RIght now, I'd take a look at Chris Copeland. He didn't shoot the 3 that well last year, but did in his first 2 years. I thought he played well within Indy's team defense when he was on the floor when I watched him. He's also has familiarity with Hibbert. He's currently recovering from being stabbed in a nightclub earlier this year, but if he checks out physically, I'd take interest.
I'm not too surprised. But even slow guys can fit into a defensive scheme if they are attentive, responsible, and communicate well with their teammates. Having a shotblocker like Hibbert helps too.
Hibbert in some respects reminds me of Bynum...just without that "edge". He has good touch...a decent set of back to the basket moves. At times deliberate but knows what he is doing. Certainly not that nimble but won't trip over his own feet. Your projections on Hibbert would be a small boon. Potentially, there is enough offense on the floor with Randle, 24 and the Clarkson/Russell combo. Bench isn't shabby with Young, the Browns, Nance, Black and possibly Upshaw. What the staff and his teammates have to be aware of is making sure Hibbert maintains his focus...not let a series of bad plays affect him. Involve him in the offense by running plays for him and acknowledging his effort on defense. After this, there is still a need to address a serviceable player at small forward.
Plus Rydorker's scouting reports really dig into each and every weakness. No sugar coating there. But damn looks like the kid can flat out shoot the ball in Savory's links above. We be needing that.
Since we've had Fox we've needed a complete player at SF. Have to go back to Rice since we've had a top level player at that position.
Some of the FA SF that we could get: KJ Mcdaniel Alan Anderson Caron Butler Earl Clark Gerald Green Luc Richard Mbah a Moute Alonzo Gee Dorrell Wright Landry field Omri Cassipi
Ariza was the last one if you had to ask me even if he was on the light side physically. The Artist Formerly Known As Ron Artest was sporadic at best on the offensive end...no qualms however on defense. I am not sure who is even out there that could fit the bill...personnel and $$$ wise. I have Caron Butler in mind...long in the tooth but still contributing some based on some stats T-Rod threw at me. Landry Fields was my other choice [thanks fly!]...keeping in line with the youth movement.
McDaniel and Anderson... Not sure how we can fit them financially. Mbah a Moute is also solid if unspectacular.
I'm so glad we didn't resign Ed Davis. Davis and Black are similar players and would have been a total waste backing up Hibbert. Roy Hibbert, a top 3 rim protector In Mitch we trust
True dat...even if the former's injuries were of the accidental kind. For all his off the court missteps, I really liked Bynum. He was developing fast...double-doubles two out of three outings per clip prior to his first major injury.
Not too bad...both have potential and could be those "bargains" that BMJ touched on that can contribute on the floor when given minutes. I wouldn't be able to take another season of Wesley Johnson. Jeeezzz...
As for back up PG, how about Cory Joseph? he is restricted, but Spurs already have parker and mill at the point. He is only 23.
Interesting tidbit about Lakers supposed "bad" presentations .... not sure where to put this so mods feel free to move. For Monroe, playing for four coaches in five years and never winning more than 32 games in a season had him hungry to win. The Bucks won only nine more games than his Pistons last season, but 41 was enough to make the playoffs in the Eastern Conference and the Bucks gave the Chicago Bulls a better fight than many expected in the first round. And they won 20 games more than the Lakers. "I just think for Greg, he could have picked the Lakers and fit in and been happy," Falk said. "But Milwaukee was a better fit. It had nothing to do with the presentation." Monroe's agent, David Falk, said Monroe's decision was all about winning. I really feel the Lakers FO has done a good job. It takes a promising team to woo the free agents. Currently, the Lakers have talent but it is unproven. If the team does well, which I fully expect them to do ... at least be competitive showing some spunk, free agents will come to LA. I'm sure the Lakers FO knew it wasn't going to get the big fish but heck, they had to try anyway. What did they have to lose?
Falk needs to keep GM's on his side. Nothing here that I would take to the bank. Agents are Attorneys. You trust them when they are on your side if you do otherwise it's at your own peril.
There is no issue for going all out on big fish...however, they need to learn how to give up quickly and move on to next plan. Everyone and their mama knew LA was not coming here. Why waste time waiting? Im sure Lakers could have traded for Hibbert two days ago. We lost some options for solid players.
I'm sure they could've traded for Hibbert two days ago but it would effectively ruled them out of the LMA chase. LMA only narrowed his choices to the Spurs and Suns last night. If Hibbert was a target for the Lakers and they had a feeling he would still be there, why not wait? Also, some of the options for solid players weren't really options in my opinion. The Lakers aren't going to sign players just to sign players. What solid options would fit and not have hampered the Lakers ability to get a C, which is really the first and most pressing need?
