Because Kevin Garnett is a much better player than Amare and allows us the chance to win now.
?
We already have the chance to win now. In my opinion we were one play away from advancing. If we have Amare, we win game 5...and I like our chances in game 7 at home.
Even with the suspensions...if Barbosa simply plays like he did the regular season, we win the series (he went an unheard of 2-17 from 3 point range). His poor play could have been an injury...or nerves...or lack of confidence...but he's improved every year and I expect him to do much better next year.
Against San Antonio these guys played well enough to win.
Amare: A beast with .500% from the field, .813% from the line, 10.6 reb per game, 2 blocks per game and 26.4 ppg.
Nash: .520% from 3 pt range, 12.7 assists, 21.3 ppg.
Marion: .521% from the field, .471% from 3 pt range, 10.5 rpg, 2.33 bpg, and 15.7 ppg.
KT: As good a defense on Duncan as can be hoped for, .923% from FT line, 6.3 rpg, 1.17 bpg, and 9.7 ppg.
Raja: .500% from the field, .500% from the arc, .900% from the line, 12.5 ppg.
We don't need an overhaul...just better productivity from Barbosa...and Diaw (5.6 ppg).
If the goal is to beat San Antonio (and others) next year...then our draft picks are virtually worthless. No one drafted 24-29 is going to help that much next year as they will all need a few years before their ready to make a significant impact (yes they'll help a little...but not more than a seasoned veteran). I doubt if anyone picked in that range would be able to jump ahead of JJ the first year.
Keep the core...and trade Diaw/James Jones plus #24 & #29 to get someone who can be a productive 7th & 8th man...and we're there.
I'd like to see Mike Miller...but I've read others that could help too. Heck...trade the picks to dump Diaw's & Banks salary...then sign Melvin Ely to part of the MLE. He wants to be here...and he'll never be a consistent scorer, he is a 6'10" wide body who can rebound...at least make Duncan work a little harder to get his points by using 6 fouls against him.