Lee
Hall-of-Famer
- Joined
- Apr 27, 2005
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A quick rule of thumb for valuing players (or employees in general) is how upset you’d be if they left.
I rank Ice very high on that basis.
Koby specifically said he drafted Ice because we had offensive players and needed defense. Whatever else can be said about that draft pick there’s no doubt he is a very good defender and versatile in who he can guard. He’s incredibly strong, mobile and coachable.
When he misses games we struggle. (Wade is similar). Most of the NBA media and discussion revolves around counting stats but defense is every bit as important as offense and it doesn’t lend itself to counting stats like offense.
Defense and physicality become more important in the playoffs. Ice will be a valuable rotation playoff player for a very long time. We must keep him
Offense gets you paid, but I value Okoro very high also. His defense is elite, and with the improved shooting, his offense is no longer a liability. He will make less than you is really worth as players who can hit an open shot, defend at elite level but dont "demand" the ball are championship type players.
I hope he gets underpaid in a Cavs uniform as I just dont think he gets more than he deserves. Pay the man a fair contract and move on.