I Don't Get All This Sprewell Love

[Traceman]

You guys are killing me. You guys want to trade Dog for Spree? Spree is nowhere near the player he once was. Statistics aren't everything but Dog is better than Spree in virtually EVERY statistical category except assists and 3 point percentage. Dog averages almost FOUR more ppg, almost FOUR more rbg, shoots a significantly higher percentage, grabs more steals, blocks more shots and shoots a higher FT percentage in FEWER mpg while playing the same position! Spree doesn't even resemble the high flying aggressive guy he once was. In fact, he is becoming a 3 point shooting specialist. He has taken more 3 pointers than Dog in 5 fewer games. He is averaging less than 1 offensive board per game and he is not getting to the line NEARLY as much as he used to which tells me he is no longer going to hole. I know we need a shakeup but I don't think Spree is the answer. If we are going to trade for an older player, that player should be GP. He is still producing at the same level he always has. That is certainly not the case with Spree.

[Guest]

Big Hog is a loser and needs to be traded.He's

bad allaround.Including chiemstry.

[Playmaker0017]

Traceman,

Well, it might be significant to note that Spreewell is a SG while Big Dog is a SF.

Spreewell is twice the defender Big Dog is. Spreewell is twice the motivator.

Big Dog is and always will be simply a great shooter.

Most importantly, Spreewell handles the ball FAR more than Big Fats and turns it over far less.

Play.

[Guest]

I'm not a huge Spree fan...but he has alot bigger

of a will to win than does Robinson.

[ATLien_]

I don't know Trace I just think Spree would help our chemistry a lot, and define roles for players. With Sar being the obvious first option and Spree the second.

I realize dogg puts up nice numbers, but imo he really hurts the team at times.

A. Because when he is not hot he keeps chunking up shots. And I don't have problem with that if he is open, but usually he is not. He forces some low percentage shots and it throws us out of rhythm.

B. He also turns the ball over at an rediculous rate. I mean he makes Reef look like Stockton. I have seen Big Dogg go on stretches where he turns the ball over like 3 times straight, and this usually happens at least once a game.

C. We just are to unathletic as a whole. I really thought it could work Reef and Dog, but its not. They are just to slow to be on the court together. It hurts us on defense and in transition D especially. God forbid you bring Dickau in with them, we would look like the Geriatric team.( Wheres my Ben [censored])

D. I don't even need to say anything about his defense. It speaks for itself.

Now while spree might be 2 years older he is in much better shape. Big Dog looks like a couch potato. I wouldn't be suprised to see Spree in the league longer then Gleen. Also his contract is shorter I think he has 2 years left, so if its not working next year we can trade him at the deadline to team looking to clear cap.

Also while we lose a little scoring if Big Dogg leaves we gain much more. If you look at why we lose most games it's not because of scoring its because of defense. We give up so many dunks and fast break pts that its almost impossible to overcome. And on top of that we turn the ball over 16 times a game.

If you bring in spree you get better ball handling, that cuts TO's. You get better defense and intensity something this team lacks. You get someone with some emotion. You get a clutch player. And all you lose is a little scoring, beacause I think we can make up for Doggs rebounds. The reason Dogg gets rebound is because he doesn't get back on defense anyway.

I just really feel like we don't lose much by doing this trade but can gain much. Like I say if it doesn't work who wouldn't want and ending contract of his size?

[Playmaker0017]

ATLien,

I completely agree.

I think one of the intangible benefits we gain is that we get an identity. We finally can say "YOU are the primary option" to someone, rather than each night being a tossup.

Further, when Big Dog dribbles - it really is an adventure because one of two things are going to happen 50% of the time- a turnover or a ball rolling on the floor.

I think we might be able to find a real rhythm with Spree compared to Big Dog. Big Dog is a waste. Slow & stupid. He doesn't create for himself or other players. That is a serious problem.

Play.

[Traceman]

This will to win of Spree certainly hasn't meant much over the last few years. He was once a very good player but I don't think trading Big Dog for him is the answer to many of our problems. He is a better defender and ballhandler than Dog but Dog is still the better player in my opinion. I don't Big Dog is the problem. I'd rather keep Dog than trade him for Spree.

[KB21]

No one sees the deal for what it would really be. Dumping one contract and getting a worse contract that is over a longer period. Not to mention that Spree is 2 years older than Big Dog.

[Traceman]

The motivator who tried to choke his coach? The motivator who is constantly late for practice and games? Playing hard and scowling doesn't make Spree a great motivator or leader. He is a great COMPETITOR but I don't see him motivating anybody.

Spree IS a better ballhandler and we could certainly use that. I just don't think he's better than Dog. Actually, the way Dion has been playing since he became a starter, I think he's giving us everything we would get with Spree at 1/10th of the price. I was once a big Spree fan, I just don't see that same player any more.

