Confirmed FA signings thread

[RockinRyA]

Ezeli to the Blazers. Interesting addition.

Any word on how much they paid? Thats what interests me.

Marc J. Spears ‏@MarcJSpearsESPN  3m3 minutes ago
Festus Ezeli's Blazers deal is actually $7.4 million the first year with a team option of $7.33 million in the second year, a source said.

Great deal with the rising cap. That's chump change for a shotblocker like Ezeli.

Great signing. Cs could have done that.

Why we didn't jump on that is beyond me. If we waived rights to Sully and Zeller, I think we would've been close to being able to do this deal while keeping Amir and JJ.

Not that I'm a fan of Zeller, Sully, Amir, or Swedish meatballs, but Ezeli blows, imo.  Dude doesn't know how to play basketball, lol . We would have been better off just signing Daniel Ochefu, imo.  Ugh.

Who the hell is Daniel Ochefu?

EDIT: Oh yeah. The guy from Villanova. He went undrafted. He doesn't have what it takes to play in the league nevermind be better than Ezeli.

Why do you say that?  The only thing Ezeli has on Ochefu is athleticism.

I think Ezeli also has the proof that he can actually make a team in the NBA, play for an NBA team and excel in a role as a player in the NBA. Ochefu just signed a contract for a guaranteed $50,000. That and the little I saw of him in the tournament gives me no confidence he will be an NBA player.

I still don't see how any of that should have precluded us from signing him.  Do we not need size?  Do we not still struggle to rebound?  Wouldn't you like a team-first center who can defend, play in the post, and pass?  Ezeli can do none of that.  All he has, offensively, outside of dunks, is a right handed jump hook with which he is only mildly successful.  He's an energy player - not one with skill, imo.  Did you miss the finals, lol?

Do we need a guy who can defend, play in the post, rebound and pass? Sure.

Do I want a guy who has proven the ability to do that at the NBA level? Absolutely. Considering no one has even sniffed at Sully, I'd offer him 7-9 M this year with a team option for 10 next year knowing that's probably the best he's gonna get, and knowing he offers you exactly what you just asked for, except he's proven the ability to do that at the NBA level and he's only 24.

Much rather have Sully on a reasonable short deal than some undrafted rookie you expect to make an impact on a team with like 10 recent draftees.

I think people are forgetting that at one time, every player in the NBA was an unproven commodity, and besides, I really don't view guys like Jekiri and Ochefu as bigger risks than Sully, who has proven that he cannot stay in shape, is a poor defender which is only exasperated by the weight problems, no longer scores inside, and is a slow, undersized, and nonathletic power forward.  I wouldn't waste another dime on him, myself, because as you said, you know what you're getting with Sully, and Zeller, as well, and we can and should do better than those two guys, not to mention the fact that Jekiri and Ochefu, combined, likely wouldn't have cost you half of what you'd resign Sullinger, for, alone, so I don't see any risk at all with either undrafted guy.  Obviously we can't get them, now, but say that we did.  Look, if they bust, they bust, but at least it won't cost the team nearly as much on the court or in terms of payroll as opposed to a guy like Sullinger, but I guess that I should stop thinking outside of the box, because clearly, no one wants to hear any of that, lol.  Sigh.

If that is your reasoning then we should sign guys like me, because even though I am unproven, everyone was unproven once in their life.

Seriously what is it with you that you think you know better than guys who actually saw if these players are worth it? There is a reason these guys are undrafted while Ezeli played actual minutes in 2 finals series.

[Ilikesports17]

Ezeli to the Blazers. Interesting addition.

Any word on how much they paid? Thats what interests me.

Marc J. Spears ‏@MarcJSpearsESPN  3m3 minutes ago
Festus Ezeli's Blazers deal is actually $7.4 million the first year with a team option of $7.33 million in the second year, a source said.

Great deal with the rising cap. That's chump change for a shotblocker like Ezeli.

Great signing. Cs could have done that.

Why we didn't jump on that is beyond me. If we waived rights to Sully and Zeller, I think we would've been close to being able to do this deal while keeping Amir and JJ.

Not that I'm a fan of Zeller, Sully, Amir, or Swedish meatballs, but Ezeli blows, imo.  Dude doesn't know how to play basketball, lol . We would have been better off just signing Daniel Ochefu, imo.  Ugh.

Who the hell is Daniel Ochefu?

EDIT: Oh yeah. The guy from Villanova. He went undrafted. He doesn't have what it takes to play in the league nevermind be better than Ezeli.

