Not Trading Gooden is Good

 

The NBA trading deadline came and went yesterday afternoon, and Danny Ferry made two moves, getting guard Flip Murray from the SuperSonics for seldom used third string point guard Mike Wilks, and getting Philly’s 2nd round pick in 2007 for the Cavs 2nd round pick in 2007.  The Cavs picked up Lee Nailon in the exchange, basically allowing the Sixers to avoid the luxury tax.  

 

Murray was Ray Allen’s back up in Seattle, and his game is supposed to be similar to Larry Hughes’, that being a guy who can penetrate and finish.  He also can make the intermediate jumper, but is not a long distance shooter.  The wine and gold can use another offensive player who can break down a defense and get to the rim.  Hopefully, Murray will be more useful than last year’s trade deadline pick up, Jiri Welsch.

 

The best news from the deadline is that Drew Gooden did not get traded.  The talk shows were full of fans wanting to trade Gooden for two reasons:  1).  To get a point guard, or 2).  Because he will be a restricted free agent following this season.  Those aren’t good enough reasons.  On the point guard issue, a past blog stated the Cavs’ really do not need a pure point guard because the offense runs through LeBron James.  Giving up a player who starts for a younger version of Eric Snow would be too high of a price to pay.

 

Yes, Gooden may get an offer the Cavs cannot afford to match during the off-season, but this team needs to make the playoffs now!  Making a deal for someone who might help the team in the future doesn’t make sense.  Plus, I don’t think Gooden is going to get an outrageous offer from another team this summer.  If he gets an offer comparable to other starting players in the NBA, the Cavs will probably match it. 

 

The same fans saying we should deal the former Jayhawk for a younger power forward are also criticizing the Indians for the Coco Crisp trade.  You can’t have it both ways.

 

Is Gooden the same caliber of player as Karl Malone, Maurice Lucas, or Elton Brand?  Of course not.  He is a legitimate starter, though.  And although Anderson Varajao does well in spurts, he is not ready offensively to play extended minutes.  Until, they have some one better, Drew Gooden is a pretty good power forward.  Danny Ferry did the right thing by holding on to him.

 

JK