Post#733 » by Downtown » Mon Feb 14, 2011 5:59 pm
Let's be realistic. Both Thabveet and Mayo have low value so management won't be getting a highend player for them. But both are paid quite well for not significantly contributing. The team hasn't missed a beat since Mayo has been out, and it's arguable that they have played better without him. And despite not trying to get into the financial aspect, you can't dismiss the point about if they want to re-sign Randolph and Gasol something has to give, and both Mayo and Thabeet have sizeable deals that aren't far off for renewal.
So in my opinion it's about adding players that aren't going to break the bank, yet can contribute for the Grizzlies challenge of a playoff spot, although a couple of players listed below contradict that point with higher salaries.
Keyon Dooling is an experienced pointguard that is used to coming off the bench. He scores, gets good assists, fits the Grizzlies mold of pressure defense and gets a good number of steals, can hit the three point shot, and does it all in limited minutes. His contract is very low since he was bought out already and signed a minimum deal and wouldn't cost much to get.
Kyle Korver's name has come up alot lately, and for good reason. As a poor three point shooting team Korver fills that void greatly. And as a combo player he could back up two positions as a specialist.
Jamaal Crawford would step in as the starting shooting guard, and we know he can put up big numbers, and like a JR Smith he can get on a hot streak and change games. He has an expiring contract.
Fransisco Garcia isn't a mainstream name that is mentioned much at all. But he brings intangibles like leadership and defence. He plays two positions, and puts up decent stats. But his contract runs a little longer than I would like and is expensive so he might not be worth it. I just like the way the guy plays and goes about his job with professionalism.
I guess my "reaching a little" player I think would be tremendous on Memphis is James Harden. He is one of those players that don't "wow" you in any one area but plays a really solid overall game. Being behind alot of OKC players like Durant and Westbrook he doesn't get alot of recognition. With OKC giving Sefolosha a long deal at a cheaper price, and seemingly liking his defence and complimentary play between Durant and Westbrook, would the Thunder want to look at Thabeet and another player in some sort of package?
I've said for a while that a veteran center like Jeff Foster could help out Memphis down the stretch. He rebounds and plays hard defence, period. Giving Gasol better breaks to keep him out of foul trouble, and being at both Randolph and Gay's backs would work in my opinion.
I thought about a few other players such as Anthony Morrow, Tracy McGrady, Luc Mbah a Moute, and Omer Asik, but I like this group better.
So it's not a sexy bunch in terms of name recognition, but I believe all could get the job done, and contribute in ways that current players aren't. or can't. Thabeet, Haddadi, and Vasquez aren't going to help one bit this season. I'm thrilled that both Arthur and Young have really stepped up lately and I haven't included any power forwards even though I like a few that could help off the bench. And with Young and Tony Allen playing so well, with Henry in the wings, perhaps it's not such a priority anymore at shooting guard. But if they can upgrade and find a cheap three point shooter it's worth exploring.
I hope I answered your question boogydown, or at least explained my feelings well enough. The team is playing well now and when they are I generally change my mind and am more content to stay the course. But like any fan in here it's always fun to try and look into what they could do to tweak the roster.
