The dominoes will begin to fall soon, and it appears that the first one to topple will be the David West domino. It is possible that his decision (whether to opt in for $7.525 million) could start a chain reaction that will send this franchise in any number of directions. If he opts-in, the Hornets have a quasi All-Star returning at a number far below his market value and will not have a third gaping hole to fill (starting SG and back-up C). If he opts out and eventually signs elsewhere, it will officially mark the end of an era and likely lead to Dell Demps being forced to move Chris Paul. And not to get too grim, but a team with Chris Paul on it will be much easier to sell than a team in rebuild mode. Just saying.
The Hornets two other power forwards, Carl Landry and Jason Smith, are also hitting the free agent market this summer. Landry played last season for 3 million and will likely see his salary double. Meanwhile, the Hornets have the option of making Smith a restricted free agent, but aren’t likely to extend him the qualifying offer ($3.135 million). Smith is working out here in New Orleans and did have some bright spots last season, so it would not be out of the question for the Hornets to bring him back for a number closer to 2 million. As for Landry, he played well after West went down and both Monty and Demps have said multiple times that they want him back. The question is whether the Hornets will be willing to pay him starter’s money to be a backup if West comes back. If West is not back, can a Landry/Okafor duo compete when they are each giving up several inches at their respective positions?
Ideally, both West and Landry will be back at a manageable number. If West opts-in and Landry could be brought back into the fold for 4 years/22-25 million, then the Hornets will be dedicating 13 million dollars to the position, about the same amount that the Bulls will be paying the shrinking violet known as Carlos Boozer. The worst case scenario is that West opts out and a team like New Jersey throws a monster contract at him, forcing the Hornets to either match and overpay West or let him go and start the rebuilding process. While the Hornets would love to keep Landry, they will not overpay him if West is coming back. Luckily for the Hornets, there are not many teams in the market for a power forward (Indy and New Jersey are the only two with cap space that come to mind), so the odds of keeping both West and Landry seem pretty high. But just in case, let’s take a look at some potential targets.
Draft
1. Kenneth Faried, Morehead State
I have not done this in any of the other pieces, but for this one, I will make an exception. There is no way that Faried will be there at #45, but if Demps gets a chance to get into the first round, I believe that Faried will be the target. If the Hornets still had their own pick (#19), I have no doubt that they would hand the card in immediately if he was still on the board. Since Portland is supposedly in love with him (picking 21st), the Hornets will likely have to get in front of them to land Faried. Minnesota supposedly is looking to dump the 20th pick. Two trades come to mind:
1. Martell Webster and #20 for the Hornets #45. Minnesota dumps Webster’s salary ($5.25 million) and picks a Euro that they can stash away with the 45th pick. Hornets get another shooter and Faried.
2. Hornets send a future 1st (protected) to Minny for the pick. Minnesota does not want to add two more rookies to an already young roster, so they acquire a pick for next year in exchange for this year’s pick. (They do not have the rights to their own 2012 pick)
If it makes sense, I can see the Hornets jumping up to get Faried because I don’t think there is a single player in this draft who fits the Hornets philosophy more. Faried has a non stop motor, is a relentless rebounder, and will do all of the little things that will help a team win. Offensively, he only has two or three moves that he can rely on in the low post and in the paint, but he will find a way to get a couple of garbage buckets every game.
2. Malcolm Thomas, San Diego State
Now that I had my little Faried pipe dream, I will get back to reality and look at the guys who will be there for the Hornets at #45. Thomas is a guy who did not get much national attention playing for San Diego State, but he has a defensive mindset and some of the raw tools necessary to make an impact on that side of the court. Imagine a poor man’s Tyrus Thomas.
With a 7’2″ wingspan and a nearly 40 inch vert, Thomas has the ability to protect the rim despite being only 6’9″ 220 pounds. If he can add another 10-15 pounds of muscle over the next year or two without sacrificing any of his athleticism, Thomas can be the exact type of energetic defender off the bench that Monty needs.
