Use the Midlevel to Bring Leon Powe Back to the BAY

by scwarrior24 on Jul 1, 2009 4:10 PM PDT

Everyone keeps talking about what the Warriors should do in Free Agency but the bottom line is we can't do much other than offer someone the MLE of $5.8MM. After bringing in two PGs so far this offseason we have a ton of 1's, 2's and 3's. I don't know why people are suggesting we go after AI, Jarrett JAck, or JKidd - we need to use our MLE on some "beef".

That's why I think that we should bring Bay Area native and Cal alum Leon Powe back home

Pros for signing Leon Powe:

1) Very good scorer and rebounder (especially the offensive glass)

2) Gives us the "Beef" that Riley and Nellie have been looking for (He may not be very tall for a PF, but he's strong and athletic enough to match up w/ some of the bulkier fours in the league)

3)He has the potential to be a very good bench player, but won't need a ton of minutes so he wont take many minutes away from Randolph. Also it allows us to experiment with lineups w/ Randolph at the 3, 4, or 5.

4) He will only cost a few million/year, but has the potential to be worth a lot more than that.

5) He is from the bay, so he'll probably be interested and the fans will love him

6) He probably wants a 1 or 2 year deal b/c he will want a chance to prove his worth post-surgery. That way, we don't have to take any long term risks

7) He has playoff and championship experience and has proven to play "big" in "big time games"

Cons:

1) Some people never fully recover from 2 ACL surgeries (but with modern medicine + rehabilitation, it is not at all uncommon to recover from such a thing and worth the risk at this price)

2) I can't think of anything else

We really need to be realistic w/ our free agency hopes. Milsap is asking for way more than the MLE and I'd guess that Gortat and Bass will be in the same boat. Other than Powe, I can't think of anyone who would improve our Dubs.

What do you guys think?

This FanPost is a submission from a member of the mighty Golden State of Mind community. While we're all here to throw up that W, these words do not necessarily reflect the views of the GSoM Crew. Still, chances are the preceding post is Unstoppable Baby!

Tweet Comment 47 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

Coming off another major knee surgery...

he’ll command a very small fraction of the MLE. Is he even going to play this year?

by phiLthyphiL on Jul 1, 2009 4:23 PM PDT reply actions

MLE is totally out of proportion to what he should be paid. Coming off knee issues he should get a 2 year, $4m kind of salary.

Thing C

by markdash on Jul 1, 2009 4:40 PM PDT reply actions

yea, if that

but I’d probably take him for that. I’m a bit biased because I LOVED watching him play while he was at Cal, but he’s a guy I’d definitely have interest in particularly if Wright is moved in a trade.

Thing A

by sam23 on Jul 1, 2009 4:58 PM PDT up reply actions

Well he isnt going to be healthy at the beginning of the season,

if we dont make any moves and Davidson almost a lock to come back(at the min) I would rather use the MLE on a guy that can play the 3/4.

Thing B

by warriorsscore110 on Jul 1, 2009 6:28 PM PDT up reply actions

oh me too, but looking at the FA list there isn’t a whole lot out there. Moon? Meh. Marvin Williams? Will probably cost more than we can afford to convince ATL not to match. Kleiza? I expect him to get the full MLE with a contender. Same with Ariza. Barnes or Warrick maybe? haha, bring back Donyell? I think our best chance to add a 3/4 is via trade. If we could move Wright as one of the more attractive pieces in a Prince or AK47 trade I definitely wouldn’t mind take a chance on Powe with less than half the MLE.

Thing A

by sam23 on Jul 1, 2009 9:21 PM PDT up reply actions

Now theirs a trade I can sink my teeth into.

Bring on Prince or AK47

There's a party in my mind.
And I wish that I was there.

by qin on Jul 2, 2009 7:43 AM PDT up reply actions

Prince. No to AK47.

by Missing Barry on Jul 2, 2009 8:33 AM PDT up reply actions

Man I havent even thought of Hakim Warrick,

I would drop the MLE on him for 3 years with a team option for the fourth. Also reportedly Josh Childress is talking to the Bucks. I would also see if he is intrested in signing a MLE offer sheet.

Thing B

by warriorsscore110 on Jul 2, 2009 9:43 AM PDT up reply actions

yea

the beef is a good thing…all we have is skin and bones…

by blacksamurai33 on Jul 1, 2009 4:44 PM PDT reply actions

Maggette and Azubuike would like to speak to you.

