Re: Mark Blount "Instrument" and other miscellaneous thoughts (long)

[Mark Piotrowski <markp@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

On Mar 2, 2004, at 1:07 PM, R. Singh wrote:

> Mark,
>
> If Blount is an unrestricted free agent, Boston cannot protect him.  So
> that slot could be filled by Atkins.  From what I've read, Charlotte is
> interested in building around young, low priced players so I don't see
> them selecting LaFrentz if he were left unprotected.
>
> Assuming Blount is unrestricted (I don't know for sure), I'd protect:
>
> Banks
> Davis
> Hunter
> Mihm
> Perkins
> Pierce
> Welsch
> Atkins
>
> ...and speculate that Jumaine Jones gets selected by Charlotte.  The
> only issue assuming the Celtics are that high on LaFrentz is the
> scenario in which the Bobcats take LaFrentz and then trade him to a 
> team
> that wants him. For the big money he's making, I'm not sure how
> realistic that scenario is however.

In my opinion though you take that risk and protect Atkins -- who's on 
for smaller money.

I don't necessarily want to lose Raef,but the worst case scenario is 
that LaFrentz gets taken -- but we end up with alot more capspace -- 
maybe even enough to steal Okur or R. Wallace from Detroit -- and/or 
are in a much better position to take on a bigger salary player (like 
McGrady just to be silly) via a trade.

And at that point how silly would getting McGrady be?  Would  2 picks + 
next years #1 +Ricky Davis + Jiri Welsch get it done?  Or what about 
Zach Randolph or Steve Francis?

I'm sure Ainge doesn't want to lose LaFrentz -- but if it meant gaining 
a considerable amount of capspace -- i don't think he'd mind.

Look for Raef to be unprotected -- and unselected.