nate33 wrote:Ed Wood wrote:nate33 wrote:Hmmm. What about pushing the reset button on Blatche and trading him for Anthony Randolph + filler (Azubuike)? The premise is that we have given up on Blatche ever being more than the dreaded "good player on a bad team", and instead, we're taking a chance on Randolph. NY considers it because Blatche has the size to be a center in NY's system. He could back up Amare and play the same kind of role, or he could play alongside Amare as a "stretch 5".
I'm not saying I want to do anything like that, Blatche hasn't really impressed this year but he's still not the team's biggest or most pressing problem and he's more likely than a number of other players on the team to be a net positive as a basketball player, but if you're gonna bail and start again with a younger guy in Randolph at least recognize that Magic has been even more disappointing so far this year and has had trouble fitting in with two organizations that seemed to have styles tailor made to his game and the Wizards should be looking to get additional value. Include a Cartier Martin for Landry Fields swap, something.
Nate, these Blatche trades are pretty bad. Have you had, uh, contact with Rico recently?
For the record, I'm not actually advocating a Blatche for Randolph trade, I'm just throwing it out there for discussion. Randolph has put up some nice numbers in the past, but there's got to be a good reason why Golden State was willing to dump him and I'm sure there's a good reason why he's in D'Antoni's doghouse posting a PER of 2.0. I don't profess to know all the behind-the-scenes issues with Randolph. Obviously, if he is the underachieving malcontent that some think he is, then we should refrain from making the trade.
In general, I'm coming around to the viewpoint that Blatche just can't be a top 4 player on a good team. He isn't efficient enough as a primary scoring option, and he isn't consistent enough with his effort and intangibles to be a quality role player. I suppose I should be a little more patient with him given his offseason injury, but I'm skeptical.
I've been one of Randolph's biggest fans and he represents the type of risks Ernie should be taking with young, high upside players. Not the Yi's, & Thornton's of the world who have no chance of improving.
I wouldn't be willing to give up Blatche for him however. I'm not sure what represents good value for Randolph at the moment. He's gone from having enough value to fetch David Lee to rotting on the bench.
As far him having trouble fitting into two different organizations, I would say Nelson & D'Antoni are two of the most self-absorbed ego maniacs in the league. And two guys not afraid to hold grudges and play favorites. Both are offensive genius in their own right but they'd definitely let their system get in away of playing the most talented player. I honestly don't know what's going on in NY right now but last season, much like Blatche did, Randolph showed signs of truly breaking out. And like Blatche he's a highly skilled, versatile big capable of doing many different things on the court. He's more athletic, a better rebounder & finisher than Blatche although Dray is more accomplished from mid-range.
Would I give up a future 1st for Randolph? Maybe. It depends on the protection. I'm definitely not interested in giving up a lottery pick, in any year. I would consider giving up Booker too although Booker offers something we don't really have, I'm still not totally sold on Booker's long term upside.