Pelicans finalizing trade for Asik

In Chicago, there was "Asik the freak" and the "Turkish hammer" were used as his nicknames -FYI

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Originally Posted by jsl05

As a Pels fan, I'd like to ask that everyone not overreact. We have no clue right now what the protection on the pick is since it's been all over the place. Let's just analyze Asik now and the pick later since we don't have the full details.

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This! I'm just waiting on the actual details to unfold before I give a legit opinion. Personally, I don't mind giving up next year's first round and some cash for a proven legit big defensive C to pair up with AD. I hear people complaining about how much money we are going to pay but what do you think the Pelicans were going to use it on anyways?!? They needed and wanted to get a center whether in FA or trades and they get the guy they always wanted without having to trade away Ryno! What more could you have wanted!?!? Sign Monroe to a max deal and regret it two years later for having a high cap number on a number 4 option (like Eric Gordon). I truly think Dell has a trade lined up to get a SF in the draft and/or trade away Eric Gordon. Just relax!

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Originally Posted by da ThRONe

I ask myself does Asik push the needle to make this team a playoff team and honestly I don't feel comfortable the answer is a certain yes. Therefore I'm not thrilled about this deal. It makes us better now than before the deal. Looking at the landscape in the West does this make us better than Dallas, Phoenix, Portland, Golden State, or Memphis I just don't know.

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The Pelicans had three big weaknesses at Center. Rim protection, rebounding, fouling. Asik checks all three boxes.

— David Fisher (@usnfish) June 26, 2014

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Originally Posted by Coughka

So here is the official protection guys:



So if for someone reason they get a top 3 pick (highly unlikely), they get the pick, and the same for if we land the 20th or lower.

So this in fact DOES protect the most valuable parts (4-19) of the draft.

Totally fine with giving up a pick in the twenties.

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Wait, wait, wait.

The way that is phrased it means if our pick wins the lottery or we make the playoffs Houston gets that pick. But if we don't win the lottery or barely sneak into the playoffs, then WE keep the pick. Is that what that means?

Who gets what in the what now?

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Originally Posted by rt0307

I'm going to trust Lowe when he says it's top 2/3s of the lottery protected and 20+ (meaning somewhere in 14-19 range going to HOU... all others staying w/ NOLA) than the other reports until proven otherwise

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It's not just him either. Houston's Jon Feigen says it's top 10 protected: https://mobile.twitter.com/Jonathan_...94958576967680

Our knee-jerk fear comes from the fact that we saw the horrific injuries that killed us last season and how easy it would be for us to land in the same exact spot again.

Edit: it seems like the 4-19 is confirmed.

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Originally Posted by Pelifan

As far as a basketball move. I like the deal. Asik perfectly complements our roster. Dell just has no idea of value, or basketball economics, or maybe negotiation. It's frustrating

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I love comments like this.

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Originally Posted by Coughka

So here is the official protection guys:



So if for someone reason they get a top 3 pick (highly unlikely), they get the pick, and the same for if we land the 20th or lower.

So this in fact DOES protect the most valuable parts (4-19) of the draft.

Totally fine with giving up a pick in the twenties.

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You are misunderstanding. It apparently (if this is true) is only protected 1-3 and over 20. The over 20 is silly as well as it also protects Houston from getting a bad 1st round pick if we suddenly get very good.

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Originally Posted by DroopyDawg

I love comments like this.

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Yeah, it's like "I like the car you bought, but you should've gotten it for way, way cheaper."

4-20 protection I can live with that

If this week ends with us trading Gordon. Then it won't all be for nothing.

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Originally Posted by Eman5805

Yeah, it's like "I like the car you bought, but you should've gotten it for way, way cheaper."

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What's wrong with that. If we traded AD for LA it makes us better next year. But that's dumb. Same goes for this trade, but obviously on a much smaller scale.

Dear God,

Can you please let me, as well as my Pelican friends know what the protection is on the pick? This way I can go back to drinking in celebration because its top 10 protected -- or I can drink myself into depression if it's not.

Thanks. I'll be good, I promise.

We could easily be picking 4-12 next year if this team cannot stay healthy. Just too much of gamble if this pick is not top-10 protected. Like I said, Dell should be fired if we give up a top 10 pick for Asik.

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Originally Posted by Eman5805

Yeah, it's like "I like the car you bought, but you should've gotten it for way, way cheaper."

