Andre Iguodala opts out

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Originally Posted by tyler

Ok can someone answer this if we are not willing to pay 10-15 mil for Iggy then who are we willing to pay that for:confused:

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Perenial all-star. Iggy isn't, that's all.

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Originally Posted by Blattman

Perenial all-star. Iggy isn't, that's all.

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I mean the dude has accomplished a lot in his career, winning many awards... I mean what else this dude needs to prove??? and just to put this out there I think the reason he avg 12 points was because he was on a team of scorers he didn't have to put up 15-17 points this year too me because he already had lawson, Gallinari, Chandler, Brewer even Faried Avg like 12 points while mcgee was close to 10

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Originally Posted by GeauxPelicans

You keep saying this but you realize there is a salary floor, that each owner must spend or you have to write a check for the difference and send it to the NBA right? Not sure of the exact #, but I remember Indy had to add salary by last years deadline or they would of had to cut a check.

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Yea but you don't need to add $15 million

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Originally Posted by Nola3

But can we rely on Rivers, Gordon, Davis, and Anderson to be scorers? We were one of the worst offensive teams last season and I don't think we should just assume that our offense can rely on them. Gordon has yet to prove he can stay on the floor for anything resembling an extended period of time. Rivers was absolutely awful for most of the season and has a long way to go to being an effective offensive player. Davis and Anderson are both good but not great offensively and rely on others to get points. We don't have the point guard or the system to maximize their weapons. So while I would love to get Iggy for something around 7-8 mil, that's not going to happen and I do not want to tie up a huge part of our cap space with someone who is at the tail end of his prime and, while he does contribute on offense, it isn't worth 12-15 mil.

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This. Nobody is saying that Iggy can't help this team short term or that he doesn't fill the teams biggest need today. It's a matter of his future impact. With such a young team that should be the main objective. A long deal that could see Iggy making 13-15 mil over the last two years would hurt when it's time to re-up with the young guys we already have.

Again there are so many questions with that natural comes with a young team. Out of Gordon, Rivers, Davis, and Anderson the only person I consider a scorer is Gordon. Like you pointed out Rivers has the skills, but hasn't shown it and Davis and Anderson at this point are guys who get their offense through hustle plays and playing off of other players.

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Originally Posted by jsl05

Yea but you don't need to add $15 million

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So what exactly do u expect Dell to do? He's not a dumb man. He knows if he doesn't start winning soon, he'll get on the hot seat. I expect him to use all of the cap space this offseason, and the only FA that's worth 12+ million a year if Iggy. He's a great perimeter defender, and does everything on offense except shoot well. That's why I think he and Burke are a perfect compliment to each other. Burke is a good shooter, with the potential to be a great one. He can bring the ball up, and take pressure off of Burke. They both can get into the lane and kick it out to Gordon or Anderson. The most important thing is getting him to sign a 4 year deal, with the 4th year a team option so we can cut ties when Gordon and Anderson are coming off the books, and Davis and maybe Rivers are due extensions.

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Originally Posted by da ThRONe

This. Nobody is saying that Iggy can't help this team short term or that he doesn't fill the teams biggest need today. It's a matter of his future impact. With such a young team that should be the main objective. A long deal that could see Iggy making 13-15 mil over the last two years would hurt when it's time to re-up with the young guys we already have.

Again there are so many questions with that natural comes with a young team. Out of Gordon, Rivers, Davis, and Anderson the only person I consider a scorer is Gordon. Like you pointed out Rivers has the skills, but hasn't shown it and Davis and Anderson at this point are guys who get their offense through hustle plays and playing off of other players.

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So Iggy will improve Anderson and Davis's shots because that's one of his main attributes on offense, distributing the ball. The only SF who averaged most assists a game was Lebron. If we draft Burke and sign Iggy that team could be dangerous by the end of next year if Rivers and Miller improve, Davis continues to grow towards his potential and if Gordon could stay healthy.

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Originally Posted by GeauxPelicans

So Iggy will improve Anderson and Davis's shots because that's one of his main attributes on offense, distributing the ball. The only SF who averaged most assists a game was Lebron. If we draft Burke and sign Iggy that team could be dangerous by the end of next year if Rivers and Miller improve, Davis continues to grow towards his potential and if Gordon could stay healthy.

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I thought I addressed the fact that Iggy is a good fit for this team. The problem is what his contract could potentially do to this team long term.