Why do you say that?  The only thing Ezeli has on Ochefu is athleticism.

I think Ezeli also has the proof that he can actually make a team in the NBA, play for an NBA team and excel in a role as a player in the NBA. Ochefu just signed a contract for a guaranteed $50,000. That and the little I saw of him in the tournament gives me no confidence he will be an NBA player.

I still don't see how any of that should have precluded us from signing him.  Do we not need size?  Do we not still struggle to rebound?  Wouldn't you like a team-first center who can defend, play in the post, and pass?  Ezeli can do none of that.  All he has, offensively, outside of dunks, is a right handed jump hook with which he is only mildly successful.  He's an energy player - not one with skill, imo.  Did you miss the finals, lol?

Do we need a guy who can defend, play in the post, rebound and pass? Sure.

Do I want a guy who has proven the ability to do that at the NBA level? Absolutely. Considering no one has even sniffed at Sully, I'd offer him 7-9 M this year with a team option for 10 next year knowing that's probably the best he's gonna get, and knowing he offers you exactly what you just asked for, except he's proven the ability to do that at the NBA level and he's only 24.

Much rather have Sully on a reasonable short deal than some undrafted rookie you expect to make an impact on a team with like 10 recent draftees.

I think people are forgetting that at one time, every player in the NBA was an unproven commodity, and besides, I really don't view guys like Jekiri and Ochefu as bigger risks than Sully, who has proven that he cannot stay in shape, is a poor defender which is only exasperated by the weight problems, no longer scores inside, and is a slow, undersized, and nonathletic power forward.  I wouldn't waste another dime on him, myself, because as you said, you know what you're getting with Sully, and Zeller, as well, and we can and should do better than those two guys, not to mention the fact that Jekiri and Ochefu, combined, likely wouldn't have cost you half of what you'd resign Sullinger, for, alone, so I don't see any risk at all with either undrafted guy.  Obviously we can't get them, now, but say that we did.  Look, if they bust, they bust, but at least it won't cost the team nearly as much on the court or in terms of payroll as opposed to a guy like Sullinger, but I guess that I should stop thinking outside of the box, because clearly, no one wants to hear any of that, lol.  Sigh.

Most undrafted guys don't ever touch the court. 100% of Festus Ezeli's can crack any NBA rotation.

You love your unproven college guys. You said Taurean Prince was better than Jae Crowder. Now you imply that Ochefu is basically as good as Ezeli. You've also claimed Demetrius Jackson was better than all our guards put together and that Ben Bentil was the key to defeating the Hawks. In years past you've said that Markel Brown and Kj Mcdaniels could easily replace Avery Bradley.

Don't act like people resistant to this idea are being ridiculous.

And before you defend Markel Brown realize the Brooklyn Nets don't even want him while Avery Bradley just started and made 1st team all defense for a 48 win playoff team. Markel Brown is not a replacement level player for AB.

[Beat LA]

Ezeli to the Blazers. Interesting addition.

Any word on how much they paid? Thats what interests me.

Marc J. Spears ‏@MarcJSpearsESPN  3m3 minutes ago
Festus Ezeli's Blazers deal is actually $7.4 million the first year with a team option of $7.33 million in the second year, a source said.

Great deal with the rising cap. That's chump change for a shotblocker like Ezeli.

Great signing. Cs could have done that.

Why we didn't jump on that is beyond me. If we waived rights to Sully and Zeller, I think we would've been close to being able to do this deal while keeping Amir and JJ.

Not that I'm a fan of Zeller, Sully, Amir, or Swedish meatballs, but Ezeli blows, imo.  Dude doesn't know how to play basketball, lol . We would have been better off just signing Daniel Ochefu, imo.  Ugh.

Who the hell is Daniel Ochefu?

EDIT: Oh yeah. The guy from Villanova. He went undrafted. He doesn't have what it takes to play in the league nevermind be better than Ezeli.

Why do you say that?  The only thing Ezeli has on Ochefu is athleticism.

I think Ezeli also has the proof that he can actually make a team in the NBA, play for an NBA team and excel in a role as a player in the NBA. Ochefu just signed a contract for a guaranteed $50,000. That and the little I saw of him in the tournament gives me no confidence he will be an NBA player.

I still don't see how any of that should have precluded us from signing him.  Do we not need size?  Do we not still struggle to rebound?  Wouldn't you like a team-first center who can defend, play in the post, and pass?  Ezeli can do none of that.  All he has, offensively, outside of dunks, is a right handed jump hook with which he is only mildly successful.  He's an energy player - not one with skill, imo.  Did you miss the finals, lol?