Other possibilities: Jon Leuer, Wisconsin; Matthew Bryan-Amaning, Washington; JaJuan Johnson, Purdue (and before you jump down my throat, both Rick Jackson and Jordan Williams will be in our Centers piece)
Free Agency
1. Kenyon Martin (Nuggets)
K-Mart is the type of player that you hate, until he is on your team. If the Hornets lose either West or Landry, Martin would be a perfect compliment to whichever player remained. He gives the Hornets the ability to have a big man who can defend perimeter oriented bigs and he can form a poor man’s version of the Crescent City Connection with Chris Paul on the offensive end. Injuries are always a concern with Martin, but with a reduced role, perhaps he can stay healthy.
2. Glen Davis (Celtics)
If Landry leaves, I could see Big Baby coming right in to fill a very similar role. Davis followed up his best regular season with a postseason that probably cost him a couple million dollars, but I have a feeling that a change of scenery might do him good, and what better place to go than back home? Like the other power forwards, Davis settles for the jumper far too often, but he does have a nice touch around the basket and he lead the league in charges taken last season- something the Hornets desperately need.
3. Brandon Wright (Nets)
Wright hasn’t done anything in his career thus far to make you think that he can fill the void left by Landry or West if they were to leave, but small market teams have to gamble sometimes and Wright has the highest upside of any power forward on the market that can be had for cheap. Wright is long and athletic with a soft touch around the rim, but not much else. He could be a project for the coaching staff that could pay off big down the line if they press all the right buttons.
Other possibilities: Yi Jianlian (Wizards), Chris Wilcox (Pistons), Dante Cunningham (Bobcats), Reggie Evans (Raptors), Joey Dorsey (Rockets), Josh McRoberts (Pacers)
Trade
1. Josh Smith (Hawks)
If David West leaves, we could see Dell Demps set his sights squarely on Josh Smith, as there has been much talk in and around Atlanta centered around moving him. Smith would compliment Okafor brilliantly on the defensive end and would allow the Hornets to get out in transition on the offensive end. In the half-court, it would be hard to envision the Hornets being able to space the floor with an Ariza-Smith-Okafor front line, but perhaps a gunner at shooting guard can help that.
Acquiring Smith would likely require the Hornets to take on another bad contract (Marvin Williams) or get a third team involved, but it is not impossible. What will be hard is controlling Smith if he were to arrive in the Big Easy. He falls in love with his jump shot far too often and is simply a knucklehead at times on the court. With all that said, he is still only 25 and he would bring much needed athleticism and length to the front court.
2. Michael Beasley (T’Wolves)
Remember what I said about sometimes needing to take risks? Beasley is the ultimate risk/reward type of player and if the Hornets lose West, they might have to gamble on somebody like Beasley if they want to have any chance of re-signing Paul. Beasley can easily become a 25PPG scorer someday in this league and he seems destined to follow the career path of a guy like Zach Randolph. Eventually, Randolph “got it” and maximized on his talent, leading the Grizzlies to Game 7 of the second round. The question is whether or not Beasley ever matures and which team will reap the benefits once he does.
3. Kris Humphries (Nets)
If David West does in fact sign with New Jersey, a sign and trade might benefit both teams, as West goes East and Mr. Kardashian himself comes to New Orleans. Can you imagine both Kim and Reggie sitting court side? Anyway, I digress. Humphries does not have much to offer offensively, but when compared to West and Landry, he is a far superior rebounder. I don’t know who would start, but a Humphries/Landry combo wouldn’t be horrible and could offer multiple options for the Hornets on both ends of the court.
Conclusion
Sooner than later we will know what David West’s decision will be. If I were him, I would wait all the way up until the last minute to decide, but I am sure Demps would love to have an answer prior to the draft. I think, either way, the Hornets are determined to bring West back next year, unless a team throws a boat load of cash his way. With Oklahoma City spending its money on Perkins and moving Ibaka to PF full-time, Indiana and New Jersey are the only two teams that can possibly offer West a contract outside of the Hornets price range. West doesn’t seem like a great fit in Indiana, leaving New Jersey as the lone threat.
Supposedly New Jersey loves Humphries and I don’t know if they want their one big splash this offseason to be a over-30 power forward coming off a surgery that won’t allow him to start the season on the active roster. As for Landry, I think several teams will make a run at him, but I can’t see anybody guaranteeing a starting job and a salary over 6 million per year. If all things are equal (backup role and similar salary), I think Landry re-signs in New Orleans and continues to improve as he gets more familiar with the system.