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Originally Posted by da ThRONe

I thought I addressed the fact that Iggy is a good fit for this team. The problem is what his contract could potentially do to this team long term.

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I guess we agree, because the longest I want him for is 3 years. It it takes 4 years, we need to make it a team option. I only want Iggy if we draft Burke though. You need good shooters around Iggy to take advantage of his offensive abilities.

If Iggy isn't on Dell's radar I hope he has a plan for the SF position... we have NONE on the roster at the moment (that's under contract).

I truly feel Monty has a plan for Aminu... he has shown flashes, and he does everything Monty asks of him. He rebounds, defends, runs the floor... if he can develop a consistent jumpshot (mid-range/occasional 3) he could be in the league a long time.

Unlike JuJu... Aminu is trying to get better.

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Originally Posted by tyler

I mean the dude has accomplished a lot in his career, winning many awards...

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You're kidding right? The guy had one all-star selection (2012) and one All-NBA Defensive second team (2011), both when players usually peaked (around 27th birthday). But I don't care about awards, I care about what he could bring to the team.
First he's an undersized SF for this team, second he's too old to really improve. I don't see how he's more valuable than Ryan Anderson.

He's a Luol Deng-type of player, not great but good enough to play on a contender as a second sidekick. Deng earn 13M and it was before the new CBA. A fair price to me is 10M.

The undersized thing makes NO sense. Why do people worry about a player being small? Because it tends to adversely affect a player's defense. Andre Igoudala is one of the best perimeter defenders in the league. Are we really worried about a slew of players backing him down? I'm not.

And about the 2nd thing, nah, Iggy isn't likely to get any better. That doesn't mean he's immediately going to get worse either.

Only thing, the ONLY reason to not get Iggy is because of a high price tag. That's about it.

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Originally Posted by Blattman

You're kidding right? The guy had one all-star selection (2012) and one All-NBA Defensive second team (2011), both when players usually peaked (around 27th birthday). But I don't care about awards, I care about what he could bring to the team.
First he's an undersized SF for this team, second he's too old to really improve. I don't see how he's more valuable than Ryan Anderson.

He's a Luol Deng-type of player, not great but good enough to play on a contender as a second sidekick. Deng earn 13M and it was before the new CBA. A fair price to me is 10M.

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So many things wrong with this. Honestly is it that big of a deal he didn't get an All-Star vote over Kobe Durant Lebron Melo and Wade? Has nothing to do except popularity vote. Is playing on Team USA with maybe the most talented roster ever mean anything? He didn't ride the bench on that team either he played significant minutes. In the playoffs he showed what he is capable of Doug when being one of the guys and not sharing the scoring with 5 other guys like the Nuggets were fortunate enough to do. No reason he can't have more of a role offensivey with the Pelicans and put up bigger and better #s then he ever has. Iggy is a jack of all trades with an ability to do a little but of it all at a high level. Top 5 passer, ball handler, defender, athletically, and can score with any outside of the top 3. I don't know what more you could ask of in a FA for us to sign but ill take him. Keep nitpicking and pray Lebron signs here because we aren't getting a better SF anytime soon.

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Originally Posted by GuardianAngel25

So many things wrong with this. Honestly is it that big of a deal he didn't get an All-Star vote over Kobe Durant Lebron Melo and Wade? Has nothing to do except popularity vote. Is playing on Team USA with maybe the most talented roster ever mean anything? He didn't ride the bench on that team either he played significant minutes. In the playoffs he showed what he is capable of Doug when being one of the guys and not sharing the scoring with 5 other guys like the Nuggets were fortunate enough to do. No reason he can't have more of a role offensivey with the Pelicans and put up bigger and better #s then he ever has. Iggy is a jack of all trades with an ability to do a little but of it all at a high level. Top 5 passer, ball handler, defender, athletically, and can score with any outside of the top 3. I don't know what more you could ask of in a FA for us to sign but ill take him. Keep nitpicking and pray Lebron signs here because we aren't getting a better SF anytime soon.

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I think he just mainly addressing the statement the guy made saying he's won many awards.

Andre Iguodala is only 11 months older than Lebron James.........

Chew on that.

Entering the 4 year of his deal, Andre Iguodala would be 33.

Paul Pierce led Celtics to a Finals appearance at 33...

...3 years ago.

And he's still going strong.

29 is a player's prime.