Do we need a guy who can defend, play in the post, rebound and pass? Sure.

Do I want a guy who has proven the ability to do that at the NBA level? Absolutely. Considering no one has even sniffed at Sully, I'd offer him 7-9 M this year with a team option for 10 next year knowing that's probably the best he's gonna get, and knowing he offers you exactly what you just asked for, except he's proven the ability to do that at the NBA level and he's only 24.

Much rather have Sully on a reasonable short deal than some undrafted rookie you expect to make an impact on a team with like 10 recent draftees.

I think people are forgetting that at one time, every player in the NBA was an unproven commodity, and besides, I really don't view guys like Jekiri and Ochefu as bigger risks than Sully, who has proven that he cannot stay in shape, is a poor defender which is only exasperated by the weight problems, no longer scores inside, and is a slow, undersized, and nonathletic power forward.  I wouldn't waste another dime on him, myself, because as you said, you know what you're getting with Sully, and Zeller, as well, and we can and should do better than those two guys, not to mention the fact that Jekiri and Ochefu, combined, likely wouldn't have cost you half of what you'd resign Sullinger, for, alone, so I don't see any risk at all with either undrafted guy.  Obviously we can't get them, now, but say that we did.  Look, if they bust, they bust, but at least it won't cost the team nearly as much on the court or in terms of payroll as opposed to a guy like Sullinger, but I guess that I should stop thinking outside of the box, because clearly, no one wants to hear any of that, lol.  Sigh.

If that is your reasoning then we should sign guys like me, because even though I am unproven, everyone was unproven once in their life.

Seriously what is it with you that you think you know better than guys who actually saw if these players are worth it? There is a reason these guys are undrafted while Ezeli played actual minutes in 2 finals series.

I don't, I was simply suggesting an idea, and you're missing the point in regards to the first sentence.  You really deem it less of a risk to re-sign Sullinger, with his attitude, weight problems, and all, at, say $8-10 million a year, than to sign two undrafted guys with no such problems at probably half of the cost, even though I don't care about that, and just for camp of whatever?  That makes no sense to me.  Why would you want to reinvest in a guy like Sullinger?  Why?  I've yet to see this actually explained on here.

[TheSundanceKid]

Ezeli to the Blazers for $16m over 2 years. That one is a bit gutting, at that price tag I would have loved him

[Beat LA]

Ezeli to the Blazers. Interesting addition.

Any word on how much they paid? Thats what interests me.

Marc J. Spears ‏@MarcJSpearsESPN  3m3 minutes ago
Festus Ezeli's Blazers deal is actually $7.4 million the first year with a team option of $7.33 million in the second year, a source said.

Great deal with the rising cap. That's chump change for a shotblocker like Ezeli.

Great signing. Cs could have done that.

Why we didn't jump on that is beyond me. If we waived rights to Sully and Zeller, I think we would've been close to being able to do this deal while keeping Amir and JJ.

Not that I'm a fan of Zeller, Sully, Amir, or Swedish meatballs, but Ezeli blows, imo.  Dude doesn't know how to play basketball, lol . We would have been better off just signing Daniel Ochefu, imo.  Ugh.

Who the hell is Daniel Ochefu?

EDIT: Oh yeah. The guy from Villanova. He went undrafted. He doesn't have what it takes to play in the league nevermind be better than Ezeli.

Why do you say that?  The only thing Ezeli has on Ochefu is athleticism.

I think Ezeli also has the proof that he can actually make a team in the NBA, play for an NBA team and excel in a role as a player in the NBA. Ochefu just signed a contract for a guaranteed $50,000. That and the little I saw of him in the tournament gives me no confidence he will be an NBA player.

I still don't see how any of that should have precluded us from signing him.  Do we not need size?  Do we not still struggle to rebound?  Wouldn't you like a team-first center who can defend, play in the post, and pass?  Ezeli can do none of that.  All he has, offensively, outside of dunks, is a right handed jump hook with which he is only mildly successful.  He's an energy player - not one with skill, imo.  Did you miss the finals, lol?

Do we need a guy who can defend, play in the post, rebound and pass? Sure.

Do I want a guy who has proven the ability to do that at the NBA level? Absolutely. Considering no one has even sniffed at Sully, I'd offer him 7-9 M this year with a team option for 10 next year knowing that's probably the best he's gonna get, and knowing he offers you exactly what you just asked for, except he's proven the ability to do that at the NBA level and he's only 24.

