with Monty at the helm, so adding guys like Drummond, Barnes, Sullinger, Lillard, etc... that is just going to make us go deeper in the playoffs. That said, I think we can take a chance on a guy like Drummond or Barnes, guy who both have great potential, but may need a little time to reach their potential. But, hey, if Drummond and Barnes ever do reach their potential, they will be All Stars for sure.

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Originally Posted by nolaslim213

I think we will make the playoffs next year regardless of who we pick in the draft. This current roster is a playoff team with Monty at the helm, so adding guys like Drummond, Barnes, Sullinger, Lillard, etc... that is just going to make us go deeper in the playoffs. That said, I think we can take a chance on a guy like Drummond or Barnes, guy who both have great potential, but may need a little time to reach their potential. But, hey, if Drummond and Barnes ever do reach their potential, they will be All Stars for sure.

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Yea, I think especially with a good offseaoson and a healthy year, we could certainly be a playoff team, regardless of who we pick in the draft. How far we make it, and if we're able to take that next step is a different story. That depends on how well we draft, and we won't truly know that for a few years.