handiman
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Problem #1: Oden's future is a huge question mark lingering over the franchise. Can't give up on him but can't build around him...
Problem #2: Aldridge needs to play close to the rim to be at his best, which means a Camby-like complimentary big to defend/rebound and play the high post on offense.
Problem #3: Oden clearly is not the player to solve #2 and Camby doesn't have many years left.
Solution: Identify a long-term replacement for Camby, using Oden as very tantalizing trade bait. A big man without an overwhelming inside game is somewhat attainable, albeit not a dime a dozen... Okur and Love types, for example. (I'm not sure about Love's defense, but put him in a good team environment and he may be passable.) I'd have to give some thought to who else out there fits the bill. The point is, this sort of half skill set is reasonably likely to be moved if the price is right.
Oden might just be tempting enough for a team to pull the trigger on. Doing so makes us more balanced, building around Aldridge. The only concern then is the "what if" with Oden ... what if he stays healthy and blows up? Then we have to contend with him. But if we have 5+ years of 30/10 out of Aldridge and 10/10 out of a complimentary high post center, that seems like a risk worth taking.
Problem #2: Aldridge needs to play close to the rim to be at his best, which means a Camby-like complimentary big to defend/rebound and play the high post on offense.
Problem #3: Oden clearly is not the player to solve #2 and Camby doesn't have many years left.
Solution: Identify a long-term replacement for Camby, using Oden as very tantalizing trade bait. A big man without an overwhelming inside game is somewhat attainable, albeit not a dime a dozen... Okur and Love types, for example. (I'm not sure about Love's defense, but put him in a good team environment and he may be passable.) I'd have to give some thought to who else out there fits the bill. The point is, this sort of half skill set is reasonably likely to be moved if the price is right.
Oden might just be tempting enough for a team to pull the trigger on. Doing so makes us more balanced, building around Aldridge. The only concern then is the "what if" with Oden ... what if he stays healthy and blows up? Then we have to contend with him. But if we have 5+ years of 30/10 out of Aldridge and 10/10 out of a complimentary high post center, that seems like a risk worth taking.