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

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Originally Posted by WhoDatPelican

http://i40.tinypic.com/2ltg774.jpg

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Lmao

As long as they don't have to give up any players to get him
I think its a win win.

I still cant believe Minny payed Roy the money they did last season.
3M is reasonable even if he only plays limited games like Gordon did
last season.

Per Stein on Twitter, The Mavs are close to signing Dalembert to a one year deal. That ups our chances to get Lebron's grandfather a bit.

I'm not excited about this, but it would say a lot about how far this franchise came over one summer if he chose us over anyone else.

please choose anyone but us.

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Originally Posted by maverick91579

please choose anyone but us.

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Why? This is the epitome of Low Risk - High Reward. As long as we don't cut JSmith to get him I don't see how this could be bad even if he never plays for us.

What's the worst thing that can happen if we sign him?

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Originally Posted by maverick91579

please choose anyone but us.

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It has no bearing on anyone else. No reason not to.

People.... Cut the ignorance, this defined low risk and high reward. Could be exactly what we need

Coming into the draft and offseason I was hoping our team could maybe look like this:

C: Lopez / Smith
PF: Davis / Anderson
SF: Porter / Webster
SG: Gordon / Rivers
PG: Jennings / Vasquez

Instead Dell Demps has went way beyond my expectations this offseason and imagine if we look like this opening night:

C: Oden / Stiemsma / Withey
PF: Davis / Anderson / Smith
SF: Evans / Aminu
SG: Gordon / Morrow
PG: Holiday / Rivers / Jackson

I really hope Dell & Loomis talk Greg Oden into joining this awesome makeover to the new Pelicans. If we could somehow end up with just 75% of Greg Oden before the injuries, we could really be considered contenders for a championship in a few years. We would have everything in place for greatness.

Unless you are n Bensons' will, this an only be a good thing.

Vinny I totally agree. Its definitely low risk high reward. Its not like we are trying to give him a long extended contract. When he played he put up pretty solid numbers.

I hope we sign him because the guy is too talented not to at least see how that knee will respond.

But at the same time... I'm not too confident that he'll make it through half the season without another major setback. I mean... 3 micro-fracture surgeries?

Surprise me Greg...

Sources at ESPN are saying even though the Mavs have agreed to a deal with Dalembert they are still going after Oden, and they have had 3 face to face meetings with Oden this week. I really Hope that going last and some magical words from Dell and Loomis will work!

Side Note: I believe that colleges should offer a course in learning the new CBA and Cap, but then they have to find people besides Larry Coon and 42 to teach it.

I have no faith that Oden will be able to play healthy, but I would still like this signing. It may be a small chance he can be healthy, but there is still that chance. Even if it's 5%.

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Originally Posted by PrimeTimeWhoDat

Coming into the draft and offseason I was hoping our team could maybe look like this:

C: Lopez / Smith
PF: Davis / Anderson
SF: Porter / Webster
SG: Gordon / Rivers
PG: Jennings / Vasquez

Instead Dell Demps has went way beyond my expectations this offseason and imagine if we look like this opening night:

C: Oden / Stiemsma / Withey
PF: Davis / Anderson / Smith
SF: Evans / Aminu
SG: Gordon / Morrow
PG: Holiday / Rivers / Jackson

I really hope Dell & Loomis talk Greg Oden into joining this awesome makeover to the new Pelicans. If we could somehow end up with just 75% of Greg Oden before the injuries, we could really be considered contenders for a championship in a few years. We would have everything in place for greatness.

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Well said.

What we have up:
-2013 1st round pick (6th - Nerlens Noel)
-2014 1st round draft pick (TBD - Top 5 protected)
-Robin Lopez
-Greivis Vasquez

What we got:
-Jrue Holiday
-2013 2nd round draft pick (42nd - Pierre Jackson)
-Tyreke Evans
-Jeff Withey (2013 2nd round pick - 39th)

I'd say it's a pretty good turn around at a reasonable price.

