Leon Powe

[evildallas]

Leon Powe is out until February, but that may make him an affordable get with great upside for a team willing to take a chance. Do you try to ink him cheap using a portion of the MLE (3 yrs/$5M) knowing that you won't have him until the last half of this season (but would have him for 2 more)? Or does his injury history make you want to stay away?

There could be multiple reasons for either yes or no. Like how he played in KG's absence on the yes side or he'd be a bargain when healthy. On the no side, there could be we need to pursue other free agents or part of a season is not enough or don't think he fits. So in addition to voting I'd love to hear some of the logic behind your position.

I forgot to add that Powe didn't get a QO from Boston and is unrestricted, so if you agree to terms on an inexpensive deal you don't have to worry about it being matched.

[azuresou1]

I think if we could get Powe for cheap, he'd be a huge bargain. This guy plays with tremendous hustle, and reminds me in many ways of David Lee.

[killbuckner]

I think the Celtics would easily match a contract like that. I'd love to get Powe in here cheap but so would the celtics.

[azuresou1]

Well, they didn't sign the QO or extend him, so perhaps not.

[killbuckner]

wow- didn't realize that he wasn't extended the QO. I have to say that I am really surprised about that. Sure- I'd easily go after him

[HMFFL]

The following teams are interested; Miami, Memphis and Orlando. I hope he stays out of the Southeast unless he signs with us.

[Rod700]

I'd love to have him. He has a tremendous upside, and the potential to be one of the best bench players in the league. The amounts you listed are well worth the risk.

[ATL DirtyBird]

^^When he was healthy wasnt he already considered one of the better bench players? Especially after the playoff run he emerged as a beast off the bench. Hes kinda (Please Use More Appropriate Word) but why not get him for cheap.

[JoshB914]

I would absolutely make that move. I really thought that Boston would re-sign him but now that they don't seem interested, I would really want to get this guy for a contract in the range that evil suggests. Here is a solid young piece who can step in and spell Josh or Al without us missing a beat in the post.

Powe would be more than solid role player, but a key piece to the puzzle (you need reliable depth to win championships) for many years to come. IMO, it's worth the risk of possibly losing a few games this season because of lack of frontcourt depth while we wait for him to return.

[evildallas]

The following teams are interested; Miami, Memphis and Orlando. I hope he stays out of the Southeast unless he signs with us.

I may have been low on my offer idea if 3 teams are talking to him. Although I would guess that Orlando would offer the minimum. My thought on using part of the MLE was that he would get above minimum dollar security and we'd have his bird rights at the end of the deal in case he comes back in full force and is due a hefty raise (or S&T) at the end of the deal. We take on risk, but at the dollar value I suggest it isn't a great risk.

[D21]

I was about to post in the Wilcox thread, but I found this one on Powe.
Too bad he is injured, but I'd sign him over Wilcox, for sure. Great production for the PT he got, and certainly one of the best potential on both defense and offense side available on the F.A. market.

[gurpilo]

Powe would be an excellent addition to our roster. He can even become a starter and we could think on a package of Josh Smith and Horford to get an all-star Center and a backup big.

The only reason he has not been starting is because Garnett but he has been considered a piece of Boston's future by all his fans. If we have an opportunity to sign him I would go for it even with the whole MLE.

[raleigh]

It's a creative thought, but not something a team in a financial battle would be willing to entertain IMHO.

[parson]

Wonder why BOS isn't re-signing him. Isn't he injured right now?

[killbuckner]

Supposedly Boston doesn't want to use up the roster spot while he rehabs. He is supposed to miss at least half the season. The team says that they would welcome him back when he is done rehabbing.

[HoopsGuru25]

My gut feeling is that Powe ends up on a team closer to his hometown of Oakland.

[sully00]

Wonder why BOS isn't re-signing him. Isn't he injured right now?

He had microfracture surgery and I don't think anyone has made it back sooner than a year from that. While he can start playing ball again in FEB he likely will not be ready for the NBA until the end of the season. I think the midseason thing is pretty ambitious if not a pipedream and would have been worth the QO (1mil) from Boston if they thought there was any real chance of that.

[evildallas]

I knew it was torn ligaments, but didn't realize microfracture was involved as well. That tempers my optimism for his return this season.