Thing A

by sam23 on Jul 1, 2009 4:59 PM PDT up reply actions

lol

Oakland Raiders Fan
Golden State Warriors Fan
San Francisco Giants Fan
San Jose Sharks Fan
MMA Fan
USC Trojan Fan

by i love sports101 on Jul 1, 2009 8:42 PM PDT up reply actions

USC Trojan fan? I hate you.

Thing C

by markdash on Jul 1, 2009 8:48 PM PDT up reply actions

I maybe the only USC Trojan fan on this blog lol

Oakland Raiders Fan
Golden State Warriors Fan
San Francisco Giants Fan
San Jose Sharks Fan
MMA Fan
USC Trojan Fan

by i love sports101 on Jul 1, 2009 8:50 PM PDT up reply actions

I like the idea.

Leon Power plays with heart.

by yobo on Jul 1, 2009 4:53 PM PDT reply actions

I like the idea. He’d be a big upgrade from Kurz/Davidson, except he doesn’t have much of a jumper. But if he’s in there to grab rebounds and score putbacks, he doesn’t really need a jumper. He’d be great as a backup 4, he wouldn’t command many touches and would have a bigger impact than what his numbers would show. How long is he out for?

WARRIORS BASKETBALL!!! Patiently waiting for a title...I may be waiting for a long time...

by JustSomeName on Jul 1, 2009 4:56 PM PDT reply actions

What about Drew Gooden?

He’s even bigger, from the bay, and a would provide a solid veteran post presence.

by T-Money on Jul 1, 2009 5:01 PM PDT reply actions

We have guys like Gooden, but younger and more talented...

…. And when I say guys like Gooden, I don’t mean in physical stature.
I mean playmakers. Gooden is a playmaker who could once create from the outside and bang down below. Now he’s lost a few steps and settles low post fadeaways and other soft post moves. We don’t need an aging 3-4….
Powe on the other hand would stay in the paint and wants to do the dirty work like rebound, box out, and all those other things that win ballgames.

by Sricko on Jul 1, 2009 5:33 PM PDT up reply actions

no

Leon powe please, 2 years, 4 mill sounds good to me.

by FeartheBeard4 on Jul 1, 2009 5:17 PM PDT reply actions

Leon Powe, who is recovering from serious knee surgery, is disappointed that the Celtics didn’t make him a qualifying offer and suspects his career in Boston has come to an end.

Powe said Danny Ainge told him they didn’t have room for him due to the window closing on their championship hopes, but didn’t rule out a return once he’s healthy. Powe is said to be ahead of schedule in his recovery, but he still may be out until the All-Star break.

The Ultimate Opportunist

by Rated-R Superstar on Jul 1, 2009 5:36 PM PDT reply actions

no

stop signing people based on how much you like the.

sign them for their value.

At this point Powe is worth the minimum. lets not make another troy hudson mistake.

by saintdee on Jul 1, 2009 6:09 PM PDT reply actions

Eh? They paid Hudson $1.2m for one season. That was, I think, the veteran’s minimum.

Thing C

by markdash on Jul 1, 2009 6:21 PM PDT up reply actions

yea but at the same time if there isn’t really a guy we really want to add with the MLE taking a shot on a guy like Powe isn’t the worst way to spend it. …..he does have some upside if he can ever get healthy again, and adding a fan favorite for very little money isn’t entirely useless.

Thing A

by sam23 on Jul 1, 2009 9:23 PM PDT up reply actions

Plus, if you remember back when he lit it up during the finals, his big plays were on the break. So you know he can be effective in an uptempo style blah blah….
We should get him.

by Sricko on Jul 1, 2009 6:46 PM PDT reply actions

Use the MLE to address our big need of

backup power forward?

Thing B

by warriorsscore110 on Jul 1, 2009 6:52 PM PDT up reply actions

Didn't mention the MLE, would want him for cheaper...

… and yes his size, defense and rebounds are something this team needs… who do you want, allen iverson?

by Sricko on Jul 1, 2009 6:56 PM PDT up reply actions

I dont want anybody really,

lets see if we can swing a trade to bring a All Star caliber player. If not I would be ok with handing Jarret Jack a 4 year 14 million dollar contract and bringing back Davidson and calling it a day.

Thing B

by warriorsscore110 on Jul 1, 2009 7:04 PM PDT up reply actions

You don't want anybody?

