nbrans
All-Star
Rowdyone said:Bonzi for Artest straight up works contractually and is "pre-approved" by JOneil. Gives them the player capable of playing defense they want who's partially overcome his "psych" image while here. For us "psych-wise" we'd be going from the frying pan to the fire with a similar type player as Bonzi but with 3 years left on his contract and not have to negotiate with Bonzi for a new one. You pay your money and take your chances.
I agree completely. I really like how Bonzi played this season, but there's something about perennial-head-case-having-career-season-in-contract-year that doesn't sit well with me. Add in the fact that he's already 29, relies a great deal on his athleticism and doesn't have a lot of secondary skills (passing, ball-handling, shooting) to fall back on once he loses a step, and I'd be extremely nervous signing him to a long term deal. Plus there's the risk of losing him for nothing.