Bobcats still not confident with Augustin but possibly with Ford

[CarolinaPanthers8789]

The Bobcats don't seem convinced that D.J. Augustin can be their starting PG if Raymond Felton signs with another team this summer.

GM Rod Higgins couldn't (or wouldn't) say whether Augustin is a starter or a backup, and after two NBA seasons there isn't much reason for optimism. Augustin reportedly lacks confidence and conviction on the court -- Charlotte may end up trading for a veteran stop-gag (such as T.J. Ford) until they find their long-term PG.

Source: Rotoworld per Charlotte Observer

Full Article: http://www.thestate.com/2010/06/13/1329762/bobcats-commentary-felton-faces.html

I asked Higgins if he thought they would revisit trading for Ford. Higgins said they’ll revisit a lot of things.

[BF91]

I'd feel more confident with Ford running the show and DJ coming off the bench. He's a pretty decent scorer and was really good with Toronto (PER's of 18.2 and 20.3) just a few years ago. Monta Ellis should be available too, with those two guys you're making a decision between a scoring PG in Ellis and more of a pure PG in Ford. Should be an interesting offseason.

[CarolinaPanthers8789]

I'd feel more confident with Ford running the show and DJ coming off the bench. He's a pretty decent scorer and was really good with Toronto (PER's of 18.2 and 20.3) just a few years ago. Monta Ellis should be available too, with those two guys you're making a decision between a scoring PG in Ellis and more of a pure PG in Ford. Should be an interesting offseason.

I would kill for Monta Ellis he is a baller.

[pantherfan49]

I would kill for Monta Ellis he is a baller.

LB is going to want a real PG not a hybrid PG so I don't see them making a play for Monta. Ford would be an instant upgrade over Felton provided he can stay healthy and he is a pure PG.

[BF91]

LB is going to want a real PG not a hybrid PG so I don't see them making a play for Monta. Ford would be an instant upgrade over Felton provided he can stay healthy and he is a pure PG.

I hate to go all "blow up the team!" but we could trade Jackson, and then trade for Ellis and Ford. Ellis played a lot at the two this year, and Ford and Ellis as our guards would go a long way towards making the team better. Chandler would probably have to opt out in this scenario, though.

I'll go ahead and say it won't happen, but it would be nice.

[mick eye]

My take on this is TJ Ford and DJ are midget PG's. Also TJ is not cheap. He is a 8.5 million hit to the cap. Also his injury history worries me. I agree blowing up the team should be an option but TJ and Monta are not guys i would look at.

As far as Monta Ellis, i prefer Stephen Jackson's leadership, veteran savvy, size and manageable salary to Ellis's streaky shooting and expensive salary. Really guys i am getting tired of these half baked ideas. It is basic economics. Ellis and Ford would count as 19.5 million against our cap and not be much of an improvement over resigning Felton and keeping Jack. NOT that i want to resign Felton but come on be realistic.

[mick eye]

How bout thinking outside the box? I guy i feel fits the mold of what LB wants and is very experienced and cheap is Carlos Arroyo. Has played on several NBA squads and has international experience. Many of you will scoff that he is a scrub but he takes care of the ball and is a crafty vet.

[pantherfan49]

I think Ford is in the last year of his contract. He would be a one year option while looking for a more long term answer and could be resigned for a smaller salary after the season.

I don't think Jax is a candidate to be traded. He and GW are probably the only two players safe in that regard.

Also, LB's recent comments on TT makes me think that Diaw could be moveable, though depth would continue to be an issue at the PF spot if Diaw was traded.

[mick eye]

I finally clicked the link and read the article. I think the value of TJ Ford is being inflated by this writer. He suggests a sign & trade of Felton and possibly Nzar for TJ Ford. Love him or hate him and many of us are leaning towards hate after the playoffs Felton is 25 yrs old and a solid PG. TJ Ford is injury prone and an older more passing oriented DJ Augustin.

If we are gonna go stop gap why trade for one?

[BF91]

If we are gonna go stop gap why trade for one?

Lack of quality PGs on the free agent market.

[rico6]

I don't understand Management putting out a story like this.

The only good from this is that Rod is practically telling Raymond to hit the door.

[pantherfan49]

I don't understand Management putting out a story like this.

The only good from this is that Rod is practically telling Raymond to hit the door.

I think it is him telling Ray to go out and fetch your best offer in FA and then come back to us and we might match it.

Felton's perceived value of himself >>>>> everyone else' perceived value of Felton

[BF91]

We need a PG that will last us until the 2013 offseason. Then we can bring Stephen Curry home.

[CarolinaPanthers8789]

Lack of quality PGs on the free agent market.

Yep this right there, according to a couple of websites Felton is the highest ranked point guard that is a free agent.