If one or both were to leave, the free agent market offers several options that can help at a reasonable price. West opting out could make the Hornets players in the free agent market, allowing them to throw a bunch of money at guys like Tyson Chandler, Jamal Crawford, or Marc Gasol before refocusing their efforts on the power forward position. It is also possible that West opts out and then re-signs here long term, making him a Hornet for life. The good news is that we will get one of these answers soon enough.
(Side note: Don’t forget to check Joe out on Fox 8 tonight at 9:30 if you are in the area. They will be talking about the Hornets draft targets and who they might pursue in FA.)
49 responses to “Offseason Targets: Power Forwards”
When is West supposed to release his decision?
David West must inform the team of his decision by June 30th and due to his injury, most people suspect that he will wait until the last moment to decide.
I have a gut feeling about what he will do and I have heard some whispers from people that I trust that he is leaning one way over the other. I will discuss this and more in my podcast with Ryan tonight (uploaded on Hornets247.com tomorrow).
Any other questions that you guys would like to throw our way for discussion?
How does Dell and Monty feel about Okafor and Ariza? In terms of replacing them with a SF with consistency offensively or a center with more size. Also, pplayers(or free agents) the hornets are looking at to improve the roster.
Awwww c’mon MM! Why the suspense? You could reveal the inside scoop you have now! LOL
His agent said we’d know a week or so before the dealine… So around the draft, consistent with what Mike said regarding the draft. We may not know, but Dell will and that’s what matters.
Troy Murphy? I do like Michael Beasley. He is 6’10, 6’10, 6’10, 6’10. Hes 6’10. The last time the hornets had a starting PF who is taller than 6’9, was Pj Brown. Beasley could still score in our system but he wuld have to be commited to rebounding and defense. We would have to give up okafor. It would free up a lot of money to get a great center. We could get Greg Oden and wilson chandler. Trade ariza for brandon rush or anthony morrow. sign shawn williams. sign delonte west.
Cp3/Jack/delonte West
Brandon Rush/delonte west/45 pick
Wilson Chandler/Pondexter/Patrick ewing
Michael Beasley/Jason Smith/Patrick Ewing
Greg Oden/Aaron Gray/Jason Smith
Great Team but Dell wont make this many moves, and some defense would be lost.
Happy Fathers Day to all the fathers out there.
and how do you purpose the hornets will get that.
If both Landry and West walk, Dell could pick up 2 centers and move Okafor to PF. It’s his natural positon. A back court of Gasol and Okafor or Chandler and Okafor would be great, I think. But, then again, that might clog the paint too much for CP.
I’m with Nic on this one. Look what Dallas did playing with 2 BIGS. Alas, Okafor is not Dirk, not even a 7-footer, but would definitely fill up the PF spot, with rebounds & blocks, plus 10-pts a game in the paint — and let’s get our O from new 2 & 3. For me, this our only path to becoming a monster defensive team!
This is an interesting idea that I haven’t seen discussed much. MM or others, what are yall thoughts on upgrading the C spot and shifting Okafor to PF? Pluses, minuses? Thoughts?
Personally, I think if we could land an offensive center (do they exist still??) it would be a nice idea. I just think it’s easier to upgrade the PF than the C, and as a result the Okafor to PF move is probably unrealistic.
Being that Oak doesn’t have a chip shot and can barely dribble, scooting him over to the 4 position is not an option.
Starting shooting guard a “gaping hole”? Give Marco starting guard minutes, run plays for him, and we’re fine.
Or let him go back to GSW with Malone and the Bay Area will get a favorite back. I’m good either way.
If D. West goes to the Jersey Shore I’ll be very upset. Nevertheless, the NBA is a bu$ine$$, and so the aforementioned picks I’d go for are Glen Davis from OK and the Johnson kid from Purdue.
I meant Kendrick Perkins not Glen Davis. That was an oversight on my part. My bad yo.
If the lockout delays the season by a few months it’s actually a blessing in disguise for the Hornets. West gets more time to heal-up. This is all assuming he comes back of course.