Just to jumpback into the conversation....Brandon Wright is still out in free agency. He may not have the "hyped up potential" of G.O., but what he does have is 2 good legs! Ive said it in this thread before, I'll say it again....I have no faith in someone who has played the equivalent of 1 full seasons in 6 and hasn't played in the league in a year....I guess it's kinda like looking at cars...Some people see the nice paint, booming stereo, big shiney rims, and completely miss the fact that the engine is missing....
I'll say it till Im more blue in the face than a smurf.....

No to Greg Oden...Please no....

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Originally Posted by NOSportsFan

Just to jumpback into the conversation....Brandon Wright is still out in free agency. He may not have the "hyped up potential" of G.O., but what he does have is 2 good legs! Ive said it in this thread before, I'll say it again....I have no faith in someone who has played the equivalent of 1 full seasons in 6 and hasn't played in the league in a year....I guess it's kinda like looking at cars...Some people see the nice paint, booming stereo, big shiney rims, and completely miss the fact that the engine is missing....
I'll say it till Im more blue in the face than a smurf.....

No to Greg Oden...Please no....

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Rumor is Wright is negotiating to re-sign with the Mavs for $4 million or more per year. If so, he is not an option.

Hand me Brandon Wright over G.O 8 days a week z that said, G.O is more affordable ATM.

I would definitely love to have Greg Oden, to belabor the point, high risk low reward. But, one of the bleacher report writers made a good point.

To paraphrase he's on two messed up knees and even if he does come back, probably isn't very long in the league. If he wants to win, he should probably go to the Heat.

I agree, the Pelicans are about 3-4 years from becoming legit championship contenders. Who knows if he lasts that long. I would love to have him, and if we can sell him on the lack of limelight we have a shot. But my gut tells me he's going to the Heat.

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Originally Posted by KikkomanSauce

I would definitely love to have Greg Oden, to belabor the point, high risk low reward. But, one of the bleacher report writers made a good point.

To paraphrase he's on two messed up knees and even if he does come back, probably isn't very long in the league. If he wants to win, he should probably go to the Heat.

I agree, the Pelicans are about 3-4 years from becoming legit championship contenders. Who knows if he lasts that long. I would love to have him, and if we can sell him on the lack of limelight we have a shot. But my gut tells me he's going to the Heat.

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3-4 years? That's not much of a window when you consider a bunch of players will be up for contracts by that time.

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Originally Posted by KikkomanSauce

I would definitely love to have Greg Oden, to belabor the point, high risk low reward. But, one of the bleacher report writers made a good point.

To paraphrase he's on two messed up knees and even if he does come back, probably isn't very long in the league. If he wants to win, he should probably go to the Heat.

I agree, the Pelicans are about 3-4 years from becoming legit championship contenders. Who knows if he lasts that long. I would love to have him, and if we can sell him on the lack of limelight we have a shot. But my gut tells me he's going to the Heat.

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How are we 3-4 years from contending?
Have you been paying attention?

If our fast 5 (Jrue, EG, Tyreke, Ryno and Davis) stay healthy through the year, they will contend.

I honestly think that Jrue and Tyreke will play with chips on their shoulders. Plus EG is ALL IN and with something to prove. Davis will make that 2nd year leap and show night in and out why he was the most coveted prospect in several years. And don't forget Ryno being the best stretch 4 in the league.

Add solid role players Aminu, Morrow and Smith along with possibly a Greg Oden and this team is ready to contend. .

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Originally Posted by GameBreaker

How are we 3-4 years from contending?
Have you been paying attention?

If our fast 5 (Jrue, EG, Tyreke, Ryno and Davis) stay healthy through the year, they will contend.

I honestly think that Jrue and Tyreke will play with chips on their shoulders. Plus EG is ALL IN and with something to prove. Davis will make that 2nd year leap and show night in and out why he was the most coveted prospect in several years. And don't forget Ryno being the best stretch 4 in the league.

Add solid role players Aminu, Morrow and Smith along with possibly a Greg Oden and this team is ready to contend. .

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For a championship?