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Or maybe...

"Dell doesn't know what the hell he's doing... I'd be an NBA GM if I wasn't on a fan forum touting Dell's ignorance".

Protecting AD was what this move was about, and Asik was a solid move.

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Originally Posted by Eman5805

If this week ends with us trading Gordon. Then it won't all be for nothing.

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Now this I can agree with. Hatred of Gordon the one uniting PR topic

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Originally Posted by Pelifan

What's wrong with that. If we traded AD for LA it makes us better next year. But that's dumb. Same goes for this trade, but obviously on a much smaller scale.

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Slightly off-topic, but I work in law enforcement, and yesterday I saw a police report for a stolen vehicle. a 1997 Ford Crown Vic. Owner claimed it was worth $22,000. Because that's what he paid for it new. So there ya go.

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Pelicans: B+

Even if New Orleans' decision to part with a first-round pick so quickly after using one to land Holiday last summer is cause for a little queasiness, the Pelicans can't really be considered losers. When the alternate options at center are Jason Smith (who missed most of last season with a knee injury), Alexis Ajinca and Jeff Withey, you can understand why GM Dell Demps wouldn't draw a firm line in the sand when it comes to parting with a top-flight draft asset.

Davis has a chance to be a top 10 player in the NBA next season, and all of the Pelicans' major personnel moves should be conducted within the context of, "Does it make Davis's life easier and/or does it make Davis a better player?" With Asik, the answer to both questions is definitely yes. Davis will find life easier at the power forward position, where he can create mismatches with his versatility and save himself some of the physicality that comes with defending centers. What's more, the Davis/Asik pairing should work fairly well on both ends. Davis has enough versatility to step out away from the hoop offensively when paired with the low-post-bound Asik, and the two will wreak havoc on opponents' field goal percentages in the restricted area.

Landing Asik might not be a transformative acquisition -- a la Houston's signing of Howard -- but it plugs an obvious hole with a very capable peg. New Orleans will see its grade nudge up if it is able to re-sign Asik and keep him in town past next summer.

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http://www.si.com/omer-asik-trade-rockets-pelicans

Does this move remove Andre Blatche from the BSS MLE tourney?

I don't get why people are freaking out about the pick protection.

Our pick was 10 this season and we had the worst luck when it comes to injuries that I can remember in this franchise's history. So there is likely large improvement in itself. Then you take into account the upgrade of Asik over guys like Stiemsma, a likely upgrade of some kind over Aminu and the fact that Davis will probably be even better next season. We shouldn't be worrying about pick protection. Worst comes to worst we are trading the 14th pick in a bad draft. Most likely scenario is we barely keep the pick or give up the 18th or 19th pick, which would be the case if we finished 7th or 8th in the West (with the East being so bad).

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Originally Posted by Primetime

Dear God,

Can you please let me, as well as my Pelican friends know what the protection is on the pick? This way I can go back to drinking in celebration because its top 10 protected -- or I can drink myself into depression if it's not.

Thanks. I'll be good, I promise.

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Serious question... does it really matter where the pick falls?

The team is gonna try to win as many games as they can, and I don't really think they're gonna change the way they play and tank games just for a pick. That's why I don't know why people are spazzing out over where the pick is. Whatever it will be... will be.

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Originally Posted by UNO Gracias

Does this move remove Andre Blatche from the BSS MLE tourney?

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Depending on how this trade is constructed, we probably won't have an MLE

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Originally Posted by DroopyDawg

Serious question... does it really matter where the pick falls?

The team is gonna try to win as many games as they can, and I don't really think they're gonna change the way they play and tank games just for a pick. That's why I don't know why people are spazzing out over where the pick is. Whatever it will be... will be.

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I'm more worried about the lottery non-protection. My current understanding is they get the pic if we win the lottery next time. How long does that stand as it rolls over?

I just wanna know how many Cody Zellers and Alex lens and Thomas robinsons and ekpe udohs and Bismarck biyombos it takes to make an asik.anyone have the recipe?

Hey guys, I'm really happy right now. :)

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Originally Posted by MichaelMcNamara

Depending on how this trade is constructed, we probably won't have an MLE

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Since Asik isn't an FA, can we not consummate the trade, resign Smith or somebody, and not technically have used cap space on any FAs, giving us the MLE?