Keep in mind that if West opting out, the natural path of CP3 will be the same. Therefore, re-signing with the D-West is essential. Otherwise, we must combine this terrible word: RECONSTRUCTION. To re-sign Landry is also very important. So I prefer to believe that we will maintain our two main PFs. We do not even have to think of others.
If D West opts back in, who would you rather have behind him (and why), if both players wanted to be on the Hornets? Landry at $6 mill per, or Baby Davis at 50%-60% off that price? Would love to hear you guys thoughts on this one…
Davis by a mile. Big can rebound. Play d on both C and PF. Younger. Bargain after playoff performance.
I always liked the idea of getting Josh Smith if we decided to stick with Okafor long term. You bring him up with a trade possibility and refer to an Okafor, Smith, and Ariza front line. My question is who would we have to trade out to get Smith?? I cant see ATL wanting anyone else left on the roster (since Okafor and Ariza stays in your proposal), except CP3 and he’s untouchable still.
One more question…when is the deadline that D West has to let the team know if he will opt in/out? Thanks!
Please disregard this question…after reading the comments, I see it was already answered. Thanks MM!
Trying to address all questions on one comment, as opposed to spreading them out:
1. You are right- kinda unfair by me to tease you guys regarding West. If the tables were turned, I would want the 411. Long story short, West is 95% to NOT exercise his player option according to words uttered by a player who shares the same agent.
2. I can’t see any scenario in which Okafor is a power forward. The skills just dont translate and I think it would cause more problems than it would solve.
3. Brazil Hornet- I believe you are correct. As Ryan and I mention on the podcast, re-signing West will become imperative if we want to keep CP3.
4. Ed- Landry at 6 or Big Baby at 3 mil per? Big Baby, please. But I think both guys will get very similar deals and they should since they are very similar from a production standpoint. If the price is close, give me Landry.
Just finished with the podcast and it is PACKED with everything discussed here and tons more. Ryan and I lay out all the scenarios for the offseason, the draft, etc. and I even disclose my Father’s Day related LeBron theory, which is bound to blow your mind.
Should be up by tomorrow night at the latest
MM, so if West doesn’t opt in, does that mean he’s gone? Or does he want a long term deal here? I can’t see him leaving the Hornets. He seems loyal and I think to him the benefit of being one of the greatest of all time on a single team would outweigh anything he could get in IND or NJN. But the gloomy/questionable outlook of the organization might make anyone want to get out of here (no owner, contraction possibilities, team moving, no CP3, etc.), so I wouldn’t blame him.
For the sake of the Hornets overall as a fan, what do you honestly wish happens with the D West situation? Opt in 1 year deal at discount? Long term deal here? Or adios?
We go into GREAT detail on this in the podcast (the podcast ended up being an hour and a half, so we might split it up into sections). Basically, this is a pure business move for West and the Hornets will likely have every chance to match his highest offer.
Schwan thinks that some team will throw a deal at him averaging 10-11 mil per year, and I think the number is closer to 8, maybe 9. Either way, we both agree that the Hornets will pay that, although I could see making an argument for spending that same money on a younger player who plays SG or C and then going with a Landry/Kenyon Martin type combo at PF.
I dont think Paul is a LOCK to leave if West leaves, but the Hornets will have to put a contending team around CP3 for him to stay. Can they do that if West leaves? That’s the question.
Ugh, if West opts-out that pretty much means he’s gone… I mean by all accounts he wants to get paid and if a lockout there’s no way that’s happening.
If West leaves we’re done for and Chris Paul easily walks. I wouldn’t even blame Paul for leaving, it would kind of be assumed that he’d walk if West did too.
This makes the CBA that much more important…
Wait, I thought West had an early termination option to get out of the last year of his contract (and his $7.25M salary for 2011-12). So if he doesn’t excercise he stays with the team!
I think it’s as you described, but I could be dead wrong or it could be otherwise in this case.
Regardless, it doesn’t matter unless they don’t file the paperwork if required for the action chosen. This has happened before I read somewhere.
The conservative thing is for the player to have to opt out, that way he’s paid if there is no action.
