OT: Sessions worried about Telfair

[Tince]

http://basketball.realgm.com/src_wi...726/sessions_worried_about_competition_in_la/

Sessions is fine with Baron Davis, but doesn't want to share the court, and playing time, with both Davis and Sebastian Telfair.

Los Angeles may have to move Telfair, who they recently landed in a trade with Minnesota, if they want sign Sessions.

And people think highly of a guy who isn't confident that he could clearly beat out Telfair?

I think that should answer your question to why you never heard rumblings about us signing Session. The kid isn't nearly as good as people want to think he is.

 

[Sheldon Shape]

I think that should answer your question to why you never heard rumblings about us signing Session. The kid isn't nearly as good as people want to think he is.

I guess by that standard Chris Paul wasn't very good either because he also had issues with going to Portland because of Sebastian Telfair. Way to prove absolutely nothing.

 

[illmatic99]

I guess by that standard Chris Paul wasn't very good either because he also had issues with going to Portland because of Sebastian Telfair. Way to prove absolutely nothing.

Ha!

That's pretty much what I was thinking.

 

[Nikolokolus]

Shit, the Clips also have Eric Gordon who plays a little bit of combo guard, I would be worried too if I were Sessions, but not because of competition, but because I was about to sign a contract with historically the worst franchise in NBA history.

This actually reinforced for me just how smart Sessions must be.

 

[Tince]

I guess by that standard Chris Paul wasn't very good either because he also had issues with going to Portland because of Sebastian Telfair. Way to prove absolutely nothing.

If you think a college player being concerned of a young starting PG hurting his chances of succeeding is the same as an NBA PG being scared of a 2nd or 3rd string PG; then yes, it's exactly the same.

He's going to have a hard time finding a team that has a worse backup PG than Telfair.

 

[Sheldon Shape]

Shit, the Clips also have Eric Gordon who plays a little bit of combo guard, I would be worried too if I were Sessions, but not because of competition, but because I was about to sign a contract with historically the worst franchise in NBA history.

This actually reinforced for me just how smart Sessions must be.

If Pritchard was smart, he could make the PG position as one of our strongest positions for the team for a long long time. It's pretty good right now, but with Miller's high mileage we are going to start wondering who will take over for him when the going gets tough. I like Bayless, but I don't ever see him becoming the PG this team needs. Pritch could come in and swoop Sessions up and stick him behind Miller. That would be a thing of beauty where I would no longer worry about the position.

 

[Sheldon Shape]

If you think a college player being concerned of a young starting PG hurting his chances of succeeding is the same as an NBA PG being scared of a 2nd or 3rd string PG; then yes, it's exactly the same.

He's going to have a hard time finding a team that has a worse backup PG than Telfair.

Telfair was a fairly productive player last year. I wouldn't count him out entirely. He'll actually be one of the better backups in the league at the PG position IMO.

 

[Ed O]

And people think highly of a guy who isn't confident that he could clearly beat out Telfair?

I think that should answer your question to why you never heard rumblings about us signing Session. The kid isn't nearly as good as people want to think he is.

I don't think that your argument holds any water here, man.

Why would Sessions want to go to the CLIPPERS, of all places, to compete with two other starting-ish level PGs?

Ed O.

 

[Nikolokolus]

If Pritchard was smart, he could make the PG position as one of our strongest positions for the team for a long long time. It's pretty good right now, but with Miller's high mileage we are going to start wondering who will take over for him when the going gets tough. I like Bayless, but I don't ever see him becoming the PG this team needs. Pritch could come in and swoop Sessions up and stick him behind Miller. That would be a thing of beauty where I would no longer worry about the position.

I don't think KP will do anything else drastic at the point guard spot 1) because he's shown he's pretty reluctant to move Blake or Bayless and 2) as much as I like Sessions having him play behind Miller (or vice versa in a year or two) seems pretty unlikely in that they are very close to being mirror images of each other (albeit vastly different levels of experience) and I don't think it's much in KPs philosophy to carry multiple players at one position who can't shoot the long ball.

