I've been reading some of the Asik trade rumors and I'm stunned at some of the names being thrown around. One rumor was Asik to Boston for Jeff Green, Brandon Bass, and a draft pick. http://espn.go.com/blog/marc-stein/post/_/id/779/omer-asik-talks-progressing That just blows me away. Supposedly Philadelphia is another team that's in the running. I can only imagine it's something like Hawes and Turner. This got me thinking, what would Lopez be worth on the open market after the season he's having? We got him for Jeff Withey, a future second, and cash considerations. What a steal. It's amazing to me what Neil was able to pull off last summer. I wouldn't trade the guy. No way. I'm just curious how much his value has gone up since last summer.
I don't know man... it just doesn't make sense to me. I like Asik, I think he's a good player on the right team, but he's not a star. He and Lopez are actually very comparable. Asik is a better defender, and Robin is a better offensive player.
You know how lazy I can be......especially on 4 hours of sleep and working 30 hours the last 2 days....... but what is Robin averaging this season and what is his contract status?
Current averages (which are improving every damn game) 9.6 ppg, 8.4 boards, 1.6 blocks 52% on FG and 78% on FT (which I love)
His contract is just a little under $6 million this year, and a little over $6 million next year. He's a free agent after next season.
The funny thing is, he's averaging less points than last year, but WAY more boards. Also, his offensive rating is through the roof, and his defensive rating is also improved. Last year he averaged 11.3 ppg, 5.6 rebounds, his offensive rating was 114 and his defensive rating was 110. This year his offensive rating is 123 and his defensive rating is 105.
I consider myself very knowledgeable about the game......pretty much a genius, but the O and D rating thing flat out confuses me! He could keep his averages what they are right now and I will be thrilled!
His Cap Hold is $10 mil after this season and next. Perhaps the question should be is he worth his cap hold in 2 years? I say yes. I'll have 2 full seasons to judge before making any proclamations beyond that.
It's a manufactured stat and you're better off just going with your experience watching him play. Those kind of stats only carry a ton of weight for people that don't follow Portland religiously like us. So, if you're confused, you're not missing anything.
His best attributes don't come via stats. A smart player, a 7 footer who plays like one and an enforcer down low.
Watching him direct and lead guys on Defense from TReb to LA when they get turned around or lose their man is what I like most about him.
The Blazers probably value Lopez more than any other team right now. It pays to play along side the best big man in the NBA.
Yep. I like Lopez a lot, but if there's one thing Tim Duncan has have proven over the years is that you can put a ho-hum blue collar big man next to a stud PF and he'll look pretty good. Defend, set picks, screen, rebound, take only wide open shots, and get the fuck out of the way. Essentially, be really really big. To his credit, he's not bad at it, and he does it without getting in lots of foul trouble. I think the league probably realizes that. Most smart teams would probably pay him more, but he's still a $7-$9m/year player. Unless, of course, New York has some means of throwing ridiculous money around. "Market value" gets interesting when you deal with retarded rich people.
I would have never guessed that he would be 10/10 guy. I know not yet but he is essentially headed that direct. How many times have we said. "If we could just get a 10/10 that blocks a few shots a game ..." Presto ....
Repped for that picture alone. Love the way his hair looks there. Reminds me of Yahoo Serious (anyone else remember that guy?!).
