February 11, 2008
What He Said
San Antonio Spurs coach Greg Popovich comes correct:
"What they did in Memphis is beyond comprehension," said Popovich. "There should be a trade committee that can scratch all trades that make no sense. I just wish I had been on a trade committee that oversees NBA trades. I'd like to elect myself to that committee. I would have voted no to the L.A. trade."
Yes. Correct. Soooo correct. And this is amusing as well:
"When told that [GM Chris] Wallace had challenged executives to criticize the deal publicly, Popovich replied, "Well, there you go. I'm on the record."
Again, as I went into at length in the day after the trade, simply dealing Gasol for cap space was damn near unconscionable by the Grizzlies.
1. Free agents ain't flocking to Memphis, particularly big name free agents.
2. Gasol could have brought a few young pieces to help fit into Marc Ivaroni's systems ALONG with cap relief.
To go with just cap relief? A major "fuck you" from Grizz owner Mike Heisley to what's left of the Memphis fanbase. We three remaining Grizz fans get the message loud and clear.