I apologize for questioning Pels getting in the Jeff Green trade

those who were in the thread about the trade that landed us Q-Pon know I was wondering why the Pelicans would accept the minor player role in a major trade that would make a division rival (Grizzlies) better

well... after seeing how AD referenced Pondexter being a big voice down the stretch in tonight's big win... that was definitely a big pick-up for the Pelicans

so glad you're back Q-Pon

I watched Qpon pump from the corner 3pt line, drive, and dish to Asik for a dunk. Tbh I haven't seen a pelican's SF do something like that in a LONG time

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Originally Posted by Schmide234

I watched Qpon pump from the corner 3pt line, drive, and dish to Asik for a dunk. Tbh I haven't seen a pelican's SF do something like that in a LONG time

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That's what happens when your SF has a 3-pt shot that warrants respect from the opposition. It's nice to see.

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Originally Posted by Schmide234

I watched Qpon pump from the corner 3pt line, drive, and dish to Asik for a dunk. Tbh I haven't seen a pelican's SF do something like that in a LONG time

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It's such a simple play too. Fake, drive, dish. 10 year olds do this.

yeah that dime to Asik was lovely. made even more lovely by Asik catching it and making the bucket. Maybe we just need to pump the ball at his face? force him to catch it or wear it? :hihi: thought Asik had a good night with his hands actually, don't kill me asik fans

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Originally Posted by rt0307

those who were in the thread about the trade that landed us Q-Pon know I was wondering why the Pelicans would accept the minor player role in a major trade that would make a division rival (Grizzlies) better

well... after seeing how AD referenced Pondexter being a big voice down the stretch in tonight's big win... that was definitely a big pick-up for the Pelicans

so glad you're back Q-Pon

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Apology excepted. ...GEAUX PELS! !!!!!

I also hated on the trade and Q-Pon. So far I've been eating crow and loving it. I hope he continues to prove me wrong.

Yeah me too, I was way wrong about QPon, he has yet to prove that he's worth his salary, but he's definitely an NBA player, hope he can keep this up, because he's playing ok. Still think we should have paid low for buying low though.

Edit:
Actually his shooting numbers are still pretty bad.

My question is: At what point does SF not become the #1 priority this summer?

Let's say we bring Dante back with the bi-annual. Would/Should we really look to spend the MLE on a SF? Or do you go and find a guard with that money? Or a backup big?

Between Q-Pon, DC, and Reke playing at 3 in small ball lineups, we have 48 minutes at that position sewn up. Might be wiser to look elsewhere with the MLE if we keep everyone. Amare, Jeremy Lin, and Corey Joseph all guys I would seriously consider.

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Originally Posted by MichaelMcNamara

My question is: At what point does SF not become the #1 priority this summer?

Let's say we bring Dante back with the bi-annual. Would/Should we really look to spend the MLE on a SF? Or do you go and find a guard with that money? Or a backup big?

Between Q-Pon, DC, and Reke playing at 3 in small ball lineups, we have 48 minutes at that position sewn up. Might be wiser to look elsewhere with the MLE if we keep everyone. Amare, Jeremy Lin, and Corey Joseph all guys I would seriously consider.

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Yep. This is what I've said a few times now. The SFs available this summer that will be in the MLE range don't seem to be a huge upgrade over QPon.

Only one I'd grab over a guard is G Green if we can get him for the MLE. His shooting would be so good for this team and spacing.

If we can't get him then I look guard all the way then focus on getting a SF when Gordon comes off the books.

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Originally Posted by MichaelMcNamara

My question is: At what point does SF not become the #1 priority this summer?

Let's say we bring Dante back with the bi-annual. Would/Should we really look to spend the MLE on a SF? Or do you go and find a guard with that money? Or a backup big?

Between Q-Pon, DC, and Reke playing at 3 in small ball lineups, we have 48 minutes at that position sewn up. Might be wiser to look elsewhere with the MLE if we keep everyone. Amare, Jeremy Lin, and Corey Joseph all guys I would seriously consider.

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I think we could still really use another shooter at SF regardless, and have Cunningham in a smaller role. We don't have enough spot up shooters

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Originally Posted by MichaelMcNamara

My question is: At what point does SF not become the #1 priority this summer?

Let's say we bring Dante back with the bi-annual. Would/Should we really look to spend the MLE on a SF? Or do you go and find a guard with that money? Or a backup big?

Between Q-Pon, DC, and Reke playing at 3 in small ball lineups, we have 48 minutes at that position sewn up. Might be wiser to look elsewhere with the MLE if we keep everyone. Amare, Jeremy Lin, and Corey Joseph all guys I would seriously consider.