I dnt think west is goin to leave. I heard he’s nt going to be ready till November-December. Wonder how effective he’ll be. I think landry will be back becuzz the fans showed him a lot of love and he seemed to like that. Plus, this was the best team landry has ever been on and he still had his stats up as a bench player. I reely dnt hav a problem with giving him starters minutes. I don’t this the hornets will make a lot of moves. I like Keith benson out of Oakland and sign Jon diebler as an undrafted free agent. In terms of starting two guard I have a feeling on Jason Richardson or jr smith. Joe brought up a good point last night, when it comes to the trade deadline, Orlando realizes they’re nt making the finals. Let’s just get value. The value will be here. But dwight would have to sign off long term. If we get jr, diebler and benson this is a better team.
If the Nets want West before opting out how about make a trade if he wants out of New Orleans that bad that same for CP3 what a bunch of sellouts i wouldn’t trust them at this moment they want to collapse the franchise anyway.After all the support the fan base has done in season tickets and attendance is this the thanks we get.
*If West wants out lets trade him for some draft picks before he’s opt out and it’s the same for CP3 what a bunch of sellouts.They want to collapse the franchise anyway after all the support the fan base has done with season tickets and attendance and this the thanks we get.Maybe it is true an NBA team can’t be supported south of the mason-dixon line.
it seems like you’re giving up on them. all we need to do is to try to get a third person, more like a superstar Kobe, Lebron, Durant type and we all know who we need, and if you don’t just think who is the only superstar who haven’t seen playoff action since him got here. oh yeah a big clue he plays for G.S.W.
Just to be clear, it is not about West “wanting out” of New Orleans- the guy is just making a business decision (a smart one) and wants to get paid. He will give the Hornets every chance to match.
And the Hornets couldn’t trade West if they wanted to unless he picks up the player option. He is not “opting out” of a contract. Technically, he is not attached to the Hornets currently and would have to choose to “opt in”. He could opt in and sign an extension today, which would allow the Hornets to trade him, but West holds ALL the cards in this situation.
heres what it could look like if we had a category call Balance D:
starters Bench
PG-> Chris Paul Mario Chalmers (RFA), Jannero Pargo (Trade)
SG-> Monta Ellis (T) Sam Young (RFA), Deshawn Stevenson (UFA)
SF-> Nicolas Batum (T) Vladimir Radmanovic (UFA) Rasul Butler (Trade)
PF-> David West (Dt Opt) Reggie Evans, (UFA), (Tall) D- Leaguer???(or not)
C-> Javale McGee (Trade) DeAgre Jordan (RFA), (Tall) D- Leaguer??(or not)
yea I might be exaggerating a lil bit but the Hornets have a chance to get some of these players.
1) Carl Landry-sign and trade deal w/T. Ariza and Marco Belini for M.E.
2) Willie Green sign and trade deal w/current 2nd Round pick for N.Batum
3) Jarett Jack/Q. Pond 4 J.P/Rasul Butler (Sign & Trade from CHI) & 2nd Round Pick
4) Emek & 2nd round pick from (CHI) for J.McGee
5) everyone else is signed free Agents or RFA
It could happen!!! Hornets just gotta know how to mouth piece’em or better yet know how to talk to get what they want & stop being so attach to players. only players that need to be attach to is CP3 & D.Dub30
ALSO R.I.P. in Heaven KIARRA “KI-BABY†DAVIS!!!!! Your spirit is always apart of me, God Bless You!!!
If not N.Batum then I guess thaddeus Young he’s a New Orleans native who is just like T.Ariza except he scored more points and he didn’t even start, but one time and averaged 12.7 ppg, in 26.0 MPG while for Philly so imagine if he was a starter for the hornets averaging the same MPG we gave T.Ariza, which was 34.7 MPG and he just average 11.0 ppg.
