Are We Looking For A Legit Backup Center?

[Karma]

There may be one available soon. Vitaly "The Ukraine Train" has asked to be moved after immediately sliding out of the rotation under the new coaching regime. Not sure how we could do this just now, but worth considering.

Potapenko Asks To Be Traded

Seattle Times - 01/05 - 3:19 AM EST
Once the upheaval from the coaching change settles, Vitaly Potapenko said he will ask the Sonics for a trade, perhaps as early as next week when the team returns from its five-game trip.

Since new coach Bob Hill, who replaced Bob Weiss on Tuesday, has decided to reserve minutes at center for Johan Petro and Robert Swift, Potapenko believes his services are no longer needed in Seattle.

"I'm not going to lie, I'm not happy," he said. "I still want to play. It's not like I'm 35 years old. But he's the coach. It's his decision, and I'll see how it goes.

"If the team doesn't need me, I don't want to be here. It's nothing personal. They have two young centers, and I think they should develop them and develop them by playing.

But we'll see how it goes. It's just so many changes right now. They got rid of the head coach. They got rid of Mateen [Cleaves]. There's a lot of changes right now."

Link

 

[aaronr]

Well, Karma, you know what I think about this. I've been hoping that Vitaly would end up in Cleveland because he's one of my favorite players, but he's not the player he was a few years ago in my honest opinion. He once was a great offensive rebounder, but he's lost a bit there; he's even slower than he was in the day; and he never was a shot blocker.

That said, he'd be a big improvement backing up Z over the present contingent. Here are the plusses. He still shoots the face-up jumper as well as any big in the league; he still punishes people who penetrate the perimeter; while he's not a shot blocker, he still plays good one on one defense so that perimeter players don't have to double down on his man; and he's the consummate team player. A downside is that he's a $3 million man this year and next.

 

[Mac]

We'd be better off finding another scorer.

 

[ootbttnlagitnbasf]

we can sign portland's pryzbila for chump change this summer. he is going to be available and portland can't match because of his contract.

it would be a waste to obtain a second string center this year. we don't have a real chance at defeating the pistons or heat in the playoffs, so we might as well conserve our sheckles. z can get us through one playoff round. maybe two.

 

[NarlCavs]

I could live with Vitaly but I wouldn't give up much, if anything, for him. It's obvious he has no future in Seattle and he also hasn't done much this year. The only salaries on the Cavs that would match up in a trade are either Newble or D. Jones. I don't think the Cavs can give up either with Hughes out.
I would like to see another backup C signes to replace Hamilton. There are a few decent more proven vets out there as FA's.

Przybilla is going to get a good contract next summer. I don't think the Cavs can afford him and he'll also be looking to go to a place where he can start. He's already said he likes Portland and wants to stay there.

 

[Maximus]

Danny played with Vitaly....I don't think he'd trade for him. V was wild, real wild. He had a real ugly incident in Miami last summer off the court. I don't see DF touching him.....but you never know.

 

[aaronr]

I think Vitaly has one too many White Russians from time to time.