Contend is a funny word. Means different things to different people.

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Originally Posted by PelsFan2313

For a championship?

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Playoff contender.

Once you get there anything can happen.

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Originally Posted by GameBreaker

Playoff contender.

Once you get there anything can happen.

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But Kikkoman clearly stated championship contender.

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Originally Posted by Nola Hornet

But Kikkoman clearly stated championship contender.

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Why not?

When I say "legit championship contender," I mean one of the favorites for a top seed, a objectively much better than the lower echelon playoff teams.

Right now, I think we max out at around a 5-6 seed. Which is awesome, because with our youth, we have a ceiling miles above.

To clarify, in 3-4 years, our big guys, Gordon, Jrue, Evans, and Anderson will be 27-28, in the prime of their prime. Our other star will be 23-24 entering his prime, but with his talent, skill, and work ethic, chances are he will be a superstar level NBA player. At this point, I think we are legitimate threats to go to multiple NBA championship series.

While I do agree that anything can happen in the playoffs, and that any pundit who says we are fighting for that 8th seed is full of garbage (we're a lock for the playoffs this year, quote me on that), I still don't think we'd compete for a championship against the top teams in the West right now.

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Originally Posted by KikkomanSauce

When I say "legit championship contender," I mean one of the favorites for a top seed, a objectively much better than the lower echelon playoff teams.

Right now, I think we max out at around a 5-6 seed. Which is awesome, because with our youth, we have a ceiling miles above.

To clarify, in 3-4 years, our big guys, Gordon, Jrue, Evans, and Anderson will be 27-28, in the prime of their prime. Our other star will be 23-24 entering his prime, but with his talent, skill, and work ethic, chances are he will be a superstar level NBA player. At this point, I think we are legitimate threats to go to multiple NBA championship series.

While I do agree that anything can happen in the playoffs, and that any pundit who says we are fighting for that 8th seed is full of garbage (we're a lock for the playoffs this year, quote me on that), I still don't think we'd compete for a championship against the top teams in the West right now.

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I know this might seem a little unrealistic but I agree. Look at the talent on our roster, I don't think there's a better closing 5 in the NBA... Honestly, if this team had been playing together for the past few years I think we'd be a lock for the WCF. The talent is unbelievable and j think Anthony Davis will be so good. As this team grows, I really do think we'll win a championship. I'd love someone to find a better group of 5 players that can play together. Not to mention we have good depth as well. I really think we have a great roster on our hands.

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Originally Posted by GameBreaker

Playoff contender.

Once you get there anything can happen.

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No it can't. This isn't the NFL, where an inferior team can have a one-time lucky game and turn it into a superbowl run. Count how many teams have won the nba title in the last 20 years, and tell me if you're surprised please.

Contending this year, seriously. I want some of what you guys are smoking.

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Originally Posted by Kurgan

No it can't. This isn't the NFL, where an inferior team can have a one-time lucky game and turn it into a superbowl run. Count how many teams have won the nba title in the last 20 years, and tell me if you're surprised please.

Contending this year, seriously. I want some of what you guys are smoking.

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agree

Looking at our roster... I think we can at least compete with the top tier teams in the West. We can compete with San Antonio. We can play with San Antone. We'll give the Clippers a great game. This year may be too soon because I think we need a year or so to finally "gel". But after this season anything goes.

Look I'm not the type of fan that will dismiss our team from certain goals. Why not be all the way confident in your team?? We finally have a right to be. I say he'll with it and dream big. No need to get disappointed if we fail to reach those goals cause our future is bright. Very bright. This team will def be labeled a championship contender by main stream media in next couple years IMO. I love being the underdog. Cause when we shock the world. The main stream guys (experts) will try n explain how they knew this could happen and Yada Yada Yada. On paper this team looks ridiculous. Especially if we get Oden signed. Watch out!! I understand it will prob take a few years to gel BUT with the talent on this roster. Who's to say these guys can't figure it out mid season?? Ya never know but I'm just glad we have a team we can even have some dam positive expectations for.

