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Post by gk on Feb 14, 2010 10:13:22 GMT -6
That's my biggest concern.
Here's some more food for thought though: In 36 playoff games, Stoudemire has averaged: 25.1 pts, 10.4 reb, 1.1 stl and 1.9 blk
(granted, it was with Phoenix, which plays a more up-tempo style. But even if you knock 20% off the pts and rebounds, it's not bad).
In short, I'm not sure what I'm more afraid of: A) Amare destroying the flow and chemistry of a team that has led the league in wins the past two seasons, destroying their interior defense in the process, meanwhile watching JJ Hickson bloom into a Amare-like playing with a bit better interior presence - and a bit worse perimeter shooting, OR, B) Watching Rashard Lewis go berserk in the playoffs again, being guarded by Ben Wallace last year in the crucial seconds of a game - presumably by Hickson this year.
Both are equally terrifying.
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Post by gk on Feb 14, 2010 10:19:17 GMT -6
It's also clear that the Cleveland brass have talked to Lebron about this. He's probably a much bigger factor in their decision than anyone else. Stoudamire is just 27. Lebron loves Hickson, but appear to be signing off on the deal.
I have to think that Danny Ferry said in so many words to Lebron, "OK we're going to get this 27 year old perennial all-star, go WAY into the luxury tax for the foreseeable future, all to keep you here. You dig?"
(Aside: seriously, that Orlando series f-cked up the mindset of this franchise more than any other single playoff series in sports history.)
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Post by gk on Feb 14, 2010 10:23:23 GMT -6
I'm also assuming Zydrunas will be cut and resigned by Cleveland in 30 (?) days. If not, then I'm going to cry.
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Post by gk on Feb 14, 2010 10:29:04 GMT -6
Last espresso-inspired thought of the morning:
I wonder if this will spur the Magic/Celtics/Lakers to do anything.
I'm still having day-mares that the Lakers will swoop in with a Bynum-for-Bosh trade.
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Post by gk on Feb 14, 2010 10:39:24 GMT -6
Unrelated, but fun fact:
Lebron James has NEVER been the highest paid player on his own team. Out-earned on his MAX contract by Larry Hughes, Ben Wallace, and Shaq.
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Post by gk on Feb 14, 2010 21:06:39 GMT -6
I know it's been 12 hours, but I'm starting to think Amare-to-Cleveland won't go through. Just doesn't seem like Phoenix would be getting enough. Especially since Philly looks to be throwing Andre Iguodala in the mix. Actual talent would be nice to receive.
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Post by gk on Feb 15, 2010 10:51:20 GMT -6
I'll say the most disturbing thing about Amare is his (apparent) preference to Miami over Cleveland. Not because he might opt out and leave - but because it sort of shows you where his priorities lie.
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Post by fatmenace on Feb 15, 2010 14:31:28 GMT -6
I didn't know about his preference, but it doesn't surprise me. He is NOT a winner. At all. I would be very disappointed if the Cavs get him.
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Post by finkle on Feb 15, 2010 19:09:30 GMT -6
cue the thong song
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Post by gk on Feb 16, 2010 10:33:22 GMT -6
Definitely NOT a fan of the Corey Maggette rumors.
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Post by gk on Feb 16, 2010 10:45:18 GMT -6
Man the Clippers are awful. Lebron's going to the Clips? Yeah right.
Travis Outlaw, Steve Blake and cash for one of the best players in the league this year? That's the best they could have gotten??
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Post by gk on Feb 17, 2010 13:17:21 GMT -6
Nate Robinson to Celtics? Not sure how this helps them out AT ALL.
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Post by gk on Feb 17, 2010 13:21:21 GMT -6
And apparently the Cavs have a standing offer of Z, Hickson, and a first rounder (enjoy that 30th pick!) for Amare, but Phoenix is just waiting for something better to come along.
If/when that falls through Cavs have a standing offer of Z, Moon and a first rounder for Wiz's Jamison. I have to say I HATE the idea of trading Jamario Moon. Hate, hate, hate. He's the reason Kevin Durant scored 0 points in the 4th quarter when I saw them live. He gives the Cavs incredible versatility in the backcourt, especially defensively. Perfect cheap compliment to this team, fits into any lineup they want to throw out. And I'm not crazy about Jamison to be perfectly honest.
If I have to choose between those two scenarios, I think I'd go with the Amare scenario. On the other hand, standing pat might have been the best move all along, but that bird has flown.
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Post by gk on Feb 17, 2010 17:31:40 GMT -6
Washington Post reporting that the Cavs have traded for Jamison.
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Post by gk on Feb 17, 2010 17:36:21 GMT -6
Reports are that it's for Z and a first rounder??? No Moon? No Hickson? Can't believe that. Stay tuned....
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