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Originally Posted by NMThreeMVP

Andre Iguodala is only 11 months older than Lebron James.........

Chew on that.

Entering the 4 year of his deal, Andre Iguodala would be 33.

Paul Pierce led Celtics to a Finals appearance at 33...

...3 years ago.

And he's still going strong.

29 is a player's prime.

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Finally some sense. Duncan is 37 and is playing for a championship. At one of the most physically demanding positions in the game none less. .

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Originally Posted by Blattman

You're kidding right? The guy had one all-star selection (2012) and one All-NBA Defensive second team (2011), both when players usually peaked (around 27th birthday). But I don't care about awards, I care about what he could bring to the team.
First he's an undersized SF for this team, second he's too old to really improve. I don't see how he's more valuable than Ryan Anderson.

He's a Luol Deng-type of player, not great but good enough to play on a contender as a second sidekick. Deng earn 13M and it was before the new CBA. A fair price to me is 10M.

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You're severely underselling AI's defense.

I didn't say that Iggy isn't a good player, he's jut not the type of player that can command 13-15M with the new CBA.
But if you want me to go a bit further in the analysis I will.

I love how people keep saying that Iggy didn't score a lot with the nuggets because they have so many offensive weapons. And what about the years before with the sixers ? I didn't remember Holiday and Turner being that good scorers...

And yes, Iggy is still young, but he's two years younger than Gerald Wallace. Maybe you've heard of him ? He was an athletic wing, very good defender and yet at 31 he's playing like the ghost of his old self. I'm not saying that Iggy will see the same decline as Wallace but he could and how would you feel if that happens and you have him under contract for two more years at 15M per year ?

That's why I would love to see Iggy as a Pelicans next year, but at the right price.

Get someone who can score Iggy going to do nothing great for this team.

It's not scoring we need. It's defense. At our weakest position Iggy gives us that. With a limited roster and your pick of anyone in the NBA Iggy was selected for Team USA. Who on that team isn't worth near max? Aside from AD who was a rookie they're all amazing players. People aren't excited about this idea because Iggy isn't a "sexy" pick. He's defense and glue and people can't appreciate how important that is. There's a reason he was selected and think about this: Who just joined team USABB?

I'd give Iggy the money and I think he greatly improves our team.

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Originally Posted by king a

Get someone who can score Iggy going to do nothing great for this team.

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Yeah. Nothing besides defend, pass, rebound, get out and finish in transition,bring elite veteran know how to the squad.

But other than that? Yeah. Nothing great.

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Originally Posted by Blattman

You're kidding right? The guy had one all-star selection (2012) and one All-NBA Defensive second team (2011), both when players usually peaked (around 27th birthday). But I don't care about awards, I care about what he could bring to the team.
First he's an undersized SF for this team, second he's too old to really improve. I don't see how he's more valuable than Ryan Anderson.

He's a Luol Deng-type of player, not great but good enough to play on a contender as a second sidekick. Deng earn 13M and it was before the new CBA. A fair price to me is 10M.

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PLAYERS DON'T "PEAK" AT 27.

Jordan won his first title at ................... 28.
Lebron is .........28.
Tony Parker is ...........31.
Dirk won his first title at ........32.
Paul Pierce won his first title at.......31.
Kevin Garnett at ..............33.

Next season Zach Randolph will be 32, Marc Gasol 29.... Are they past their prime, or did they just enter it 2 years ago, and in the midst of it now??????

I could go on, and on...... Chris Paul and Dwight Howard will be 29 and 28 during next seasons playoffs.....

Come on, we could have 4 players that have played a major or minor role on the USA basketball team... (iggy, davis, gordon, anderson [didnt he do something?]).
To quote that stupid kid who is the son of the cavs owner, whom I hate, "what's not to like?" ugh!

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Originally Posted by Blattman

I didn't say that Iggy isn't a good player, he's jut not the type of player that can command 13-15M with the new CBA.
But if you want me to go a bit further in the analysis I will.

I love how people keep saying that Iggy didn't score a lot with the nuggets because they have so many offensive weapons. And what about the years before with the sixers ? I didn't remember Holiday and Turner being that good scorers...

And yes, Iggy is still young, but he's two years younger than Gerald Wallace. Maybe you've heard of him ? He was an athletic wing, very good defender and yet at 31 he's playing like the ghost of his old self. I'm not saying that Iggy will see the same decline as Wallace but he could and how would you feel if that happens and you have him under contract for two more years at 15M per year ?

