(Boulder-CO) Newsworthy points of interest thus far into the off-season have been few and far between, but that doesn’t mean the most ridiculous of trade rumors are not rampantly swirling. The latest and I guess you could say greatest, involves Marcus Camby and Nene being discussed in trade talks for Jermaine O’Neal of the Indiana Pacers.The rumor stems from this article at www.hoopsworld.com and would be, in my opinion, the worst decision the Nuggets could make since trading three first round picks to New Jersey for Kenyon Martin back in the 2004-05 season.
Now, you all know that I feel Camby is the odd man out and our greatest trade bait, but how in the world the Nuggets would have to ALSO give up Nene for the services of one Jermaine O’Neal is utterly beyond me. I mean, Denver would be giving up the Defensive Player of the Year for a guy that has seemingly hit the glass ceiling of his abilities after all of his numbers, (except for rebounds), have declined slowly and steadily over the last three years. Furthermore, Jermaine O’Neal is set to make $19.7 million dollars next year if he chooses to stay with the Pacers next season and his salary progressively gets bigger through 2010.
So, aside from being a deal that would send two of Denver’s best big men out east for only one in return. The hypothetical deal, as I laugh raucously in reality, would also be a financial nightmare on par with the K-Mart debacle of a few years back.
And as if I need to illustrate how bad this deal would be with anymore clarity. Keep in mind that there would cease to be anymore Nene in powder blue.
After starting out last season out of shape and on a brand new surgically repaired knee, Nene was nothing short of spectacular down the final stretch of 2006-07. He finished with averages of 12.2 points and seven rebounds overall, but had peaks during last season’s campaign of 16.8 points and 9.1 boards. Those numbers right there are basically on par with what O’Neal did in the same respective categories, but Nene brings a toughness factor that Jermaine could only dream about.
The point of all of this is that Nene is a player whose stock is just beginning to rise. During the playoff series with the Spurs, and arguably the most complete power forward EVER in Tim Duncan, Big Brazil posted an average of 16.5 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 2.5 assists. And for those of you who are keeping track… said numbers made the man formerly known as Hilario Denver’s best big man hands down!
My bottom line is this: Trade Camby straight-up for O’Neal if the Pacers are that eager to change the look of their frontcourt. But at least for next season, Nene is untouchable for the sole reason that the Nuggets need to see what they have before trading it away. If we have seen the apex of what Big Brazil can achieve, so be it, but if we haven’t, watch out! With work on his mid-range jumper, Nene reminds me a whole hell of a lot of Karl Malone both in his size and tenacity, and that is the kind of talent the Nuggets can ill-afford to lose.
Especially for a guy like Jermaine O’Neal.
4 comments:
from hoopshype: "With Atlanta general manager Billy Knight on a hot seat that will cool only by increasing his number of victories, the Hawks have an eye on Camby, dangling 6-foot-11 Zaza Pachulia as trade bait. Denver Post"
now actually that would suck, but also the hawks have the pick for mike conley jr AND (most of all) have the capspace to acquire mo williams who is entering free agency. wouldnt it be a great deal to trade camby for maurice williams (or the pick:-) )and pachulia or shelden williams.. what do you think of that idea ?
thanks for blogging again,
aeneas
Ya that's a ridiculous rumor. Nene is gonna become a star sooner rather than later.
One PG I'd love to have running the team is Acie Law. Dunno how we'd go about it or anything but he's NBA ready and can stretch the floor with his shooting. Mo Williams would be a great option also, and prob more realistic.
That would be a bernie bickerstaff kind of move... dear god I hope its only a rumor....
Nug Doc, Chicago Tribune is reporting the bulls are looking to move their #9 pick and obtain Marcus Camby in the process. I wonder if we could get a quality guy from Chicago along with the pick (Acie Law everyone!) for Camby...i think that could work out.
Post a Comment