Episode I: Quail Decides Bucking The Trend Not In His Best Interest
It's been a while since I've done one of these.
Offseason started fast for a few teams. Even before the lotto results came in, several teams jumped on the phones and began to make what they assume are necessary moves to either improve their team now or begin the improvement process through a rebuild. Although not the strongest of drafts and no real clear #1 prospect for most, this didn't stop many teams around the league to move around and try to jump in or out of the draft. Something noted by some and especially through Wig's Live Blog of the draft is that several teams have decided to wipe the slate clean and start over, and some pounced on the opportunity to bolster their lineup's with absolute studs. We're going to take an in-depth look at some of the teams that made these moves and some further analysis of if it was the right or wrong move.
MILWAUKEE BUCKS
Balls may be right, but the Bucks did have some issues they needed to address if they wanted to compete another season. This team won 50 games and nearly upset the Nets in the 2nd round and could have made it to another Finals appearance with Ron Artest, Tony Parker and Gortat coming back. However, the plug was pulled on this team.
The first trade actually involved my very own team, the Sacramento Kings. Quail reached out to me looking for a 2012 pick, which is a hot commodity thanks to the draft class involved. We were able to work out the following deal:
Honestly, I didn't at the time know why he wanted to get rid of Mayo. OJ isn't going instantly make any team better, but the idea was to get a capable backup that can hit the 3, so I was interested. The main piece for the Bucks was the Nets 2012 pick, but with McGrady at the helm and even if training camp hits him twice by then, he'll still be perhaps the best player in the league. The pick may not be more than a late 1st, but the Bucks began their rebuilding effort by trading away a young prospect that was not in their plans for the future, and the Kings steadily began their process of stockpiling young talent.NOLa. wrote:Kings send:
Eric Gordon
Nets 12
5 points
Bucks send:
OJ Mayo
Immediately after the trade, the Bucks posted up a trade with the Detroit Pistons and GM Runningback15.
Let me start by saying the Bucks were extremely lucky the Pistons were so kind to basically give up what would probably be a better pick even before Quail decided to rebuild. I'm not going to say the Pistons made a bad decision, but you have to believe Runningback could have gotten something more than a pick swap and 5 points. Wig pointed out instantly that any time a team wants to rebuild (and has the tendency of the Bucks) and you possess their upcoming pick, there is certainly a lot of heavy favor in your corner. You hold the cards, and hopefully the Pistons learn from this. Even if it was the Bucks late 1st round pick in this draft, it would have been something extra to build up your team. Hopefully the pick Runningback has becomes a little more valuable and either sits on it or negotiates it for more.IamQuailman wrote:Bucks send
Nets 2012 1st
5pts
Pistons send
Bucks 2011 1st
So with their own pick back for 2011, the Bucks were ready to blow their load. Quail went into "Sell any and everything with a pulse" mode. What happened next was possibly the biggest superstar trade of the offseason.
We will touch on Portland soon, as they were a big mover in this offseason and made possibly an even bigger trade later, but the Bucks here were able to exchange Artest for the 7th pick in 2010, along with an additional two picks (one for each of the upcoming two seasons). This was a huge get for the Bucks, and they also were able to snag Pekovic and Splitter, a pair of bigs that Quail will most likely trade once Day 60 hits for more future assets. It's hard to trade a superstar. Trust me, I have experience with getting pennies on the dollar in these situations. Quail was able to hit a homerun here. When trading a superstar like Artest who is in his 30's, you aren't going to get an equal, younger talent in return. It doesn't happen. The best you can do is get multiple assets and begin getting possible role players and solid starters, and plan to rebuild and draft your next superstar. This is what happened and it was done just right.kucoach7 wrote:Bucks send:
Ron Artest
Blazers send:
Blazers 2010 1st
Nikola Pekovic
Hornets 2011 1st
Blazers 2012 1st
Tiago Splitter
3 points
Also LOL at the 3 points. Was that really necessary?
Things were calm but there were heavy rumors the Bucks were desperate to trade Parker for nearly anything. This trade is still fresh, and Quail was able to work out a deal with Soundwave and the Toronto Raptors after many back-and-forth negotiations and interest from both sides.
Of course, a small mention to the team that lives in the GM's head. Boogie has that kind of power.IamQuailman wrote:Bucks send:
Tony Parker
5pts
Raptors send:
Kendrick Perkins
Draft Rights to Luke Babbitt
Frye the Kings
This was a future salary dump for the Bucks. The Raptors needed a PG and felt Kendrick was expendable with Bynum improving at center. The rebuild, while not complete for the Bucks, is starting to take shape. With only one player one player over 27 left remaining on his roster, the Bucks are starting to shape up as the worst team in the league.
If you liked this edition, please post a very quick +1 or a picture of a stalker with binoculars (VERY MUCH PREFERRED)
Your +1's and pictures matter to me, as I am looking at another team to do a writeup on but if there's no interest than I will move on to other ideas if I have any.
Your +1's and pictures matter to me, as I am looking at another team to do a writeup on but if there's no interest than I will move on to other ideas if I have any.