Much rather have Sully on a reasonable short deal than some undrafted rookie you expect to make an impact on a team with like 10 recent draftees.

I think people are forgetting that at one time, every player in the NBA was an unproven commodity, and besides, I really don't view guys like Jekiri and Ochefu as bigger risks than Sully, who has proven that he cannot stay in shape, is a poor defender which is only exasperated by the weight problems, no longer scores inside, and is a slow, undersized, and nonathletic power forward.  I wouldn't waste another dime on him, myself, because as you said, you know what you're getting with Sully, and Zeller, as well, and we can and should do better than those two guys, not to mention the fact that Jekiri and Ochefu, combined, likely wouldn't have cost you half of what you'd resign Sullinger, for, alone, so I don't see any risk at all with either undrafted guy.  Obviously we can't get them, now, but say that we did.  Look, if they bust, they bust, but at least it won't cost the team nearly as much on the court or in terms of payroll as opposed to a guy like Sullinger, but I guess that I should stop thinking outside of the box, because clearly, no one wants to hear any of that, lol.  Sigh.

Most undrafted guys don't ever touch the court. 100% of Festus Ezeli's can crack any NBA rotation.

You love your unproven college guys. You said Taurean Prince was better than Jae Crowder. Now you imply that Ochefu is basically as good as Ezeli. You've also claimed Demetrius Jackson was better than all our guards put together and that Ben Bentil was the key to defeating the Hawks. In years past you've said that Markel Brown and Kj Mcdaniels could easily replace Avery Bradley.

Don't act like people resistant to this idea are being ridiculous.

And before you defend Markel Brown realize the Brooklyn Nets don't even want him while Avery Bradley just started and made 1st team all defense for a 48 win playoff team. Markel Brown is not a replacement level player for AB.

What's wrong with that, and Ezeli isn't even that good to begin with, imo.  Yeesh.  You'd think I was comparing Ochefu to Kareem, lol, and yes, Ochefu has more skills than Ezeli, and if you want proof, you need only look as far as the difference in passing between the two, or even that Ochefu can use both hands on the block and has more moves than Ezeli, but back to passing - the bar isn't very high, there.  People mock Whiteside on here for not being any semblance of a passer, and justifiably so, but Ezeli is even worse, even going back to college, lol.

In regards to Demetrius Jackson, you're still not paying attention.  Yes, I said that he's the best point guard on our roster, because he's the combination of all of the best attributes of IT, Smart, and Rozier, which is not nearly the same as saying that Jackson is better than all of our guards put together, but please, continue to adhere to that construct - it's really working for you (sarcasm) . If you're going to insult me, at least do it properly .

As for Bentil, once again, I did not say that he was the key to beating the Hawks.  What I said was that his skillset of being able to score in the post, attack closeouts, and hit from the perimeter would give us the best chance to counter Milsap and possibly offset his production, who can do all of that and more, but again, you're not listening, although I admire your ability to be able to take what I have said and then spin it as something completely different (sarcasm) .

Also, yes, I do think that Taurean Prince is better than Jae Crowder, but what I don't understand is why you somehow take that as an assault on you, as if I've said, "hey, everybody, Taurean Prince is better than Crowder because I'm awesome and Ilikesports17 isn't a true Celtics fan because he doesn't agree with me."  I've done none of that, so I'd like to know why you evidently don't like me so much, as I've never attacked you in any way, shape, or form.

Finally, in regards to Markel Brown, will you humor me and watch these short highlights of him, because there's a lot of Bradley in his game, offensively, and he has been an excellent defender, at times -

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VeYQHLYy8nc

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Bcn0V3d1oY

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tqiXWtJbta4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GE5xAlN2WPc 

Yeah, I know that the Nets rescinded their qualifying offer, but I am interested to see where he lands, if anywhere, because he does have a lot of ability, imo, and as for KJ McDaniels, when he got playing time in Philadelphia, he showed that he had tremendous defensive versatility for the 76ers, often coming from the weak side to send shots back like he was a center or something, lol .

Listen, I get that you're not a fan of me or what I post for some reason, but at least I don't go around trying to make you or someone else look like the village idiot, despite the fact that many of your assertions of what I've said are patently false, but whatever.  I bet that if I looked over your posting history that I could find a number of gems, but I'm not going to do that.  Besides, I'm sure that everyone has said things on here that didn't come true or made them look dumb or something at one time or another, but I don't take myself seriously, at all.  At the end of the day, they're just ideas, often with a healthy dose of humor.  Geesh .