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Lin? Interesting choice.
Not a guy I would consider.
I agree we use the MLE to strengthen the guards and C.

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Originally Posted by Mythrol

Yep. This is what I've said a few times now. The SFs available this summer that will be in the MLE range don't seem to be a huge upgrade over QPon.

Only one I'd grab over a guard is G Green if we can get him for the MLE. His shooting would be so good for this team and spacing.

If we can't get him then I look guard all the way then focus on getting a SF when Gordon comes off the books.

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What is Greens perimeter defence like?
I agree with going for a premier SF in 2016.
Nic Batum gets my vote.

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Originally Posted by AUSSIE_PELICAN

What is Greens perimeter defence like?
I agree with going for a premier SF in 2016.
Nic Batum gets my vote.

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I'm not sure I haven't looked closely at his defense since there isn't a good way to track it without just straight watching games.

He fits our need for a shooting wing player. He can play the 2 or the 3 so he adds a lot of flexibility.

Batum would be REALLY nice. Also takes away a need for a great backup Pg because he is so good passing.

I think all the Green's will get more than the MLE. Carroll might too.

If we have just the MLE to work with, I think the value will be at guard or a big like Stoudamire or Brandan Wright

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Originally Posted by Mythrol

I'm not sure I haven't looked closely at his defense since there isn't a good way to track it without just straight watching games.

He fits our need for a shooting wing player. He can play the 2 or the 3 so he adds a lot of flexibility.

Batum would be REALLY nice. Also takes away a need for a great backup Pg because he is so good passing.

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Depending how Portland goes over the next few years I could see Batum coming here purely because of his relationship with Monty. However is Monty still the coach in 2016?

Man could you imagine a 5 of:
Holiday
Evans
Batum
Davis
Asik

In 2016

How did this thread go from giving Q-Pon props to immediately looking for an upgrade for him?

lol

He's one of those guys where it's hard to pick something out that he does really badly. He's just an all-around guy. He's a great locker room guy, too. All the great teams have a guy like Q.

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Originally Posted by MichaelMcNamara

How did this thread go from giving Q-Pon props to immediately looking for an upgrade for him?

lol

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Yeah I know sorry.
Q-Pon isn't a starter though.

Yeah I am all for batum. Dude is a great fit

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Originally Posted by AUSSIE_PELICAN

Yeah I know sorry.
Q-Pon isn't a starter though.

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Why not?

Can he be your 5th best player? Maybe not. But a starter for a title team? Sure.

Starts and gives you 24-30 solid, low usage minutes. I would argue that with all our high usage guys, that is exactly what is needed.

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Originally Posted by MichaelMcNamara

Why not?

Can he be your 5th best player? Maybe not. But a starter for a title team? Sure.

Starts and gives you 24-30 solid, low usage minutes. I would argue that with all our high usage guys, that is exactly what is needed.

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If Tyreke and Asik are part of the core then you need a guy who spaces the floor. If Q can hit the 3 at 35% or better then I'd rather use that Gordon money on a bench that goes 10 NBA caliber deep.

for the record... I never questioned adding Q-Pon to the team as I knew he fit where we had a serious need

my question was involving ourselves in a trade that helped another SW division team more than it helped us... but in the end Q-Pon may be helping us more than I expected... his presence could really help us make a playoff push (even as NBATV continues to push Thunder vs. Suns for the final playoff spot in the West)

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Originally Posted by rt0307

for the record... I never questioned adding Q-Pon to the team as I knew he fit where we had a serious need

my question was involving ourselves in a trade that helped another SW division team more than it helped us... but in the end Q-Pon may be helping us more than I expected... his presence could really help us make a playoff push (even as NBATV continues to push Thunder vs. Suns for the final playoff spot in the West)

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That trade was gonna happen whether we were involved or not, so might as well get a useful piece when you can.

It would help if we knew who we could get for the MLE. I would really like Green or Carroll at SF if they could be had for the MLE.

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Originally Posted by MichaelMcNamara

How did this thread go from giving Q-Pon props to immediately looking for an upgrade for him?

lol

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The mere mention of FA will do that

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Originally Posted by MichaelMcNamara

Why not?

Can he be your 5th best player? Maybe not. But a starter for a title team? Sure.

Starts and gives you 24-30 solid, low usage minutes. I would argue that with all our high usage guys, that is exactly what is needed.

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This without question. Everyone wants SF, if we get an expensive small forward he will have to compete for shots with tyreke, Eric for one year, jrue and most importantly davis. I think number 1 priority is center, the backup pg/big. I think we will have to upgrade over Asik, it's too bad but playing 4/5 on offense is too difficult despite the numbers he puts up on the defensive end.