But then again theres on problem since theres no owner in place this type of situation means we’ve to keep either West or Paul maybe both but i doubt we’re going to keep both.But i’ve this idea lets extend paul contract lets west go Trade for Odom,sign Big Baby Davis,Delonte West,Earl Watson,Samuel Dalembert and Wison Chandler.Re-sign Green,Landry and Mbenga and trade Okafor for Iggy.I know that a team just need one or two stars but hears the line up
C:Dalembert-Gray-Mbenga
PF:Davis-Landry-Odom
SF:Ariza-Chandler-Pondexter
SG:Iggy-Green-2nd rd pick David Lightly
PG:Paul-Jack-Watson
You really think if Wilson Chandler was on this team, you think he’ll play behind Ariza, I don’t think so, also Dalembert will ask for too most money so we wouldn’t grab him, Odom would start over Big baby, and adding Iggy will help but it won’t help them win a championship or even get to the Western Conference Finals, 2nd Round YEAH! but no further unless God himself was playing thru those players. But at least its an upgrade to what we already have. The whole point of this off-season is to prove to CP3 and Ddub30 that we could become championship contender!
MM, has there been any new chatter about a local buyer stepping up for the Hornets? Thats been a dead issue lately, but to me thats the most important domino that must fall in place b4 anything else can go forward to take us to the next level.
There hasn’t been anything really said, and I don’t expect that there will be until after a New CBA is agreed upon. Once that happens, I fully believe that a local ownership group headed by Chouest will purchase the club.
Thanks for the update Joe. BTW, I tuned into Fox last night to watch you do your thing. U did well. Represented the 247 nation well. I found it funny that the host suggested a Okafor for Rip Hamilton trade. That would be terrible on our part. I agree that Ariza is the big question we have to answer. Is his D so good that his bad O is overlooked by the team, or do we go another direction by sacrificing some D to get more O production out of the SF spot? That is the million dollar question!
This may be a center target question, but here goes…
I’ve been seeing lately that Andrew Bogut is on the block. Personally, I think he’s a nice upgrade over Okafor. The dude is huge and actually has nice low post moves. The question is can he stay healthy. I’s take my chances.
My question is would it be good for the overall vision of the team?? Would adding Maggette to the deal make MIL listen, as theyd clear a big salary off their books. Perhaps a Okafor and Ariza, etc package for Bogut, Maggette, Delfino/Ilyasova. Thoughts??
Bogut does sound like an Louisiana name but at the same time his best years are behind him he has have a history of injuries but i can say that he was misused with the Bucks because they never had an legitimate back-up at center.
You say Bogut’s good years are behind him, but so is Oakfor and we need something Fortunate to happen for the benefit of this team right now! like an actually owner who won’t move the hornets out and don’t mean going over the limit to make his franchise more than a small market, a third superstar type scorer (Ex: Monta Ellis, Kevin Martin, or Dwight Howard) that can take the pressure off of Paul and West w/ consistent bench scorer(S). a tall rebounder-Defensive center EX: (Javale McGee, Ben Wallace, DeAgre Jordan) off the ground, a defensive athletic SF on the ground and last but not least because everybody on her miss what we really need to make a championship type team and its easy to say, but hard to do……… have CHEMISTRY!!
do u mean mind.
yeah I ment to say ” don’t mind going over the limit!
Dude! You are so Right on the money with that one!!!
I think the hornets should get o.j mayo and Tyson Chandler
Beasley wouldn’t be a bad pickup for New Orleans. He is a gifted scorer and has never played with a good point guard before.
He did score 19 points a game last season and is a decent rebounder.
Bogut and others would be a great trade if he’s healthy enough thats the thing he played 65 games last season batting injuries because the Bucks missued him.If this trade would be a good idea because you get 2 small forwards & a power forward in the deal the Bucks get Okafor,Ariza and Jack to make the trade complete i tried it on the trade machine it works.We’ve to sign (PF) Glen Davis if West Opts out.Then sign (SG) Aaron Afflalo or Jamal Crawford,Sign Carlos Arroyo and draft (SG) E’Twaun Moore Purdue and re-sign Landry,Green and Mbenga.David Andersen need to be in that Bucks trade also
C:Bogut-Gray-MBenga
PF:West or Glen Davis-Landry-Ilyasova
SF:Maggette-Delfino-Pondexter
SG:Afflalo or Crawford-Green-Moore
PG:Paul-Mills-Arroyo
I believe Patty Mills would be a good addition he’s no threat to Paul future but he’ll be a good 2nd string PG
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