As for my own preference I'd be exstatic to see Blake and Jerryd signed and traded for Sessions, but it aint happening.

 

[Tince]

Telfair was a fairly productive player last year. I wouldn't count him out entirely. He'll actually be one of the better backups in the league at the PG position IMO.

IMO, there is no way he's in the top half off backup PG's in the league.

 

[MadeFromDust]

I guess by that standard Chris Paul wasn't very good either because he also had issues with going to Portland because of Sebastian Telfair. Way to prove absolutely nothing.

Well to be fair, at the time many people thought Telfair was on the verge of busting out, and Paul was unproven.

 

[Tince]

I don't think that your argument holds any water here, man.

Why would Sessions want to go to the CLIPPERS, of all places, to compete with two other starting-ish level PGs?

Ed O.

I have no problem that he doesn't want to backup Davis.

I have issue with the fact that he doesn't think he's clearly better than Telfair. Telfair in no way, shape, or form should be considered a "starting-ish" PG on any team worth their salt. If he thinks he's a top 40 PG in the NBA, he shouldn't even be concerned with him. If he doesn't think he's a top 40 PG, then you can understand why Portland would think he's better than Blake or has more potential than Bayless, and therefore isn't willing to throw tons of cash at him.

 

[Minstrel]

And people think highly of a guy who isn't confident that he could clearly beat out Telfair?

I think that should answer your question to why you never heard rumblings about us signing Session. The kid isn't nearly as good as people want to think he is.

Your quote said nothing about Sessions' fearing he couldn't "beat out" Telfair. It said that he didn't want to share playing time with Telfair (in addition to Davis). If he thinks the Clippers like Telfair and plan to give him minutes, it would cut into Davis' and Sessions' minutes, no matter what the depth chart is.

 

[Sheldon Shape]

IMO, there is no way he's in the top half off backup PG's in the league.

It's certainly debatable, but at his age and what he has already done I would probably take him over more than half of second string PGs. Sessions is certainly better, and depending on the makeup of your team you might even prefer him to Baron Davis but I can see where his reservations come from. For whatever reason, there doesn't seem to be much interest for him right now which boggles my mind. If I were him, I would sign a 1 year deal and prove it. Unfortunate for him, it likely won't happen under Scott Skiles as he got a pretty raw deal last season. He's in a tough position.

 

[Tince]

Your quote said nothing about Sessions' fearing he couldn't "beat out" Telfair. It said that he didn't want to share playing time with Telfair (in addition to Davis). If he thinks the Clippers like Telfair and plan to give him minutes, it would cut into Davis' and Sessions' minutes, no matter what the depth chart is.

That makes zero sense to me.

If Baron is healthy and playing 32mpg, then there is only 16 minutes left for the backup PG. If Sessions couldn't beat out Telfair, then it's possible you'd see a situation like we had last year with Sergio and Bayless. However, my point is, that if Sessions is any good, he would easily take all of Telfair's minutes, therefore Telfair wouldn't affect his PT.

 

[Sheldon Shape]

I have no problem that he doesn't want to backup Davis.

I have issue with the fact that he doesn't think he's clearly better than Telfair. Telfair in no way, shape, or form should be considered a "starting-ish" PG on any team worth their salt. If he thinks he's a top 40 PG in the NBA, he shouldn't even be concerned with him. If he doesn't think he's a top 40 PG, then you can understand why Portland would think he's better than Blake or has more potential than Bayless, and therefore isn't willing to throw tons of cash at him.

It could also be that Ramon is overly sensitive. If you followed him last season, you would know he got about as much as a raw deal as anyone can get when it came to getting minutes. Even Bucks fans were dumbfounded at the limited minutes Sessions got when the alternative was Ridnour. Ramon clearly outplayed Luke Ridnour and still for the most part, got his minutes cut in favor of him by Scott Skiles. Some were suggesting that the Bucks organization were artificially trying to keep Sessions' value low when it came to contract time in the summer. It seems to have worked to some extent.

