Semi-OT: Alexis Ajinca "very available"

[BrianFromWA]

In the Shaq blurb on Rumor Central it says that DAL has 4 centers and that Ajinca is "very available"

With or without an official deal for Jefferson, Shaquille O’Neal remains by far the biggest available name on the open market … with Tracy McGrady and Allen Iverson next in line on reputation. The Mavericks have abandoned the idea of a Shaq signing completely -- “He is out,” according to one team source -- since they have four centers currently on the roster until they can move the very available Alexis Ajinca. Atlanta, then, stands as the only team with a confirmed “live” interest in O’Neal. But Shaq, at last report, still wants assurances of a healthy slice of playing time as well as a salary that starts above the $5.8 million mid-level exception, which can be achieved through a sign-and-trade with Cleveland. No team out there, including Atlanta, is known to be willing to pay Shaq more than $2 million for next season.

I know he's seen as a stiff (he has a 7 PER and a 103 Drtg) , but he's a project French big guy who has experience playing with Batum and Parker. I don't know that he's worth giving Rudy to DAL for, but there might be a way...

 

[Natebishop3]

This raises a whole other point: why would anyone want Shaq?

 

[RR7]

Man what a horrible pick that was. I remember Ford having him going to us at 13 in some of his mocks that year.

 

[Natebishop3]

The article basically says that Shaq, AI, and T-Mac all want to go to Miami, but the Heat want nothing to do with them. I don't blame Riley, I wouldn't want those has-been prima donnas on my team either. AI wouldn't last a month, Shaq would bitch about minutes, and T-Mac would sit on the injured list for most of the season.

 

[Charcoal Filtered]

We also have four centers. No need for another.

I also find it funny that Shaq thinks he can go back to Miami. He did not leave on good terms.

 

[LameR]

The article basically says that Shaq, AI, and T-Mac all want to go to Miami, but the Heat want nothing to do with them. I don't blame Riley, I wouldn't want those has-been prima donnas on my team either. AI wouldn't last a month, Shaq would bitch about minutes, and T-Mac would sit on the injured list for most of the season.

I could actually see AI working out, but it's not gonna happen.

 

[BGrantFan]

Call me nuts, but Shaq at the MLE for a year or two seems like a bargain for a team in contention that is thin up front (Boston comes to mind, or even OKC, though they are further away from contention).

Old as he is, Shaq still put up an 18 PER last year, and he actually played solid defense for the first time in four years. He's nuts if he thinks he's getting anything over the MLE, though.

 

[BGrantFan]

The article basically says that Shaq, AI, and T-Mac all want to go to Miami, but the Heat want nothing to do with them. I don't blame Riley, I wouldn't want those has-been prima donnas on my team either. AI wouldn't last a month, Shaq would bitch about minutes, and T-Mac would sit on the injured list for most of the season.

That would be hilarious. Three Olympians in their prime, and three Olympians way past their prime. The Lakers tried an abridged version of this when they signed on Payton and Malone for that season, and while it didn't work out, it was fun to watch.

 

[Idog1976]

In the Shaq blurb on Rumor Central it says that DAL has 4 centers and that Ajinca is "very available"

I know he's seen as a stiff (he has a 7 PER and a 103 Drtg) , but he's a project French big guy who has experience playing with Batum and Parker. I don't know that he's worth giving Rudy to DAL for, but there might be a way...

Out with Spanis Putos and Vive Le France!!!!

 

[Charcoal Filtered]

Call me nuts, but Shaq at the MLE for a year or two seems like a bargain for a team in contention that is thin up front (Boston comes to mind, or even OKC, though they are further away from contention).

Old as he is, Shaq still put up an 18 PER last year, and he actually played solid defense for the first time in four years. He's nuts if he thinks he's getting anything over the MLE, though.

Also note he is 38 and any multi-year contract would have luxury tax implications.

Boston already used its MLE and I do not see Cleveland helping them. Think OKC used the cap space they had with the Peterson trade.

I look for Shaq to sign with a team that is having attendance problems.

 

[BGrantFan]

Also note he is 38 and any multi-year contract would have luxury tax implications.

Boston already used its MLE and I do not see Cleveland helping them. Think OKC used the cap space they had with the Peterson trade.

I look for Shaq to sign with a team that is having attendance problems.

Yeah, I know that those teams have used up their MLE (Boston) and cap space (OKC), but I think Shaq would help either of them.

At this point, does he just retire and wait to see if a team signs him next spring for a title run?

 

[Reep]

At this point, does he just retire and wait to see if a team signs him next spring for a title run?

If he doesn't play the first half of the season, he will come it at about 400 lbs. If he really wants to make more money then he should hire a trainer and a nutritionist and stay in shape. Guaranteed someone would pay him if he was in shape. I think I could be motivated to stay in shape for a few million dollars.

 

[Nikolokolus]

Ajinca is a total stiff. So ... trading Rudy for him is probably pretty close to being fair.

 

[Charcoal Filtered]

At this point, does he just retire and wait to see if a team signs him next spring for a title run?

If I were him, I would be exploring sign and trade options. If he waits, his price continues to slide.

 

[Charcoal Filtered]

BGF, on second thought a trade to Boston might work out pretty well. If the league allows them to trade Rasheed and then let the receiving team write off his contract, it could be attractive to a team and a three way could be worked.

It would also help Gilbert keep his promise of Lebron never winning a championship. I think it would be hilarious if Gilbert gave the top team in the East every year a sweet deal at the February deadline.

Also took your recommendation on reading The Accidental Zillionaire. Good read.

 

[Natebishop3]

BGF, on second thought a trade to Boston might work out pretty well. If the league allows them to trade Rasheed and then let the receiving team write off his contract, it could be attractive to a team and a three way could be worked.

It would also help Gilbert keep his promise of Lebron never winning a championship. I think it would be hilarious if Gilbert gave the top team in the East every year a sweet deal at the February deadline.

Also took your recommendation on reading The Accidental Zillionaire. Good read.

Man... I think it's going to be VERY hard to beat the Heat, no matter who is handed to the opposing team. Unless someone has the Dinobots up their sleeve, I don't think anyone is going to take down Devastator.

[video=youtube;77jiIWuVvT0]

 

[Charcoal Filtered]

Man... I think it's going to be VERY hard to beat the Heat, no matter who is handed to the opposing team. Unless someone has the Dinobots up their sleeve, I don't think anyone is going to take down Devastator.

Until KG fully acts his age, I still like Boston. Trading Wallace and Perkins for Varejao and Shaq would make them favorites.
Orlando and Chicago could also pose problems.

Gilbert could also make the Lakers better. Until proven otherwise, they are still the champs and Cleveland making them better could not hurt.

 

[BGrantFan]

Until KG fully acts his age, I still like Boston. Trading Wallace and Perkins for Varejao and Shaq would make them favorites.
Orlando and Chicago could also pose problems.

Gilbert could also make the Lakers better. Until proven otherwise, they are still the champs and Cleveland making them better could not hurt.

I really hope that happens. I agree in thinking that team would be a favorite of the Heat, who may not be as good as people think they will be next year.

 

[Natebishop3]

I really hope that happens. I agree in thinking that team would be a favorite of the Heat, who may not be as good as people think they will be next year.

I guess it really all depends on how the NBA refs the Heat. Are they going to hand them games on a silver platter?

This is Wade by himself... imagine what it will be like with LeBron and Bosh.

[video=youtube;aySGUzzxjGE]

 

[ehizzy3]

lol i was at that game. the refs were getting killed by the RG.....that little thing showing the score is old school lol