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I don't have a thing against Walker, but...
This is from NBA Talk:
>> July 25, 2000, 8:51:16 AM
Power Forward Shuffle
Might makes right.
Think about it. Tim Duncan. Kevin Garnett. Chris Webber. Karl Malone. Rasheed
Wallace. Bare knuckled box outs and broken backboards. Greasy, grimy justice.
Power forwards rule the NBA.
So in this week's rumorTalk, we're going redistribute some of that power,
saving a few franchises in the process while enabling a few other ones to
remain on top. All in all, we're talking 6 power forwards, 5 teams, 4
options, sign and trades, BYC's and even the infamous 15% plus 100k allowance.
The CBA put up the wall. NBAtalk is breaking it down with the Power Forward
Shuffle.
After all, you don't send in a boy to do a man's job.
WARNING BEAT WRITERS: These deals are hypotheticals. . . we're playing GM,
but it doesn't mean we are GMs. So no more stories about how this thing is a
day away from happening.
Option 1
Pacers Get: Celtics Get: Bulls Get:
Jamal Crawford Austin Croshere Antoine Walker
Marcus Fizer Zan Tabak
Why it works for INDIANA:
The Pacers can't possibly hope of signing all of their free agents. Jalen
Rose remains the priority while Croshere will become expendable with the
emergence of Jonathan Bender. This deal infuses the decrepit Pacers with not
only young players, but two who can play multiple positions right alongside
Rose.
Why it works for BOSTON:
It's one of the worst kept secrets in the league. Pitino wants to move Walker
in the worst way but he's run out of time to rebuild the Celtics from
scratch. He needs someone who can step in immediately and score points.
Croshere is not near the player that Walker is at this point, but he's
certainly better than nothing. Walker's reputation precedes him. Pitino's not
going to get much more.
Why it works for CHICAGO:
Because we still can't figure out why Jerry Krause hasn't been tarred and
feathered yet. No Duncan, Hill or McGrady. Not even Tim Thomas. Antoine
Walker gives them an immediate all star who can put up big numbers. Plus,
Walker is from Chicago. He may benefit from the trip home.
How it works for INDIANA:
The Pacers are taking back two rookies who have a combined salary of $4.32
million. Austin Croshere is expected to sign for around $6 million a year,
making him a 50% BYC player with a trade value of $3 million. Zan Tabak's
$1.2 million adds up to $4.2 million, running it through the CBA's allowance
of 15% plus 100k makes the cap space $4.93 total.
How it works for BOSTON:
Antoine Walker is making $9 million but is in his second year of BYC, so his
trade value is $6.75 million, which Croshere's $6 million will fit nicely.
How it works for CHICAGO:
The Bulls are set up to recieve two MAX contracts without problem so taking
Walker in wouldn't be a problem, and they'll be clearing another $4.32
million in the process. Throughout this process, they're looking at absorbing
throw-in contracts (Minor and Barkley) to make these deals work cap-wise.
Why it doesn't work:
Because Pitino has already said that if the Celtics don't make the playoffs
next season, he'll step down voluntarily. Croshere is not a franchise player
despite his ability to command a MAX deal. He is a nice building block for
the future, but Pitino doesn't have that luxury.
Option 2
Blazers Get: Celtics Get: Bulls Get:
Jamal Crawford Jermaine O'Neal Antoine Walker
Marcus Fizer Erick Barkley
Why it works for PORTLAND:
The Blazers are log jammed at the power forward position. Jermaine O'Neal is
screaming for more playing time because he can't see the light of day behind
Rasheed Wallace and Brian Grant. This deal gives Portland two more young
studs to put in the stable that they've coveted all along.
Why it works for BOSTON:
Pitino was willing to give up six draft picks on draft day to get O'Neal. As
mentioned before, Walker is on the outs in Beantown and O'Neal would give the
Celts an inside presence they sorely lack
Why it works for CHICAGO:
See above. Plus, they get a feisty point guard in Barkley.
