RealGM

berginator wrote:I don't see why we should have to give up Rubio's rights, if not for that... I'd agonize a bit over it. I thought we were trying to run, isn't Hibbert a real plodder? I like him, but doesn't he go against our style?

shrink wrote: Now I don't think for a minute that the Pacers would trade Granger and bad contracts for expirings and a late 1st. But do I think Granger is untouchable, for any amount of money and good prospects? No way.

As eitanr pointed out, the Pacers are in a bad situation. They have a star player in Granger, but they have second-rate talent to put around him. They can hope that non Top 10 prospects like Hibbert and Rush develop into stars, but the odds are stacked against them. If they had a good chance, they'd have been drafted much higher. Next, the Pacers can expect little help from the draft, since their vets are just good enough to put them back in the middle of the draft. Finally, they can't get help from finances. Next season they're over the lux with their pick, and in 2011 they'll have the task of trying to encourage a free agent to come to the wind-swept midwest. Perhaps they can use their cap space in trades, but it will be right before a probable lock-out, so will they really want to spend money then?

The fact that the Pacers have been in the middle for so long has put them far behind other team's rebuilding efforts with high lottery picks, promising youth and financial flexibility. Like KG before him in MIN, Granger shouldn't expect help anytime soon.

This HOU package is an insult, but while IND fans may say its blasphemy, I think if IND could get a team to offer a fair package for IND including elite prospects, and they lost enough games to get elite picks on their own, the team would have a better chance. I think on their current road, they are going exactly where MIN did. Year after year of 1st round play-off exits and mediocre picks.

shrink wrote:My general theory is:

1. If your team has enough talent to potential win a championship, you do it. Trade youth or whatever you can afford and increase your chances. Championship level teams make money at the gate.

2. If your team is bad, trade your talent for prospects and picks, that may give you a chance at a championship in the future. Your attendance may dwindle, but your costs will decrease too.

3. If your team is in the middle -- get out of there! If you have the assets to have a realistic chance to win a championship - do it. If not, rebuild, so you have a chance in the future.

A. The one caveat here is that you don't trade your star IF HE MAKES YOU MONEY. If fans aren't paying to see him and your team, and you don't see this guy on national commericals, an owner has to look at the bottom line, and see how he can improve his business. Granger falls in this category. So does Al Jefferson, if I'm to take a dose of my own medicine. Devin Harris as well. Kevin Martin.

If a team isn't ready to make their leap, then they need to retrench to get the best chance at a brighter future, both economically and in the basketball standings.

Play for championships, by taking legitimate shots when you have them

GopherIt! wrote:this trade Big Al talk needs a rest.

I'm really happy with Jefferson. I think we are very fortunate to have him on our team. I hate the talk of completely abandoning the half court offense. The games slow down in the post season and most teams need to be able to use a half court offense to score. The triangle has only really worked in the playoffs with an elite wing talent like Jordan and Kobe. I don't mind if we use it at times but I don't think it can be our bread-and-butter like going to Big Al down low is.