Initial Reaction Thread
by Stop-n-Pop on May 22, 2009 1:11 PM CDT
in Finance
56 comments
I thought David Kahn said all of the right things while Papa Glen Taylor came off grumpy, defensive, and like a guy who filled an position with a process better suited for a Carlson Craft IT Manager than an NBA VP of Basketball Operations.
Wyn will have a write up of the event later on today, but what are your initial thoughts?
UPDATE: You can listen to the audio of the presser at the team's website by clicking here (Taylor's remarks), here (Kahn part 1), here (Kahn part 2), or here (Kahn part 3).
UPDATE: David Kahn appeared on the Dan Barreiro show. You can listen to the segment here.
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Do you have a link for those of us who missed it?
by revprodeji on May 22, 2009 1:17 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
i'm looking for one
i’m hoping they’ll have a podcast or link here soon
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by Stop-n-Pop on May 22, 2009 1:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Did anyone ask Kahn about the litlgation he's involved in
regarding the D League?
Apparently Glen claimed with a straight face that nobody turned down the job. The problem with lying so abjectly is that nobody believes anything else you say.
by Eric in Madison on May 22, 2009 1:45 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
that was the biggest farce...
….of the conference. It was problematic on both sides of the fence. On one hand, the question was wrong. It’s not that people turned the job down, it’s that they ran away before even getting to the part where they could really negotiate. On the other hand, Taylor knew damn well what people were talking about since he seemed to be so knowledgeable of all the other speculation on the web. Taylor had an awful performance. It was simply terrible. It really showed how out of touch he is on the process and that you can’t run an NBA team like a wedding invite empire.
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by Stop-n-Pop on May 22, 2009 1:54 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Either
Taylor flat out misrepresented his conversations with Lindsay in the presser or he lied to the FO staff. One or the other. It will not come out right now, but should some of the FO staff leave/not be retained, I expect the truth will be told – an Taylor will look like the dumb ass NBA owner he is.
by Just A Fan on May 22, 2009 7:34 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
well put..
….and we’ve heard the same thing. i think glen was lucky to have a guy as smooth talking as kahn there because it was really starting to come off the rails when he was talking about how his wedding card empire gave him all sorts of insight as to how to pick an nba gm, and how 3 guys didn’t really walk away from the job, and how the reason this took so long wasn’t because of him but other owners….it wasn’t one of his best performances and i suspect (more than suspect) that he rubbed some people the wrong way with some of the things he said. he appeared to be very agitated with some of the reporting about this process and that probably played into it. folksly glen was no where to be found.
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by Stop-n-Pop on May 22, 2009 7:54 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The stupid part was that Kahn had the better response
His deflection with the American Idol thing worked so much better than Glen trying to stonewall it. I heard it in the Wolves’ Web file, and that moment of Glen’s still took the air out of the room I was in.
Why play it that way? The man has such a tin ear.
by feral on May 22, 2009 7:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
big time tin ear with this whole process
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by Stop-n-Pop on May 22, 2009 7:55 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Taylor’s explanation of the process did nothing to dispel the notion that it was a disorganized, disjointed mess. I agree that Kahn said all the right things, except for his failure to mention that “Kevin McHale will not be returning as Head Coach”, but hopefully that one is coming soon.
by SeanTO on May 22, 2009 1:48 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Just read Zgoda's posts...
and it seems that Kahn is trying to say all the right things. Might as well give him a chance…it’s not like we got a choice.
by SoDakHmr on May 22, 2009 2:05 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I think that's fair and right
The process that got him and the culture he’s coming into is what is broke and what we’re frustrated with, not him. I think the big test, for him, is that they should be in a position to get some very good players from teams looking to move salary. They have 22-25 mil in expiring deals that can be maxed at 125% + $100,000 coming back. Throw in the 6th, 18th, 28th and Utah pick along with Pekovic (and maybe even players like Love and Foye) and you could give a team a very good package for 1 or 2 very, very good players. Here are a few questions from a future post on what fans want to see from the team:
1- If you had to pick between the two, who do you move: Love or Jefferson.
2- If you could turn one of these guys into a trade for a starting level point guard, would you do it and who would you do it for?
3- If you could turn one of these guys into Hasheem Thabeet + a top pick from next year would you do it? Would you make this offer to Sacramento or Oklahoma City?
4- How much would you be willing to take back in bad contracts in addition to a good player?
I think the team will move on a single and specific player in the draft as well as 1 or 2 solid established players. How much of the current group would you be willing to see go?