How it works for PORTLAND:
O'Neal is on the books for $5.81 million but is a second year BYC player
(after 8/2), making his trade value $4.35 million. Barkley is at $712,000,
making their total value $5 million. Crawford and Fizer combine for $4.32 so
it's tight, but okay.
How it works for BOSTON:
Walker's trade value is $6.75 million while O'Neal is at $5 million. Boston
actually gains cap space in this deal.
How it works for CHICAGO:
As mentioned above, the Bulls have enough room for two MAX deals, so taking
in Walker's and Barkley's $9.71 million won't be a problem.
Why it doesn't work:
Again, O'Neal does not yet command the same offensive presence of Walker who
is a 20 point/ 10 rebound player. As valuable as athletic 7-footers are in
the league, O'Neal still does not put the Celtics in the playoffs next year
which puts Pitino out the door.
Option 3
Blazers Get: Celtics Get: Bulls Get:
Jamal Crawford Brian Grant Antoine Walker
Marcus Fizer Greg Minor
Why it works for PORTLAND:
See above.
Why it works for BOSTON:
This is by far the Celtics' best option. When healthy, Brian Grant is an all
star power forward who plays tough defense and attacks the glass. And in the
Eastern Conference, he'll even score a lot more points than he ever did on
the West Coast. His style of play will actually allow Paul Pierce to operate
more freely in the paint. The two won't be fighting over shots or running
into each other. If Pitino is going to make a run for the playoffs, this
is his best bet.
Why it works for CHICAGO:
See above.
How it works for PORTLAND:
Brian Grant is expected to sign for the MAX, making him a BYC player with a
trade value of $4.5 million. Again, Fizer and Crawford combine for $4.32
million. Obviously, you can always take back less.
How it works for BOSTON:
Walker's trade value is $6.75 million. Combined with Minor's $2.8 million,
the Celtics have space of $9.55 million. Even if Grant signs for a MAX of $9
million, it still fits.
How it works for CHICAGO:
See above.
Why it doesn't work:
The Blazers were more than willing to give up Jermaine O'Neal for the young
studs, but Grant is an all star caliber player. Where O'Neal has never
averaged more than 4.5 ppg or 3.4 rpg, Grant will put up 15 and 10. That may
be too much for Portland to give up so close to an NBA championship. Even if
Crawford stood on Fizer's shoulders', they still couldn't guard Shaq. Plus,
Grant would first have to agree to play in Boston.
Option 4
Sonics Get: Celtics Get: Bulls Get:
Jamal Crawford Vin Baker Antoine Walker
Marcus Fizer Greg Minor
Why it works for SEATTLE:
The Sonics know that they also rans in a power packed conference. Vin Baker
didn't work out and it's time to try something else. Payton will be able to
run the floor with these young studs as Fizer slips right into Baker's spot
and Crawford, who prepped in Seattle and the Sonics tried to move up in the
draft to get, give's the Glove a big target on the wing.
Why it works for BOSTON:
Vin Baker's last year with Milwaukee was a monster one. He averaged 21 points
and 10 rebounds before being shipped out West where he floundered to 16 and 7
last year. He needs to get back in the Eastern Conference and away from
Duncan, Webber, Garnhett, Wallace, etc. A fresh start may be exactly what he
needs to push Pitino over the hump.
Why it works for CHICAGO:
See above.
How it works for SEATTLE:
Vin Baker is a MAX player making $9 million with a trade value of $6.75
million (note- this trade has to go down after 8/18 when Vin will become a
second year BYC player). As mentioned several times before, Fizer and
Crawford combine for $4.32 million.
How it works for BOSTON:
Walker and Minor have a trade value of $9.55 million, clearing enough space
for Baker's $9 million.
How it works for CHICAGO:
See above.
Why it doesn't work:
Gary Payton throws a temper tantrum because he didn't get the big power
player he wanted, not realizing how much better his team actually is not only
by subtracting an underachieving Baker, but adding two multi-faceted
youngsters.
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