But you want an All Star caliber player? Or throw 14 million at Jack, cluttering up our back court even more and sending out more mixed signals about who’s running the plays?

The Amar’e trade is basically a pipe dream… not to mention awful for the Warriors, as we would give up way too much. Plus there probably won’t be an extension clause, as Amar’e would be in line to lose 20 million. So what then, give up all that for Amar’e as a rental? This ownership would do it for the ticket sales probably. But it’s just not good… sign him to an extension and then let’s talk. Word is we have the best offer in the league.

If we can’t do that… I don’t think we should mess with the team much at all. But bringing in a solid, hardworking rebounder and defender like Powe to a deal below the MLE, because of the injury, is a good move. The hometown factor is big as well.

Drafting Curry shook things up enough… in a good way.

by Sricko on Jul 1, 2009 7:20 PM PDT up reply actions

What I Want?

What I want is Larry Riley to do a good job and for that means either 1 or 2 things.
A. Make an Amare or whoever trade that makes us a factor in the west and use the MLE to make a playoff push now.
B. Build on our youth and make a minor move, dont blow the MLE for the sake of doing it, but maybe kick half of it(in the form of a decent contract) for a decent young role player who might be come a asset.

What I DONT want to see happen is make a ‘splash’ trade and/or ‘splash signing’ that would take us from 36 wins to 43 wins.

You didnt mention the MLE above, so I will say that signing Leon Powe to a 3/5.5 mil deal would be ok with . We could also bring in Jack. We would be super stacked but would have plenty of pieces to move between now and Febuary, most importantly Claxton’s expiring.

Thing B

by warriorsscore110 on Jul 1, 2009 7:30 PM PDT up reply actions

Getting Amar'e as a rental is a waste. Getting Amar'e with an extension means giving up a lot of talent, thus abandoning the 'youth movement.'

We don’t need to make a huge move. I think the guys we have are actually getting better. Not sure who we could use the MLE on but it might as well be someone who helps with the fundamentals, not another score first swingman.

by Sricko on Jul 1, 2009 7:45 PM PDT up reply actions

Getting Amar’e as a rental is a waste. Getting Amar’e with an extension means giving up a lot of talent, thus abandoning the ‘youth movement.’

I agree, I guess I wasnt being very clear. What I want is a plan of attack, either we go and get the pieces and make a run for the playoffs this year(Amare + Kidd) or be patient and wait for the future. While I might not agree with the Amare deal(actually I am flip flopping every hour to be honest : ) ) I can see the rational behind the deal.

someone who helps with the fundamentals

One guy that I have been talking about since last summer is Josh Childress. He is still young and can play 2-4 in Nellie’s system and does a little of everything well with a great fg/ft/3pt % I know he has an opt out clause after every summer in Europe, but the Hawks still own his rights. It would not hurt to see if he wants to sign a MLE offer sheet.

Thing B

by warriorsscore110 on Jul 1, 2009 8:01 PM PDT up reply actions

One guy that I have been talking about since last summer is Josh Childress.

There’s a pretty intriguing thought that I keep forgetting about.

Thing A

by sam23 on Jul 1, 2009 9:25 PM PDT up reply actions

He has just talked to the Bucks,

seems intrested in coming back to NBA.

Thing B

by warriorsscore110 on Jul 2, 2009 9:44 AM PDT up reply actions

He's not worth the MLE.

even if he is,his value is lowered due to his injury.
Powe would be a nice addition to the team though.

Its time for a change...

by RunNdGun on Jul 1, 2009 6:57 PM PDT reply actions

Yea, I totally agree that hes not worth anything close to the full MLE

but i’m also not exactly familiar w/ how the MLE works.

I learned a bit about it from NBA 2k9 association mode, but first of all I don’t know what our salary cap situation is.

Jae could probably shed some light on this, but lets say we were 3MM under the cap, would we be able to sign Powe and then use the MLE also? Or by signing him w/ our remaining cap space do we forfeit our MLE?

If instead, we are already past teh salary cap (but obviously not the hard cap) can we only use the MLE on one player, or if they both are combined less than 5.8MM can we use it on two players?

If we could sign him to the minimum that would be ideal b/c that would definitely allow us to sign someone else to the MLE and then sign Powe to the minimum.

