Pelicans to meet with Oden {EDIT-Oden chooses Miami,P.61}

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Originally Posted by ramsters60

youthful team on the rise with major quality surrounding him, owner who is dedicated to winning pronto, brand new state of the art practice facility, one of the most unique cities in the world with amazing cuisine, excellent living areas abound, as energetic and supportive a fanbase as can be found anywhere, become a part of the original and ongoing Pelican legend....

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Originally Posted by JJackisangry

Oden does not have to play that much with the squad we have. He can work his way back into the league gradually while still getting payed. Can we offer him the most money? No; we do have an exciting team though. Money aside we are his best opportunity. I can see him possibly getting overworked somewhere else.

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Combine these 2 into one, and that's a pretty nice pitch.

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Originally Posted by MichaelMcNamara

So let's have some fun with this. Role play - you are Dell. What is your pitch? Keep in mind the other teams that are interested and the fact that you can only offer the vet minimum. Pitch. Go!

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Expectations: With us, you'll have your time to rehab and not get thrown on the court. There's absolutely no reason to rush you back, we want to make sure you're 100% before you get back on the court. You won't feel any pressure to play a certain amount of minutes because anything you can give us with just considered as bonus.

Team:We can't offer you as big of a contract as some of the other guys or a chance to ride the pine and get a ring, but It's not often you get an opportunity to play with a team growing that can also make it to the playoffs. You can be a part of this. A lot of the guys we have, you know from your AAU days, so support system will be there. when you get in the game, we'll give you an opportunity to do what you do best on the court. If things work out like we both want them to in regards to health, look at my history and you know i can work on something longer-term that will work for both of us. Can't promise you anything today, but this may be one of the only teams you have an opporunity on being on for the next 3-5 years if this play out right. You can just be a member of the Pelicans here and not have to worry about previous expectations. The spotlight will be on AD.

Greg's descision may say alot about him. I can't say he shouldn't go after the money, but it would be pretty admirable (and smart) if he took less money to play here.

I think Portland can sign and trade him.

They should still have his rights.

He hasn't signed with anyone else or been traded, has he?

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Originally Posted by 42

I think Portland can sign and trade him.

They should still have his rights.

He hasn't signed with anyone else or been traded, has he?

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They declined his final year on his rookie deal i beleive and i'm guessing renounced to clear the cap hold; they'd still have right after that???

We could have the inside track to him since he and coach have some what of a pass. Coach was an assistant coach with the Blazers when Greg was with them.

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Originally Posted by Bee-Fense

First, let's look into the psyche of Greg Oden the best we can with the limited resources we have by using this personal interview: http://www.grantland.com/story/_/id/...plagued-career

What we can immediately learn from this is that Greg does not like attention, and "[he doesn't] like when people come up on the street to talk to [him], and it's why [he doesn't] like to do interviews." While typically being a smaller market is a disadvantage, I'd argue that it might actually be an advantage here. Can you imagine all the attention that would be on him if he went to a place like Miami or even Dallas? Chris Andersen became a star in half a season for Miami. What would it be like for Oden, a former number 1 pick? The pressure and the stakes would be higher, and as we saw with Portland, there can't be any unnecessary pressure on him. The team that gets him needs to be patient and work with him. We can be patient. We have other options at center, and we're not title hunting this year and likely won't be until 3 years from now.

In Portland, the person that was guiding him was an alcoholic and "[he] was on [his] own a bunch and didn't have veteran teammates around to help [him] adapt to the NBA lifestyle." In New Orleans, he will be with a team with a good culture, a great coach that he is familiar with, and players that he has known. Also, for what it's worth, Monty has always been very good at limiting players minutes and giving players rest when needed (take notes, Thibs). For a guy with an injury history, it should be reassuring to know that he won't be run into the ground and his minutes will be handled properly.