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by Stop-n-Pop on May 22, 2009 2:18 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’m just going to adress #2 – IMO the starting PG had better be very good. Not exactly CP3 or D Williams, but Rondo or Barbosa or Alston. That’s all I’m asking
Sometimes the obvious is hidden.
by frankenhoops on May 22, 2009 2:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
1. Jefferson. It’s odd, but I think Love is the more irreplaceable of the two, especially if we don’t trade Pekovic.
2. Yes. I love Barbosa. Big Al and Tim Duncan might be a great combination, and one that would work with a less than stellar PG. I’m sure there are others too, but I can’t think of them at the moment.
3. Maybe. If it’s Sacto, probably yes, if it’s OKC, probably not. Of the two teams, I think OKC is closer to suddenly winning 40-45 games and suddenly their pick next year is not so good.
4. Depends on the player. I’d hard cap it on 3 years left on a bad contract, (maybe 4 if it’s a bit more palatable), and then scale it to the quality of player you’re trading for: really good = more in bad contracts, just a starter = probably not.
"Come on Eddie, let's get serious."
by biggity2bit on May 22, 2009 3:09 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
No to Barbosa or Alston...
Orlando picked him up for a late first-rounder. Barbosa isn’t even a PG; if he was, the Suns wouldn’t have had guys like Marcus Banks and Sean Singletary as backups to Nash.
by pagingstanleyroberts on May 22, 2009 3:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Barbosa
That’s true. I love him because he’s what Foye was supposed to be (at least in my mind).
"Come on Eddie, let's get serious."
by biggity2bit on May 22, 2009 3:21 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Bill Simmons thinks in today's mailbag you could put together a package for Tony Parker
I doubt he will get traded, but the idea is right.
by Norsktroll on May 22, 2009 3:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
remember...
…i called it a long, long time ago that someone is getting CP3. Parker or Paul are the prizes. Someone is going to get one of them.
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by Stop-n-Pop on May 22, 2009 4:51 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Good questions
1. Definitely Love, no question. Well, maybe a little bit of a question because of Al’s health. But aside from that, a big man with Al’s low post game, the foot work in particular, is incredibly difficult to find and incredibly valuable as well. As Bill Simmons was saying on KFAN, Al could be the top guy on a great team, possibly. Love is absolutely not going to be that guy. He’s going to be awesome and he’ll do a lot of things very well, and he’ll be one of the most efficient players on the floor. But he won’t be an elite, top level star in the way Al can be.
2. Tony Parker if San Antonio was dumb enough to trade him, but I really don’t see that happening. Chris Paul would be even better, I’d give them whatever they wanted for him, but it seems unrealistic. So does Rondo. I think (as in I’m not positive) that I’d trade Love and the 6 for the #2 so we could grab Rubio, assuming we knew for certain we could get him here, and there’s some talk that might not be easy for every team in the league. We need a point guard BADLY, and I’m convinced on Rubio. I can’t think of anyone else we could grab that’s starting right now that we could get and who does anything for me. By all means though, call the Spurs and Hornets.
3. HELL NO. Dajuan Blair is maybe 6’7" and tore Thabeet in half. NBA players might eat him alive. I want no part of him. A top pick in next year’s draft would be cool, but not worth giving up Kevin Love for.
4. Depends on the player and the contracts. The better the player, the more I’d be willing to consider bad deals.
by museum on May 23, 2009 12:34 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You dont need to pick between Love and Al at this point..
To do so would be rather silly IMHO. Give Love another year to improve. He’ll be a stud by the end of the year and command a higher player in return if he’s the one to go.
by kingsxman on May 22, 2009 2:23 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I agree...
These guys can’t be offered up in deals unless 1) an All-Star is coming in return (not guys like David West) 2) they’re 26 and have shown no growth in their games or 3) the team has added more talented players yet isn’t improving. Trading them now would make the present and the future worse if they trade either of them and don’t get an All-Star-caliber guy.
by pagingstanleyroberts on May 22, 2009 3:21 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I saw the presser...
Glen was terrible. Kahn was very good. I walked away impressed. Granted…he could be a snake oil salesman..but he said the right things. I think his email to those of us in blogosphere was a classy act. I am officially giving him the benefit of the doubt until he proves me wrong. I’m also now leaning more towards renewing my season tickets as opposed to letting them go.
by kingsxman on May 22, 2009 2:25 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Ya
I’m going to give Kahn a 5 and half week window before I completely bail on my hope for this franchise. I think we’ll find out within weeks whether he’s a snake-oil guy or someone who may have some of the competence that came through in his letter as well as his references (Bird, Popovich?!).
