Nas wrote:
FavreFan wrote:
Nas is right that Amarfe could easily average 30 ppg in any conference no matter how tough. Hes as gifted a low post scorer as there is in this league in my opinion. Aldridge is a nice player, but Amare is much better when motivated. I am curious, however, as to why you think his rebounding would go up to above 10 rpg. My biggest issues with Amare is rebounding and defense. Havent Boston and mainly San Antonio regularly proved that those elements are much more fundamental in winning a championship? I wouldnt give Amare max money for those reasons alone. Except for the 2004 Pistons you dont win an NBA championship without one of the best players in the league who gives a max effort every night. Im not even wasting my time on 2010 yet because way too much can and will happen between now and that summer, but I wouldnt gamble my franchises future and possibly Rose's prime on Amare maturing and making it happen on both ends of the floor.
Who said anything about giving him a max deal? What would be the gamble? Giving up Tyrus? What other alternative is there now? Did Pax get a guarantee from LeBron or Bosh that they would sign in 2010? You would know right away if he was motivated. I think there would be more rebounding opportunities based on the supporting cast. He played on a Suns team where defense wasn't really that important. However I do remember him playing great defense against guys like Duncan. I also think he would be motivated the way he was at the end of last season and the beginning of this year when he was the primary low post option. Either way it would be a two year gamble at worse (if he doesn't opt out). By that time I believe he would have proven he was worth a new contract. A Rose and Amare tandem would look really good.
Im too lazy and the internet is too slow here for me to feel like going back in the thread, but I thought people were talking about giving him a max deal. If we could get away with an extension in the 4 year/$50 million range that'd be fantastic(do those number look familiar?) I dont recall the great defense on Duncan you speak of. I recall a few years back him being able to do whatever he wanted offensively against Duncan, imo the best post defender of the past decade with apologies to KG. I think he's extremely gifted offensively. But I dont think its all an effort thing on the defensive end. I mean thats part of it. I just dont think hes a good defender when he tries hard. In fact I think he is definitely below average. His timing is off and, his rotation is bad to non-existent, and his footwork isnt as good as it should be for someone that athletic. Serriously, notice the difference between him and someone like Duncan in those areas, Also I dont think his rebounds will go up despite the Bulls lack of other big rebounders because he doesnt seem interested nor really ever has in that facet of the game. Also he's coming from a Phoenix team that has never stressed defense, but does this Bulls team stress defense? They may pay lip service to it, but I havent really ever seen it the past couple years.
I too have no problem getting rid of Tyrus. We agree that everyone except Rose is an expendable commodity.