[Build A Team 4.0] Discussion Thread Part 3 - I LOVE MY TEAM

[swisscheeseD]

About my Brand selection...

I knew it was the controversial pick, believe me. I've explained it NUMEROUS times. Taking on that contract wasn't an issue simply because of how far under the cap my team was to that point. Brand was the BEST FIT ON THE BOARD WITH THE HIGHEST REWARD, simple as that. Pop loves him a banger at the 4 who can play with his back to the basket and hit the midrange J. I know many of you guys understand the game, it just boggles the mind that some couldn't see Brand was in the perfect position to succeed on this roster, especially with Pop putting himself in the position to obtain that level of success. He was tailor made for that ROLE, don't let the contract blind you.

I guess. But why not get a player with potential like Hill and then wait a few rounds to get someone like Kurt Thomas, (Ben Wallace/Jason Maxiell-not much offense from either), Drew Gooden, or take a flier on Mozgov? When he's healthy, he's a good fit on most NBA teams, but he hasn't been healthy in a while. However, I do agree that he would fit with Pop's game plan...especially with Pop's ability to keep his players healthy throughout the regular season to keep them fresh for the post season. However, with Brand's knees and inability to stay healthy during the regular season, I doubt Pops could do much.

Why not a player with "potential" like Hill? Well, I was looking for potential. I had a core already established for my future (Dragic-Harden-Gallo-Horford-R.Lopez), a veteran Head Coach who's coaching style suited my roster perfectly, and a veteran Point Guard in Fisher to keep the position warm for Dragic as he transitions into that role. I needed PROVEN talent that would help my young guns reach the playoffs and contribute should they be in that position.

Look at the other names you mention and tell me if any of them are truly a more viable option than a player who can contribute like Elton Brand. Kurt Thomas? Not in the 6th, but was a guy I was targeting in later rounds. Wallace/Maxiell? I liked Big Ben and thought he'd be a solid mentor to RoLo, but I needed offensive production out of my 3rd big. As to Maxiell...not a fan (and also has a bad contract by his standards). Gooden was someone I had in mind, but isn't the defender that Brand has shown to be.

Obviously the contract and the injury concerns are justified...but the surgery was over 2 years ago and he did play in 70+ games this passed season. As a 3rd big who would see solid minutes, but in a lessor role, and with Pop tracking his PT throughout the regular season...I believe Brand would have a solid season with the possibility of completely flourishing under his new role.

Plus my franchise would have a nice expiring on their hands in 2 seasons!

[NBA Fan 1234]

About my Brand selection...

I knew it was the controversial pick, believe me. I've explained it NUMEROUS times. Taking on that contract wasn't an issue simply because of how far under the cap my team was to that point. Brand was the BEST FIT ON THE BOARD WITH THE HIGHEST REWARD, simple as that. Pop loves him a banger at the 4 who can play with his back to the basket and hit the midrange J. I know many of you guys understand the game, it just boggles the mind that some couldn't see Brand was in the perfect position to succeed on this roster, especially with Pop putting himself in the position to obtain that level of success. He was tailor made for that ROLE, don't let the contract blind you.

I guess. But why not get a player with potential like Hill and then wait a few rounds to get someone like Kurt Thomas, (Ben Wallace/Jason Maxiell-not much offense from either), Drew Gooden, or take a flier on Mozgov? When he's healthy, he's a good fit on most NBA teams, but he hasn't been healthy in a while. However, I do agree that he would fit with Pop's game plan...especially with Pop's ability to keep his players healthy throughout the regular season to keep them fresh for the post season. However, with Brand's knees and inability to stay healthy during the regular season, I doubt Pops could do much.

Why not a player with "potential" like Hill? Well, I was looking for potential. I had a core already established for my future (Dragic-Harden-Gallo-Horford-R.Lopez), a veteran Head Coach who's coaching style suited my roster perfectly, and a veteran Point Guard in Fisher to keep the position warm for Dragic as he transitions into that role. I needed PROVEN talent that would help my young guns reach the playoffs and contribute should they be in that position.

Look at the other names you mention and tell me if any of them are truly a more viable option than a player who can contribute like Elton Brand. Kurt Thomas? Not in the 6th, but was a guy I was targeting in later rounds. Wallace/Maxiell? I liked Big Ben and thought he'd be a solid mentor to RoLo, but I needed offensive production out of my 3rd big. As to Maxiell...not a fan (and also has a bad contract by his standards). Gooden was someone I had in mind, but isn't the defender that Brand has shown to be.

Obviously the contract and the injury concerns are justified...but the surgery was over 2 years ago and he did play in 70+ games this passed season. As a 3rd big who would see solid minutes, but in a lessor role, and with Pop tracking his PT throughout the regular season...I believe Brand would have a solid season with the possibility of completely flourishing under his new role.

Plus my franchise would have a nice expiring on their hands in 2 seasons!

The players I mentioned, although are not as good offensively as Brand, they are just as good if not better defensively (minus Gooden...although, he too, is not horrible) with contracts that are much better than Brand's. Kurt Thomas is still a very serviceable player when given minutes. He still has that gritty attitude, good defense, and reliable mid-range jump shot that's kept him in the NBA this long. The players I mentioned do not have a history of injuries also...which is always a positive.