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Originally Posted by Smow-

I'm more worried about the lottery non-protection. My current understanding is they get the pic if we win the lottery next time. How long does that stand as it rolls over?

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No, Houston gets the pick if it falls between 4 and 20.

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Originally Posted by Smow-

I'm more worried about the lottery non-protection. My current understanding is they get the pic if we win the lottery next time. How long does that stand as it rolls over?

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IDK... but (barring injury) we shouldn't be in the lottery for a few years.

Yes. Dell Doez it. That should be his motto.

I think people are failing to realize that this could give us one of the best front court rotations OF ALL TIME. You have some combination of unstoppable force for the whole 48 minutes of the game, every game. Each player not only covers the other man's weaknesses, but also compliments their strengths.

Oh yea, not to mention Jrue Holiday and Tyreke Evans. Screw the middle of the draft, if we sign a serviceable 3 man, this team could go deep in the playoffs.

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Originally Posted by Pelicantoo

I just wanna know how many Cody Zellers and Alex lens and Thomas robinsons and ekpe udohs and Bismarck biyombos it takes to make an asik.anyone have the recipe?

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Honestly dude I have no idea! lol! The worst case scenario is that he becomes an expiring contract and a valuable trading piece during the trade deadline. But he's the ideal C to play along AD.

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Originally Posted by Pelicantoo

I just wanna know how many Cody Zellers and Alex lens and Thomas robinsons and ekpe udohs and Bismarck biyombos it takes to make an asik.anyone have the recipe?

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Take 3oz. of Cody Zeller, add two tablespoons of Meyers Leonard, a dash of Enes Kanter. Bake for four hours or until crust turns golden brown, add an Aaron Gray'd cream on top. And viola.

Don't forget the side of Hasheem Thabeet for dippin...

Why are people ignoring the Zack Lowe tweet he said we keep the pick if its top 2/3 of the lottery or if 20+ that means the Rockets get the pick if it falls around the 10 - 19 range.

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Originally Posted by DroopyDawg

Serious question... does it really matter where the pick falls?

The team is gonna try to win as many games as they can, and I don't really think they're gonna change the way they play and tank games just for a pick. That's why I don't know why people are spazzing out over where the pick is. Whatever it will be... will be.

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Of course it matters. This isn't about us tanking. All it takes is one injury for our pick to be in the 4 - 6 range. The whole point is that you don't want to give up a prized asset and a top 5 selection is a prized asset.

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Originally Posted by Pelicans_fan_504

Why are people ignoring the Zack Lowe tweet he said we keep the pick if its top 2/3 of the lottery or if 20+ that means the Rockets get the pick if it falls around the 10 - 19 range.

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It seems like most other sources are confirming the 4-20 deal.

One injury? The Pelicans had a whole lot more than one injury and still finished 10th this past season...

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Originally Posted by David Fisher

One injury? The Pelicans had a whole lot more than one injury and still finished 10th this past season...

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If Anthony Davis gets injured, the Pelicans are for sure picking in the top 5.

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Originally Posted by David Fisher

One injury? The Pelicans had a whole lot more than one injury and still finished 10th this past season...

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We finished the season w/ Brian Roberts, A. Ajinca and Aminu rotating in the starting lineup. Yeah, we'll be okay...

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Originally Posted by Eman5805

Take 3oz. of Cody Zeller, add two tablespoons of Meyers Leonard, a dash of Enes Kanter. Bake for four hours or until crust turns golden brown, add an Aaron Gray'd cream on top. And viola.

Don't forget the side of Hasheem Thabeet for dippin...

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4th of Julys coming up, I'm baking an Asik, who's coming?

Im also serving a Pfizer salad, Oden chowder, and save room for the olawakandi canes!

it's a year rental and you have over pay him and they get a lotto pick wtf mannnnnn

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Originally Posted by Primetime

If Anthony Davis gets injured, the Pelicans are for sure picking in the top 5.

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If LeBron gets hurt...

If Melo gets hurt...

If Durant and Westbrook get hurt...

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Originally Posted by Primetime

Of course it matters. This isn't about us tanking. All it takes is one injury for our pick to be in the 4 - 6 range. The whole point is that you don't want to give up a prized asset and a top 5 selection is a prized asset.

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OK, but its not like we gave up the pick for nothing. Y'all act like we just gave Houston the pick and didn't get anything in return.