That's why I would love to see Iggy as a Pelicans next year, but at the right price.

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You are gonna compare him to 1 player that happen to have a bad year? I bet Wallace is back to himself when he's in shape next year thats all it was. Iggy offensively is as good as anyone considering the amount of assists he will get you as a SF. he is 2nd to only Lebron and probably wouldn't be any different here. Having 4 seasons with 18+ppg and 5+assists in Philly is pretty damn good offensively to me and would be huge here and well worth the $. I do think Iggy has suffered a few ppg by playing in Denver compared to here. I also believe he is a much better shooter than earlier in his career and think he will only get better here. I remember him saying with team USA he learned some things on shooting from all the greats he was with and in the playoffs he looked as good as anybody in the NBA. To have anyone from team USA this past year would be a huge upgrade for us. To think Gordon was so close to making it if not only for health he would have got the nudge ahead of Harden. Plus we can add another USA player in Iggy to go along with Davis would be a pretty serious lineup when healthy. Iggy would get us 1 step closer to being a contender. I wasn't the biggest fan of Burke either but if Bledsoe is not an option I think he is the only other one and could eventually be our Tony Parker. Ginobli is 35, Kobe 34, Parker 31, Melo 29, Wade 31, Paul 28, DWill 28, Duncan 37, but Iggy at 29 is to old that makes sense. Don't know where you made it clear you would love to see Iggy a Pelican. If you would't pay him that $ then who else would you in the next 3 years to improve our team?

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Originally Posted by GuardianAngel25

You are gonna compare him to 1 player that happen to have a bad year? I bet Wallace is back to himself when he's in shape next year thats all it was. Iggy offensively is as good as anyone considering the amount of assists he will get you as a SF. he is 2nd to only Lebron and probably wouldn't be any different here. Having 4 seasons with 18+ppg and 5+assists in Philly is pretty damn good offensively to me and would be huge here and well worth the $. I do think Iggy has suffered a few ppg by playing in Denver compared to here. I also believe he is a much better shooter than earlier in his career and think he will only get better here. I remember him saying with team USA he learned some things on shooting from all the greats he was with and in the playoffs he looked as good as anybody in the NBA. To have anyone from team USA this past year would be a huge upgrade for us. To think Gordon was so close to making it if not only for health he would have got the nudge ahead of Harden. Plus we can add another USA player in Iggy to go along with Davis would be a pretty serious lineup when healthy. Iggy would get us 1 step closer to being a contender. I wasn't the biggest fan of Burke either but if Bledsoe is not an option I think he is the only other one and could eventually be our Tony Parker. Ginobli is 35, Kobe 34, Parker 31, Melo 29, Wade 31, Paul 28, DWill 28, Duncan 37, but Iggy at 29 is to old that makes sense. Don't know where you made it clear you would love to see Iggy a Pelican. If you would't pay him that $ then who else would you in the next 3 years to improve our team?

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I agree with this 100%. Everybody says don't sign Iggy, he's not what we need right now. BS, we need talented basketball players so we can start winning some damn games and develop a winning culture around Davis while he's young. I think all this stuff is way more important than adding Martell Webster, or Dorell Wright, or any other player who won't make a significant impact on the team. Iggy adds 7-10 wins next season by himself and a 100% healthy Gordon adds 5-7 so we are looking at anywhere from 39-44 wins next season in my opinion if we add Burke/Iggy and we can get a full healthy season out of Gordon.

I loved signing Mo Pete and James Posey; let's do it again!

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Originally Posted by UNO Gracias

I loved signing Mo Pete and James Posey; let's do it again!

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Career PER:
Posey: 12.4 (was 32 when we signed him)
Peterson: 13.3
Iguodala: 16.9

He's not at all comparable to the other two. Iggy was on Team USA for a reason, and plenty of other successful early to mid 30's wings have been brought up. We're not the Los Angeles or New York Pelicans. That perfect free agent fit is not coming along.

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Originally Posted by GuardianAngel25

You are gonna compare him to 1 player that happen to have a bad year?

