What the Tolliver signing means...

[bLACKpANTHER]

This is something I've alluded to before.

 

When we went out and spent the big bucks on Jefferson, we showed the rest of the league we want to win and kill the notion that we are the forever-bottom-dwellers of the league. Sure it doesn't hurt that Kemba/Hendo/MKG have gotten us some attention over the past two years, but still people didn't take us seriously. The signing of Al Jefferson was a big deal for this organization.. plain and simple.

 

Tolliver signing for the Vet Minimum in Charlotte while still talking with Bulls, Lakers and Clippers. Three teams that are ideal situations for any player in the league. Bulls will certainly be in the NBA Finals hunt, as well as the Clippers. The Lakers probably could offer more playing time that us- and let's be honest- even though it doesn't look like they will be world beaters this year- its still "the Lakers"..

 

When we signed Jefferson, it made Charlotte a more attractive destination. It was almost impossible for us to lure any free agent to come to Charlotte. We were forced to HAVE TO build through trades. (Jason Richardson, Dante Cunningham, Correy Magette, Tyson Chandler, Tyrus Thomas, Shannon Brown, Vlad Radmonavic, Desagana Diop, Boris Diaw, Eric Dampier, Eduardo Najera, Joel Pryzbilla, Flip Murray, Acie Law, Matt Carrol, Raja Bell, Stephen Jackson).. Only 4 out of 17 you could paint with a positive colored brush. If a team needed a trade partner, they would just call the Bobcats because that was the only way we had a shot at bringing in some help. Usually it ended up with us getting the short end of the stick.

 

Enter Rich Cho- we start drafting the correct players and NOW we have the nice young core, sprinkled in with some Vets who are not "over the hill" and stuck with their bloated contracts (**cough** Ben Gordon). I believe the Jefferson move is a sign of the tides changing for Charlotte.

[carolina-chuck]

Good post.

 

Though, the Ben Gordon trade was a "win" for us.

[Captain Morgan]

the future is bright.  We need that one superstar though.  Hope it's Kemba.  

[OchoNueve]

I think we are not only appealing to guys like Tolliver because the roster is much improved from last year, but because we still aren't very good and guys like Tolliver can come in on a one year deal and try to get playing time that they couldn't get elsewhere to show other teams they can contribute in hopes of getting a multi-year deal when they leave.

[ZB1224]

the future is bright.  We need that one superstar though.  Hope it's Kemba.  

 

I would love if Kemba could become a Rose-lite. Kemba has all of the tools and really the only thing he is lacking is size, but if you are truly special then your height won't matter. Kemba is a warrior and is constantly improving his game. The jump he made from year one to year two was a Paul George like jump... just without the national recognition. If he can make another sizable jump then we are looking at an all star that people will want to come and play with. I'm expecting big things from Kemba this season. Something like 17-18 ppg (higher if we hadn't have signed Big Al and didn't expect Hendo to continue his scoring prowess from the 2nd half) , 6-7 apg, 2 spg on increased efficiency (higher FG%, higher 3pt%, higher FT%, better to/ast ratio, etc), and lastly, but certainly least -- improved defense under Clifford. I am really rooting for Kemba to be that all star level PG that is the leader of the team. 

[bLACKpANTHER]

i think the Jefferson signing and resigning of Hendo and McBob are great. Zeller could be amazing, and then Sprinkle in Tolliver and Pargo for depth.. great great great

 

but i think Clifford hire and the coaching staff is going to be what is the biggest breath of fresh air. a legit coach who knows how the NBA works and no more zone defense!!

[Montie_0123]

Nice write up I can't wait to watch these guys when the season starts.

[CarolinaNCSU]

While your theory may be true to some, I think it has more to do with hey, I'm actually going to play in Charlotte. Come here, put up decent numbers on a bad team, get overpaid in next year's crazy FA class. 

 

This team has a couple of nice pieces, but let's not pretend that FA want to flock here because we signed Jefferson and drafted a couple of decent pieces. 

 

And part of the reason Jefferson came here is because Utah flat out told him yeah, we're not bringing you back, and Charlotte threw a ridiculous amount of money at him (which they have to do with any FA to get them here).