The argument for 2009...

[Smills91]

Hey with the Knicks now becoming contenders for the 2010 class, that adds yet ANOTHER team lining up for free agents in 2010. I think we may be better off shooting for the 2009 class and target a player like Boozer.

While there are more players available in 2010, there are also MORE SUITORS which inevitably will drive up the cost.

I think 2009 or 2011 would be better options to target to land a better player. If we could move Miller/Thomas that frees up an additional 20 million for next year.

We could definitely offer Boozer a 5 year max deal. He'd bring a low post presence and a big time rebounder. Hawes/Boozer would be an excellent frontcourt pairing and Thompson would be an unbeleiveable 6th man off the bench. That 3 man rotation would be close to resembling the talent of Vlade/Chris/Brad IMO in a couple year.

Then having Martin/Salmons/Garcia/Beno locked up we could look to add another highly talented level PG through the draft. Having a lotto pick this year would make it more feasible for Petrie to nab a top shelf PG.

So we have:

C: Hawes/Thompson
PF: Boozer/Thompson/Greene
SF: Salmons/Garcia/Greene
SG: Martin/Garcia
PG: Beno/Rookie

That's a really nice 8-9 man rotation right there.

[KF10]

Is Boozer the answer though? I like his rebounding/post presence prowess but his defense is not great though. I think if we are going to target for a PF like Boozer, we have to take in account in defense around the post IMO. (Post defense is a big issue for us like for 4 years or something.)

[Smills91]

Is Boozer the answer though? I like his rebounding/post presence prowess but his defense is not great though. I think if we are going to target for a PF like Boozer, we have to take in account in defense around the post IMO. (Post defense is a big issue for us like for 4 years or something.)

I think Hawes is already a defensive force and most of his defensive errors are either mental or hustle...same with Thompson. Vlade/Brad/Chris weren't PREMIERE defenders together, but with Pollard/Clark there was a good blend.I guess what I'm saying is with the Houston pick maybe nab a Josh Boone 'type' player in the draft who comes cheaply and plays good D.

I think consistency/continutuity/coaching are the 3 main factors that influence team defensive tenacity. You don't have to have a Mookie Blalock, Ruben Patterson, Ron Artest, Dennis Rodman, Ben Wallace roster to win. You have to score too, and I think that balance can come through more specialist types off the bench.

[KF10]

I think Hawes is already a defensive force and most of his defensive errors are either mental or hustle...same with Thompson. Vlade/Brad/Chris weren't PREMIERE defenders together, but with Pollard/Clark there was a good blend.I guess what I'm saying is with the Houston pick maybe nab a Josh Boone 'type' player in the draft who comes cheaply and plays good D.

I think consistency/continutuity/coaching are the 3 main factors that influence team defensive tenacity. You don't have to have a Mookie Blalock, Ruben Patterson, Ron Artest, Dennis Rodman, Ben Wallace roster to win. You have to score too, and I think that balance can come through more specialist types off the bench.

Well, I do think Hawes is an overlooked defender around the league and from us as well. He can be actually be a good defender around the post if he corrects his mental errors as you say. But I still don't that is enough to anchor the defense for a potential title contender IMO.

If you look of the last decade of NBA Champions. You see a Tim Duncan and Ben Wallace.. heck a O'Neal anchored the team's defense. I think to win a title, the best chance is to get THAT someone that can anchor a teams defense IMO.

If we can't find anyone within our reach, your reasons are actually valid and I do agree that we can bring in defensive specialist(s) from the bench...I always allude to (well not recently but in the past) that we need more defensive players from the bench to become a more "balanced" team. Look at the past Kings. We had a Scott Pollard, Keon Clark, Jimmy Jackson, Bobby Jackson, Christie and etc. We were able to lead the league in defensive % or whatever in 02-03 season.

The Houston pick can be huge like you said. We can nab a defensive player around that area pretty easily IMO. Or we can use Miller, Salmons, and/or Moore as trade bait to gain that defensive players or whatever...

[Cruel_Ruin]

I don't know about Boozer. He's more of a win-now type of player, and I don't think he's a superstar that can carry a team. I like the rebuild as it's going now, as long as we can get quality players for Brad Miller and John Salmons.

Capspace isn't just about signing free agents, it also makes it easier to make a trade.

[SacKingZZZ]

I don't know if Boozer is the answer but you can't get much worse than him. He also has the luxury of having been in a similar system the last couple of years. Honestly I'd rather go for '09, but I still think the draft is the way to go.

And as far as Jason coming off the bench I think he'd be great. He could also pick up for any perceived lack of defense. I think Jason could become a pesky as hell defender in time. He has the mobility and the intensity you need for top defensive play.

[Smills91]

I don't know about Boozer. He's more of a win-now type of player, and I don't think he's a superstar that can carry a team. I like the rebuild as it's going now, as long as we can get quality players for Brad Miller and John Salmons.

Capspace isn't just about signing free agents, it also makes it easier to make a trade.

