Report: Pekovic seeks $15mill annually

[action781]

At $14-15 million a year that puts him in Marc Gasol, Tyson Chandler, LaMarcus Aldridge, Andrew Bogut, and Roy Hibbert territory. Or, in other words, in a tier just below Dwight Howard as one of the better centers in the NBA. I don't think his agent is reaching very far asking for money in that territory.

So, you do think he is worth money in Marc Gasol, Chandler, Aldridge, Bogut, Hibbert territory?

I understand them opening with that kind of a position.  But if I'm Pek and his agent, I would open with that in hopes of eventually settling for somewhere in that 4 yr $48 mil range.  If that's what Minny is offering right now, I'd take that at some point before the season starts and injury risk starts to set in.

[action781]

And conversely he is probably the best rebounder of that group (especially offensive rebounds) and near the top offensively.  He is also the most injured player of that group, which is why I would be very hesitant to pay him that kind of money.  He has never come close to a full season, which is a major concern.

Tyson Chander is a terrific offensive rebounder.  Not only was he 2nd in the NBA in that stat, but he also tips more offensive rebounds out to teammates than anyone I've seen.

And Marc Gasol and Aldridge are considerably better than the rest of that group offensively.

[pearljammer10]

I think its a great starting point by his agent. I mean he is doing his job as his agent and seems to be doing quite well...

I think Pek is in tier three currently.

Howard is in one

Gasol one and a half

Chandler, Aldridge, Bogut, Hibbert in tier two

then Pekovic territory.

I think the Wolves offer is more than fair. I ber he signs in the middle around 13.5 a year.

[Moranis]

And conversely he is probably the best rebounder of that group (especially offensive rebounds) and near the top offensively.  He is also the most injured player of that group, which is why I would be very hesitant to pay him that kind of money.  He has never come close to a full season, which is a major concern.

Tyson Chander is a terrific offensive rebounder.  Not only was he 2nd in the NBA in that stat, but he also tips more offensive rebounds out to teammates than anyone I've seen.

And Marc Gasol and Aldridge are considerably better than the rest of that group offensively.

Career ORB% - Pekovic 13.4%, Chandler 12.8%
Career offensive rebounds per 36 - Pekovic 4.4, Chandler 4

Career points per 36 - Aldridge 18.6, Pekovic 17.7, Gasol 14.2
Career TS% - Pekovic 58.3%, Gasol 57.6%, Aldridge 53.7%


The career numbers clearly support my statements.  The concern with Pekovic is that he can't stay healthy at all.

[Eja117]

NO 


Seriously. Just get in the "No" line. Go right to the front if you want. When it gets to your turn you will get a "No!"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=umDr0mPuyQc

[LooseCannon]

And conversely he is probably the best rebounder of that group (especially offensive rebounds) and near the top offensively.  He is also the most injured player of that group, which is why I would be very hesitant to pay him that kind of money.  He has never come close to a full season, which is a major concern.

Tyson Chander is a terrific offensive rebounder.  Not only was he 2nd in the NBA in that stat, but he also tips more offensive rebounds out to teammates than anyone I've seen.

And Marc Gasol and Aldridge are considerably better than the rest of that group offensively.

Career ORB% - Pekovic 13.4%, Chandler 12.8%
Career offensive rebounds per 36 - Pekovic 4.4, Chandler 4

Career points per 36 - Aldridge 18.6, Pekovic 17.7, Gasol 14.2
Career TS% - Pekovic 58.3%, Gasol 57.6%, Aldridge 53.7%


The career numbers clearly support my statements.  The concern with Pekovic is that he can't stay healthy at all.

I'll say you're wrong when you state that Pekovic is "probably the best rebounder of that group".  Since you say "especially offensive rebounds", that suggests your statement means that you believe that he is the best overall rebounder, considering both offensive and defensive rebounding.  I do not think the numbers support that statement.

[nickagneta]

At $14-15 million a year that puts him in Marc Gasol, Tyson Chandler, LaMarcus Aldridge, Andrew Bogut, and Roy Hibbert territory. Or, in other words, in a tier just below Dwight Howard as one of the better centers in the NBA. I don't think his agent is reaching very far asking for money in that territory.

So, you do think he is worth money in Marc Gasol, Chandler, Aldridge, Bogut, Hibbert territory?

I understand them opening with that kind of a position.  But if I'm Pek and his agent, I would open with that in hopes of eventually settling for somewhere in that 4 yr $48 mil range.  If that's what Minny is offering right now, I'd take that at some point before the season starts and injury risk starts to set in.

I think the Wolves jumped the gun with their 4yr $48 million offer. It almost appeared like that was their starting point they went there so quick. If I am his agent, I start playing hardball for $15 million per year given how fast the Wolves went to $12 million per.