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Tayshaun Prince: Scoring average at 29 = 12.5 ppg; Scoring average at 33 = 8.8 ppg
Hedo Turkoglu: Scoring average at 29 = 16.9 ppg ; Scoring average at 33 = 10.9 ppg
Ron Artest: Scoring average at 29 = 17.1 ppg ; Scoring average at 33 = 7.7ppg
Corey Maggette: Scoring average at 29 = 18.6 ppg ; Scoring average at 33 = 15.0 ppg
Rashard Lewis: Scoring average at 29 = 17.7 ppg ; Scoring average at 33 = 7.8 ppg
Vince Carter: Scoring average at 29 = 25.2 ppg ; Scoring average at 33 = 15.1 ppg
Peja Stojakovic : Scoring average at 29 = 18.2 pppg ; Scoring average at 33 = 12.6 ppg

To me it looks a lot like a pattern. So let me ask you something : do you think Iggy is closer to Duncan/Nash/Kobe/Gino or those players ?

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Originally Posted by GuardianAngel25

If you would't pay him that $ then who else would you in the next 3 years to improve our team?

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To me it sounds like a familly at the end of the month saying "ow, there's 50$ left on our account, let's use it !", it can't arm yourself to spare money. And don't forget one thing, cap space is always valuable, not only for free agency. With the supertax starting to hit, some teams will panick, they'll look for team with cap space and at this moment team could make some steals.

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Originally Posted by Blattman

Tayshaun Prince: Scoring average at 29 = 12.5 ppg; Scoring average at 33 = 8.8 ppg
Hedo Turkoglu: Scoring average at 29 = 16.9 ppg ; Scoring average at 33 = 10.9 ppg
Ron Artest: Scoring average at 29 = 17.1 ppg ; Scoring average at 33 = 7.7ppg
Corey Maggette: Scoring average at 29 = 18.6 ppg ; Scoring average at 33 = 15.0 ppg
Rashard Lewis: Scoring average at 29 = 17.7 ppg ; Scoring average at 33 = 7.8 ppg
Vince Carter: Scoring average at 29 = 25.2 ppg ; Scoring average at 33 = 15.1 ppg
Peja Stojakovic : Scoring average at 29 = 18.2 pppg ; Scoring average at 33 = 12.6 ppg

To me it looks a lot like a pattern. So let me ask you something : do you think Iggy is closer to Duncan/Nash/Kobe/Gino or those players ?

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Why are there any 33 year olds in the league anyway? Might be better to just euthanize them. Maybe put a red ruby indicator on the palms of their hands that blinks when their 33rd birthday happens.

Just an idea. :huh2:

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To me it sounds like a familly at the end of the month saying "ow, there's 50$ left on our account, let's use it !", it can't arm yourself to spare money. And don't forget one thing, cap space is always valuable, not only for free agency. With the supertax starting to hit, some teams will panick, they'll look for team with cap space and at this moment team could make some steals.

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So let's be cheap, let's be frugal...because we might benefit from panicking teams four years from now...because of something called a supertax. Because a family with a finite income will spend $50 dollars carelessly and we don't want to do what they do.

But since you're being hypothetical, why aren't you providing more specific examples of what sort of steals are we talking about? Can you point to a past precedence that shows that this short of thing has happened before? I mean what are you basing that off of? If I'm going in unbiased one side has a simple plan "Sign Iggy to a reasonable price." You're going "No, sit on the money because of reasons."

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Originally Posted by Blattman

Tayshaun Prince: Scoring average at 29 = 12.5 ppg; Scoring average at 33 = 8.8 ppg
Hedo Turkoglu: Scoring average at 29 = 16.9 ppg ; Scoring average at 33 = 10.9 ppg
Ron Artest: Scoring average at 29 = 17.1 ppg ; Scoring average at 33 = 7.7ppg
Corey Maggette: Scoring average at 29 = 18.6 ppg ; Scoring average at 33 = 15.0 ppg
Rashard Lewis: Scoring average at 29 = 17.7 ppg ; Scoring average at 33 = 7.8 ppg
Vince Carter: Scoring average at 29 = 25.2 ppg ; Scoring average at 33 = 15.1 ppg
Peja Stojakovic : Scoring average at 29 = 18.2 pppg ; Scoring average at 33 = 12.6 ppg

To me it looks a lot like a pattern. So let me ask you something : do you think Iggy is closer to Duncan/Nash/Kobe/Gino or those players ?



