Comments on: With All Eyes Watching, Three Free Agents-to-Be That are Stepping Up

By: Zachariah Blott

Zachariah Blott — Mon, 11 May 2009 22:45:49 +0000

I’m not sure the Jazz can afford Ariza. They already have $71m on the books next year, and that’s split between only 9 guys. Also, Paul Millsap is a free agent and will demand well over $800k.

By: Brian Spencer

Brian Spencer — Mon, 11 May 2009 03:58:26 +0000

Great points, SD… we have another piece on a few of this summer’s unrestricted (and second tier) free agents coming up this week. Safe to say that after tonight’s game-winner, Big Baby’s asking price took another leap.

By: SD

SD — Mon, 11 May 2009 03:10:24 +0000

What’s interesting is that all three of those guys were McDonald’s All Americans and all were chosen much lower than they were projected in the 2004, 2005 and 2007 NBA Drafts.

Trevor Ariza was a STUD in L.A. as a high school kid, came out a little early and was scooped up by Isiah; New York had to trade him to clear salary, as did Orlando, though no team really wanted to part with him.

Vakeaton Wafer was the same way in the 2003 high school class and was probably underscouted and a bit immature coming out; he’s now coming into his own.

Baby was just underappreciated, and now he’s making people look silly for not taking him higher in the Draft. Glen was always good, but he’s really proving that he’s worth the future investment.

By: UtesFan89

UtesFan89 — Mon, 11 May 2009 01:28:35 +0000

What about Ariza to the Jazz? Could definitely use help defensively. And not looking for a scorer, but I’m pretty sure he’s more reliable offensively than CJ Miles.

By: Zachariah Blott

Zachariah Blott — Sun, 10 May 2009 16:17:00 +0000

Portland fans and media are expecting a much better post-season next year, especially since 3 of their top-8 are rookies. Fernandez’s contract, like pretty much every Blazer’s, is only guaranteed for next year. However, the team has a very cheap option on his deal through 2012, so he should be in Portland for a while.

http://hoopshype.com/salaries/portland.htm

By: r.i.p_petrovic

r.i.p_petrovic — Sun, 10 May 2009 10:35:20 +0000

Correct; it was in fact late in the third, and not the fourth. Ariza didnt start flexing and taunting Fernandez, he was yelling back and forth with Roy. I guess you do have a point about Blazers fans not wanting him there though.

You might also find that if Portland doesn’t improve in the playoffs next year, some roster shuffling may be required. It will be interesting to see if the Blazers management also shares that love for Fernandez by locking him down. What are his current contract details?

By: Zachariah Blott

Zachariah Blott — Sun, 10 May 2009 08:24:07 +0000

About this Ariza-Fernandez incident:
1) It was in the THIRD quarter.
2) Ariza is significantly larger than Fernandez.
3) Fernandez was in the air after sprinting the court at full speed. He was also directly in front of Ariza, so there was no way for him to see that his head and elbow were about to be swiped by the larger defender, resulting in a crash landing on his side. He was defenseless.
4) Regardless of Ariza’s intentions, the play was incredibly dangerous and reckless. The results speak for themselves.
5) Ariza immediately started flexing/taunting/whatever you want to call it.
6) Fernandez is loved in Portland. There is NO WAY Blazers fans would accept Ariza.

By: r.i.p_petrovic

r.i.p_petrovic — Sun, 10 May 2009 03:52:57 +0000

1. Ariza did not “wipe out” Rudy. Portland was up big late in the fourth and were looking to add insult to injury, so when Rudy went for a breakaway dunk, he simply committed a hard foul. It didn’t look like anything personal; I don’t see how this would stop him from playing for Portland next season.

2. Von Wafer will most likely get payed too much for what he does if he gets a new deal (although I do think he’s worth more than his current salary). He lacks consistency.

3. Davis, similar to Chris Andersen, gives his team great bang for its buck.