Craig Smith Needs a Home

shrink · Post #1 » by **shrink** » Wed Jan 16, 2008 11:45 pm

Last year, Cookie Monster was a second round star (pick 35), and ended the season as one of the top ten rookies. At 6' 8", 270 pounds, and incredibly quick, his hard work, ability to bash people and get his shot off against taller competition made him beloved.

This year, he is playing just as well, but he has no place to go. He doesn't pair well on the floor alongside Al Jefferson, and clearly Al's the future.

Craig is averaging FG 55%, 11 PPG and 5 RPG in 22 mpg. He scored 30 or more twice in December, but minutes are inconsistent. He would look best on a contending team that need scoring from the PF, and has a center who can defend. He's making only $0.69 mil, but his contract isn't guaranteed for the the future.

Any ideas where Smith would be a better fit?

Phobo_Phile · Post #2 » by **Phobo_Phile** » Wed Jan 16, 2008 11:46 pm

I think Orlando would be a good place for him. He could go there and be the x-factor much like Haslem is/was.

SactownHrtBrks8 · Post #3 » by **SactownHrtBrks8** » Thu Jan 17, 2008 12:03 am

Kings could use him

Post #4 » by **loserX** » Thu Jan 17, 2008 12:13 am

Aren't the Hornets looking for bench help up front? They sure have a defensive C.

HotSpurs21 · Post #5 » by **HotSpurs21** » Thu Jan 17, 2008 12:20 am

He would look best on a contending team that need scoring from the PF, and has a center who can defend.

Do you think he's a starting-caliber PF? If so, New Jersey seems like a perfect situation for him then, with Sean Williams in the middle

Post #6 » by **revprodeji** » Thu Jan 17, 2008 12:57 am

If he has a shot blocker (williams) then yes, I would strongly feel that Craig Smith is a starting talent. That is the issue in a nutshell. if he was only a bench player then minnesota in the 15min would be fine, but the guy is a starter and with Al not able to defend at the 5 we need to move Craig.

BR0D1E86 · Post #7 » by **BR0D1E86** » Thu Jan 17, 2008 1:16 am

He should go here...

http://www.minnesotas-real-estate.com/

dunkonu21 · Post #8 » by **dunkonu21** » Thu Jan 17, 2008 1:17 am

He is more like 6'5"....

yunggunz · Post #9 » by **yunggunz** » Thu Jan 17, 2008 1:54 am

JR Smith for Mccants/Craig Smith

Post #10 » by **gswhoops** » Thu Jan 17, 2008 2:17 am

I'd be interested in having him on the W's...how much?

Post #11 » by **VintaGe36** » Thu Jan 17, 2008 2:23 am

yunggunz wrote:JR Smith for Mccants/Craig Smith

If I'm MIN, I dont touch that deal at ALL.

zong · Post #12 » by **zong** » Thu Jan 17, 2008 2:42 am

Kris Humphries (minnesota native) for him straight up?

I like Craig's ability to get physical in the paint, something we dont have right now on the team, he also doesnt need to score to be effective

shrink · Post #13 » by **shrink** » Thu Jan 17, 2008 2:53 am

gswhoops wrote:I'd be interested in having him on the W's...how much?

In my view, MIN should be mainly motivated by future considerations so I'd suspect a Top 20-protected first -- generally role player spot in the lottery, but a chance for better.

If a team didn't want to use the late first, I think swapping Smith + Greg Buckner at $3.75 for an expiring would fit. Buckner runs a year longer, but that seems like about the right price tag for that level of pick. This might be more amenable since many teams are aiming for Summer of 2009 for expirings. Some MIN fans might not trade him for a year of cap relief though -- I think its fair and I like the flexibility, plus Buckner could be helpful and get minutes on a veteran team.

The same ends could be met by the pick-averse teams by combining a different player (Jaric maybe) for a different contract that's not good, but shorter.

Also, Gomes, Telfair or Gerald Green could also be included to enhance a deal.

For GSW in particular, I wouldn't do it for POB. I suppose he could be a preview, but I personally think since MIN doesn't care about production for this season, acquiring guys that produce this season with no future rights wouldn't help. Your TPE's give you lots of flexibility. Can Perovic play at all?

Post #14 » by **gswhoops** » Thu Jan 17, 2008 3:00 am

Perovic...the jury's still out.

What about a portion of the Diogu TPE and a top 20 protected 1st for Smith?

shrink · Post #15 » by **shrink** » Thu Jan 17, 2008 3:22 am

gswhoops wrote:Perovic...the jury's still out.

What about a portion of the Diogu TPE and a top 20 protected 1st for Smith?

"Jury's Out" guys are fine .. MIN's a good place for 'em.

I think your second deal is fair. If you need the roster room, I'd even take back one of your unwanteds like Croshere.

I think Smith can help someone -- he just got unlucky when we brought in Al Jefferson.

Post #16 » by **gswhoops** » Thu Jan 17, 2008 3:37 am

Well, I personally would do either Kosta or a 1st...take your pick.

DiplomaticMagic · Post #17 » by **DiplomaticMagic** » Thu Jan 17, 2008 3:40 am

Package Jaric and Smith for expirings for Orlando.

Deal?

shrink · Post #18 » by **shrink** » Thu Jan 17, 2008 4:03 am

DiplomaticMagic wrote:Package Jaric and Smith for expirings for Orlando.

Deal?

You bet. Slap us with your two least productive.

PacerGuy · Post #19 » by **PacerGuy** » Thu Jan 17, 2008 4:12 am

Indiana Incoming Players
Craig Smith
Gerald Green

Minnesota Incoming Players
Andre Owens
David Harrison

Post #20 » by **revprodeji** » Thu Jan 17, 2008 4:40 am

What would be our incentive pacerguy? We do not like Harrison or Owens and Green and Smith are both expiring.

For smith to go we either

1.) Need to get rid of a different contract (ala orlando move)
2.) Bring in a player that is a better fit (likely craig+x for y)
3.) Draft pick option.

Portland had a mini-man crush on Craig earlier this year. A couple others teams did.

Channing Frye for Smith+Green? Just a thought.