[Build A Team 4.0] Discussion Thread Part II -*SPEED ROUNDS*

[I am Ra]

Elton Brand? Why with the team you got?

[swisscheeseD]

Elton Brand? Why with the team you got?

I know his contract is fugly, but I'm so far under the cap to begin with. My youth is in tact, to become a team that could possibly make noise in the playoffs we need to add veteran talent.

Brand fits the Popovich mold. He's going to be a solid first big off the bench, limiting his minutes during the season as to alleviate the possibilities of injuries flaring up. He played 75+gm's last year and we hope he can continue to recover from his surgery 2 years ago. We needed a post presence, someone who could bang inside with an actual back to the basket game. He's still a solid rebounder and can defend.

I told you it wouldn't be the popular selection, but I believe he's underachieved and has been misused in Philly.

Believe me, there were plenty of other players I would have rather selected...but I had a vision for this team and I'm sticking to it.

[Th3TrueDynesty]

Ra want me to just post it now?

EDIT: Nevermind then

[I am Ra]

Ra want me to just post it now?

i have to make the pick first. Since the pick amounts need to match. (ithink)

[swisscheeseD]

Mania...you would have been so heated.

I've been wanting the Birdman on every team I've built since I joined these BAT's. Had I not selected Popovich, he would have been my selection. I have no need for him on a Pop-led team though.

Same thing with another PF I was tossed up between who had a cap friendlier contract.

[I am Ra]

Elton Brand? Why with the team you got?

I know his contract is fugly, but I'm so far under the cap to begin with. My youth is in tact, to become a team that could possibly make noise in the playoffs we need to add veteran talent.

Brand fits the Popovich mold. He's going to be a solid first big off the bench, limiting his minutes during the season as to alleviate the possibilities of injuries flaring up. He played 75+gm's last year and we hope he can continue to recover from his surgery 2 years ago. We needed a post presence, someone who could bang inside with an actual back to the basket game. He's still a solid rebounder and can defend.

I told you it wouldn't be the popular selection, but I believe he's underachieved and has been misused in Philly.

Believe me, there were plenty of other players I would have rather selected...but I had a vision for this team and I'm sticking to it.

but theres a ton of other much cheaper options that couldve given you the same thing. Cant name them here but I can tell you it wasnt Eddy Curry.

[2010]

ManiaX just broke my heart with that Birdman pick. He was who I was targeting to backup or be injury insurance for Yao.

[swisscheeseD]

There were plenty of cheaper options, yes...but my Cap isn't an issue. I tried to move on Dejaun Blair, with no avail. There's also another PF on the board with a shorter deal that I heavily, heavily considered. But he doesn't fit my playing style. Brand has bounce-back potential with a coach that will know how to properly utilize him.

Yes, I have built a core for my future...but that doesn't mean I'm going to continue acquiring young talent on cheap contracts. At some point you have to infuse veterans within the roster not only to push the youth with competition for playing time, but to actually fight for the playoffs where the experience does wonders for future progression.

My team may not be a Championship contender, but they will be right there in the mix when it comes to playoff teams...they won't roll over, believe that!

[swisscheeseD]

2010...what do ya think of my squad?

[2010]

2010...what do ya think of my squad?

PG: Derek Fisher / Goran Dragic
SG: James Harden
SF: Danilo Gallinari
PF: Al Horford / Elton Brand
C: Robin Lopez

When looking at that lineup the first thing that jumps out in my mind is "some hard-nosed players" I mean, these guys are all gritty and should be capable of defending. However, with that said I do find the Elton Brand pick puzzling...and not just because of his contract but more because of the fit.

I don't think Elton Brand will ever be used properly coming off the bench as he's not exactly an energy guy. I found it also odd considering you specifically mentioned he's been used improperly by the 76ers, who have actually failed at attempting to feature him off the bench. I agree with the poster who claimed there were better options out there at backup PF who were cheaper yet still provide a veteran presence and would still work effectively coming off the bench.

