Reply to thread

Message: [QUOTE="Brooky03, post: 1797924"] I like feisty debates. I take it you're not going to change your opinion about Rose, so I'll leave that alone. We'll agree to disagree there, but we can debate the value of Lopez and the potential replacements. First, Lopez is an average center. Not great, not bad, average. He can't do a whole lot on offense other than that awkward hook shot and doesn't shoot a great percentage for a Center. He has no game away from the hoop, is a liability against quicker or 'stretch' Centers, and lacks athleticism. His replacement might not improve all of these areas but will likely improve most. I don't know the Knick's plan, but I don't think KP at Center is going to be the answer. So, they likely made this trade knowing they'd be going after a good FA Center. Dwight Howard or Whiteside would be game-changers, imo. Dwight's getting old but he still has freak athleticism and drops baskets at over a 60% clip (at the expense of FT shooting obviously). Whiteside isn't as polished on offense, but he's arguably the best defensive Center in the league. He said he wouldn't leave the Heat unless it was to go to a winner. The trio of Rose, Melo, and KP could be a convincing argument. I don't think Noah would be a good option. He's pretty comparable to Lopez though, and I think they could get him on a similar contract. Gasol is old as dirt but he's played in the system Phil wants to run a hybrid of and he would be a great mentor for KP. Gasol can still get you some points, too, and wouldn't cost the team a max deal. With the cap change, the money isn't as big a deal right now. As others have said, Rose only has a year left. So if he doesn't pan out, the Knicks can go a different direction (maybe Westbrook) with the cap space that will be available from Rose's departure. If he does work out, then that's gravy. The PG free agent class this year is not strong. [/QUOTE]

Verification: What is a Syracuse fan's favorite color?