Yes, Brand did play 70 games this season, but is it worth it to pay him as much as he's being paid to come off the bench? Add in the chance of injury and he's a huge risk, in my opinion (although has a lot of potential to be great when not injured). Pops does do a great job with managing injuries/minutes so that definitely helps...a lot.

Chalmers is also more like Fisher than Dragic is. Dragic is a great slasher as well...Chalmers is the catch and shoot kind of guy who can set up the offense and get assists. You did do a very good job with managing the cap for the future, but it's still early in the BAT and I still have time to make some trades. Check back in a few days and, hopefully, you'll see.

On that note, I'm going to sleep lol. Hope things (continue to) get better for you, swiss. If you have more thoughts, lemme hear them. I'm always interested in people's thoughts about my team and ways to improve it.

Side note ---- I'm open to trades - email me at realballa1214@yahoo.com

[H20KilledHeat]

About my Brand selection...

I knew it was the controversial pick, believe me. I've explained it NUMEROUS times. Taking on that contract wasn't an issue simply because of how far under the cap my team was to that point. Brand was the BEST FIT ON THE BOARD WITH THE HIGHEST REWARD, simple as that. Pop loves him a banger at the 4 who can play with his back to the basket and hit the midrange J. I know many of you guys understand the game, it just boggles the mind that some couldn't see Brand was in the perfect position to succeed on this roster, especially with Pop putting himself in the position to obtain that level of success. He was tailor made for that ROLE, don't let the contract blind you.

I guess. But why not get a player with potential like Hill and then wait a few rounds to get someone like Kurt Thomas, (Ben Wallace/Jason Maxiell-not much offense from either), Drew Gooden, or take a flier on Mozgov? When he's healthy, he's a good fit on most NBA teams, but he hasn't been healthy in a while. However, I do agree that he would fit with Pop's game plan...especially with Pop's ability to keep his players healthy throughout the regular season to keep them fresh for the post season. However, with Brand's knees and inability to stay healthy during the regular season, I doubt Pops could do much.

Why not a player with "potential" like Hill? Well, I was looking for potential. I had a core already established for my future (Dragic-Harden-Gallo-Horford-R.Lopez), a veteran Head Coach who's coaching style suited my roster perfectly, and a veteran Point Guard in Fisher to keep the position warm for Dragic as he transitions into that role. I needed PROVEN talent that would help my young guns reach the playoffs and contribute should they be in that position.

Look at the other names you mention and tell me if any of them are truly a more viable option than a player who can contribute like Elton Brand. Kurt Thomas? Not in the 6th, but was a guy I was targeting in later rounds. Wallace/Maxiell? I liked Big Ben and thought he'd be a solid mentor to RoLo, but I needed offensive production out of my 3rd big. As to Maxiell...not a fan (and also has a bad contract by his standards). Gooden was someone I had in mind, but isn't the defender that Brand has shown to be.

Obviously the contract and the injury concerns are justified...but the surgery was over 2 years ago and he did play in 70+ games this passed season. As a 3rd big who would see solid minutes, but in a lessor role, and with Pop tracking his PT throughout the regular season...I believe Brand would have a solid season with the possibility of completely flourishing under his new role.

Plus my franchise would have a nice expiring on their hands in 2 seasons!

The players I mentioned, although are not as good offensively as Brand, they are just as good if not better defensively (minus Gooden...although, he too, is not horrible) with contracts that are much better than Brand's. Kurt Thomas is still a very serviceable player when given minutes. He still has that gritty attitude, good defense, and reliable mid-range jump shot that's kept him in the NBA this long. The players I mentioned do not have a history of injuries also...which is always a positive.

Yes, Brand did play 70 games this season, but is it worth it to pay him as much as he's being paid to come off the bench? Add in the chance of injury and he's a huge risk, in my opinion (although has a lot of potential to be great when not injured). Pops does do a great job with managing injuries/minutes so that definitely helps...a lot.

Chalmers is also more like Fisher than Dragic is. Dragic is a great slasher as well...Chalmers is the catch and shoot kind of guy who can set up the offense and get assists. You did do a very good job with managing the cap for the future, but it's still early in the BAT and I still have time to make some trades. Check back in a few days and, hopefully, you'll see.

On that note, I'm going to sleep lol. Hope things (continue to) get better for you, swiss. If you have more thoughts, lemme hear them. I'm always interested in people's thoughts about my team and ways to improve it.

Side note ---- I'm open to trades - email me at realballa1214@yahoo.com

Email me h20killedheat@aol.com and take some of your players off my hands...

[moocow007]

Good pick Moocow, i was hoping that he would fall to me in the 13th round.

Thanks. Had to pick a veteran point since Bayless was my only other option to backup that position.

I guess you had to return the favor, since i selected Blake.

Oh yeah...that's right.

[bishnykfan]

The Spurs roster has been finalized, but we are still open for trades. If you are interested in any San Antonio players email bish1324@aol.com and let me know what you have in mind.

[magnumt]

The Clippers Team is up for Grabs. They have 2 Picks still on the Clock, and 2 upcoming.