[RockinRyA]

Ezeli to the Blazers. Interesting addition.

Any word on how much they paid? Thats what interests me.

Marc J. Spears ‏@MarcJSpearsESPN  3m3 minutes ago
Festus Ezeli's Blazers deal is actually $7.4 million the first year with a team option of $7.33 million in the second year, a source said.

Great deal with the rising cap. That's chump change for a shotblocker like Ezeli.

Great signing. Cs could have done that.

Why we didn't jump on that is beyond me. If we waived rights to Sully and Zeller, I think we would've been close to being able to do this deal while keeping Amir and JJ.

Not that I'm a fan of Zeller, Sully, Amir, or Swedish meatballs, but Ezeli blows, imo.  Dude doesn't know how to play basketball, lol . We would have been better off just signing Daniel Ochefu, imo.  Ugh.

Who the hell is Daniel Ochefu?

EDIT: Oh yeah. The guy from Villanova. He went undrafted. He doesn't have what it takes to play in the league nevermind be better than Ezeli.

Why do you say that?  The only thing Ezeli has on Ochefu is athleticism.

I think Ezeli also has the proof that he can actually make a team in the NBA, play for an NBA team and excel in a role as a player in the NBA. Ochefu just signed a contract for a guaranteed $50,000. That and the little I saw of him in the tournament gives me no confidence he will be an NBA player.

I still don't see how any of that should have precluded us from signing him.  Do we not need size?  Do we not still struggle to rebound?  Wouldn't you like a team-first center who can defend, play in the post, and pass?  Ezeli can do none of that.  All he has, offensively, outside of dunks, is a right handed jump hook with which he is only mildly successful.  He's an energy player - not one with skill, imo.  Did you miss the finals, lol?

Do we need a guy who can defend, play in the post, rebound and pass? Sure.

Do I want a guy who has proven the ability to do that at the NBA level? Absolutely. Considering no one has even sniffed at Sully, I'd offer him 7-9 M this year with a team option for 10 next year knowing that's probably the best he's gonna get, and knowing he offers you exactly what you just asked for, except he's proven the ability to do that at the NBA level and he's only 24.

Much rather have Sully on a reasonable short deal than some undrafted rookie you expect to make an impact on a team with like 10 recent draftees.

I think people are forgetting that at one time, every player in the NBA was an unproven commodity, and besides, I really don't view guys like Jekiri and Ochefu as bigger risks than Sully, who has proven that he cannot stay in shape, is a poor defender which is only exasperated by the weight problems, no longer scores inside, and is a slow, undersized, and nonathletic power forward.  I wouldn't waste another dime on him, myself, because as you said, you know what you're getting with Sully, and Zeller, as well, and we can and should do better than those two guys, not to mention the fact that Jekiri and Ochefu, combined, likely wouldn't have cost you half of what you'd resign Sullinger, for, alone, so I don't see any risk at all with either undrafted guy.  Obviously we can't get them, now, but say that we did.  Look, if they bust, they bust, but at least it won't cost the team nearly as much on the court or in terms of payroll as opposed to a guy like Sullinger, but I guess that I should stop thinking outside of the box, because clearly, no one wants to hear any of that, lol.  Sigh.

Most undrafted guys don't ever touch the court. 100% of Festus Ezeli's can crack any NBA rotation.

You love your unproven college guys. You said Taurean Prince was better than Jae Crowder. Now you imply that Ochefu is basically as good as Ezeli. You've also claimed Demetrius Jackson was better than all our guards put together and that Ben Bentil was the key to defeating the Hawks. In years past you've said that Markel Brown and Kj Mcdaniels could easily replace Avery Bradley.

Don't act like people resistant to this idea are being ridiculous.

And before you defend Markel Brown realize the Brooklyn Nets don't even want him while Avery Bradley just started and made 1st team all defense for a 48 win playoff team. Markel Brown is not a replacement level player for AB.

Ha! TP!

I'm seriously wondering if he is just trolling.