He's 26 dawg...about the same age as Kevin Martin. That would give us two waves of talented players....

Beno/Salmons/Martin/Boozer as the WIN NOW guys

Thompson/Hawes/Greene/TWO 2009 picks WIN LATER guys learning how to win NOW.

And if capspace is about trading, then getting that capspace a year EARLIER opens up more opportunities to trade earlier too.

[SacKingZZZ]

I don't know about Boozer. He's more of a win-now type of player, and I don't think he's a superstar that can carry a team. I like the rebuild as it's going now, as long as we can get quality players for Brad Miller and John Salmons.

Capspace isn't just about signing free agents, it also makes it easier to make a trade.

That's true, but the time to strike would most likely be NEXT summer with a team looking to get into the 2010 picture, or looking to clear space to keep their big name FA's in 2010. I think using our expiring contracts in a trade is more likely than using cap space since so many teams will be able to offer the same thing come 2010.

I think the one advantage we have is the expiring contracts we can dangle aren't guys we'll be concerned about hitting the FA market if they aren't moved, or players we intend on keeping. Sure, Miami will be a player in '10 but wouldn't they just want to re-sign Wade? Same with the Cavs and LeBron. Same with the Mavs and Dirk. etc., etc., etc. It's either going to be a whole lot of movement, like a Baron/Brand/Maggette on steroids, or it's going to be nothing.

[KF10]

He's 26 dawg...about the same age as Kevin Martin. That would give us two waves of talented players....

Just turned 27 yesterday.

[Cruel_Ruin]

I'm all for getting capspace earlier if we can, but firstly I just am not sure Boozer is the answer. Think about it, is Beno/Martin/Salmons/Boozer/Miller really a competitive lineup in the Western Conference? Maybe if Boozer was a superstar, but I don't think he is. He's another second option, who we have loads of already. He doesn't make his teammates better, and who knows if he fits in with the offense we have right now? He certainly doesn't help the defense.

Secondly, getting 09 capspace is unrealistic because it means moving Brad AND Kenny. Brad is hard enough to move on his own because of his huge contract and special skillset, now you want to move Kenny, who has no on court value, too? I don't see it happening.

I really don't favor shortcircuiting the rebuild for a misguided run to be competitive. I'm perfectly fine letting the young guys get chemistry on the court together this year, taking the lumps, adding a lottery pick in the 09 draft plus another Petrie steal with Houston's pick, and then making a run for the playoffs next year. We're much closer than everybody thinks.

[Wolfay]

I think Boozer would be AWESOME. He's not a passer but he does everything else that Webber did and that's REBOUND and SCORE. He's a consistent 20 and 10 guy, usually performing better than that. Hawes/Boozer/Salmons/Martin/PG with Thompson/Garcia/Greene coming off the bench is one helluva team if you ask me.

2009 is the way to go IMO.

[KF10]

Boozer really excels with a pure PG like a Deron Williams. Plus Utah runs a great offense. A perfectly run half court offense...Their execution has to be at the top with the Lakers IMO.

If we want to get Boozer as effective as right now in Utah, we have to be like a half court team like Utah IMO. So, Theus' idea of "running" won't be as effective with Boozer IMO. So, we have to revamp our offense completely.

Well, that is my opinion.

[Smills91]

I think Boozer would be AWESOME. He's not a passer but he does everything else that Webber did and that's REBOUND and SCORE. He's a consistent 20 and 10 guy, usually performing better than that. Hawes/Boozer/Salmons/Martin/PG with Thompson/Garcia/Greene coming off the bench is one helluva team if you ask me.

2009 is the way to go IMO.

EXACTLY, I think it's the best shot and the most realistic too. I don't see a sure-fire dead on Tim Duncan, Greg Ode, LeBron James in either of the next two draft, they're just not there and the chances we get the #1 pick are probably still SMALLER than the chances of signing a Carlos Boozer caliber free agent.

Boozer shores up some glaring weaknesses...LOW POST SCORING, REBOUNDING and the ability to draw a double and PASS out of a double team which makes EVERYONE better.

Get the talent, get good players on good contracts and then sort out the rest later. We're still treading water even if we now know which direction to face. We need to start swimming in that direction now.

[Smills91]

Boozer really excels with a pure PG like a Deron Williams. Plus Utah runs a great offense. A perfectly run half court offense...Their execution has to be at the top with the Lakers IMO.

If we want to get Boozer as effective as right now in Utah, we have to be like a half court team like Utah IMO. So, Theus' idea of "running" won't be as effective with Boozer IMO. So, we have to revamp our offense completely.

Well, that is my opinion.

Eh, Boozer's been good with all sorts of PG's and he's actually pretty good on the break IMO.

[RoyalCourtJestr]

Boozer really excels with a pure PG like a Deron Williams. Plus Utah runs a great offense. A perfectly run half court offense...Their execution has to be at the top with the Lakers IMO.