Now to Brand's credit, he is known as a character guy and he should not cause any disruption in that role but at the same time if you are paying a guy that kind of salary you should put him in a position to succeed and justify the contract. I can specifically think of 3 PF's who would have fit the role you were looking to fill but on a way cheaper scale.

[swisscheeseD]

2010...what do ya think of my squad?

PG: Derek Fisher / Goran Dragic
SG: James Harden
SF: Danilo Gallinari
PF: Al Horford / Elton Brand
C: Robin Lopez

When looking at that lineup the first thing that jumps out in my mind is "some hard-nosed players" I mean, these guys are all gritty and should be capable of defending. However, with that said I do find the Elton Brand pick puzzling...and not just because of his contract but more because of the fit.

I don't think Elton Brand will ever be used properly coming off the bench as he's not exactly an energy guy. I found it also odd considering you specifically mentioned he's been used improperly by the 76ers, who have actually failed at attempting to feature him off the bench. I agree with the poster who claimed there were better options out there at backup PF who were cheaper yet still provide a veteran presence and would still work effectively coming off the bench.

Now to Brand's credit, he is known as a character guy and he should not cause any disruption in that role but at the same time if you are paying a guy that kind of salary you should put him in a position to succeed and justify the contract. I can specifically think of 3 PF's who would have fit the role you were looking to fill but on a way cheaper scale.

Thanks for taking the time 2010.

I agree with the "grit" you speak of. I wanted to build a young team who won't back down from the challenge. These are the type of players who give themselves the best chance to fulfill their potential.

As to the Brand selection...again, I knew it wasn't going to be popular. I knew there were some other options. Believe me, I didn't want to take on that contract. But Brand is another physical player with actual back to the basket skills offensively. He was most definitely the best offensive option to the system available at the 4.

My arguing his misuse in Philly was not due to the fact that they tried bringing him off the bench, but more so to the system. They tried to run a more uptempo style of the Princeton offense under Eddie Jordan. Everyone questioned the fit when they signed Brand, knowing he was much better suited in the half-court set. That team was doomed with poor coaching and low IQ talent (mainly Dalembert never being in the proper position).

[TheBluest]

2010 I'm going to keep this short and sweet....

I like your squad, It's balanced, you have all positions covered nicely, you have high performing and efficient players who complement each other very well.

But If we're going to judge things realistically, your squad has too many fragile individuals on it. I think your squad would eventually face this during a real NBA season and sputter down the stretch, but you still have several rounds to go, to shore up depth and lessen this possibility of happening.

[can o peas]

So, I just noticed something.

Utah traded there 9th round pick twice. First to me. Then to Philly.

wait, so what happens? I think one of us should get an 8th rounder from utah instead, and lj can consider it a penalty for not keeping track of his picks before trading them

[NewEra]

peas- i wish you would have changed your mind earlier about that deal

[can o peas]

peas- i wish you would have changed your mind earlier about that deal

ergh, well I guess it's too late now that you made your pick? I got the impression that the 3-way deal was off on your side from the 3rd gm.

[TheBluest]

peas- i wish you would have changed your mind earlier about that deal

Rumor has it a backcourt player and a 5th from Philly were offered for backcourt player and 9th from the Bobcats....


The feeling could be mutual

[Th3TrueDynesty]

We have a trade!

The New Jersey Nets have offered the Minnesota Timberwolves:

Dejuan Blair
13th (378th) pick

For

Glen Davis
10th (274th) pick




New Jersey accepts.

[I am Ra]

We have a trade!

The New Jersey Nets have offered the Minnesota Timberwolves:

Dejuan Blair
13th (378th) pick

For

Glen Davis
10th (274th) pick




New Jersey accepts.

accepted. we love Blair and feel its worth dropping in the draft for him.

[I am Ra]

Trading pick #183 (upcoming) and #378 for 2 8th round picks

[can o peas]

TRADE ANNOUNCEMENT:

The Sixers have traded:

Roy Hibbert
9th (259)
11th (319)

to the Spurs for:

7th (184)
8th (218)
10th (278)