[ederson]

Ezeli to the Blazers for $16m over 2 years. That one is a bit gutting, at that price tag I would have loved him

Compared to other contracts Portland got him almost for free

[TheSundanceKid]

Ezeli to the Blazers for $16m over 2 years. That one is a bit gutting, at that price tag I would have loved him

Compared to other contracts Portland got him almost for free

I was really surprised. I don't know the details but I wonder if it's a 1+1 deal and he's hoping to cash in next year. With the Durant sweepstakes he kind of got lost in the shuffle with teams focusing on the UFAs early on

[nickagneta]

Why do you reinvest in Sully rather than invest in unproven undrafted players? Its very simple, because Sully at his worst is still an NBA bench role player and at his best is a starting caliber NBA player with the potential to be almost an All-Star level player if he could ever get himself into proper shape. Given he is only 24, that is still a distinct possibility.

OTOH, the undrafted player was passed over in the draft by 30 GMs, TWICE! The percentage of NBA players that were undrafted and are currently a role player in a rotation in the league is ridiculously low, like less than 1%. The percentage of undrafted players that try out for NBA teams and actually make the team is somewhere below 1/100th of 1%, maybe lower than 1/1000th of 1 %. Why do you think that is? The truth is that most undrafted players are just not good enough and unless you are a bad team or a good team without a roster crunch at the 15th position, then you just don't bring an undrafted player into camp to seriously try out for a team. You might bring them into camp to use as practice fodder, but that's about it.

Sully was bad at the end of last year but that bad is being compared to starting caliber, right off the bench caliber or All-Star caliber players. Undrafted players that you show video for are excelling against guys in college, most of which, 99.9%+, won't even get an invite to a Summer League game. The difference in opposing competition for Sully and an undrafted player is off the chart. its not comparable any way you look at it.

Because of this its easy to see that Sully at his worst is probably world's better than any undrafted big that comes out of college. The Celtics have invested time and money in Sully and probably think they can still use him, fat and all, as, at the very least, a first or second big off the bench and at most as a starter. For what price? That will be determined. If the price is too high, they probably let him walk. But they will replace him with someone else on the roster who they drafted and believe in or go out and get an NBA veteran with proven abilities to add to a team and make them better.

There's your explanation Beat LA. You can either except this as truth and realize that the reason so many have disagreed with you is because you are advocating for the Celtics to take a bet on an undrafted player making the team against what history shows is staggeringly low odds to happen, like 1million to 1, or you can continue to think your idea is a good example of thinking outside the box and should be tried. That is up to you.

[Ilikesports17]

Ezeli to the Blazers. Interesting addition.

Any word on how much they paid? Thats what interests me.

Marc J. Spears ‏@MarcJSpearsESPN  3m3 minutes ago
Festus Ezeli's Blazers deal is actually $7.4 million the first year with a team option of $7.33 million in the second year, a source said.

Great deal with the rising cap. That's chump change for a shotblocker like Ezeli.

Great signing. Cs could have done that.

Why we didn't jump on that is beyond me. If we waived rights to Sully and Zeller, I think we would've been close to being able to do this deal while keeping Amir and JJ.

Not that I'm a fan of Zeller, Sully, Amir, or Swedish meatballs, but Ezeli blows, imo.  Dude doesn't know how to play basketball, lol . We would have been better off just signing Daniel Ochefu, imo.  Ugh.

Who the hell is Daniel Ochefu?

EDIT: Oh yeah. The guy from Villanova. He went undrafted. He doesn't have what it takes to play in the league nevermind be better than Ezeli.

Why do you say that?  The only thing Ezeli has on Ochefu is athleticism.

I think Ezeli also has the proof that he can actually make a team in the NBA, play for an NBA team and excel in a role as a player in the NBA. Ochefu just signed a contract for a guaranteed $50,000. That and the little I saw of him in the tournament gives me no confidence he will be an NBA player.

I still don't see how any of that should have precluded us from signing him.  Do we not need size?  Do we not still struggle to rebound?  Wouldn't you like a team-first center who can defend, play in the post, and pass?  Ezeli can do none of that.  All he has, offensively, outside of dunks, is a right handed jump hook with which he is only mildly successful.  He's an energy player - not one with skill, imo.  Did you miss the finals, lol?

Do we need a guy who can defend, play in the post, rebound and pass? Sure.

Do I want a guy who has proven the ability to do that at the NBA level? Absolutely. Considering no one has even sniffed at Sully, I'd offer him 7-9 M this year with a team option for 10 next year knowing that's probably the best he's gonna get, and knowing he offers you exactly what you just asked for, except he's proven the ability to do that at the NBA level and he's only 24.

Much rather have Sully on a reasonable short deal than some undrafted rookie you expect to make an impact on a team with like 10 recent draftees.