Lastly, perhaps the biggest issue with our pitch: money. We don't have the money to give him an offer some other teams do. But perhaps this isn't as big of an issue. Greg says, "I just want to play basketball. I could've signed with a team after Portland cut me and just sat on the bench and collected paychecks, but that's not my style. That just seems really unethical. Besides, money doesn't matter to me. I've got enough money. All I want is to get 100 percent healthy and get back on the court."

If he's true to his word, then it doesn't matter. He just wants to play and hopefully, it'll be for the Pelicans.

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Dang, Dell needs to sign you to an "aquire Greg Oden contract. I would like to add to your pitch.

You can specifly tell Oden how he will be used on the court. You can tell him that we have a starting position at Center that needs to be filled. Obviously we are concerned about his health, but we can keep goods tabs on it because our starting center will only be needed for 15-20 mins a game. He will be able to start, play at his own pace, and contribute to a young and upping team in a small market that won't over analyze his every move.

Also, you can assure him that we will have a support system in place to make sure that the temptations of Nola won't get to him. We will keep him off of Bourbon when he doesn't need to be there, away from Harras when he can't afford it, and eliminate the begniets when he shouldn't be eating them.

Show him how badly we want him and how much we will support him, and I think you may trump the money issue. The one thing Miami offers now that we can't is a huge chance at a ring If he feels his knees can't hold up for more than one season, he'll probably sign there anyways.

This isn't Greg Oden related, but it does have to do with Portland while Oden was there. Why can't Nate McMillan get a job anywhere? With all the recent crap coaching hires, when will Nate get another go of it? I wouldn't mind bringing him on board down here if we got rid of Monty.

Love this right chea...

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Originally Posted by UNO Gracias

This isn't Greg Oden related, but it does have to do with Portland while Oden was there. Why can't Nate McMillan get a job anywhere? With all the recent crap coaching hires, when will Nate get another go of it? I wouldn't mind bringing him on board down here if we got rid of Monty.

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He's on the Pacer's staff.

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Originally Posted by UNO Gracias

This isn't Greg Oden related, but it does have to do with Portland while Oden was there. Why can't Nate McMillan get a job anywhere? With all the recent crap coaching hires, when will Nate get another go of it? I wouldn't mind bringing him on board down here if we got rid of Monty.

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He got a job as assist I think with Doc.


Correction Pacers.


http://www.indycornrows.com/2013/6/2...ch-with-pacers

This would be a tremendous signing whether it works out or not. There isn't much of a risk for us bc we are only paying him 1 mil, and it could yield a high reward.

They still have his rights. Maybe they can't us a Bird exception to sign him, but they can still sign and trade him since they were the last team he played for if they can sign him.

They have the Room Mid-Level Exception.

They can do a Lopez style deal for two expirings, or Smith, or a pick, or some combination.

This is an easy sell...just show him how we handled Gordon the last 2 years. There is no way anyone could say that we rush players back from injuries.

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Originally Posted by saints5021

This is an easy sell...just show him how we handled Gordon the last 2 years. There is no way anyone could say that we rush players back from injuries.

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No, don't do that.

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Originally Posted by saints5021

This is an easy sell...just show him how we handled Gordon the last 2 years. There is no way anyone could say that we rush players back from injuries.

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He'll want to be overpaid to play less than half of 2 years..?

Demps is the ultimate salesman, Break him down and build him back up... Dell: son you've done nothing in this league, these teams dont care about you, who cares about you? Dell cares about you, so come work for Dell and i'll take care of u

this is from back in may

http://www.grantland.com/story/_/id/...plagued-career

interesting interview

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Originally Posted by 42

They still have his rights. Maybe they can't us a Bird exception to sign him, but they can still sign and trade him since they were the last team he played for if they can sign him.

They have the Room Mid-Level Exception.

They can do a Lopez style deal for two expirings, or Smith, or a pick, or some combination.

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if thats the case it may help our chances, take a guy like roberts and S & T him so you can give Oden a little more money

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Originally Posted by AD23nEG10

if thats the case it may help our chances, take a guy like roberts and S & T him so you can give Oden a little more money

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not sure were in the business of trading proven assets for disproven assets, even tho roberts isnt quite proven yet oden is past disproven. I'd love to sign him but only at no change to the great guard depth we have

In Demps I trust not to make that move.