"Come on Eddie, let's get serious."
by biggity2bit on May 22, 2009 3:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
At least
At least Kahn wants to work harder than anyone else, and doesn’t want to get outsmarted. Even that made our FO average, that would be significant improvement.
"Come on Eddie, let's get serious."
by biggity2bit on May 22, 2009 3:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I couldn't get the picture...
….of McHale sleeping on his cabin porch out of my head while Kahn was talking about working hard before the draft.
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by Stop-n-Pop on May 22, 2009 4:52 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I can't get the picture...
… of Kahn rubbings his hands together with an evil grin on his face, cackling sporadically like some pre-recession Wall Street fat cat out of my head.
by Kevin Loves McHale's Navy on May 22, 2009 8:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nausea
The Kahn hire has made me sick to my stomach all morning, but I’d take a sketchy businessman over a former player-turned-retard in the box.
by Icedover on May 22, 2009 2:31 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I guess...
I’m willing to give Kahn somewhat of a chance. What choice do we have? And like SoDakHmr said, he’s trying to say all of the right things. I’m still just frustrated with the same old tired act from Glen. He’s insulting and an embarrassment.
As for what fans want to see:
1. If you have to choose, you go with Jefferson. I’m big on Love but Jefferson is the better player with better potential. If Jefferson can learn how to be a good defender, then you don’t have to choose.
2. Again, you’d have to trade Love but I’d rather be able to get some value by dealing Foye.
3. If it involves getting a first round pick (I believe ours goes to the Clippers next year), then you have to seriously consider it. Thabeet won’t be a bad pro. All he has to do is block shots and rebound, especially if it means putting Al at the power forward where he could be unstoppable.
4. I don’t think taking on bad contracts is bad as long as you have someone who knows how to move them later on for talent. If you’re just tucking the bad contracts into bed and letting them expire instead of working for you later on, then it’s a problem. With that said, I wouldn’t want to take more than $8 million per year for three more years.
by Zach H from Talk H on May 22, 2009 2:41 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
As an IT Manager/Director...
I’m feeling a bit insulted! I’ve participated in a number of hiring processes way better than Taylor’s.
I’m always in admiration of the Wolves fans left standing. Beaten down beyond belief, they’ll always be some who’ll come back for more punishment with the slightest franchise change. From what I can see, Kahn is closer to Isiah Thomas in franchise management than Walsh; most folks at the NBA SHOULD be able to talk the talk. The devil, as we’ve seen year after year, is in the details. At least Taylor didn’t say Kahn had a 37-inch vertical….
by Peter W on May 22, 2009 3:35 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Peter!
Nice to hear from you again. You beat me to the punch line about NBA guys being able to talk the talk. That comes in a wrap up. I’m waiting for Kahn to lock the Wolves into a new stadium battle that will burden the city and state with massive tax debt. I love how Kahn’s big strength is supposedly his knowledge of the CBA yet he hasn’t operated in the NBA under the new CBA and it will probably change in the next few years. That being said, I can’t fault the guy for taking the job and I’d give any new hire a grace period…regardless of my gluttony for punishment related to being a Wolves fan. I do worry when people start talking in business language in this current economic climate.
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by Stop-n-Pop on May 22, 2009 5:01 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
My condolences, Wolves fans.
Your friendly neighborhood Dreamshake mod.
by Only_A_Lad on May 22, 2009 3:35 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
mayn hol up?
did i miss sumthin here mayn? LOVE OR AL IZ NOT GITTIN TRADED. dey de only two untouchables. why de fuck wud we trade eitha uv dem mayn?? if khan mess around an trade either uv dem im done done done. trade gomes and foye, maynnn
MAYN HOL UP!
by MAYNHOLUP on May 22, 2009 4:22 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Agreed one hundred percent, MaynHolUp!
We’ve got exactly two players who are undeniably good. Trade anybody else!
by princelyfrank on May 23, 2009 1:43 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Gotta say I was pretty happy with what Khan said, he did seem a bit self-confident but I guess that’s a good thing if you are “the man” in one of the only 30 NBA franchises in the world .. on the other hand, I have been known to be sipping a bit too much on the old kool aid bottle .. so I’m not sure I trust my own judgement.
