Notes and Errata: July 22, 2010
2010-07-22
-Apparently the Cavaliers have signed Samardo Samuels to a deal that partially guarantees the first year of his contract. I will confess that the only reason I remember Samuels from Summer League is that I distinctly remember thinking “Good Lord, Samardo freaking Samuels just scored 19 points on Hickson.”
That game was Samuels’ best one of Summer League, but he put in strong performances throughout his time in Vegas. My only issue with this signing is that he will not be defended by J.J. Hickson in any games next season. Samardo, you owe J.J. donuts.
-So Chris Paul has demanded a trade, and might end up on the Knicks or Lakers. With a trade this big, I don’t believe it until it happens, no matter how big. New Orleans will cling to CP3 with all of its claws. I’m sure Gilbert and Co. burned up New Orleans’ phone lines in the weeks leading up to LeFiasco, but there was no way the Cavs could offer them nearly enough salary relief, especially when you consider that any team that takes CP3 is eating Emeka’s deal.
So Chris Paul could possibly leave New Orleans for the Knicks, who have done nothing “right” as a franchise. Paul would then become pick-and-roll partners with Amar’e Stoudemire while playing for Mike D’Antoni. The “Sports as entertainment/Sports as morality” parts of my brain are at war right now.
Star players win-now or I’m leaving demands seem to be a symptom of a larger generational cleavage. Remember that these guys are all from generation Y (I myself hover b/w X and Y, so I think I have a unique perspective on them). This generation is known for its short attention span, need for instant gratification, and constant career moves. Loyalty to one company has been absconded for individual achievement. I think this is not necessarily a bad thing, as it is empowering to the individual. However, in the context of team sports, it comes into conflict with the very… Read more »
I agree with everyone here. In the NBA, teams can’t simply cancel contracts and because of that, players get paid through injury and through generally sucking. I don’t mind players demanding trades in the NFL, because in the NFL you can be cut in the middle of your contract with little to no compensation. The NBA though, is way different. Really good point Nupe about him being hurt and still getting paid. He’s really acting like a little girl right now. They’ve been way over the cap the last two years trying to help him out. And really, if he’d… Read more »
I would love to see cp in Orlando, just so they can go against Miami. Other than that, be a man, fullfil your contract and stop the bitchin!
ugh. barnes to LA.
the NBA is getting less and less intriguing. not sure if i’ll watch any regular season games this year.
The Nupe,
What else would you expect out of CP3. Not even a month after joining forces with LRMR marketing he does a 180 in the press, acting like someone he’s never acted like before. There’s a good old “evil organization” story out there one day 10 years from now.
I’m disappointed in CP3. He needs to finish his contract or just push his team to find more help. He shouldn’t be saying I want to be traded to team X, Y or Z. It was bad enough when at Melo’s wedding he said that Melo should come to NYC so that he, Amare and Melo could form a big 3. He was hurt for a good part of last season and got paid, that’s what a contract does, obligates both sides regardless if you’re producing up to expectation or not. The teams living up to it’s end of the… Read more »
James,
It’s not New Orleans, its the other teams that would be trading for him. Why would you waste assets trading for a player who does not want to play for you? As soon as the player takes that position, you’re not going to get equal value for him passing him on to someone else.
For that and the reasons Rich mentioned, I also don’t believe he’s playing anywhere but in New Orleans.
Thats actually a really good point rich. At this point the heat’s plan against Howard is probably just to ignore him. I mean what else can they do? and with lebron and wade, they can outscore anything he tries to do. But with CP3 there too? I really dont think they can do that. Howard is athletic enough that he can do the pick and roll and run the court. Plus the heat would have to put Wade on CP3, and double Howard (at times) with Bosh. Who does Lebron take? Carter or Lewis? And on top of that, How… Read more »
CP3 either gets traded somewhere that isn’t Los Angeles or New York (because, really, they can’t offer much in the way of value in return) or he plays 2 more years in New Orleans. Just because he’d like to go to New York or L.A. doesn’t mean it’s happening. New Orleans holds all the cards, at least for this year. That said, CP3 in Orlando would be about the worst thing in the world for the Heat. The two weakest positions on the Heat roster, would be going against a team that has the two best players n the world… Read more »
why would new orleans care what team he wanted to be traded to? if they’re going to trade him, it should be to the team that will give them the best a package in return.
and steve, i agree. new orleans should play hardball with him. the guy signed a contract, the team shouldn’t feel obligated to get rid of him because he doesn’t feel like fulfilling it. maybe i’m just sick of superstars being coddled by their teams and the league.
