ESPN rumor central

[sunsfn]

Paxson: Curry isn't untouchable
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Interested teams,

Mavs
Sonics
Blazers

Jan. 21 - On Tuesday Insider first reported that Bulls GM John Paxson had recently dangled Eddy Curry and Tyson Chandler in trade discussions. While sources claimed that Paxson was in no way giving the Baby Bulls away, the fact that the two were no longer untouchable was significant. Paxson essentially confirmed the story in Wednesday's editions of the Chicago Sun-Times. "I played with one guy who was untouchable or untradeable," Paxson said of Michael Jordan. "There are maybe a handful of guys in the league right now who fit in that category. The fact we're 12-29 answers whether any of our guys are untouchable."
While Paxson said he's not inclined to deal Curry or Chandler, he's got to start looking at the opportunities. "I'm disappointed, and I know our fans are disappointed," Paxson said. "But I can't afford to panic. When you look at our two big, young kids, it's hard to make an argument to give up on them. They're still in their infancy in this league. . . I'm not panicking. But I'm not going to be super-cautious, either. You just have to believe that what you do will significantly help your team."

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Melvin Ely
Clippers

Jan. 23 - The O.C. Register reported on Friday that the Clippers were shopping little used power forward Melvin Ely. Mired on the bench behind Elton Brand, Chris Wilcox, Chris Kaman, Peja Drobjnak. "It's hard to get all the minutes around at that position," coach Mike Dunleavy said. "We have Brand, we have Kaman, Wilcox and Drobnjak. On a given night, you're only going to play three, maybe four guys."

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[George O'Brien]

Originally posted by sunsfn

Melvin Ely
Clippers

Jan. 23 - The O.C. Register reported on Friday that the Clippers were shopping little used power forward Melvin Ely. Mired on the bench behind Elton Brand, Chris Wilcox, Chris Kaman, Peja Drobjnak. "It's hard to get all the minutes around at that position," coach Mike Dunleavy said. "We have Brand, we have Kaman, Wilcox and Drobnjak. On a given night, you're only going to play three, maybe four guys."

Ely was the 12th pick in the 2002 draft. His college record was not bad. During his senior year at Fresno State, he averaged 23.3 ppg, 56.3% with 9.1 rpg. He shooting and scoring have been low: 4.1 ppg on 42.7% shooting and 3.1 rpg.

HoopsHype describes him as being 6'10" 260, having above average physical skills, very strong, good post defender, excellant shot blocker, runs the floor well. But it also says he has an attitude problem and needs to develop his offensive game.
He is making $1.6 million this year and will make $1.7 million next year (with a team option the following year).

I haven't seen him play. Even if I though he was worth looking at, I don't see anyone I'd give up to get him.

 

[elindholm]

If he can't beat out Peja Drobnjak for minutes, that's not a good sign.

 

[hcsilla]

Re: Re: ESPN rumor central

Originally posted by George O'Brien

HoopsHype describes him as being 6'10" 260, having above average physical skills, very strong, good post defender, excellant shot blocker, runs the floor well. But it also says he has an attitude problem and needs to develop his offensive game.

I have seen Ely only twice but based on that I disagree with hoopshype's scouting report.

He is a very poor man's Jermaine O'Neal.
Nice offensive arsenal, turnaround and fadeaway J's, dynamic and effective post up-moves. He is an above average athlete, but not a shotblocker, neither a defensive force. He isn't very strong.
Ely may be able to play some C but he is a natural PF in NBA.

I still would give CLE's pick for him.

 

[Errntknght]

Ely might be a target for a draft day trade. Suppose the Suns are drafting and there's no one they'd prefer over Melvin while there is someone the Clips want. I assume the Suns staff would go over tapes of all his games to get a good read on him, which would likely be a better read than they typically get on a draftee. I'm not sold on Harvey as a back up PF - his offense isn't bad but he doesn't seem to me to have the size to compete for rebounds or defend PF's. It appears D'A isn't sold on him either, unless he's ailing in some way. (I suppose the Suns might be hiding him so the Bobcats won't take him if he's left unprotected.)

 

[PhxGametime]

I only watch Suns games but in college - Melvin Ely avg 2.7 and 3.1 blocks/game JR and SR years. NBA might be a different game but he's not unathletic or undersized heightwise (although he was/is thin).

 

[Chaplin]

Originally posted by Errntknght
Ely might be a target for a draft day trade. Suppose the Suns are drafting and there's no one they'd prefer over Melvin while there is someone the Clips want. I assume the Suns staff would go over tapes of all his games to get a good read on him, which would likely be a better read than they typically get on a draftee. I'm not sold on Harvey as a back up PF - his offense isn't bad but he doesn't seem to me to have the size to compete for rebounds or defend PF's. It appears D'A isn't sold on him either, unless he's ailing in some way. (I suppose the Suns might be hiding him so the Bobcats won't take him if he's left unprotected.)

Harvey will be a free agent, and hence not needed to be protected.

 

[George O'Brien]

Originally posted by Chaplin
Harvey will be a free agent, and hence not needed to be protected.

They may be protecting him from the free agent market.