Fans of the Celtics and other NBA clubs shouldn’t waste their time pining for Anthony Davis, writes Steve Bulpett of The Boston Herald. As Bulpett details, Davis is under contract with the Pelicans through at least 2020, and there’s no chance the team will consider moving him anytime soon — in fact, Alvin Gentry laughed at the idea.
“Let me tell you, I learned a long time ago — and this is my 28th year in the league — that you don’t trade great for good, no matter how many you get,” said the Pelicans’ head coach. “Having one great player really makes your team better than having three good players. … We love what we have in him, and it’s just a matter of time. I think if we were healthy, you would see us be a better team anyway, and we’re getting to the point where we are healthy, and we’re playing better basketball.”
Here’s more from around the Southwest division:
- Eric Gordon‘s four-year, $53MM contract with the Rockets looked like a bit of a roll of the dice for the team when it was completed back in July, but Gordon’s tremendous fit in Houston has made him one of 2016’s best signings so far. Steve Kyler of Basketball Insiders spoke to Gordon about his new home and examines the shooting guard’s season to date.
- The signing of Gordon was one of several offseason moves that have the Rockets looking as good as they have since Daryl Morey assumed the general manager role back in 2007. In a piece for NBA.com, TNT’s David Aldridge takes a closer look at how the system Morey envisioned for the franchise has become a reality this season, led by offseason acquisitions Gordon and Ryan Anderson, new head coach Mike D’Antoni, and MVP candidate James Harden.
- Assuming the Mavericks remain in the lottery and land a top draft pick for 2017, Eddie Sefko of The Dallas Morning News believes the team is more likely to try to trade that selection for an established player, rather than drafting and developing a young prospect. Currently, Dallas is tied with Minnesota for the NBA’s fourth-worst record.
Been trying to tell folks. Cuban can say he’s not trading it for anything less than a star. But reality has to set in at some point.
They will re-sign Deron Williams, who is a Dallas native. They can draft a backup or replacement in the second round, or in free agency. They can even have Derrick Rose if they want him.
What they can’t get in this draft or in free agency is an impact center!!!
The Nets will be offering Brook Lopez. The Sixers will be offering Jahlil Okafor and/or Nerlens Noel. Magic offering Vucevic.
Hassan Whiteside? “According to Zach Lowe of ESPN, the Miami Heat are willing to trade any/every player on their roster.”
I totally agree with your comment that reality has to set in at some point. A large number of teams would love to have Cuban as their GM. However, he has tried the same approach for the last several years and has almost nothing to show for it.
Imagine they add Whiteside. Could they beat the Cavs? Could they beat the Spurs? Would that move allow them to beat Golden State?
They need to start loading up on young, and cost effective players. It stinks to rebuild but the Mavs might need to go that route.
What if we could get Boogie? His bro plays for our D league and he has been quoted saying he has tons of respect for Cuban. And he clearly hates being on the Kings.