To me it sounds like a familly at the end of the month saying "ow, there's 50$ left on our account, let's use it !", it can't arm yourself to spare money. And don't forget one thing, cap space is always valuable, not only for free agency. With the supertax starting to hit, some teams will panick, they'll look for team with cap space and at this moment team could make some steals.

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There is so much more to Iggy's game than his PPG, but keep ignoring that and trying to make your point. He will make everyone on the team better, and instantly upgrade our defense ten fold.

AI is good player but he seems to be declining as a player (as most players do.). Im ok with signing him to a 3yr/40m deal. Anything longer than that is a problem.

3 yrs is a pipe dream, unless they radically overpay
he can get 5 years from denver
the other 29 teams can offer him 4 years (cap permitting)
why would he sign for 3?? remember he just opted out of 16million dollars...
all the arguments on whether he's a good player or not are just noise

the pelicans will have to sacrifice cap flexibility in the 4th year is they want this guy
to me, that is unacceptable
this team should be about AD and nothing but getting good players on good deals around him

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Originally Posted by Eman5805

Why are there any 33 year olds in the league anyway? Might be better to just euthanize them. Maybe put a red ruby indicator on the palms of their hands that blinks when their 33rd birthday happens.

Just an idea. :huh2:

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Why do you need to twist my word ? Did I say that 33 years old player are useless ? You could at least searched for counter-example (hint: there is a russian guy playing in Minny that could be great for this point), but you're so close-minded that you prefer to extrapolate. I'm waiting the moment where people will start to call me a "hater" juste because I'm not in the mainstream.

Since my first post, I always said the same thing : 13-15M per year for Iggy at this stage of his carreer isn't wise. If the goal of this team is to win a championship next year, it makes sense, but it doesn't seems to be pelicans's situation.

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Originally Posted by Eman5805

But since you're being hypothetical, why aren't you providing more specific examples of what sort of steals are we talking about? Can you point to a past precedence that shows that this short of thing has happened before?

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A precedence ? Never heard about James Harden ? OKC didn't want him to give him the max, they propose him a good extension, he declinates it, so they trade him for young players and future cap relief (aka Martin) because they didn't want to pay tons of money in tax.

For your information, the supertax isn't striking 4 years from now, it starts within two years, like the "repeat tax". And some team (like Golden State) may have a hard time (they're already over the tax, need to retain Jack/Landry and to extend Barnes/Thompson).

Once again, for a good bargain (around 10M per year) I would love Iggy as a pelican. I like the fit as a point forward with our scoring-oriented back-court.

In a similar vein to what Blattman is saying above I'd also like to point out a flaw in Eman's argument in which he states that there isn't any precedence when this is a brand new CBA and as such none exists yet.

I am of the opinion... that because our core is still growing, learning and impoving spending upwards of 60 million on 2nd or 3rd banana is not a wise investment. Its about value. Yes. Iguodola in a vaccuum makes us better. Guess what? We were a 27 win team. A lot of shiite makes us better, but what happens if we are stuck hitting the 49 win roof and can't move forward. I love Iggy to death, but where was his intangible, defensive minded toughness, when his 57 win Denver was biting the big one against an inferior team? Harsh criticism? Freakin eh. But that's the kind of vetting you need to do when you are discussing that kind of money... and yes his age matters. Clearly, he can play and clearly he has plenty left to offer..but for 60 million you need the possibility of growth...or you need a sure thing. Iguodola provides neither. He's exactly the type of player that gets coaches fired (see Nuggets, Denver) or creates unfair expectations (see Nets, Brooklyn) why? because he's not a 1st line difference maker.

Draft Trey Burke and see how he and Vazquez respond to competition.

Sign Martell Webster and resign Aminu and see who earns the right to be on the floor.

Evaluate how a healthy Gordon and Ryan Anderson work together.

See how Anthony Davis responds to the day to day expectations of high level play.

Do this. Determine the DNA of your team and figure out WHERE you need to spend your money. Don't do it just because.

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Originally Posted by DefensiveMind

I am of the opinion... that because our core is still growing, learning and impoving spending upwards of 60 million on 2nd or 3rd banana is not a wise investment. Its about value. Yes. Iguodola in a vaccuum makes us better. Guess what? We were a 27 win team. A lot of shiite makes us better, but what happens if we are stuck hitting the 49 win roof and can't move forward. I love Iggy to death, but where was his intangible, defensive minded toughness, when his 57 win Denver was biting the big one against an inferior team? Harsh criticism? Freakin eh. But that's the kind of vetting you need to do when you are discussing that kind of money... and yes his age matters. Clearly, he can play and clearly he has plenty left to offer..but for 60 million you need the possibility of growth...or you need a sure thing. Iguodola provides neither. He's exactly the type of player that gets coaches fired (see Nuggets, Denver) or creates unfair expectations (see Nets, Brooklyn) why? because he's not a 1st line difference maker.