I’d like CP3 to head to the Lakers… just so I’d never have to see the LeBoob win a Finals.
BTW, if CP3 is demanding a trade, he’s also going to be identifying the teams he’s willing to be traded to. There is absolutely no way one of those teams is the Cleveland Cavaliers. Otherwise it would just be rinse and repeat (he gets here and demands a trade immediately to his short list of desired teams.)
Focus on Samardo Samuels and whoever we get as a SF. Those are the kinds of new faces we’re going to be cheering on this year.
jim, I blame basketball fans in a lot of ways for the construction of these mega teams (assuming it continues to become a growing trend). We’re the ones who question players’ drive, desire, heart, what have you if they fail to win a championship. We’re the ones who measure all time greatness in karats instead of points, rebounds, blocks, efficiency. While not necessarily a new phenomenon in the league, it’s definitely an undesirable one. When LA went in with Gasol/Kobe, they basically started an arms race that has been exacerbated by the fan sentiment that rings are the most important… Read more »
Who cares? He’s under contract and has no trade restrictions. I am either trading him to someone not on that list or making him sit, like he;s threatening. Everyone threatens sitting but in reality CP3 in him prime won’t. Plus they have talent with Collison, Thornton, and David West. A couple pieces and NO’s is right there.
But if he doesnt want to play there then you are simply delaying the inevitable. Playing lame duck for 2 years, not getting good draft picks, aging your prospects and not contending. If he really wants to leave then you have to let him, especially if you can get cap relief, a big man prospect and draft picks out of the deal. Im sure the hornets wouldn’t mind a Danillo Galinari or Bill Walker. Or Shaq on a 1 year deal (please God). We could offer a ton of financial flexibility and draft picks, not as many players but I… Read more »
Make it 3 years with the lockout.
You don’t trade Chris Paul because he wants to play eleswhere. Not when he is under contract for two more years. You won’t get fair value in return, your fans will hate you, and you will lose serious money at the gate. For a cash strapped team that spells disaster. Chris Paul is the type of player you build around, not use as trade bait. Regardless, what is more disconcerting is the construction of these few “mega teams” in Miami, LA, possibly the Knicks or Magic if Paul is traded to one of them. No way a small or mid… Read more »
yeah just what new orleans needs. An unhappy franchise player who wont take them far. Trade him and get back prospects and draft picks and salary relief. He is worth it. Too bad this guy didn’t request a trade a month ago. That would have been nice. and Could you really imagine CP3 on the lakers?? just nasty nasty nasty. They could run whatever offense they wanted, triangle, run, it doesn’t matter. They would be possibly the best back court ever. Kobe could focus on scoring 8 million points a game and CP3 does what he does. Add in their… Read more »
If I’m New Orleans I’m telling Chris Paul he has 2 options:
1) Play
2) Sit your ass on the bench for 2 years
With an almost 7’5″ wingspan, it doesn’t really matter if you’re only 6’9-6’10. Great pickup! I don’t think his offense is nearly polished enough, but at the very least his quickness, strength, and defense should fit in very well with the style of play Cleveland needs this season. Probably won’t work his way into the rotation, but if he can get a few solid post moves he could develop into a very good role player. And if Scott really wants to keep things fast-pased, if he can block shots, outlet, and run with the rest of the team, he will… Read more »
Planes, trains, automobiles…you better get my donuts…
Look on the bright side, at least CP3 won’t be in Miami!
I said this on Real Cavs Fans, and I’ll say it again here: I love the Samardo signing. This team isn’t gunning for a title next year, so why not throw as many young guys against the wall and see what sticks?
Besides, it’s not like Powe and Jamison are long term options anyway, and Samuels projects to be a backup. So if he’s good, score one for Gilbert/Grant.