My main point is that if we can only use the MLE to make one signing, I think we might as well use it on Powe, b/c I dont think anyone else is worth 5.8mm

by scwarrior24 on Jul 1, 2009 7:32 PM PDT up reply actions

My main point is that if we can only use the MLE to make one signing, I think we might as well use it on Powe, b/c I dont think anyone else is worth 5.8mm

You do realize we don’t have to sign anybody right? I would not want Powe with a 6 mil contract per year each of the next 3 or 4 years.

Thing B

by warriorsscore110 on Jul 1, 2009 7:45 PM PDT up reply actions

You are misunderstanding me

If you are over the salary cap you can use the MLE to pay someone up to $5.8MM, but you dont have to pay them that full amount. So im saying since there is nobody else worth signing, why not just use the MLE to pay Powe $2MM per for the next two years and not sign anybody else.

by scwarrior24 on Jul 1, 2009 8:36 PM PDT up reply actions

Gotcha,

sure if you want to slice off a million or 2 and give Powe a 3 year/5million deal, thats fine with me. Its nothing to get excited about either way though. He is banged up at the moment and I doubt he plays more than 10 mins a game for Nellie even when healthy.

Thing B

by warriorsscore110 on Jul 1, 2009 9:01 PM PDT up reply actions

stole my idea

bring back the glove!

by dong4ce on Jul 1, 2009 7:09 PM PDT reply actions

he'd be great

he is exactly what we need, bay area good, has a good story behind him which makes him have a great attitude and doesn’t take anything for granted, he is a hard worker, i love it.

by bizz 192 on Jul 1, 2009 7:16 PM PDT reply actions

i would love to see powe come to the bay he is a good player and would give us more reason to trade wright but not for amare

by elmolb23 on Jul 1, 2009 9:09 PM PDT reply actions

Injured backup power forward is not our biggest need.

Third major knee surgery in his career and out until the all-star break or longer and people are talking about offering him a multi year deal now? Huh? Ignore the sentimental side. Wait until he can show he can walk before offering him a contract. Anything else is a terrible business decision.

by jae on Jul 1, 2009 9:22 PM PDT reply actions

Cal me a Cal homer, but if healthy,

…I think Powe makes a lot of sense.

I think we’re all set except for two spots: An adept passer at 3 and back up 4 with some muscle and toughness.

When I say “all set” I don’t mean a lock for the play offs. I just mean a balanced team with complementary parts that are well suited to play an up-tempo offense.

I don’t think there’s a silver bullet to be had. Amar’e? I hate the idea so much, I don’t even want to think about it.

by Jeremy Belvins on Jul 1, 2009 9:22 PM PDT reply actions

for a low risk contract

I wouldn’t mind seeing Powe here to give some more inside presence and bulk

by baybridger on Jul 1, 2009 10:06 PM PDT reply actions

DO IT !!

Bring Leon back to the Bay !

Dr. Jeff

by JEFFSJAZZ on Jul 2, 2009 2:45 AM PDT reply actions

don't overpay

but i think he could be a solid piece

by AJC3317 on Jul 2, 2009 3:06 AM PDT reply actions

“1) Some people never fully recover from 2 ACL surgeries (but with modern medicine + rehabilitation, it is not at all uncommon to recover from such a thing and worth the risk at this price)”

Powe’s already recovered from 2. This is his 3rd. Wait until he’s heatlhy, if we have room available, see what it’ll take to sign him. I doubt it would be expensive at all, so it’d probably be worth offering him a contract. I’d imagine if every team offered him he’d choose either us or the Celtics. Having a backup with some meat that can come in and bang bodies for a few minutes a game is not a bad thing at all. I’d much rather have Powe than Kurz, I can tell you that much. The fans would love it, too.

Biggest con with Powe – he fouls. All the time. Just wanted to point that out if people didn’t realize quite how much he fouls. 5.2, 5.7, 5.6 fouls per 36 minutes in his 3 years.

by Missing Barry on Jul 2, 2009 7:00 AM PDT reply actions

That is a scary fact

To be fouling that much with Kevin Garnet playing behind you is ridiculous. KG is probably the best help defender in the league, maybe #2 behind Superman, maybe.
We get so many fouls from Turiaf and Biedrins, and Randolph will be playing more = racking up more fouls this year. I like Powe, but hate the idea of another foul prone player coming in.

by warriorsvictim on Jul 2, 2009 10:06 AM PDT reply actions