Watchman

What is the source of Beau's "knowledge"? In response to another post in this thread, why would McDavid invest $95 million (if published reports are correct) of his own funds and get himself in another $250 - $300 million of debt, to take the team and gut it? People that buy teams are largely to some extent people of some level of ego. No one wants to own a sports franchise and have it be known as a loser. He cannot make money if fans do not come to the games. Pure and simple. He obviously will not have as deep pockets as Allen or Cuban. He doesn't have to. With regard to Phillips, I doubt that it is that great of a revenue source, as someone has insinuated on several occasions. That poster indicated that the revenue generated would be around $40 million per year. How much is the debt service on the bonds that financed the arena? I would be willing to bet, if the amount financed is $140 million, as some have suggested, that the annual debt service is probably $20 to $25 million. The staffing and other operational costs would be significant, so I doubt that the net profit from the arena is all that impressive. If you think it is a light matter to raise $95 million in liquid assets, try it and see. I doubt that any of the billionaire owners have that much money available in readily available funds. Any suggestion that the delay is a result of McDavid's lack of funds is purely speculation. It may turn out to be the case, but I doubt that Beau Bock's "hunch" is any more educated of a guess than anyone on this forum.

Reef went to college one year then turned pro. Reef averaged 18+ ppg in his rookie season. I don't buy that stuff about not expecting him to produce right off the bat. Do expectations drop that much from the 3rd pick to the 6th pick?

It looks to me, with all respect due to Jerry West, that Memphis got taken on the trade with Orlando. Giricek put up numbers quite comparable to Miller. Gooden was extra icing on the cake. To me, Orlando came out way on top in that trade.

Olawakandi averaged over 12 points and 9 rebounds and 2 blocks per game last year. Theo averages more blocks but he's never even come close to nine rebounds per game. 8 ppg and 7 rpg in 31 minutes per game doesn't cut it for a starting NBA center in my book. Yet most people on this board are enamored with his game. I have no idea why. Yes his 3 blocks per game are nice but he is so unproductive in every other area, that the effect of his blocked shots are negated.

Yeah, but Diaw's game appears similar to Newble, and we won a lot more with Newble on the floor than with Robinson. Consequently, we Newble playing with Reef and JT, we won with only two real scorers. I don't see the addition of Diaw as a problem at all. He simply replaces Newble, or perhaps comes in behind Newble off the bench.

You'd really trade Reef, an 80 game, 20 ppg, 8 rpg guy for Carter, a guy who lives on the injured reserve list? Do you think it would really put people in the seats so that they could watch the back of VC on the Atlanta bench? I don't. If you're gonna give up Reef, at least get someone who can actually suit up.

Would you unload Big Dog and Henderson for Mutombo? Or, in your opinion is Mutombo washed up? One thing is certain, Byron Scott certainly has no use for him.

contract price of the sale is between $350 - $400 million. If the Malachi group only came up with $184 million, it sounds like they're a lot more short of funds than McDavid? Hello.