Saturday, August 7, 2004

Sending Payton Packing

I really like this trade.

The Lakers traded Gary Payton and Rick Fox to the Boston Celtics for Chucky Atkins, Chris Mihm and Marcus Banks.

The deal ended Payton's tumultuous one year experiment in the purple and gold.  Needless to say, it wasn't very successful.  I will say this....while Kobe, Shaq and Karl were all out due to injuries, Gary was there playing.  But, his attitude and his eroding skills just didn't make Payton viable in the New Laker Era. 

Yes, Rick Fox was traded....but he wasn't really.  Fox won't suit up for Boston.  Not only does he want to retire a Laker....but he left Boston for LA on not the best of terms.  Foxy's body has fallen apart and he isn't the player he was just 2-3 years ago.  So he will probably hang it up....just as he would of anyways.

Which brings me to this:  What is Danny Ainge thinking?  He traded for Fox....who won't play there.....and traded for Payton, who showed last year that he really isn't that good anymore.  Also, Payton will be off the books next year.  So, Ainge traded two young guys for two old guys who won't be there long.  If it was for the cap room....I'd understand.  But it really didn't do that much.

As for the guys we are getting....well,....  The deal does add athleticsm, which has been something LA has been lacking.  Atkins can push the ball up the floor pretty well.  Banks is a young guy learning his way into the league.  Mihm is a big body who can block shots and play well around the basket.   But to give up a guy that will most likely retire and a guy you really didn't want anymore for 3 guys who can contribure something now is quite impressive.

And, no, I don't really see this as a set up to get Kidd.  Yeah, you could point to the fact that they could package Butler, Cook and Banks/Atkins for Kidd.  But, I don't see Jersey biting for that.  So I really feel that this is our squad this fall [aside from what Malone decides].

Anyways....great job Mitch!!

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Hey you have an awsome journal. I love reading about others opinions concerning sports. I think the trade had to be made; Payton and Malone didn't really do much for the Lakers. Dream team? I guess not. The Lakers needed fresh legs and I think they got it, so hopefully down the line we will get another championship. GO LAKERS!!!!