So basically we could have gotten oden in the Lopez deal instead of withey?

If I'm DD, here's my pitch:

1) Coaching. You are familiar with Monty and he is familiar with you. These other coaches know nothing about you, how your experience was in Portland, the good, the bad, etc. You will walk into a situation with some degree of comfortability.

2.) System. You know Monty likes to get the ball inside to his bigs. In Miami, they are at their best when Bosh is playing the 5 and knocking down 18 foot jumpers. Their system is built around spreading the floor and kicking out for jump shots. That's not your role. You're best bet in MIA is to be a matchup player vs. the Hibberts of the world.

3.) Playing time. Our C position is wide open. We have 3 or 4 guys who we think are servicable and capable, but you are easily the most talented one of the bunch. It would be an even competition, and you would be coming into an opportunity to play right away.

4.) Our Roster. This roster is full of guys who are your age, guys you are familiar with, guys who you can eventually grow with and become part of our core. If things work out, and we hold your bird rights, then you would be in line for a very good contract with us down the line because our owner is committed.

5.) The Market. Despite the best offseason of the NBA, we are still flying below the radar. You can come in here, national pressure and expectations will be tempered, and you can focus on one thing: basketball.

Greg Oden is a top 10 Center when healthy..... maybe top 5. IN the games he did play, he was dominate

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Originally Posted by DaGoodDrew-Jrue

not sure were in the business of trading proven assets for disproven assets, even tho roberts isnt quite proven yet oden is past disproven. I'd love to sign him but only at no change to the great guard depth we have

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we've got about 5 guys on this team that can run PG and possibly none who can play the 5. disproven assets with high reward > proven asset to be a 3rd string PG in a crowded back court

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Originally Posted by AD23nEG10

we've got about 5 guys on this team that can run PG and possibly none who can play the 5. disproven assets with high reward > proven asset to be a 3rd string PG in a crowded back court

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Thank you. I tried to bring up that point in another thread about moving a Roberts/Rivers/Miller if we can net something in return.

The Pelicans can offer Greg Oden and brand new start, with a brand new team, literally. Become a piece of history in the making of the New Orleans Pelicans.

Other teams can offer him a "tag-along" seat on their teams quest for a championship. They can offer him a little more money, (No one is going to break the bank for him) but in reality no one can offer Oden a commitment like the Pelicans can.

To bring him in, working him into the line up at a healthy pace, with the plan of him being the center of the future for us.

Other teams will likely be looking to sqeeze out as much as possible and often as possible to get them over the hump, and if Oden breaks down along the way he'll likely be left along side the road to the championship.

Don't forget Greg made a little money off his rookie contract, and unless he's flat borke (which would be a giant red flag to me), he may be financially able to take a contract for lesser money if its a better oppurtunity.

God this is killing me. Now I want some news lol. Not fake news; I just want something positive to happen

Said don't expect a decision until August.

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Originally Posted by BallSoHard

Said don't expect a decision until August.

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When does TC usually start? Trying to pull a Favre?

Davis, Anderson, Evans, Holiday, Gordon not enough to be happy with?

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Originally Posted by 42

Davis, Anderson, Evans, Holiday, Gordon not enough to be happy with?

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This offseason was so great... Greg Oden had to come along and get my hopes up lol

Does anyone know what we offered? Just the minimum or would we try and do a S&T

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Originally Posted by 42

Davis, Anderson, Evans, Holiday, Gordon not enough to be happy with?

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I don't think anyone isn't happy with that at all.

But we're missing a true C, which Oden is.

There have been some pretty persuasive arguments made in this post too.

What gives? Can't want to be overly excited about a cheap risk for the future? This wasn't one of those Guru make believe threads at least... it has some legs.