 

[Tince]

It's certainly debatable, but at his age and what he has already done I would probably take him over more than half of second string PGs. Sessions is certainly better, and depending on the makeup of your team you might even prefer him to Baron Davis but I can see where his reservations come from. For whatever reason, there doesn't seem to be much interest for him right now which boggles my mind. If I were him, I would sign a 1 year deal and prove it. Unfortunate for him, it likely won't happen under Scott Skiles as he got a pretty raw deal last season. He's in a tough position.

What are the odds that a young, unsigned, talented PG, with added potential would be unsigned heading in August?

If we're talking MLE money, and there isn't 1 team willing to pay him that much, that tells me he probably doesn't hold all the characteristics I listed above.

 

[Tince]

It could also be that Ramon is overly sensitive. If you followed him last season, you would know he got about as much as a raw deal as anyone can get when it came to getting minutes. Even Bucks fans were dumbfounded at the limited minutes Sessions got when the alternative was Ridnour. Ramon clearly outplayed Luke Ridnour and still for the most part, got his minutes cut in favor of him by Scott Skiles. Some were suggesting that the Bucks organization were artificially trying to keep Sessions' value low when it came to contract time in the summer. It seems to have worked to some extent.

1) That would be one horrible way to run a team. Not saying that the Bucks couldn't do such a thing!

2) The odds of "slipping" this past professional scouts and GM's is near impossible in my opinion.

3) Skiles would have to be given some serious job security to willingly bench a guy who is supposedly way better, just to save the organization some cash.

 

[Minstrel]

That makes zero sense to me.

If Baron is healthy and playing 32mpg, then there is only 16 minutes left for the backup PG. If Sessions couldn't beat out Telfair, then it's possible you'd see a situation like we had last year with Sergio and Bayless. However, my point is, that if Sessions is any good, he would easily take all of Telfair's minutes, therefore Telfair wouldn't affect his PT.

Even though Sessions would beat out Telfair, they'd all get minutes. The Clippers aren't going to pay Telfair not to play. Davis may get 30, leaving 18 on the table. If Sessions were the only other point guard on the team, he would get all 18 minutes. With another NBA-level point guard, he'll get less than 18. Even if it's not much less, 18 is already small. Every minute less is a problem.

He said nothing about fearing that he'd be behind Telfair on the depth chart. Just that he didn't want to share minutes with two other point guards.

 

[Sheldon Shape]

1) That would be one horrible way to run a team. Not saying that the Bucks couldn't do such a thing!

2) The odds of "slipping" this past professional scouts and GM's is near impossible in my opinion.

3) Skiles would have to be given some serious job security to willingly bench a guy who is supposedly way better, just to save the organization some cash.

Have you ever thought the Bucks organization is there to win? I haven't. Like I said, it was puzzling to most Bucks fans that Skiles often favored Ridnour over Sessions. The Bucks are a horribly run team, I don't think that's disputable. I have no idea what's going on with Sessions, if it's anything less than a known drug addiction then I think it's mind boggling as to why there's not more interest out there. I'm not willing to say me and so many others were wrong about his prospects but we'll see how he does next season. I hope for his sake he's given an opportunity, and unfortunate for him I don't think he will if he's retained by the Bucks.

 

[Ed O]

What are the odds that a young, unsigned, talented PG, with added potential would be unsigned heading in August?

If we're talking MLE money, and there isn't 1 team willing to pay him that much, that tells me he probably doesn't hold all the characteristics I listed above.

No one is offering MLE because they believe it will be matched. That is MUCH more believable than that no team thinks he's worth the MLE.

David Lee hasn't got any offers, either, that are confirmed. What are the odds that he would be unsigned? Or Marvin Williams?

Restricted free agency is a bitch.

Ed O.

 

[Minstrel]

If you want Sessions, it's silly to offer him a contract now. If he signs it and Milwaukee matches, Sessions is lost to you.

If you don't sign him to a contract, Milwaukee has nothing to match. He can then play out one more season on the qualifying offer and be unrestricted next season. At which point, teams can offer him deals and be certain to get him if he signs.

