Rob Pelinka’s deal with the Lakers is for five years and it’s worth over $20MM, according to Brian Windhorst of ESPN.com (h/t RealGM). Los Angeles hired Pelinka to be the team’s GM last month. Windhorst adds that lucrative deals are becoming typical for high-ranking members of teams’ front offices.
Here’s more from the Pacific Division:
- A judge ruled that Jeanie Buss will retain controlling ownership of the Lakers, according to Ramona Shelburne of ESPN.com (ESPN Now Link). It was previously reported that Jim and Johnny Buss would try to take over control of the team.
- Tyler Ulis continues to impress in a starting role for the Suns, Scott Bordow of The Arizona Republic writes. “I knew Tyler was pretty special quickly,” coach Earl Watson said. The rookie is averaging 14.8 points, 9.1 assists, and 1.4 steals per contest since becoming the starter in mid-March.
- Dragan Bender is back on the court after recovering ankle surgery and while his minutes are limited, the Suns like what they see, Bordow adds in the same piece. “He’s just a straight basketball player,” Watson said. “He goes out there, he just plays the game. He takes what the defense gives him.”
Bender is coming off 9 points and 7 rebounds, once he gets comfortable with the NBA flow its over
Ulis is by FAR the best point guard on the team. If the Suns were smart, they would move Bledsoe for a serviceable big (not necessarily a starter, just a decent bench guy) and move one to Ulis as the starter.
So you’re saying at this stage of their respective careers, Ulis is by FAR a better player than Bledsoe? Sounds pretty hot takeish to me
Sorry. Didn’t mean to sound like I was being sensational. But what I said was that I think that Ulis is a much better point guard than Bledsoe. I’ve seen the past 2 seasons watching Bledsoe pound the ball into the ground until there are 6 seconds left and then either hoisting up a shot or forcing a bad pass. Ulis is a pass-first PG, while I think that Bledsoe isn’t. Bledsoe is a very athletic player (who’s hurt too much for my taste, but that’s another story), but I think he’s just not a really good PG. And the Suns need someone who looks to distribute first. For me, that’s Ulis.
I could get behind Bledsoe for Okafor and a first outside of the lottery. I’m not sure exactly what PHI has for firsts other than the best of theirs/SAC’s but maybe it’s a future first or a three teamer.
Maybe Philly sends McConnell or someone to replace Bledsoe’s minutes.
Ulis has been a pleasant surprise but saying he is far better than Bledsoe is a little bit over the top.