Jrue's not the reason we don't have a pick tomorrow night, and Asik won't be the reason if we give up a top 5 pick next year.

But we'll have 2 SOLID players out of both deals... real good players at 2 positions of need. Let's judge these decisions after the season... not now. Asik's production could very well trump the value of that pick.

I'm just glad the team finally got some legitimate protection for AD in the low post. Some people on here wanted AD to become the team's primary center, so glad that pipe dream won't be realized.

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Originally Posted by Primetime

If Anthony Davis gets injured, the Pelicans are for sure picking in the top 5.

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If you think that a core of Jrue, Tyreke, RA and Asik falls into the bottom 4-6, you should probably put down the pipe and get some rest.

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Originally Posted by Primetime

If Anthony Davis gets injured, the Pelicans are for sure picking in the top 5.

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I disagree if Ryno is healthy. Jrue/Reke/Ryno/Asik is probably a playoff team in the East. Add AD we are knocking on the door in the West.

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Originally Posted by Eman5805

If LeBron gets hurt...

If Melo gets hurt...

If Durant and Westbrook get hurt...

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Seriously, what's your point? Because as far as I know, none of those teams are dumb enough to trade a top 3 protected pick to try to get Omer Asik on a one year deal. Again, if it's top 10 protected, I'm fine with it. If it's only top 3 protected, this is a ridiculously dumb trade and screams of a GM and Coach who are trying to save their jobs. If you can't see that, then we should have a conversation about incentives.

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Originally Posted by DroopyDawg

OK, but its not like we gave up the pick for nothing. Y'all act like we just gave Houston the pick and didn't get anything in return.

Jrue's not the reason we don't have a pick tomorrow night, and Asik won't be the reason if we give up a top 5 pick next year.

But we'll have 2 SOLID players out of both deals... real good players at 2 positions of need. Let's judge these decisions after the season... not now. Asik's production could very well trump the value of that pick.

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You may not have a player next year, he's on a one year deal. And you may have traded that player for a top 5 pick on a rookie contract. I'm cool with defending the move, but the argument of "well, it helps us win games now" isn't an argument. In a year, you may have royally screwed yourself.

How many years do you want to be in rebuilding mode? This deal screams of a team that wants to win now. Monty has been playing with youngins and d-leaguers since CP and DW left. Its time to put a team on the court that can compete for the playoffs, and we have a couple years to prove to AD that we're trying to win or else he could decide to dip.

Maybe you want to sit thru 3 more years of hoping, but Monty, Dell, and Tom Benson aren't.

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Originally Posted by Primetime

Seriously, what's your point? Because as far as I know, none of those teams are dumb enough to trade a top 3 protected pick to try to get Omer Asik on a one year deal. Again, if it's top 10 protected, I'm fine with it. If it's only top 3 protected, this is a ridiculously dumb trade and screams of a GM and Coach who are trying to save their jobs. If you can't see that, then we should have a conversation about incentives.

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You first.

Where are you seeing that it's only top 3 protected? After the initial "heavily protected" tweet someone said, only area of contention is amounting to what other portion of the lottery is protected.

What does the possibility of AD getting hurt have to do with anything?

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Originally Posted by Primetime

You may not have a player next year, he's on a one year deal. And you may have traded that player for a top 5 pick on a rookie contract. I'm cool with defending the move, but the argument of "well, it helps us win games now" isn't an argument. In a year, you may have royally screwed yourself.

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OK... that's a possibility that's out there no doubt.

But if he leaves, then you have 8 mill to spend on his replacement. Who's to say that top 5 pick would yield Asik's replacement?

Should be fun.

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Originally Posted by Sujaguar00

I disagree if Ryno is healthy. Jrue/Reke/Ryno/Asik is probably a playoff team in the East. Add AD we are knocking on the door in the West.

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Originally Posted by P Raff

If you think that a core of Jrue, Tyreke, RA and Asik falls into the bottom 4-6, you should probably put down the pipe and get some rest.

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Look, maybe saying 'for sure picking in the top 5' is overstating it, but it wouldn't be all that surprising. These guys haven't done a {edited-language} thing together. And precisely because we're in the west, we may wind up selecting top ten. So to rewind, we may have given the Rockets a chance at putting together a ridiculously good team + they get to roll the dice and at worse, they opened up money. At best, they opened up money + received a top ten selection.