Don't Count on Mike Bibby

by user Benny08302

With the season over, everyone is talking about what the Cavs should do this u pcoming offseason. Obviously, the need for a point guard is a major issue and many people are throwing Mike Bibby's name out there.

No.

Would the Mike Bibby we know and love (the guy who hit big shots versus the Lakers) look good in a [Cleveland Cavaliers|Cavalier]] uniform? Of course. The problem is, I'm not sure the Cavs would be getting that guy.

But last year Bibby posted career lows in FG% and assists. And that FG%? A Larry Hughes-esque 40.4%. He's 29 years old, which isn't over the hill by any means, but it's not a good sign when you're approaching 30 and your number take a dip. He also doesn't play defense.

And oh, by the way, he'll make more money than Larry Hughes over the next two seasons.

I probably sound a bit harsh. Could Bibby have simply had a bad year? Sure. There was a wrist injury that bugged him all year long which could explain his poor shooting (and the poor shooting could explain the lack of assists, etc). And is he a better point guard than anyone on this roster? of course. But it worries me to go off trading for a guy with an eight figure salary... coming off his worst season.

However....

IF Bibby opts out of his contract ( he has an early termination option) and the Cavs can sign him to a more team friendly deal (remember, LeBron's extension kicks in this summer as well) then I'd be all for it. But Bibby doesn't want to risk the (insane amount of) guaranteed money (I mean, er... he wants to give it a shot with his new coach) so the only way he'll be available is through a trade.

And if you think that, since the Cavs and Kings were close to a deal at the deadline, they'll be able to easily put something together now, you're wrong. I'll let Brian Windhorst explain :

> There seems to be some belief out there that the Cavs and Sacramento Kings will re-start talks over point guard Mike Bibby, but in reality the time might have passed. The Kings wanted some expiring contracts in the deal; that was a large component of the original talks. With the season over, the Cavs no longer have the same assets to offer. Never say never, but don't assume it's much of an option.

So let's calm down on the Bibby trade scenarios. What Sacramento wanted, the Cavs no longer have. Plus, part of me feels like trading for Bibby and his contract mid-season for a playoff push is OK. But in the offseason, when time isn't of the essence and you can afford to work a bit more, taking on Bibby isn't the best move.

I think it's obvious that the Cavs need to make some moves this summer. They need to upgrade the point guard position. I personally think that Hughes needs to be dealt (I think itll be good for all parties involved) and I wouldn't be shocked if he asked for a trade ( again?). I'm not saying Bibby isn't a possibility, but I don't think it's the slam dunk move that everyone thinks it is.

Orioles1818Waterboy

891 days ago

Score 0

Agree somewhat with the Bibby statements. He's not really in his prime anymore, and he isn't the player he was several years ago. But as far as Hughes getting traded, who would want him? He's still owed more than $52 million over the next 4 seasons. I seriously doubt any other team would move for that, so the Cavs are probably stuck with him -- hopefully he can get healthy and quick. I do have a question though: If Bibby doesn't opt out, how much would the Kings want for him from the Cavs?

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Benny08302Soccer Kid

891 days ago

Score 1

In a league where Jim Paxson can trade Shawn Kemp when he was bloated, coked out and fathering children left and right while still owed about $60 million, I always assume that somebody will want your crap. I don't even know what the Kings would want from Cleveland. They wanted expiring deals and the Cavs don't exactly have a lot of those anymore. I'd be surprised if the deal went through.

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StumptownJV Squad

891 days ago

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Good points. My guess is that Bibby would be refreshed with a change in scenery and the chance to play with Bron which should remind him some of that other great passing forward he used to play with. If his shot is not gone, he would help, no question. I really think the Cavs need to consider trading Z. The reality is that he's not athletic enough to play in crunch time and his going to the bench leaves the Cavs without much scoring punch. Time to shop Z for a scorer and play Bron in the post more.

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Benny08302Soccer Kid

890 days ago

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Meh, I'm so-so on the Cavs trading Z. He's useful, he's not extremely overpaid and he works hard (which is more than you can say for most NBA centers). Ya, he's slow. But he's basically the only other consistent player on the team right now. It all depends on who or what he's moved for. As for LeBron in the post... he needs to work on his post game this summer. When he's not playing for team USA...

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WoodsmeisterVarsity Captain

889 days ago

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The problem with trading Z is that, unless you get a serviceable, mobile big man in return that would allow the Cavs to morph into a running team, it means not only do you have to sign Verajao, but you have to start him at center. You know some team is going to bid outrageous bucks on AV just so that the Cavs will be forced to match it and go over the cap or they'll pry him away. Z is underrated somewhat in that he can set up on offense well outside the block, moving out the opposing big man and creating room for LeBron to drive the lane. i'm not convinced Verajao is even remotely ready to be a starting center and play those kinds of minutes at his rate of work. It's one thing to come off the bench, it's another to start.

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