I think people are forgetting that at one time, every player in the NBA was an unproven commodity, and besides, I really don't view guys like Jekiri and Ochefu as bigger risks than Sully, who has proven that he cannot stay in shape, is a poor defender which is only exasperated by the weight problems, no longer scores inside, and is a slow, undersized, and nonathletic power forward.  I wouldn't waste another dime on him, myself, because as you said, you know what you're getting with Sully, and Zeller, as well, and we can and should do better than those two guys, not to mention the fact that Jekiri and Ochefu, combined, likely wouldn't have cost you half of what you'd resign Sullinger, for, alone, so I don't see any risk at all with either undrafted guy.  Obviously we can't get them, now, but say that we did.  Look, if they bust, they bust, but at least it won't cost the team nearly as much on the court or in terms of payroll as opposed to a guy like Sullinger, but I guess that I should stop thinking outside of the box, because clearly, no one wants to hear any of that, lol.  Sigh.

Most undrafted guys don't ever touch the court. 100% of Festus Ezeli's can crack any NBA rotation.

You love your unproven college guys. You said Taurean Prince was better than Jae Crowder. Now you imply that Ochefu is basically as good as Ezeli. You've also claimed Demetrius Jackson was better than all our guards put together and that Ben Bentil was the key to defeating the Hawks. In years past you've said that Markel Brown and Kj Mcdaniels could easily replace Avery Bradley.

Don't act like people resistant to this idea are being ridiculous.

And before you defend Markel Brown realize the Brooklyn Nets don't even want him while Avery Bradley just started and made 1st team all defense for a 48 win playoff team. Markel Brown is not a replacement level player for AB.

What's wrong with that, and Ezeli isn't even that good to begin with, imo.  Yeesh.  You'd think I was comparing Ochefu to Kareem, lol, and yes, Ochefu has more skills than Ezeli, and if you want proof, you need only look as far as the difference in passing between the two, or even that Ochefu can use both hands on the block and has more moves than Ezeli, but back to passing - the bar isn't very high, there.  People mock Whiteside on here for not being any semblance of a passer, and justifiably so, but Ezeli is even worse, even going back to college, lol.

In regards to Demetrius Jackson, you're still not paying attention.  Yes, I said that he's the best point guard on our roster, because he's the combination of all of the best attributes of IT, Smart, and Rozier, which is not nearly the same as saying that Jackson is better than all of our guards put together, but please, continue to adhere to that construct - it's really working for you (sarcasm) . If you're going to insult me, at least do it properly .

As for Bentil, once again, I did not say that he was the key to beating the Hawks.  What I said was that his skillset of being able to score in the post, attack closeouts, and hit from the perimeter would give us the best chance to counter Milsap and possibly offset his production, who can do all of that and more, but again, you're not listening, although I admire your ability to be able to take what I have said and then spin it as something completely different (sarcasm) .

Also, yes, I do think that Taurean Prince is better than Jae Crowder, but what I don't understand is why you somehow take that as an assault on you, as if I've said, "hey, everybody, Taurean Prince is better than Crowder because I'm awesome and Ilikesports17 isn't a true Celtics fan because he doesn't agree with me."  I've done none of that, so I'd like to know why you evidently don't like me so much, as I've never attacked you in any way, shape, or form.

Finally, in regards to Markel Brown, will you humor me and watch these short highlights of him, because there's a lot of Bradley in his game, offensively, and he has been an excellent defender, at times -

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VeYQHLYy8nc

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Bcn0V3d1oY

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tqiXWtJbta4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GE5xAlN2WPc 

Yeah, I know that the Nets rescinded their qualifying offer, but I am interested to see where he lands, if anywhere, because he does have a lot of ability, imo, and as for KJ McDaniels, when he got playing time in Philadelphia, he showed that he had tremendous defensive versatility for the 76ers, often coming from the weak side to send shots back like he was a center or something, lol .

Listen, I get that you're not a fan of me or what I post for some reason, but at least I don't go around trying to make you or someone else look like the village idiot, despite the fact that many of your assertions of what I've said are patently false, but whatever.  I bet that if I looked over your posting history that I could find a number of gems, but I'm not going to do that.  Besides, I'm sure that everyone has said things on here that didn't come true or made them look dumb or something at one time or another, but I don't take myself seriously, at all.  At the end of the day, they're just ideas, often with a healthy dose of humor.  Geesh .

