RealGM

Boston trades Sam Cassell and Leon Powe
NO trades Hilton Armstrong

Why for Boston-
Boston aquires Armstrong who would bring some length to the bench, is 24 with some upside to his career, and has another year on his contract. Irrelevantly, he's a UConn guy. Paired with Big Baby he'd bring some balance to the frontcourt. This also frees up a roster spot in case someone gets bought out. Sam would have to agree to the trade for it to happen due to trade restrictions. By produtction Powe is the best player in the trade, but Armstong might be a nice fit in Boston and could benefit from some time with Clifford Ray.

Why for N.O.-
Powe and Sam are both expiring contracts, and the team is rumored to be in financial trouble. In the meantime Powe can offer the same or better production than Armstrong has given them. Sam could be bought out or could provide more PG depth while CP3 is hurt and during the playoffs.

While not being an immediate drastic improvement this trade would bring some length with upside and a short contract to Boston while freeing up a roster spot. Next season Hilton's expiring contract would give the team a decent tradeable asset.

Armstrong has great length, but it would be like adding another Patrick O'Bryant. Terrific shot blocker. But..

He doesn't have anywhere near Powe's attitude and toughness. We don't know if he would really play hard on defense unlike a veteran. Leon Powe and Kendrick Perkins define our team on the offensive glass. They are the main reasons we routinely dominate the offensive boards. Even in his limited minutes. Plus we know Powe can give points. I don't think you give up Leon Powe for Hilton Armstrong..

stretch wrote:Armstrong has great length, but it would be like adding another Patrick O'Bryant. Terrific shot blocker. But..

He doesn't have anywhere near Powe's attitude and toughness. We don't know if he would really play hard on defense unlike a veteran. Leon Powe and Kendrick Perkins define our team on the offensive glass. They are the main reasons we routinely dominate the offensive boards. Even in his limited minutes. Plus we know Powe can give points. I don't think you give up Leon Powe for Hilton Armstrong..

I'd thought of the POB comparison too, but Armstrong has been contributing on a back-up level for a couple seasons now, he's no where near as raw as POB. His athletiscm is much better than Powe also. I do agree that his ability to come in and defend at a high level is a question mark but I'm not all that high on Powe defensively either, and the length improvement is the key facet for me.

well you have more credibility having followed him. It is an intriguing idea but I stand by my point. I don't think you can just give up Powe or Big Baby.

We might have to get used to the fact that we're riding those two (save for whoever we sign) as our bench bigs, to no. 18.

let's not forget, the length issue is a problem. But not that much of a problem. Every team has a weakness. For Boston, that's one of the FEW weaknesses and when we're clicking it isn't an issue. The way Powe and Big Baby play, if we can keep KG and Perk out of foul trouble, you have to like our chances for the title. We would all love length, but not a young player at this point of the season. If you're getting a 7 footer and you're trading Powe or Davis, you better be getting back Joe Smith!

I'm in agreement that we don't need to make a change to have a shot at a title, I even agree that this is a somewhat lateral move for the present, I just see it as a low risk move with upside that clears a roster spot for a vet after the trade deadline without having to cut or buy out anyone or change the core rotations too deeply as BBD has had more of the back-up mins anyway. Also, while I'm a fan of Powe's toughness I expected him to make a step forward this season and it really hasn't happened. It might partly be due to the overall flaws in the bench hurting his game, but I just don't see a lot of upside to his career beyond what he is already doing.