--Mags

[br7knicks]

thanks but i think i'll start next BAT. i do appreciate it though mag

[Subway Token]

I can take the Clippers... even though they are a completed team pretty much.

[LJ4pointplay]

After my recent trade, I'd be interested in some feedback if anyone wants to offer. Just a very quick writeup i did from the other thread:

The Jazz have put together a very young, talented, and cheap squad but still has managed to be balanced and have veteran leadership. The (temporary) DC looks like this:

Coach: George Karl

Splitter/ (Love)/ Mullens
Love/Anderson/Daye
Turner/Childress/ (Daye)
Harden/ (Turner)
T Parker/ Dragic/ Lin

[Subway Token]

Can I get an approval of my takeover of the Clippers? I wanna get pickin'.

[bishnykfan]

LJ- While I am not in love with Bargs it is always risky to trade big for small. The main pieces of the trade were Bargs and Harden and while I like Harden you did trade a young scoring center which are hard to come by. Dragic is obviously an upgrade over Chalmers, but with the recent report that he may go back to Europe after his contract is up, it may hurt his value somewhat. Moving Gordon's contract was a plus, but he is one of the better sixth men options in the league. Aminu was a lotto pick this year, so again, it is a risk. Overall, I guess the trade could work out for you, but I actually liked your team better before the trade. It will completely depend on Harden and how he develops. I just think it is harder to find centers then shooting guards, but you do have a very nice young 2/3 with Harden and Turner.

[moocow007]

Can I get an approval of my takeover of the Clippers? I wanna get pickin'.

Ill leave this decision up to mags (you know).

[moocow007]

Heat fielding trade offers for anyone on the team except Melo. Why not.

[NewEra]

After my recent trade, I'd be interested in some feedback if anyone wants to offer. Just a very quick writeup i did from the other thread:

The Jazz have put together a very young, talented, and cheap squad but still has managed to be balanced and have veteran leadership. The (temporary) DC looks like this:

Coach: George Karl

Splitter/ (Love)/ Mullens
Love/Anderson/Daye
Turner/Childress/ (Daye)
Harden/ (Turner)
T Parker/ Dragic/ Lin

Daye is gonna be a real good player.

[magnumt]

Can I get an approval of my takeover of the Clippers? I wanna get pickin'.

Yes.

BUT, I see any flak'n or funny Trades from you and you're instantly banned from all BATs.

--Mags

[Subway Token]

Can I get an approval of my takeover of the Clippers? I wanna get pickin'.

Yes.

BUT, I see any flak'n or funny Trades from you and you're instantly banned from all BATs.

--Mags

Not sure what you mean by flak'n or funny, but thanks a bunch. I have two skipped picks, can I make them whenever?

[LJ4pointplay]

LJ- While I am not in love with Bargs it is always risky to trade big for small. The main pieces of the trade were Bargs and Harden and while I like Harden you did trade a young scoring center which are hard to come by. Dragic is obviously an upgrade over Chalmers, but with the recent report that he may go back to Europe after his contract is up, it may hurt his value somewhat. Moving Gordon's contract was a plus, but he is one of the better sixth men options in the league. Aminu was a lotto pick this year, so again, it is a risk. Overall, I guess the trade could work out for you, but I actually liked your team better before the trade. It will completely depend on Harden and how he develops. I just think it is harder to find centers then shooting guards, but you do have a very nice young 2/3 with Harden and Turner.

Yeah I hear you, big for small is usually a no-no but this trade cleared something (i think) like 15 million off my pay roll. It was very nice having my big rotation set for many years, but I felt a bigger need was an eventual replacement for Tony Parker as starter (Dragic comment was overblown):

"This news is not correct, because I made a statement that I want to end my basketball career in Europe. So this is a big misunderstanding of the Greek (journalist)," Dragic wrote in an e-mail to Paul Coro of the Arizona Republic.

"In this moment I'm very happy in the NBA and I'm not going to Europe! I am a member of the Phoenix Suns, and my desire is to stay in Phoenix for many years!"

and a more dynamic future wing player to go along with Turner: Harden>BG.

Giving up Aminu definitely sucks, but Childress makes it much easier to swallow.

While having Bargs backing up the 4/5 for years to come is amazing, I have young bigs in Ryan Anderson, Daye, and Mullens to help make up the slack. I'd like to add a vet in there and maybe will do it via trade. Don't get me wrong, I see its a huge drop off from Bargs, but I think overall it was worth it.

Also, the salary shedding is HUGE... I haven't added up salaries but my only player making any kind of real money is Tony Parker and he is an expiring.

Still, your criticism is definitely valid. I just think it was worth it, and hopefully other (judges) will agree.

[Mecca]

Ah, looks like I'm out of an assistant again... Oh well, good luck 5494, hope yah have a comeback with the Clipps. Just don't be running off with my big board, lol!

[Subway Token]

Ah, looks like I'm out of an assistant again... Oh well, good luck 5494, hope yah have a comeback with the Clipps. Just don't be running off with my big board, lol!

I helped assemble it, it's mine now! MWAHHAHA

[Jstarks3]

whats smoke's email?