If we want to get Boozer as effective as right now in Utah, we have to be like a half court team like Utah IMO. So, Theus' idea of "running" won't be as effective with Boozer IMO. So, we have to revamp our offense completely.

Well, that is my opinion.

Exactly. Boozer is a two trick pony, his defense is some of the worst for a starting PF in the league today. Our offense would have to go a radical shift, and I question if Boozer would be as effective with a semi-decent preliminary shooter PG in Beno then a floor general in Williams.

And if I remember right... most of Boozers career has been either with LBJ or Deron running the show, right?

[sackings916]

I wouldn't mind signing Boozer at all. Honestly thats probably the best tier of player we'll be able to bring in free agency anyway. My concern is finding the point guard. Beno's obviously not good enough if we want to be a championship team. Elite PG/Martin/Salmons/Boozer/Hawes can get it done if Hawes continues his development with a bench lead by Garcia and Thompson. Where will the PG come from?

Moving Kenny Thomas contract and using John Salmons as the incentive might be another option as well.

[KF10]

Eh, Boozer's been good with all sorts of PG's and he's actually pretty good on the break IMO.

I'm not sure about that. Well, Boozer will be a good PF with Beno but not as effective with Williams. I think if we want to obtain Boozer, we have to get a better (floor general) PG than Beno IMO. Nothing against Beno but to me he doesn't really mesh well with Boozer.

Boozer, obviously, is a good finisher around the rim with either hand. But that isn't really his game. (The whole running scheme from Theus) Like I said, the offense has to be more half court to be ideal for Boozer and his effectiveness as a player.

Exactly. Boozer is a two trick pony, his defense is some of the worst for a starting PF in the league today. Our offense would have to go a radical shift, and I question if Boozer would be as effective with a semi-decent preliminary shooter PG in Beno then a floor general in Williams.

And if I remember right... most of Boozers career has been either with LBJ or Deron running the show, right?

Well, when Boozer was with the Cavs in his second year, he played along side with LBJ's rookie season. After that, it was Williams...So yeah, he played with awesome players running the show.

[Wolfay]

I think some of you aren't giving Boozer enough credit. I've been watching Boozer closely on my fantasy team and the dude is a BEAST. Rebounding wins championships and Boozer is averaging close to 12 this season. 12! You can't win if you don't have the ball, and Boozer will get that ball for you and then proceed to ram it down your throat for two points.

[KF10]

I think some of you aren't giving Boozer enough credit. I've been watching Boozer closely on my fantasy team and the dude is a BEAST. Rebounding wins championships and Boozer is averaging close to 12 this season. 12! You can't win if you don't have the ball, and Boozer will get that ball for you and then proceed to ram it down your throat for two points.

I don't think I'm undervaluing Boozer IMO. I acknowledge his rebounding prowess/ability. It is one of the best in the NBA. But his defense his suspect though. Like I said if we obtain Boozer. We must have a series of events to achieve success, which is:

-A more half court offense (Theus' alledged 'running' game shouldn't be the main offense)
-A better PG in terms of a floor general. (Beno will not cut it IMO)
-Going to trade both Miller and/or Thomas this year. (If we are going to make a run for Boozer in '09, we better have a good cap space plan in that time...Which we have to unload one of our contracts...SAR's contract is off the hook in 09' iirc...Which is good in this situation)
-Have to convince Boozer that Sacramento is ideal for him (We better have the money and a potential title contender IMO)


Those factors are the biggest, in regards to obtaining Boozer IMO.

[SacKingZZZ]

I'm all for getting capspace earlier if we can, but firstly I just am not sure Boozer is the answer. Think about it, is Beno/Martin/Salmons/Boozer/Miller really a competitive lineup in the Western Conference? Maybe if Boozer was a superstar, but I don't think he is. He's another second option, who we have loads of already. He doesn't make his teammates better, and who knows if he fits in with the offense we have right now? He certainly doesn't help the defense.

Secondly, getting 09 capspace is unrealistic because it means moving Brad AND Kenny. Brad is hard enough to move on his own because of his huge contract and special skillset, now you want to move Kenny, who has no on court value, too? I don't see it happening.

I really don't favor shortcircuiting the rebuild for a misguided run to be competitive. I'm perfectly fine letting the young guys get chemistry on the court together this year, taking the lumps, adding a lottery pick in the 09 draft plus another Petrie steal with Houston's pick, and then making a run for the playoffs next year. We're much closer than everybody thinks.

We don't HAVE to move Kenny. We could move John and Brad, then if Reef comes off the books next year along with Shelden and Quincy we might be enough of a player in either the sign and trade department or straight up signing a big name FA to snag someone.

I'm not sold on John being the best fit for our system or the best option next to Kevin Martin. I think we'd be better with a catch and shoot guy that can spread the floor, i.e. Garcia? Or maybe Greene in time? Maybe our '09 draft pick? If John keeps playing where he is at his value is going to be pretty high around the deadline or the summer.