Draft Trey Burke and see how he and Vazquez respond to competition.

Sign Martell Webster and resign Aminu and see who earns the right to be on the floor.

Evaluate how a healthy Gordon and Ryan Anderson work together.

See how Anthony Davis responds to the day to day expectations of high level play.

Do this. Determine the DNA of your team and figure out WHERE you need to spend your money. Don't do it just because.

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I don't think the coach was fired because of Iggy

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Originally Posted by Blattman

Perenial all-star. Iggy isn't, that's all.

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I don't know if you know this, but all the perennial all-stars are all signed up... So we might as well get the best we can get cause IMO we really don't have any good trading pieces.(I think we overvalue Gravy and lopez)

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Originally Posted by tyler

I don't think the coach was fired because of Iggy

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You're missing the point.

Your GM/Owner swung a trade for a guy making 15 mil. You won 57 games. You lost in the first round. Your GM is wondering why you are paying THREE guys 8 figure salaries to get bounced in the 1st rd by an inferior team. He wasn't the reason. He was certainly part of the equation. We sign Iggy and Benson's expectations rise. Regardless, of his true impact. Which doesn't match the contract. Hence, why coaches will get fired.

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Originally Posted by tyler

I don't know if you know this, but all the perennial all-stars are all signed up... So we might as well get the best we can get cause IMO we really don't have any good trading pieces.(I think we overvalue Gravy and lopez)

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And so because there's no perennial all-stars on the market, you pay a worse player with the same kind of money. Yeah, it makes so much sense.

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Originally Posted by DefensiveMind

We sign Iggy and Benson's expectations rise.

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Well keeping Benson's expectations low by not spending money is certainly a good idea.

In the playoffs this year, Iguodala put up 18/5.5/8 + two steals and had a PER of 20. Denver lost because the Warriors are a very good team, Gallanari was out, and Brewer (whom so many here are enamored with signing) was atrocious.

You guys are so picky about players. Let me know when these all star free agents come lining up to New Orleans (because that's how we get all these great players right?) then let's have a game of pick em'.

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Originally Posted by DefensiveMind

I am of the opinion... that because our core is still growing, learning and impoving spending upwards of 60 million on 2nd or 3rd banana is not a wise investment. Its about value. Yes. Iguodola in a vaccuum makes us better. Guess what? We were a 27 win team. A lot of shiite makes us better, but what happens if we are stuck hitting the 49 win roof and can't move forward. I love Iggy to death, but where was his intangible, defensive minded toughness, when his 57 win Denver was biting the big one against an inferior team? Harsh criticism? Freakin eh. But that's the kind of vetting you need to do when you are discussing that kind of money... and yes his age matters. Clearly, he can play and clearly he has plenty left to offer..but for 60 million you need the possibility of growth...or you need a sure thing. Iguodola provides neither. He's exactly the type of player that gets coaches fired (see Nuggets, Denver) or creates unfair expectations (see Nets, Brooklyn) why? because he's not a 1st line difference maker.

Draft Trey Burke and see how he and Vazquez respond to competition.

Sign Martell Webster and resign Aminu and see who earns the right to be on the floor.

Evaluate how a healthy Gordon and Ryan Anderson work together.

See how Anthony Davis responds to the day to day expectations of high level play.

Do this. Determine the DNA of your team and figure out WHERE you need to spend your money. Don't do it just because.

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So u want to continue tanking every year. Got it

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Originally Posted by Blattman

And so because there's no perennial all-stars on the market, you pay a worse player with the same kind of money. Yeah, it makes so much sense.

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It makes even more sense to wait for a perennial all star to sign as a FA with the Pelicans right? Face it guys, the Pelicans aren't going to attract a max level player. We have to trade for them (Gordon) or draft them (Davis). So, yes I'd pay Iggy the $$$. He's worth it, he was an important cog in Team USA's gold medal run this year, but he isn't worth a 15 million a year contract from the Pelicans? Just to be clear I'm not paying him 15 million a year for 4 years unless the 4th year is a team option. If he wants 4 guaranteed years, the yearly average goes down

Make no mistake bout it. He just turned down 16m/year this year. He's going to want the longer contract. I think 4y/48m. But I would try to entice him with 3y/44m.