We’ll see how the draft goes…
As for the 4 question things
1- I’d keep Love: younger, already close to equally good; more multi dimensional, more room to improve and did I mention a whole lot younger?
2- I wouldn’t do it, there’s ample opportunity to get a starting cal. PG with other assets we have.
3- If you would have said Rubio I’d have considered trading Jefferson .. but since next year’s draft positions are so hard to know now …. Logically I’d say yes but emotionally I probably couldn’t do it.
4- This is question has sooooooo much complication to it that it’s just impossible to answer. There’s so much things to consider. Impossible.
Beater of the early Thabeet drum ... but not so much of the late one
by Wim (Belgium) on May 22, 2009 5:54 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Kahn 's beginnings
I guess I’m happy to see posters willing to give Kahn something of a chance. Isn’t that the best option? I am a bit perplexed by this sudden feeling we need to get rid of either Love or Jefferson. Where did that come from? And for players like Rondo, Alston, or Barbosa. None of those can carry a team for any length of time (including Rondo). Parker & Paul are interesting, but that’s not gonna happen, either. And if they don’t have real quality big men, they don’t succeed, either. Either of those paired with Love is not nearly enough. I like Love, but he didn’t make first team for rookies. His size and lack of athletic ability will limit him for his entire career.
by ogishkemuncie on May 22, 2009 6:20 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
just to make clear..
…no one is advocating getting rid of love or jefferson. just a talker to see how comfortable folks are with the biggest of big changes with the club.
The World's Leading Exporter of Small Area Quickness
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by Stop-n-Pop on May 22, 2009 6:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree with one of the things you said
In that we cannot trade either Love or Jefferson without adding legitimate help in the frontcourt with what receive in return, the draft, or free agency.
That being said, I would be willing to trade either for right deal; however, I could care less that Love didn’t make first team all-rookie. Fans may see him as lacking size and athleticism, but I think NBA GM’s know better in that the statistical season he had as a 20 Year Old in the NBA playing mostly center during his longest streak of minutes and success show his potential. It’s not like he had flashes of brilliance, he consistently put up 15 and 10.
by Ebomb on May 22, 2009 7:24 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
here's the problem i think the wolves face:
do they cash in their assets for established players who may be put out in a fire sale this off season or do they continue to build a young roster with the picks and stashing euros? even in a weak draft, keeping 3 picks could be a very good thing; hell, they could be creative with all of this and get two young players that they really, really like. or, they could try and win now. i think they go with the selling assets/win now mode but is that the best long term approach?
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by Stop-n-Pop on May 22, 2009 7:29 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Is it mutually exclusive?
Perhaps there are some established or still emerging players teams are willing to unload that also happen to be young. I’d say anyone that is 27 or younger is young enough to be a part of a team that makes a playoff run in a couple of years.
by Rascal Flatts on May 22, 2009 9:11 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
the list is short...
….of the types of guys that you can plug in. i’ll make a list.
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by Stop-n-Pop on May 22, 2009 9:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’ll say this. The notion that Kahn A) rubs elbows in NBA circles (or so he says) and B) is at least paying lip service to balancing talent with cap/roster considerations would both be an improvement over the isolated and too often reckless style that characterized so much of McHale’s tenure.
We should have an opportunity to see him show his cards a bit in this draft. Outside of Griffen, there’s no no-brainer picks. So whichever player(s) the Wolves choose should reveal quite a bit as to what direction Kahn is coming from.
by jianfu on May 22, 2009 10:00 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Just my opinion...
but I’d be willing to move everyone on the team except Love. Once he settled in (post Wittman – I’m very willing to credit McHale on this point), Love showed great talent and toughness. I think now that he’s got a season under his belt, he’ll make the necessary adjustments and we will really see just how good he is. Remember folks – just over 2 years ago, this kid was still playing against high schoolers! As for the others, Al could bring back talent in other areas (PG, SF) and draft picks – my one caviat is that we trade him to the Eastern Conference! Foye is better off as a 6th man, as is Gomes.
As to The Wrath (Kahn), his lack of experience with the CBA might not be much of a handicap seeing as how it’s due to be renegotiated starting next year – and we could be facing a lockout if the economy doesn’t improve! (I just defended DK – how’s that for desperate? Kool Aid? Why yes, I’d love some!)
by SoDakHmr on May 22, 2009 10:21 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I do agree with you...