Is Pekovic worth that money? Well is anyone? In today's NBA where legit 7 foot centers that play inside are getting to be hard to find, for his skill set, $13-15 million a year seems about right. He's a 20/10/1 guy in his Per 36 numbers and plays starters minutes. His TS%, OReb%, Reb% and PER are extremely good. He's been playing most of his career with a sub-par group of youngsters under a horrible head coach or a coach who is probably past his prime.

[nickagneta]

Now, if Minny gives him $15 million a year for 4 years, I could see where people would think that a bad contract, especially given his lack of health. Big guys with injury problems tend to stay big guys with injury problems.

Best thing for everyone involved might be that Pekovic sign his qualifying offer.

[chambers]

If he wasn't made of glass (well he's almost that bad) I'd say 15 millyIis a good negotiating point. He'll settle for 12-13 million but he's an incredible offensive presence inside. He's a poor man's Vlade Divac because he's got jarred sullinger rebounding talent and can finish under serious contact. He alters shots better than he gets credit for but has no lift to challenge length inside-he uses brutr strngth to stop them getting deep post position.

[ManUp]

12-13mil seems about right so him asking for 15 isn't really much of a stretch. I think he would've been great on this team last year. 

[crimson_stallion]

I think it's hilarious.

Gortat is making about $7M/year right now.  Pekovic sure as hell is not twice the player Gortat is...

This is Brook Lopez money.

[bfrombleacher]

I think it's hilarious.

Gortat is making about $7M/year right now.  Pekovic sure as hell is not twice the player Gortat is...

This is Brook Lopez money.

Brook Lopez is overpaid too, no?

[action781]

And conversely he is probably the best rebounder of that group (especially offensive rebounds) and near the top offensively.  He is also the most injured player of that group, which is why I would be very hesitant to pay him that kind of money.  He has never come close to a full season, which is a major concern.

Tyson Chander is a terrific offensive rebounder.  Not only was he 2nd in the NBA in that stat, but he also tips more offensive rebounds out to teammates than anyone I've seen.

And Marc Gasol and Aldridge are considerably better than the rest of that group offensively.

Career ORB% - Pekovic 13.4%, Chandler 12.8%
Career offensive rebounds per 36 - Pekovic 4.4, Chandler 4

Career points per 36 - Aldridge 18.6, Pekovic 17.7, Gasol 14.2
Career TS% - Pekovic 58.3%, Gasol 57.6%, Aldridge 53.7%


The career numbers clearly support my statements.  The concern with Pekovic is that he can't stay healthy at all.

If you watched Tyson Chandler last season (and look at his numbers), I think it'd be very hard to disagree that he was a better offensive rebounder.  Especially if you paid attention to how well he tipped rebounds out to teammates.

Yes, the scoring numbers do support your statements.  Shall I begin to list the players who have put up good numbers on bad teams in the past?  Heck, Ricky Davis probably has more points per 36 than Marc Gasol too.

[action781]

At $14-15 million a year that puts him in Marc Gasol, Tyson Chandler, LaMarcus Aldridge, Andrew Bogut, and Roy Hibbert territory. Or, in other words, in a tier just below Dwight Howard as one of the better centers in the NBA. I don't think his agent is reaching very far asking for money in that territory.

So, you do think he is worth money in Marc Gasol, Chandler, Aldridge, Bogut, Hibbert territory?

I understand them opening with that kind of a position.  But if I'm Pek and his agent, I would open with that in hopes of eventually settling for somewhere in that 4 yr $48 mil range.  If that's what Minny is offering right now, I'd take that at some point before the season starts and injury risk starts to set in.

I think the Wolves jumped the gun with their 4yr $48 million offer. It almost appeared like that was their starting point they went there so quick. If I am his agent, I start playing hardball for $15 million per year given how fast the Wolves went to $12 million per.

Is Pekovic worth that money? Well is anyone? In today's NBA where legit 7 foot centers that play inside are getting to be hard to find, for his skill set, $13-15 million a year seems about right. He's a 20/10/1 guy in his Per 36 numbers and plays starters minutes. His TS%, OReb%, Reb% and PER are extremely good. He's been playing most of his career with a sub-par group of youngsters under a horrible head coach or a coach who is probably past his prime.

Meh, I question whether he can really sustain 20/10 production over 36 minutes on a contending team.  If he could, then absolutely.  But on a playoff team, he's probably more of a 15/9 guy.  I agree with you that the Wolves jumped the gun if that's what they really wanted him for.  Should have opened with 4yr/42 mil then hoped to settle for 4yr/48.  Nobody is looking at those other centers getting paid in his range and thinking that they are good contracts, except Gasol.

[LooseCannon]

Offering $48m/4yrs might have been intended to scare off other teams from trying to negotiate out of fear that the T-Wolves will match an offer sheet.

I could see Pekovic trying to give the team a choice between 5 years at $60 million or 4 years at $55 million.