Does Cleveland Need Stoudemire, Jamison, or Maggette?
The Cleveland Cavaliers are becoming the epicenter of NBA trade talk. While deals are starting to materialize, rumors surrounding Amare Stoudemire, Antawn Jamison, and Corey Maggette are starting to get some legs under them.
Zydrunas Ilgauskas is Clevleland’s largest trade chip, with his $11.6 million contract. The intention and hope is he will be waived and return to Cleveland in 30 days.
Realistically, does Cleveland need to make a deal? They have the best record in the NBA, after all. Why risk destroying the chemistry that obviously worked well enough to get them here?
Does everyone forget that they annihilated the Lakers back on Christmas day, 102-87? That is great chemistry we are talking about here.
Here is a brief breakdown on what each player potentially represents to the Cavs and their chemistry.
- Stoudemire to Cleveland would make LeBron the happiest. (Credit: picapp.com)
I understand what Amar’e Stoudemire offers Cleveland: Another offensively skilled big man to combat against the Lakers length during a potential 7 grueling games against the Lakers in the NBA Finals.
However, Stoudemire is somewhat of defensive liability, due partially to never having to develop into a good defender because of Phoenix’s offense structure. I consider that a major asterisk.
It is also rumored that Miami is taking the lead in all Stoudemire trade discussions.
- How do you know I am going all the way to the rim. (Credit: picapp.com)
Corey Maggette is the worst option for Cleveland. He is the ultimate team chemistry killer. Just watch him play, and you should soon agree.
8 out of 10 times, he puts his head down, and forces his way to the rim to draw fouls. The other 2 out of 10 times, he gets an assist or a turnover. The numbers don’t lie, he averages exactly 2.5 turnovers and 2.5 assists on the season.
You might be thinking, “Gee, what’s wrong with that? Drawing fouls hurts the other team, and gives us free throws!” I concede this to be true, however, it murders overall team motivation when he does it consistently, and looks to pass once he has left himself no other option.But this causes teammates to incur a substantial dip in motivation.
Selfish players kill team chemistry. Just watch a Warriors game once and watch the body language of the other 4 Warriors once Maggette has the ball. A lot of standing and watching going on.
Do you think LeBron would want to stay in Cleveland knowing Maggette is under contract 3 additional years after this season, and after Maggette murdered the team’s chemistry?
- Jamison is a world class teammate that will only help the Cavs. (Credit: picapp.com)
Antawn Jamison looks like the best trade prospect for the Cavaliers. His reputation for being a leader and a great teammate precede him. He is the best fit that would not ruffle feathers and is conscious enough to know his role.
He would help Cleveland win 4 more games, according to John Hollinger’s calculations. Jamison is unselfish, a great rebounder, and deadly from downtown, all valuable assets come playoff time.
However, the Wizards will likely seek future draft picks, and some form of youth to dump Jamison and his contract. It is unlikely they will get that from Cleveland.
Which player do you think is the best fit? Take the poll!
Loading ...Similar Posts:
Tue, Feb 16, 2010 by Adam Sedie
News, Opinions, Trades, Transactions