Strange reaction amongst some in the media ... a feeling that this deal was made so that they wouldn't have to pay Rudy Gay a large contract next year.
It would be a very bad move for Memphis to let Gay leave next season. He is their most talented prospect going forward.
Brewer has value as a backup wing but not as a starting small forward. His rebounding is too poor to play their full time. Especially alongside a small backcourt like Conley + Mayo. I do like the idea of a big backcourt of Mayo + Brewer though. Trade Conley and bring in somebody else.
Gay is a little overrated - takes a lot of low value shots. But the Grizzlies certainly could use him - this puts them in a position to resign him without tripping the tax line ... unless a stupid team swoops in and offers him too much money.
I agree with you on Gay's current ability. He isn't efficient enough with his scoring and he doesn't add enough in non-scoring methods (defense, passing, rebounding). He helps his team but he's not a star quality player. Based on his current level of performance and past performance.
Rudy Gay is, however, still an excellent prospect. His level of athleticism is so rare. I think if you put him on a better team ... a team that focuses on defense + execution ... I think he could improve by leaps and bounds. Become a 20-24ppg threat on 55% TS% with very good defense + good rebounding. That type of a player would be very valuable. As such, I think he's their best prospect, the player capable of being the most effective in 3-4 years time.
I'm not willing to write of Gay's potential. There is too much there to work with. Better coaches, better teammates and an overall better environment could have a massive impact on a player like Gay.
With that type of potential, I think Gay could be a good risk for a maximum contract. That would be a starting salary of $13.5 million.
Topic: Ronnie Brewer traded to Memphis for picks (Confirmed) (Read 3749 times)