I dont see your Taurean Prince thing as an assault on me. You have a complete disrespect for proven players. You act as if everyone's out to get you. Thats not the case. Most disagree with you, clearly, and you act as if they are being absurd to strongly object. Shrugging their opinions off with ughs barfs and lols and then proceed to make generally absurd claims which are meant with resistance. I didnt list those claims to make you look like an idiot. If thats how it came off Im sorry. I did it to try to get you to look at your general history of ideas and realize they are really outlandish. If I go over to another thread and post that Nader should start because he is 6'6" pretty athletic and can shoot the 3, I know Im gonna get a lot of backlash. If I advocated trading our #3 pick for Chris McCullough Im gonna get a lot of backlash. You know your ideas are very contradictory to the consensus opinion so I dont understand at all why you dont anticipate being vigorously shut down when you make a post acting like its a no-brainer that a couple of UFAs are already comparable to a proven NBA center.

Also I liked Markel brown out of OSU. Really liked his skillset and thought he might be something in the NBA. He still might be, but skillset clearly isnt everything. Sometimes a skillset thats good enough in college doesnt cut it in the NBA. Sometimes  theres a work ethic issue you dont see, or a maturity issue that doesnt come to light. If you think I just patrol the forum looking for Beat LA posts so I can make him feel bad thats freaking absurd.

And yes, if you looked through my posts you could find a ton of ridiculous claims. That I can promise you. Someday, Ill go through and get some real laughs.

If you really want to believe that everyone's out to get you, you can, but I think youd be better off if you realized thats not the case and just braced for impact next time you make a claim like one of the ones I listed. On this blog you can get torn apart for wanting to send a #3 pick in a weak draft for a 18/7 2nd year former #2 pick. You can get equally torn apart for not wanting to do that. Of course you are gonna get torn apart when you suggest a UFA is comparable to Festus Ezeli. You simply have to recognize there is something to be said for a proven NBA guy. Until you acknowledge the argument (which NBA GMs clearly agree with) against you, then why should we listen to you go on about the skillsets of these guys.

The bolded made me lol. Toughen up champ.

[jambr380]

Ezeli to the Blazers for $16m over 2 years. That one is a bit gutting, at that price tag I would have loved him

Compared to other contracts Portland got him almost for free

Weren't the Lakers going to offer him $50M/3 years? You have to think their fans are now seeing what he actually signed for and now even wondering more why the signed Mozgov to such an atrocious contract. $30M/3 years for Ezeli would have been much better than Timofey's $64M/4 years.

[apc]

From Woj:

Sources: Portland RFA Allen Crabbe has signed a four-year, $75M offer sheet with the Brooklyn Nets. Bonuses could reach $83M.

This was reported a few days back I think but never confirmed and I believe the $ amount was a bit lower.  I haven't seen much of Crabbe outside of the playoffs but I get the impression that if you have the chance to match a ~$20 mill per year contract, you have to politely decline.  Hate to see Brooklyn probably get a bit better but that's also a big whack at their cap flexibility going forward.

It had been reported that Crabbe had signed an offer sheet last week with the Nets but it was refuted. Now it's been confirmed by Woj, a much more reliable source.

Wonder how much Goyle can make in this market...

[saltlover]

From Woj:

Sources: Portland RFA Allen Crabbe has signed a four-year, $75M offer sheet with the Brooklyn Nets. Bonuses could reach $83M.

This was reported a few days back I think but never confirmed and I believe the $ amount was a bit lower.  I haven't seen much of Crabbe outside of the playoffs but I get the impression that if you have the chance to match a ~$20 mill per year contract, you have to politely decline.  Hate to see Brooklyn probably get a bit better but that's also a big whack at their cap flexibility going forward.

It had been reported that Crabbe had signed an offer sheet last week with the Nets but it was refuted. Now it's been confirmed by Woj, a much more reliable source.

Wonder how much Goyle can make in this market...

Hah!

[A Future of Stevens]

Since Portland just signed Ezeli, does this mean that they are unwilling to pick up the bill on Crabbe? That is not good news. The nets are terrible at shooting on the wing, and crabbe could at least help them a little in that regard.

[TheSundanceKid]

Since Portland just signed Ezeli, does this mean that they are unwilling to pick up the bill on Crabbe? That is not good news. The nets are terrible at shooting on the wing, and crabbe could at least help them a little in that regard.

The Nets are going to get someone with the money they have. Crabbe is ok but he's not a game changer for them. They are building for 2018 and beyond. Better to tie money into him than some others available out there