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Originally Posted by Mythrol

Make no mistake bout it. He just turned down 16m/year this year. He's going to want the longer contract. I think 4y/48m. But I would try to entice him with 3y/44m.

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It's pretty common knowledge that players who still have value will usually turn down a large sum of money in their final year in order to secure a larger long term contract.

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Originally Posted by Nola Hornet

It's pretty common knowledge that players who still have value will usually turn down a large sum of money in their final year in order to secure a larger long term contract.

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Then why is everyone saying 3 years like that's a reasonable expectation? He just turned down 16m for 1 year for a longer contract but he's going to accept 3 years from us? {edited by moderator}.

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Originally Posted by Mythrol

Then why is everyone saying 3 years like that's a reasonable expectation? He just turned down 16m for 1 year for a longer contract but he's going to accept 3 years from us? {edited by moderator}..

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I didn't say that. I don't expect him to sign with anyone for 3 years. But it was a wise decision to turn down the final year of his contract to secure a lengthy contract that will more than likely be his final long term contract.

If we don't get good, experienced players to play with Davis and just try to develop him and the other young players we draft, they may leave sooner than later if the chemistry, talent and outlook isn't good enough. No player can do it by themselves, especially young players with the lack of experience, lack of help, guidance etc. The thunder drafted greatly but in the finals but they lacked leadership and experience. If you guys think Davis can be Duncan like by himself, you are forgetting Duncan had Robinson to learn from and look up too. He will need some kind of example, and help for him to become a that staple of leadership.

Building through the draft is nothing but a roll of the dice they may get you diamonds or coal, that if lucky may take 2-3 years to develop. Which means if you get a high pick next year that's another step back in development. What is not is looking at players who've actually can contribute along with experience. This will give more of foundation and direction to build upon to help those young players grow and find their place by example, find a role, their strengths and potentially grow into good players. These are players that take weight off superstars giving them a chance a become great. Even if Iggy is on the downward end of his career hell bring with him IQ and experience that the other players can learn from. He's more of leader than Peja and Posey. Plus he'll help us win which rooks can't for at-least a few years which in the long term gives us a better possibility of KEEPING Davis which would be better than him realizing he can't do it by himself(Lebron, Bosh and maybe even Shaq and Garnet) and leaving us in the dirt starting over AGAIN. Surround him with good players now that can develop a chemistry,winning culture so when he and the other players develops...BOOM. Lol I'm bored.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by DefensiveMind

I am of the opinion... that because our core is still growing, learning and impoving spending upwards of 60 million on 2nd or 3rd banana is not a wise investment. Its about value. Yes. Iguodola in a vaccuum makes us better. Guess what? We were a 27 win team. A lot of shiite makes us better, but what happens if we are stuck hitting the 49 win roof and can't move forward. I love Iggy to death, but where was his intangible, defensive minded toughness, when his 57 win Denver was biting the big one against an inferior team? Harsh criticism? Freakin eh. But that's the kind of vetting you need to do when you are discussing that kind of money... and yes his age matters. Clearly, he can play and clearly he has plenty left to offer..but for 60 million you need the possibility of growth...or you need a sure thing. Iguodola provides neither. He's exactly the type of player that gets coaches fired (see Nuggets, Denver) or creates unfair expectations (see Nets, Brooklyn) why? because he's not a 1st line difference maker.

Draft Trey Burke and see how he and Vazquez respond to competition.

Sign Martell Webster and resign Aminu and see who earns the right to be on the floor.

Evaluate how a healthy Gordon and Ryan Anderson work together.

See how Anthony Davis responds to the day to day expectations of high level play.

Do this. Determine the DNA of your team and figure out WHERE you need to spend your money. Don't do it just because.

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I like the way you think...I approve this message.

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Originally Posted by wuggie

If we don't get good, experienced players to play with Davis and just try to develop him and the other young players we draft, they may leave sooner than later if the chemistry, talent and outlook isn't good enough..

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It took Durant several years to make the playoffs. This is year 2 of the AD era. People need to have some patience.

It was year 3 that OKC made the playoffs. Pretty fast actually.