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Originally Posted by AD23nEG10

we've got about 5 guys on this team that can run PG and possibly none who can play the 5. disproven assets with high reward > proven asset to be a 3rd string PG in a crowded back court

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True but im tired of dealing with injury ridden players in nola. I will deal with another but im not high on giving up much for him seeming i like Smith, Steithsthtimah & Withey at the 5. Ive seen roberts do greats things I havent seen out of Miller, Henry and kinda Rivers, I say offer the minimum and a bag of skittles.

IMO, I think the best way to get a good center and improve the team is to try on a project. We won't win it all this year, taking a risk on a guy like Oden and seeing if he can play gives up the greatest chance in the future to be great. I think players like Oden or trying to let Jeff Withey grow and see what he can become is the best option for this team for the future.

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Originally Posted by RekeHavoc

Does anyone know what we offered? Just the minimum or would we try and do a S&T

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He's not on a team so no S&T.

Oden if can best the injury big will be the best possible option next to Davis. Oden healthy is a top 5 center no doubt.

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Originally Posted by TBlaze

I don't think anyone isn't happy with that at all.

But we're missing a true C, which Oden is.

There have been some pretty persuasive arguments made in this post too.

What gives? Can't want to be overly excited about a cheap risk for the future? This wasn't one of those Guru make believe threads at least... it has some legs.

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There are several questionable things here, but people can feel free to pine away for an asset as they see fit.

I think a little perspective to temper the blind pursuit of "winning" the player X sweepstakes" is also in order.

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Originally Posted by ItsPaulyP

He's not on a team so no S&T.

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Think about that for a second.

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Originally Posted by ItsPaulyP

He's not on a team so no S&T.

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Originally Posted by 42

Think about that for a second.

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Don't see why Portland couldn't do the S&T.

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Originally Posted by 42

I think a little perspective to temper the blind pursuit of "winning" the player X sweepstakes" is also in order.

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Valid point sir.

I think it's a mix of a big name/former top prospect at a position of need combined with for once, we've made the short list of teams to meet/receive interest on a national news site.

He seems to fit along with what the culture appears to be becoming here with the Pels.

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Originally Posted by RaisingTheBar

Don't see why Portland couldn't do the S&T.

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I would think they renounced him within the last couple of years. Would they still retain his rights at all?

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Originally Posted by PELICANSFAN

I would think they renounced him within the last couple of years. Would they still retain his rights at all?

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Only pertaining article I can find says in June 2011 Portland offered Oden an 8.8 mil qualifying offer.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=6717753

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Originally Posted by ItsPaulyP

He's not on a team so no S&T.

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That's not true... We can do a sign and trade with Portland

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Originally Posted by 42

They still have his rights. Maybe they can't us a Bird exception to sign him, but they can still sign and trade him since they were the last team he played for if they can sign him.

They have the Room Mid-Level Exception.

They can do a Lopez style deal for two expirings, or Smith, or a pick, or some combination.

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I don't get the NBA. How can they still own his rights if they waived him? I've heard of baseball players being waived with the following words, "Joe Schmeaux was waived for the purpose of giving him his unconditional release." Is this what the NBA would have to say for Oden to be free to sign with whomever he chooses without compensation to Portland? Seems to me the team that signs Oden wouldn't owe the Blazers doodlysquat.

Couldn't we decline Roberts to make more cap available
to Oden?

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Originally Posted by 42

Davis, Anderson, Evans, Holiday, Gordon not enough to be happy with?

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More is better than less because if stuff is not le- if there's more less stuff then you mi- you might wanna have more and your parents just don't let you because there's only a little bit, we want more we want more, like, you really like it you want more.

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Originally Posted by AUSSIE_PELICAN

Couldn't we decline Roberts to make more cap available
to Oden?

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It would not create any more available space as we are already over the cap by more than his salary.

I'm not too excited about Oden even if he signs with us. He'll most likely sign a 2 years deal with a player option. He's a stopgap at best. His agent will be looking for big money if he does well and the chances of us retaining him is really low. The best scenario is that he signs with us and we trade him at the deadline.