Fiscal Responsibility: Things have really come to a halt in the NBA as virtually every GM and executive in the league is either taking a vacation or in China for the Olympics. There are a few guys still milling around the office, but most are taking a break. Although there are still free agents to be signed and deals to be made there is really no urgency to get anything done now, as more and more teams are waiting for the bargain bin. This year more than any other year, the NBA and its teams are being more cautious with the money they are spending and the dollars they are committing long term. Almost none of the hesitation comes from lack of interest in a player, rather fiscal responsibility and fiscal uncertainty. Professional sports are powered by disposable income, and with the current economic climate a lot of teams are not optimistic that this will be a good year financially, especially teams that have been losing money already. As we've covered here at HOOPSWORLD recently, the increases in the salary cap, and all of the numbers it fuels (NBA minimum and Luxury Tax) are not tied to individual team performance, rather global league performance. So when Boston and LA end up in the Finals and ticket and jersey sales go through the roof enough to drive up total revenue, that does not mean Orlando, Milwaukee, Memphis and Minnesota benefit from it. Several executives have confided that they have a fixed operating budget this year, and it differs from team to team, despite teams being able to get close to the $71 million Luxury tax, does not mean they have the authority from ownership. So when you wonder why your team is not spending an extra million more to get a certain player, keep in mind most teams are at or near their budget now, hence why most teams are taking a break and coming back looking for bargains.
MY PREDICTION: The B-Cats are only going to sign a PF if they can find a TOTAL bargain, like a blue-light special and they happen to be in the aisle when the thing goes off type special. Since that rarely happens I expect them to go to camp with the odd collection of junk in the trunk they already have, and only REACT if things get bad in the first month or two of the season.
This team should try to grab Josh Powell now and negotiate a cheap deal with his agent. I mean, he's already got guaranteed money...how much more could he want to play this season?
Bassman You hit it on the head... we need to do a trade, but its too late now,so Fazekas or Powell may be the the best thing available.
Right Again Bassman... Only NOW Bobcats need to make the best of their current situation.. Somehow /Someway we must have another power forward before training camp. I don't think Haslem/Felton is the answer unless we get a veteran point back in return to start or backup Augustine. I think now we have to keep Felton. Even though Wallace is our Best player I believe "crashs" days are numbered. He is going to be injury prone the rest of his short NBA career.