Okay, with news of the Shaq to Phoenix and Pao to L.A. trades, it’s clear that everyone is restocking talent in the West. For one, I am not a proponent of a big trade by the Hornets. The only players I’d be willing to part with are underperformers Rasual Butler and Hilton Armstrong. I think they’re both great people, but to be on the best team, you have to perform at the highest level, something neither has done. Another consideration is their respective salaries. Is either a bargain right now? The problem is that neither has high trade value.
So what to do? Just ride it out? Personally, I would like to see the Hornets bring in Chris “Birdman” Anderson if he is reinstated by the NBA. And by all accounts (see this great article for current info), he has been an exemplary person since his ban from the league and likely deserves reinstatement. Word is Byron Scott loved him when he was here and is interested in bringing him in. Also, the Hornets have saved an extra roster spot all season, in case they wanted to bring another player in. Could they have been eyeing Birdman all along? The fact is, he is a high energy big man, who was successful in Scott’s system. The Hornets have first crack at him, since he received the ban while under contract to them, and he could be that special someone that gets the team over the edge and makes them champions.
I think I could handle having Bobby shipped out. And since his deal only has one more year on it after this one, he’s could be fairly useful in a trade.
As for Hilton – I’d rather give him one more year to gain a little more strength, which is his primary problem. If he’s slow next year, cut him loose. He’s on a rookie contract anyways, so isn’t costing much and wouldn’t get us much in return.
I think to see Bobby go, you’d really have to get something good, because I like his veteran presence. Look at how Byron left him in during the Phoenix game. With a young team, I think it helps someone who’s been through the Playoffs and been successful there on the team. Obviously Peja fits that bill too, but the more experience the better.
As for Hilton, I agree. Actually, he looked great last night against the Grizzlies. Personally, I don’t want to see us let anyone go. I think they all have great chemistry and would hate to tamper with that through trades. Which is why I think filling the extra roster slot with someone like the Birdman is the better way to go.