Offering him a deal now that he would accept ensures you won't get him, if you think Milwaukee plans to match (as many do). Not offering him a deal means that there is a possibility that he will be available next year.

That's the simplest explanation for why a young, productive point guard is still unsigned.

 

[Tince]

Even though Sessions would beat out Telfair, they'd all get minutes. The Clippers aren't going to pay Telfair not to play. Davis may get 30, leaving 18 on the table. If Sessions were the only other point guard on the team, he would get all 18 minutes. With another NBA-level point guard, he'll get less than 18. Even if it's not much less, 18 is already small. Every minute less is a problem.

He said nothing about fearing that he'd be behind Telfair on the depth chart. Just that he didn't want to share minutes with two other point guards.

There are plenty of guys in the NBA that don't play (and they all get paid for it).

I'm sure they traded that crap bag-of-crap Richardson for Telfair with the thought that he would be their backup. However, they would be CRAZY to get him a minute if he wasn't at the same level as the other 2 PG's on their roster.

Do you really think Dunleavey is going to plays Mark Madson because they traded for him this summer?

 

[Tince]

No one is offering MLE because they believe it will be matched. That is MUCH more believable than that no team thinks he's worth the MLE.

David Lee hasn't got any offers, either, that are confirmed. What are the odds that he would be unsigned? Or Marvin Williams?

Restricted free agency is a bitch.

Ed O.

I'm not sure who is saying this. I could be reading it wrong, and you are saying that this is your assumption.

I agree RFA is a bitch. Backing up Luke Ridnour must be a bitch too.

 

[Minstrel]

There are plenty of guys in the NBA that don't play (and they all get paid for it).

I'm sure they traded that crap bag-of-crap Richardson for Telfair with the thought that he would be their backup. However, they would be CRAZY to get him a minute if he wasn't at the same level as the other 2 PG's on their roster.

Do you really think Dunleavey is going to plays Mark Madson because they traded for him this summer?

Telfair might not play, but I think he'll get at least a few minutes. Most rotation players get at least a few minutes per game, and I suspect the Clippers see Telfair as a rotation player. Sessions might be being overly paranoid, but when he's already going to lose a majority of minutes to Davis, I can't blame him for worrying that even the relatively small remaining minutes left by Davis might be cut into slightly. The Clippers, in any case, don't seem like an ideal situation (Davis already there, the Clippers are a horrendous organization)...the presence of another NBA point guard who might get minutes is just another negative.

 

[barfo]

What are the odds that a young, unsigned, talented PG, with added potential would be unsigned heading in August?

100%?

barfo

 

[Tince]

100%?

barfo

 

[Ed O]

I'm not sure who is saying this. I could be reading it wrong, and you are saying that this is your assumption.

Wait... who's saying ANYTHING about him? Isn't this whole thread based on assumptions?

I think that my assumptions make a lot more sense than yours.

I'm still waiting to hear why him remaining unsigned means anything given the inability of almost every other RFA to get a new contract.

Ed O.

 

[BrianFromWA]

To be fair, he might also be bringing up Telfair b/c it's a lot more polite than saying "are you effing kidding me? Have you seen the Clippers? Ha Ha Ha!"

 

[PapaG]

If you want Sessions, it's silly to offer him a contract now. If he signs it and Milwaukee matches, Sessions is lost to you.

If you don't sign him to a contract, Milwaukee has nothing to match. He can then play out one more season on the qualifying offer and be unrestricted next season. At which point, teams can offer him deals and be certain to get him if he signs.

Offering him a deal now that he would accept ensures you won't get him, if you think Milwaukee plans to match (as many do). Not offering him a deal means that there is a possibility that he will be available next year.

That's the simplest explanation for why a young, productive point guard is still unsigned.

Well, there's that, and then there is also that none of the teams that could do so offered him a contract that the Bucks would not match. A Millsap-esque offer, and Sessions is a Blazer. Clearly the team felt that Sessions added little, since Portland could have had him quite easily by simply tranferring the Millsap offer to Sessions.