…that Love should be the centerpiece of this team. He is the 2nd most talented player in the history of this franchise. I’m 100% serious about that. He is a winner. He has amazing talent. He has absurd basketball IQ. I’m not advocating trading Al or Love, but I think that if this team wants to max out its assets, one of them will have to go. As much as I would love to see them play together, value wise, I think they could get a passable center to play while getting a lot more in return if they move one of them. Maxing out value means cashing one of these guys in. I think the question is this: can they turn Al or Love + additional assets into one of those transcendent players Kahn mentioned? If they can, they should do it without question. Paul, Parker, and D-Will are the 3 players I’d love to see them go after with everything on the table. Everything.
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by Stop-n-Pop on May 22, 2009 10:55 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
PS..
….the reason I picked those three are because I think that Jefferson or Love have the chance to be far better than any of the current players any of those guys currently play with. Duncan and Manu are well on the downside of their careers, Boozer is opting out, and David West is a clown. They would be trading for an A1 option who is still young. One of these three should be the target…short of Dirk. ;)
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by Stop-n-Pop on May 22, 2009 10:58 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Another common thread with those three . . .
. . . all currently play in cities that could be considered even less glamorous (but warmer) than the Twin Cities. That could be taken as a sign that they don’t need the spotlight or nightlife—but it also could mean that if they do move, they could squawk about having to move to another small, cold market.
by PoorDick on May 22, 2009 11:50 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
If indeed we could get Paul...
then I agree that everything would have to be on the table. Chris Paul is the most talented basketball player I’ve ever seen. He would change the franchise wildly, instantly upon his arrival. D-Will is very good too, although I can’t imagine the Jazz trading him. Parker’s a really good player too, obviously, but I don’t think he would make the same kind of difference on the Wolves as Chris Paul would. CP3 can create so many scoring opportunities for everybody else. He might even be able to make Brewer look good!
by princelyfrank on May 23, 2009 1:52 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
here's the thing...
….that i think nola is underestimating: that they are anything other but the kg-led wolves 2.0. they had their 1 year inverted version of sam and spree in chandler and west (even with their own version of wally in peja) and now they will have diminishing results going forward trying to patch it all together. if there is any other team in the league who understands this spot, it is the wolves and it should be bullet points 1, 1a, 1b, 1c, and so on when they call up nola to talk about rebuilding. if paul is willing to wait 4 years, fine, but if he’s not, they’re just looking at pissing him off and wasting his prime.
although, the big catcher here is that it would take an ENORMOUS amount of goods to land paul at this stage in his career. 6th pick, foye, probably love….maybe even pekovic. whatever it would be, the wolves would still have to add in the salary dump of someone like peja or chandler plus posey. we’re talking nearly $40 mil in contracts coming back the other way. that’s the one part where any paul deal will have to cross. i think it can be done, but it comes at a huge cost.
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by Stop-n-Pop on May 23, 2009 7:49 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Since you don't have anything else to do . . .
(heh heh), after you’re finished with your list of “Players Who Are Young, Talented, and Available”, can you pretend that you’re the Hornets’ GM, and go through the teams that would compete to land Paul? I love the idea of the Wolves offering everything but both Love/AlJeff, and taking back every craptacular contract the Hornets have to get Paul.
But the only major player asset the Wolves have is Love/AlJeff, who may duplicate what NOLA already sort of has in David West. I’m guessing 28 other teams (well, maybe not Utah) are going to start assembling a similar package of Budding Star, Underpaid Youngster, Expiring Contract, and Draft Pick Pig In a Poke.
Or go spend time with your family. Either way.
by PoorDick on May 23, 2009 11:01 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
portland, portland, and portland
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by Stop-n-Pop on May 23, 2009 12:14 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That's what I was afraid of
I could also see:
1. Boston (Rondo?)
2. Hawks
3. Bulls
4. Pistons
Okay, just about every team would qualify. On another note, I put together another list of Teams Whose Five-Year Future I Would Take Over That of the Wolves’—young stars, cap room, no insane contracts, and draft picks. In no particular order:
1. Cleveland (If He stays)
2. Orlando
3. Atlanta
4. Miami (if Wade stays)
5. Chicago
6. Lakers
7. Portland
8. Denver
9. Utah
10. OKC
That’s about it—and although I’m sure that the Wolves could be lumped in with the rest of their lotto brethren, it’s nice to see that there aren’t a whole lot of teams in a whole lot better shape, going forward.
by PoorDick on May 23, 2009 4:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't completely disagree with this list
I just don’t understand why poeple Gush about OKC when I just don’t see what’s so spectacular.
