Fans overrate Lee and Nate, because they're likable. But they're both benefitting from this system.
Lee is a good rebounder, and a good outlet passer, but is a liability defensively, and one dimensional offensively. His stats are inflated because we have no other rebounders, or post players, on our team.
Nate is a good scorer, but he's lazy defensively. He actually has the ability to be a very good defender, with his speed and athleticism. He should be a pest, like Mugsy Bogues or Nate Archibald. But he's not, and he tends to be a ball hog at times. His stats are also inflated, since he gets so many shots in this fast paced system.
They both will probably ask for a lot of money this summer, and I don't think they're worth it. They could be useful in a trade, since their value is so high. A sign and trade this summer might be a good idea.
You hit it again.
This season has at least been good as far as attracting some of the "target market" players that can be acquired in exchange for inflated stats.
Get us J Smooth.
I would love to keep Lee if it's gonna be a reasonable contract. N8 has turned it up there's no question, but if another team is willing to overpay him, then better them than us I say.
I'd still love to see N8 traded for Rudy Fernandez in some form of package deal that includes Travis Outlaw. Not sure if it's even slightly possible given his contract situation & that of others that could make it possible. Can't be bothered looking too deep into it either.
<!-- begin left column --> <!-- begin player -->
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Rudy Fernandez #5 SG. -
$1.1m 2 Years
<!-- comp -->
<table class="tablehead statCont" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="1"><tbody><tr class="gamehead"><td colspan="4">2008-09 STATS</td></tr> <tr class="colhead playerStatSub"><td>PPG</td><td>APG</td><td>3P%</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow playerStats"><td>10.3</td><td>2.1</td><td>.386</td></tr></tbody></table>
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Travis Outlaw #25 SF. -
$4m 2 Years
<!-- comp -->
<table class="tablehead statCont" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="1"><tbody><tr class="gamehead"><td colspan="4">2008-09 STATS</td></tr> <tr class="colhead playerStatSub"><td>PPG</td><td>RPG</td><td>APG</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow playerStats"><td>12.7</td><td>4.2</td><td>1</td></tr></tbody></table>
Both are good (cheap) shooters, particularly Fernandez who I think would be a great addition to the Knicks. Savvy player the likes of Manu. His performance vs USA @ Beijing was enough for me to want him in orange & blue.
Outlaw is long & athletic & can play at both ends. If he were to be traded here it would be a coming out party showing what he can really do. Under-rated as ****!
Bottom line:
N8 isn't worth too much. $7-8m/year is plenty enough.
Inflated stats apply to everyone & he's a very ****ing small fish in a big & madly talented pond.