RealGM

Good rebounding and shot blocking big man that expires next year.

Would kill to have him, but how? He's an expiring, and they'd (Indy) would probably want to package a albatross contract with him (I.E. Tinsley).

I'm not trading Marion for that package.

Yeah, we discussed this pretty indepth actually.

The idea was a Haslem-for-Foster swap, which would give the Pacers an actual PF, make them 3-1/2 years younger, and still keep the 'grit' that Foster plays with. It would give us a great defensive starting center and an extra $7 million in cap space next year, which we could opt to use via the MLE this year and still retain the max space next year we're currently scheduled to have.

If the Pacers don't want Haslem, we could always find a 3rd team who'd give an expiring and a pick/prospect for Haslem, which we would forward to the rebuilding Pacers.

So what's not to like? Well, half the Pacers board said they'd do it in a heartbeat. The other half treated Foster like he's totally untouchable, and were offended we even brought it up ... Even tough they have 10 centers, no true PFs, and are rebuilding through youth.

A note on Foster ...

A couple months ago, John Hollinger did a detailed defensive analysis and ranked Foster the 5th best defensive center in the NBA, behind Duncan, Camby, Dwight Howard, and Tyson Chandler. I know people put a lot of stock in blocked shots, but there are plenty of other ways to be a great defender from the center position, as Foster's game proves. Hollinger says:

"Foster is vastly underrated for his D. He might be the quickest center in the league and is perfectly comfortable going outside and checking small forwards. With Jermaine O'Neal out, he's been the key defender on a team that's somehow stayed in the middle of the pack in defensive efficiency."
http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/insider/ ... nse-080410

Foster was also 5th in the entire league in rebounds per 48 minutes:
http://media.nba.com/statistics/player/ ... ll%20Teams

Getting Foster would be huge.

He, Marion, and Chalmers could anchor a Boston-like defense in the next couple of years with the right team focus.

I think Foster has a players option . He could be the prime target for MLE if he becomes a free agent.

According to the Pacers board, Foster's player option is an error by HoopsHype.

He has no option this year, unfortunately.

I looked at Foster. He looks like Freddy Mercury. Or Borat.

Foster's an awesome role-player

Foster isnt a shot blocker..but hed be awesome here, he plays good man and team defense ...and always kills us on offensive rebounds.