Published by http://www.probasketballnews.com/ on 27/10/2008Link: http://www.probasketballnews.com/todd_102708.html
As I see it, there are only two viable destinations for Zach Randolph -- Detroit or Cleveland. Both teams can offer the Knicks players whose contracts expire before the 2010 season. They can off-load headaches of their own in Rasheed Wallace and Ben Wallace. But more importantly, they could provide the best environment for Randolph to succeed, and in the process make their own team better.
With all due respect, a young team with a losing record (a la Memphis) would have to be out of its mind to trade for Randolph. His lackluster defense and ho-hum attitude do not translate into team success when he assumes the role of lead player, as evidenced in New York and Portland. However, on a good defensive team, surrounded by strong, influential leaders, Randolph could play a valuable role. Both Detroit and Cleveland fit the bill.
DETROIT
A straight swap of Randolph for Rasheed Wallace works financially. The Knicks get what they desire in an expiring contract, and the Pistons get the shakeup they so desperately need.
Firstly, let’s be clear about one thing: Sheed needs to go. I know the guy has immense talent, but he’s also proven to be a huge liability. He is probably the main reason why the Pistons have flaked in the last three Eastern Conference finals. His emotional blow-ups have cost the team in crucial moments, and for a guy with such tremendous low-post skills, his love affair with the 3-point line is beyond a joke. It simply cannot be tolerated any longer. Not when the Pistons are still capable of winning a title -- which they are, minus Wallace.
With Chauncey Billups, Tayshaun Prince and Rip Hamilton, the Pistons would still have a tremendous foundation. However, the current squad has a championship window of about 1-2 years tops, hence the need to bolster the lineup now. And despite his bloated contract, Randolph could be the answer.
The reason is this: The Pistons have struggled in two key areas -- offense and rebounding. Last season, Detroit was 17th in the league in points per game and 21st in rebounding. Most victories came as a result of the defense, not from outscoring people. Well, guess what? Randolph will give you nearly 20 points and 10 rebounds in his sleep, something Wallace is no longer capable of giving on a consistent basis. Yes, the Pistons' interior defense will suffer without Sheed (Kwame Brown will help in this area), but ultimately they will gain more than they lose, and the remaining core could still be solid defensively.
But what about Randolph’s well-reported attitude problems? By slotting him into the established Piston lineup, surrounded by experienced veterans, he would be forced to conform to the high standards set in the Detroit locker room. And he could concentrate purely on what he does best -- score and rebound. And that’s exactly what the Pistons are crying out for.
Having Randolph on the block would give the Pistons a huge weapon that would blend nicely with their other parts. Yes, it is a risk due to Randolph’s contract (3 years, $48 million), but it’s a risk they must take if they want to get back to the Finals anytime soon.
The last three years have demonstrated quite clearly that something needs to change in Detroit, and as unlikely as it sounds, Z-Bo could be the answer.
CLEVELAND
A straight swap of Randolph for Ben Wallace also works financially. For the Knicks, Wallace’s deal expires in two years, thus their goal of being free of Randolph’s contract in time for the 2010 free-agent bonanza would be achieved.
For the Cavs, they rid themselves of Wallace, who is declining rapidly. His meager averages for the Cavs last season of 4.2 points and 7.4 rebounds per game, with a contract that spans two more years at $28.5 million, is a hefty price to pay. At least with Randolph you would actually be getting something for your money. But in this instance, the crux is the third year in Randolph’s contract. However, with what Randolph brings to the table -- a legitimate scoring threat and rebounding -- I would be willing to take it on.
As an aside, trading Wallace would allow the Cavs to retain Wally Szczerbiak and his expiring $13 million contract for the remainder of the year (as opposed to trading him). Having this amount come off the books at the end of the season would give much-needed relief to their bloated payroll, and reduce their future luxury tax obligations.
But let’s be honest, even with the trade for Mo Williams, the team as it is currently constructed is not a championship team, period. The Cavs simply do not have the offense to support LeBron James, as last season’s paltry 96.4 ppg average demonstrates (24th in the league). But the addition of Randolph would give the Cavs a third legitimate scorer to pair with LeBron and Williams. And what makes this work is LeBron, through his enormous presence and unselfish mentality.
A three-pronged attack of Williams on the perimeter, Randolph on the block and James everywhere in between could be lethal, and rival the other big trios in the league. On the surface it does appear to be an odd combination, but again, that’s where LeBron’s influence comes into play.
It comes down to this: Unless the Cavs can give LeBron a supporting cast that is capable of contending for a title, he could walk in 2010. They really have nothing to lose. Give LeBron the pieces and he will make it work. At the moment, they do not have enough talent on their roster to get the job done.
If Cleveland cannot give LeBron the support he needs to succeed, they must be prepared to wave him goodbye as he heads to New York (Brooklyn?) in 2010.