[ATLien_]

I was under the impression that spree's contract was shorter. That was one of the things that turned me onto the deal. If it is longer I am not as happy with it. Can someone find out the contract statuses.

[Playmaker0017]

Traceman,

I challenge you to name one thing other than a mid range jumper that Big Dog does better than Spreewell.

The answer is impossible because there is nothing. Sure, you can go to the stats and say he is a better rebounder... but I will go to the stats and point out the position, height and playing style. Big Loaf hangs out there and gets easy rebounds. Also, his man is driving past him so much that often they miss and he gets the miss.

Spreewell answers our basic need -- a ballhander with skill.

I mean, look how much better we were with NBDL scrubs like Wilks and Benjamin out there. Now, put in a real player.

As for the two years of age difference... who cares. At that age you are old. One way or the other. Spreewell, I think, will be effective far longer than Big Dog .. because Big Loaf is ineffective now.

And everyone keeps talking about excitement... watching my lawn gro wis more exciting than watching Big Loaf hobble across mid-court. Spreewell won't make us the best team in the league, but I think he addresses our major needs at the moment.

To tell you the truth, I would trade Big Dog for anything any team offered. I think he is a waste and disrupts our whole team.

Play.

[Guest]

You overrate Robinson alot.He's a lazy [censored] with

no work ethic at all.Did he really get toasted by

Vashown Lenard last night?That is what Rap fans

said....I missed that game.If so,that shows you

how good of a player Robinson really is.

He's not as good as you make him out to be.

"I don't Big Dog is the problem."

We give up 98PPG and he is the worst defender

on the team.you better bet that he is alot of

the problem.What about his 3.8 turnovers.How

does a SF average 3.8 turnovers a game?Is that

good in your opinion?

Robinson blows that is why the Bucks would rather

chunk him in the trash than keep him on the team

another year.His game is too limited.

He maybe two years younger than Spree...but Spree

is in alot better condition.I'll take his two years older

and good condition over Robinsons two years younger

and fat/lazy self.

[Playmaker0017]

Traceman,

Dion doesn't bring a lick of defense. Dion gets beat by everyone and their younger cousin.

When I say he is a motivator, I am talking about his on the court presence. He won't let down - we do. He will keep us focused. Big Dog is too busy wondering how long it is going to take to get to Buckhead that he forgets to play basketball.

Play.

[Playmaker0017]

HotLantaDude,

And it takes A LOT to get HotLanta to give compliments.

So, take this one to the bank.

Big Dog stinks. Spree brings everything we need at SG right now. Someone who can penetrate and pass. Someone who plays defense and hustles. Someone who can be a spark.

Maybe it will turn out to be a bum move like getting Big Dog... but one thing is for certain - we can't get any worse without Big Dog.

Play.

[Traceman]

Spree has 2 more years after this one at about $28.2 million. Dog has 2 more years after this one at about $22.7 million. Spree's deal is worth about $5.5 million more over the 2 years.

We would be paying about $2.75 million/yr more for Spree than for Dog. That is money that could be going toward the resigning of JT. Just one more reason not to do this deal in my opinion.

[Guest]

I don't totally like Spree either.But I hate Robinson

even worse.I hate watching terrible defenders and

guess what....He's one of the worst in the league.

Turnovers and oh-lay defense frustrate me more than

anything.

[Guest]

That is money that could be going toward the resigning of JT. Just one more reason not to do this deal in my opinion."

What is so great about keeping JT?He along with

Robinson causes the team more than they produce.

He's already shown he can't play PG,he can't guard

SG's....so why keep him?

[Playmaker0017]

Traceman,

Why this need to sign JT?

I would rather sign the aging Kenny Anderson in the offseason. Or trading Terry for Miller. Both are better PGs and would compliment the team.

I think JT is going to come rather cheap, personally. Teams know what kind of player he is, and they know what he is worth. They won't be fooled by our losing record or his bloated stats. JT is what JT is -- an above-average player who has flashes of greatness.

Personally, I am not a fan of Spreewell (even though he did play for my Alma Mater) -- but I think he is thrice the player that Big Dog is ... thus is worth the 2.75/year.

Who else do you suggest we pick up at the SG spot?

Play.

[KB21]

You're a Bummer guy.

The Hawks should go after Mario Austin, seeing as he plays for MY Alma Mater.

[Guest]

When I look at JT I see the following things.

Good:

-Nice guy

-Scorer

-Quick

-Good ft shooter

Bad:

-Terrible defender

-Can't play PG

-Can't play SG for many teams

-Shoots too many bad shots

I think his negitives outweight his positives

Robinson

Good:

-Good midrange shot

-Rebounds alittle

-shoots good ft%

Negitives:

-Terrible defender

-Terrible passer

-Turns the ball over

-Bad work ethic

-Bad shot selection

Again,bad outweighs the good.