“I don’t play rebound ball” – Andrea Bargnani
I probably should made this blog earlier to analyze this scenario before the trade deadline but who cares? Me (I don’t….really).
Anyways, just before the trade deadline rumors were swirling regarding Bargnani. Those rumors included Bargnani for Pau, Bargnani for Boozer, and Bargnani for Hawes. Of the three the only one I would have accepted without riling up an angry mob to chase Colangelo out of the city was Bargnani for Hawes.
Raptors fans are not to be toyed with.
Here’s why
Bargnani for Pau
Pau Gasol while talented is on the wrong side of 30, with injury problems and he’s making 19 million over the next two years. Do I need to say more? Oh yeah and his magic hands defense.
Look at that majestic defense.
Bargnani for Boozer
Granted the Booze is playing pretty good this year (15 points and 9 boards per game), but he loves to check out on teams when they aren’t competitive. And I’m not sure I want a player on my team who probably won’t be that invested with so much invested in him. Here’s a look at his contract to see what I mean. Yeah ugly, but not as ugly as him painting his hair on. Which is also another reason I don’t want him here.
Ice cream paint job, ice cream paint job
Bargnani for Hawes
Hawes, while not overly talented (he’s a pretty average player) is consistent. He’s also the cheapest option (13 million over 2 years). So really we keep a similar player and free up some cap room, which would be good after we acquired Rudy Gay. Oh and another plus is he’s an official member of the Diplomats.
Thug Sh#t Homie
All in all I’m alright with the result (we kept Andrea), because I don’t mind him coming off the bench. That is, provided he buys in (which he hasn’t so far, he’s playing awful). We should keep him until his contract expires amnesty him.