7StraightIsGreat
Well-Known Member
I think the most misleading stat you can look at when you're evaluating a possible trade is +/-. While I think it's a very valuable tool in evaluating a players performance for the team that they actually play on, trying to take Diaw's +/- ratio while with the Bobcats, and translating that into what that means for him as a member of the Jazz is nearly impossible. So many factors change for the player once a trade happens, most notably: the type of system and players Diaw would be playing with while he's on the floor in Utah.
With all this being said, I'd hate for people to think that I'm a huge Diaw fan now. I'm just of the opinion that there is enough positives both on the court and off for this trade to make sense. Look at it this way: If a team already had Diaw at $9mil/per and AK was on the trading block, would any team with half a brain trade Diaw in favor of AK knowing that it would bring in almost double the salary and a hefty luxury tax fine? I think the answer to that is pretty obvious.
I think people are also making waaayyy too much about the fact that Diaw still has 2 years on his deal. First of all, the guy could opt out although that's not likely. But even if he doesn't, it gives Utah an expiring deal next year to play with that would be way easier to move than AK's deal has proven to be. If Diaw's not in Utah's long-term plans (which I doubt he is), I think it's extremely likely that regardless of his contract situation, you only see him for 1 year in Utah.
And as far as cutting Diaw out of the deal and going directly through NJ and getting Harris instead: I'm all for it. As somebody has already pointed out, Utah's best season with Deron came when he was playing alongside another PG with Fisher. To take it back in further, this Utah offense ran pretty smooth when Stockton was playing next to a "smallish" type of SG in Horny. Rotating DWill and Harris around in the backcourt with Raja Bell to compliment them would not only be a tough match-up for opposing defenses, it would be flat-out fun to watch.
The only reason I think it's not as simple as cutting out the Bobcats is the draft picks that we haven't heard much about. Since Denver is the team giving up the superstar in all of this, I'm willing to bet they're VERY intent on getting some future 1st round picks that can actually be of value. This is obviously where the Bobcats come in and probably why the deal would fall apart if they're not involved.