Woj: Batum to Charlotte, Vonleh + Gerald to Portland

[yosemiteben]

Ok, fair take. Time will tell. Given the fact that we brought over a FO guy from POR before this trade, I'm sure they vetted his fit thoroughly with good inside info and think it'll work out, but you could be right.

[mrknowitall215]

For comparison's sake of another versatile wing, Rudy Gay can play SG, but he's better suited to play SF/PF. In past years when coaches have tried to play Gay at SG he struggled

[Cheeze]

Ironic that the same people that adamantly made the argument that Biyombo can't play PF are the same ones acting like there's no difference between SG and SF.

I feel like you're being disingenuous here. Power forwards in the modern NBA typically don't camp in the lane like centers tend to do, and Biz is a poor one on one defender in space or on the perimeter.

Can you articulate a difference between a SG and a SF?

There's not much difference between SG and SF just like there's not much difference between PF and C regardless of how you want to twist it. My debate is rather simple that Batum has played more PF in his career than SG and has fared better as a stretch 4 than a shooting guard. My bold prediction is that Batum will struggle at SG, and we'll be making adjustments with the position by New Year's

You have a legit point. The Hornets will be shoe-horning Batum some, no doubt. But I envision Batum's position, though symbolically a shooting guard, will act more as a point forward in the McBob role. Kemba is not a point anymore than McBob was a power forward. Kemba's a combo guard that will be better at the drive and kick if he actually has a player to kick to. In 2014 that was McRoberts. Last year it was Williams. I think adding Batum to the point-forward role will cover for MKG and make the first unit more effective.

Batum will struggle on the perimeter like you said. But nobody's perfect. I think it'll work.

[BlackOutBuzz]

Ironic that the same people that adamantly made the argument that Biyombo can't play PF are the same ones acting like there's no difference between SG and SF.

Yeah I've never said that.

[mrknowitall215]

The more I think about this trade, the more I dislike it

[catch20two]

The more I think about this trade, the more I dislike it

Traded Hendo with a lottery pick for 1 year of Batum who's just as extra regular and inconsistent as Hendo but hey at least he'll shoot 3s.

[Hornet Mania]

The more I think about this trade, the more I dislike it

You're gonna love it even more when Winslow falls to 9 but we already traded that pick to Boston for Sully. Trade a solid starter+lotto pick with potential for a super role player who will get $$$ next summer, then have the super role player of this draft (who would be on rookie scale for 4yrs) fall right into your lap except you traded that pick for another fat post player. Classic Charlotte.

[yosemiteben]

The more I think about this trade, the more I dislike it

You're gonna love it even more when Winslow falls to 9 but we already traded that pick to Boston for Sully. Trade a solid starter+lotto pick with potential for a super role player who will get $$$ next summer, then have the super role player of this draft (who would be on rookie scale for 4yrs) fall right into your lap except you traded that pick for another fat post player. Classic Charlotte.

It's also pretty classic Charlotte to complain about things before they happen.

Just saying.

[Hornet Mania]

The more I think about this trade, the more I dislike it

You're gonna love it even more when Winslow falls to 9 but we already traded that pick to Boston for Sully. Trade a solid starter+lotto pick with potential for a super role player who will get $$$ next summer, then have the super role player of this draft (who would be on rookie scale for 4yrs) fall right into your lap except you traded that pick for another fat post player. Classic Charlotte.

It's also pretty classic Charlotte to complain about things before they happen.

Just saying.

Sorry dude, I know praising everybody and seeing the bright side is your thing and that's cool but it ain't happening today for me. These deals do not inspire confidence nor optimism.

[yosemiteben]

I just don't see the point of complaining about draft picks that haven't been made yet. Seems to make more sense to complain about things that have already happened.

[fatlever]

WT says LMA has informed Blazers he is leaving. Wouldn't that just be Hendo's luck to get traded to a good team just when the blow it up and rebuild. I wonder if he now regrets his decision to opt in.

[LofJ]

WT says LMA has informed Blazers he is leaving. Wouldn't that just be Hendo's luck to get traded to a good team just when the blow it up and rebuild. I wonder if he now regrets his decision to opt in.

I doubt it. It probably means he'll get more touches. If we can have a decent season offensively, especially if they get him shooting from the corner, to go with his solid D he'll attract some offers next offseason.

[Snidely FC]

Its just summer league but Vonleh looks really good. Did I mention he's 19? The team gave up on him and he's . . . 19? Still shaking my head.

[Dancingpanda]

Its just summer league but Vonleh looks really good. Did I mention he's 19? The team gave up on him and he's . . . 19? Still shaking my head.

ugh lmao, dont remind us.

The ones of us that liked him were just getting over this move.

Well i was anyways

[StitchJones]

I really wish they traded Zeller instead. Vonleh looked good today in summer league.

[fatlever]

I've found myself frantically checking the portland summer league box scores rooting for Vonleh to have terrible games. I just dont know if I could handle the pain if he turns out to be a stud and Batum never regains form and leaves next summer. I hate having to root against the kid, but for my well being, it must be done.

[catch20two]

I really wish they traded Zeller instead. Vonleh looked good today in summer league.

I'd say 97% of us did. Portland didn't want Zeller tho. Vonleh had more value without playing a meaningful minute.

[BlackOutBuzz]

Yeah Vonleh "holds more value," which is why we traded Vonleh and Henderson for Batum instead of trading Zeller and also getting McCollum back as well.

[HornetJail]

I've found myself frantically checking the portland summer league box scores rooting for Vonleh to have terrible games. I just dont know if I could handle the pain if he turns out to be a stud and Batum never regains form and leaves next summer. I hate having to root against the kid, but for my well being, it must be done.

I'm hoping Vonleh and Biz both explode next year and drop 60 point triple doubles on us. This team deserves a **** wake up call.

[catch20two]

Yeah Vonleh "holds more value," which is why we traded Vonleh and Henderson for Batum instead of trading Zeller and also getting McCollum back as well.

Yup omit the sarcasm. Vonleh is better than Zeller and has more value. It will be shown over the next several years. I doubt we even extend Zeller unless it's super cheap like backup money.