If he's just looking for the money, it looks like we will have the best offer.

When is he 'supposedly' going to make a decision by?
I read somwhere August......but surely it shouldn't take that long.

Hi agent said that it could be weeks before we know, but I'm pretty confident that Loomis will make it happen before =)

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Originally Posted by AUSSIE_PELICAN

When is he 'supposedly' going to make a decision by?
I read somwhere August......but surely it shouldn't take that long.

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I think we will see a decision within 2 weeks at most.

Do ppl think if Oden does sign here there will be room for Smith,
Steimsma, Withey and Oden?

I think Smith ends up playing half the time PF if we have all
those guys and unfortunately Withey goes to the D-League.

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Originally Posted by AUSSIE_PELICAN

Do ppl think if Oden does sign here there will be room for Smith,
Steimsma, Withey and Oden?

I think Smith ends up playing half the time PF if we have all
those guys and unfortunately Withey goes to the D-League.

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If it works out so well that we have to play JSmith at PF or send Withey to the D-League because they can't get minutes then there's nothing "unfortunate" about that. It means 3 million well spent.

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Originally Posted by Kurgan

No it can't. This isn't the NFL, where an inferior team can have a one-time lucky game and turn it into a superbowl run. Count how many teams have won the nba title in the last 20 years, and tell me if you're surprised please.

Contending this year, seriously. I want some of what you guys are smoking.

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Ok. Tell Benson to shut it down. No use in playing the games then.

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Originally Posted by UNO Gracias

Hand me Brandon Wright over G.O 8 days a week z that said, G.O is more affordable ATM.

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Brandon Wright is a 210 lb center, now who can he possibly defend?

I'm a Wright fan, but in our situation I give Smith every minute that Wright would get. Same production, better overall defense.

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Originally Posted by RaisingTheBar

Brandon Wright is a 210 lb center, now who can he possibly defend?

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Nerlens Noel and his 7' 180 lb frame.

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Originally Posted by UNO Gracias

Nerlens Noel and his 7' 180 lb frame.

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Noel is not that small 1st of all, but 2nd look up any of my posts before the draft, I was not and still not sold on Noel. I just think we need a center who can defend the bigger guys, Could that be Stiems/Withey? Not so sure but probably not. Wright isn't the answer for us.

I never said you were, I am saying that there are guys that Wright can defend, starting with Noel.

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Originally Posted by UNO Gracias

Nerlens Noel and his 7' 180 lb frame.

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I guess hyperbole subtracts 40 lbs. eh?

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Originally Posted by UNO Gracias

I never said you were, I am saying that there are guys that Wright can defend, starting with Noel.

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Yeah I worded my response poorly, wasn't saying you implied that I was just adding my thoughts on Noel. Sorry about that.

We have 5's that can do what Wright does, if we add another center to this roster it should be someone that can put up a fight against the Duncans Howards and Gasols. That is not Brandon Wright.

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Originally Posted by RaisingTheBar

Yeah I worded my response poorly, wasn't saying you implied that I was just adding my thoughts on Noel. Sorry about that.

We have 5's that can do what Wright does, if we add another center to this roster it should be someone that can put up a fight against the Duncans Howards and Gasols. That is not Brandon Wright.

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It's not Oden either. He is going to be on the bench in a suit without a pelicans logo on it.

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Originally Posted by Purple Haze

I guess hyperbole subtracts 40 lbs. eh?

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That, or stressing the point that he is a bean pole.

Wright is much better than people give him credit for. He has come along nicely for a pf/c his size, with his 8/5/1 average. I would take that from my big. His defense is solid (much more solid than the much touted, older Al Jefferson that many were clamoring for).

But this point is moot as Dallas is going to bring him back.

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Originally Posted by UNO Gracias

It's not Oden either. He is going to be on the bench in a suit without a pelicans logo on it.

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At 280 lbs of muscle, if Oden can play 15mpg that would be perfect. I really don't care if he's lost anything offensively. Just need someone to defend and rebound.