OKC has 4 decent building blocks, Durant, Jeff Green, Westbrook, and the #3 Pick. Durant and Jeff Green play the same position. Jeff Green cannot be a #4 as he doesn’t rebound enough nor is he tall or strong enough to defend the more interior based 4’s. Can’t imagine him being able to guard Love or Jefferson. Westbrook had a promising rookie season in intangibles, rebounding, defense, but was a horrible shooter. Durant is amazing and is a solid building block.
Conclusion: 2 of their best 4 assets play the same position. Westbrook looks like a 2 Guard that can’t shoot. The #3 Pick is a promising asset though.
Questionable Moves: Trading Ray Allen for the #5 Pick + Expirings. Not resigning Rashard Lewis. Drafting Jeff Green when he plays the same position as Durant.
by Ebomb on May 24, 2009 1:01 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Just To Clarify
I’ve made about a Half-Dozen posts with the same points you’re making. So You’re not alone in this regard.
Where I would disagree with you is keeping Rashard Lewis wasn’t questionable considering the money. I know Lewis has looked great so far in the ECF but still that contract is highly questionable long-term. Second- Ray Allen wouldn’t have had great long-term value for when they could legitmately compete.
by Jose Cordoba on May 24, 2009 4:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Here is where I think OKC beats the Wolves (
1. Much better season ticket sales (so far)
2. Better coach
3. Much better GM/Front office
4. Durant’s potential is higher than AlJeff’s
I don’t think the team is that much better than the Wolves, nor that their future is that much brighter. And if the Kahn Man can right this ship, I could see the Wolves in the 4-5 spot in the west, while Durant begs for a trade and the tiny OKC market gives up on their stolen team.
But for now, I’ll tip the cap ever so slightly in the direction of the Thunder.
by PoorDick on May 24, 2009 7:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree to disagree
1. Of course they sell more tickets, they are new to town. They sold a lot of tickets in Seattle too, I was at the final game at the Key Arena, Sold Out Venue supporting a team that everyone knew was going to leave.
2. Coach is a tossup to me. Their are some that hate McHale in any role, I don’t think he make’s a bad coach. Scott Brooks didn’t exactly light the world on fire with this team. They won 23 games. I don’t know how he is a better coach, but it’s debatable.
3. I like Presti, but can we laud him for winning the #2 pick and selecting the consensus player in Durant. He had the chance to let Durant grow with Veterans in a winning environment and chose instead to dismantle the team and force Durant to lose. The reason why I chide the trade of Ray Allen, because they acquired the #5 pick in a horribly weak draft while giving away their best player. When we gave away KG we got Al Jefferson, the sonics gave away Ray Ray and got the #5 pick in a bad draft. The times where they have had to actually make a decision were as follows.
1. Jeff Green
2. Russell Westbrook over Love, Lopez and Gordon
3. Trading a 1st round pick for Thabo Seflosha
4. Signing Krstic to a $6 Million dollar a year deal
5. Acquiring a bunch of picks by taking on salary (I like these moves, wolves have done similar things)
4. Durants potential is higher than Al Jeff’s, I agree. But nothing OKC has done has made it easier for Durant to win more games. Until they actually start leveraging these assets to build a contender, I am not going to congratulate their front office. As our previously inept front office has shown, blowing things up, starting over, acquiring more picks, is a lot easier than making the tough decisions about who to commit to with long term contracts when trying to surround your superstar with talent to win games. In this aspect, Presti and the entire Thunder front office hasn’t done ANYTHING.
by Ebomb on May 25, 2009 11:35 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Good points
Although with Ray Allen, I don’t remember it being widely decried as a rip-off for the Sonics at the time, in light of Allen’s age, salary, and health. I think he’s been much more productive than many thought he would be.
I’ll just say that today, I would gladly trade both the Wolves’ coaching and Front Office for that of the Thunder. McHale may not even be the coach of the Wolves by the end of the week, and if the search for a new coach goes anything like the one for the new GM, we’re in for more disappointment.
I can’t imagine a team in the league that would hire David Kahn over Sam Presti, all other variables being equal. At least until the Kahn Man shows he and Glen really want to wisely spend and leverage their assets to build a contender, rather than bide their time on the cheap, and then beg for a new arena and/or sell the team. I sincerely hope I am proven wrong.
by PoorDick on May 25, 2009 12:58 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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