AD is unquestionably the first option on offence, who is number 2?

Is it Jrue?

Is it Reke?

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Originally Posted by rt0307

those who were in the thread about the trade that landed us Q-Pon know I was wondering why the Pelicans would accept the minor player role in a major trade that would make a division rival (Grizzlies) better

well... after seeing how AD referenced Pondexter being a big voice down the stretch in tonight's big win... that was definitely a big pick-up for the Pelicans

so glad you're back Q-Pon

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I was actually gonna say something in reference to this, the guy belongs here. He's becoming a awesome role player with intangibles that fit perfectly with this roster. Based on what AD said above even though he's only been here a short amount of times he's already a bit of a leader. Dell's a smart man when it comes to finding the glue that help holds the entire piece in his mind in tack...what? Yeah whatever lol

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Originally Posted by MichaelMcNamara

I think all the Green's will get more than the MLE. Carroll might too.

If we have just the MLE to work with, I think the value will be at guard or a big like Stoudamire or Brandan Wright

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Amare would be coming off a 100 mill contract and he's having a flash back of his old self season, I highly doubt he settles for the MLE.

probably he settles for MLE-type money in...Israel

he mentioned his Jewish roots, so probably he will finish his NBA career

but if not - bigs are always overpaid. healthy Amare may earn 10 millions...

First, Green is not going to help Memphis that much, and neither will Russ Smith. Second, out involvement had negligible effect on the trade.

As for being a starter or not, Q-Pon is similar to Cunningham in that he is a role player who doesn't need touches but won't waste the ones he has. He will make a pass rather than take a poor shot, unless the clock is winding down. So, the role is played very well, so far. He is quicker than Dante, but not as long. Between the two we have a solid defensive 3 depending on the type of 3 being defended. Floor spacing is provided to a sufficient degree, although point production is not. Both seem durable, and each can play another position in time of need. Assuming they both continue to be solid, the pair relieve us of the desperate need to gamble on a 3 this summer. If we keep both plus Asik then our main need would be at backup PG. If we lose Asik (hope we don't), then replacing him becomes priority 1.

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Originally Posted by HalfBreed

Amare would be coming off a 100 mill contract and he's having a flash back of his old self season, I highly doubt he settles for the MLE.

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I disagree. That is all Paul Pierce got and he was/is a more productive player. Money in FA is reserved for guys in their prime or with "upside"

The only way Amare gets more than the MLE in my opinion is if the Knicks strike out on everyone and then give him a 1yr/10 mil type of deal to fill up their sheet.

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Originally Posted by MichaelMcNamara

My question is: At what point does SF not become the #1 priority this summer?

Let's say we bring Dante back with the bi-annual. Would/Should we really look to spend the MLE on a SF? Or do you go and find a guard with that money? Or a backup big?

Between Q-Pon, DC, and Reke playing at 3 in small ball lineups, we have 48 minutes at that position sewn up. Might be wiser to look elsewhere with the MLE if we keep everyone. Amare, Jeremy Lin, and Corey Joseph all guys I would seriously consider.

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Victor Oladipo.

As long as it doesn't involve Davis/Holiday/QPon/Tyreke

http://s7.postimg.org/j5eyci017/COMPARISON.png

Ones Austin & Ones Q-Pon... hard to guess

My biggest issue is I don't want anymore money tied up in injury prone players. Having him, Mr. Glass, Jrue (who knows if this injury will bug him the rest of his career), and Tyreke who usually is good for 10-15 games a season that's a lot of players who run risk of missing games - possibly significant amounts.

My personal preference is to just spend the money on a more surefire guard and live with our bigs. Maybe bring back Big Pat or if he has matured some Blatche.

I should apologize also because I questioned the trade hard as well hoping we could package rivers and someone else for a better SF or a backup PG and another DC type of player that can hit a set 3 pt shot. But I am glad we have Q-Pon. The guy is as tough as nails. I think the time at memphis has hardened him and we are reaping the benefits of this at a low cost. He is just about everything the board has been saying they wanted in a SF. Can hit the corner 3, can take his man off the drive, can handle the ball some when needed, makes the smart plays, tough, good defender, decent rebounder, great locker room guy.

I think we all know what our glaring whole is now and that's the backup pg position. IMO this is more important than another big because of AA's confidence recently. I don't think we need anyone huge at the backup pg position, just someone reliable that won't shy away from the chaos of an nba game.

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Originally Posted by 1ShotSniper

and we are reaping the benefits

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