The Nets have been rumored to be interested in Andray Blatche for front court depth over the past couple of days, they are lacking size in the front court and are in search of a serviceable for the Vets minimum. Blatche was amnestied by the Washington Wizards and cleared waivers so he is currently an unrestricted free agent. Not many teams are interested in Blatche. Here are some reasons to sign the big man.
He can thrive in the right situation
Blatche for most of his career has been in an awful situation in Washington. He's either been on horrible teams or controversial teams. Last season was his worst season by far. He only played 26 games while averaging 8.5 ppg and 5.8 rpg in 24 mpg. He was also awful on both ends of the floor. His team gave up more points while he was on the floor as well as scored less points. However, last season was probably the Wizards worst as well. They had a a head coach transition in the middle of the year and had an awful record, going 20-46. Most importantly, the Wizards had no leadership, and havent had much leadership throughout Blatche's career. The Wizards were filled with young players last year, and their veteran players were knuckle heads. Rashard Lewis, the teams oldest player, hasnt proven to be much of a role model. In previous years there were players like Gilbert Arenas leading the team, known trouble makers. If he were to come to the Nets, he would finally be in a stable situation. This team has its core set, its just looking to fill out the roster. We know that it will be a team fighting for home court advantage, barring injuries. We know who the leaders of the team are, and they are proven veterans with good track records. The Nets also have a definitive coach, and a coach who has been known to discipline his players for maturity and conditioning issues. Being in a winning situation could motivate Blatche to work harder. Also, with veterans like Deron Williams, Gerald Wallace, Joe Johnson and Jerry Stackhouse on the team the locker room should be a stable one.
The Nets need size
Outside of Brook Lopez, the Nets dont have a player over 6'9. If Lopez were to go down, there is no real option to replace him. The best possible option would be either Reggie Evans or Kris Humphries, and neither are over 6'9, it would be difficult for either to guard Centers. Lopez's foot is no sure thing and it is a lot better to have a serviceable player with size to fill in. The Nets had Shelden Williams fill in for Lopez most of last season, Williams was 6'9. The Nets on most occasions were dismantled in the paint on defense, Williams was simply not big enough to guard NBA Centers. Blatche has shown he could guard Centers with his 6'11 frame.
He's shown he could be a decent defender
Blatches main problem is offense, he is not an effiecient scorer and doesnt score around the basket. But he's shown he could play defense. He isnt a magnificent defender like Tyson Chandler or Kevin Garnett, but he gets the job done. In Blatche's best overall year his team gave up 0.2 less points per 100 possessions while he was on the floor. That means he didnt help or hurt his team on defense. His best defensive year came in the 08-09 season, where his team allowed 5 less points per 100 possessions while he was on the floor. In comparison, the Celtics gave up 7 less points per 100 possessions while Kevin Garnett was on the floor. However, ln the 07-08 season, his team gave up 4 more points per 100 possessions while he was on the floor, so he is inconsistent, but he has shown he can defend.
Low Risk, High Reward
Whats the risk? The Nets would likely not be giving Blatche more than the Vets minimum, and it might not even be guaranteed. Blatche is only 26 years old and has a lot of talent. If he embraces the situation he would be in and works hard, his game could come together and be highly beneficial for the Nets, Blatche could be a steal at the Vets minimum. If he doesnt work out, it doesnt hurt the Nets much, all they have to do is waive him without much consequence. The reward is definitely much higher than the risk.
Blatche would be a good signing. He's a young player with a chip on his shoulder. Many teams are passing on him and the Nets might be the one to give him a shot. He would definitely be a better signing than some of the older big men out there like Darko Milicic or Chris Andersen because he could get better. He is only 26 and is yet to reach his full potential. Blatche isnt much of a risk and can be a great reward.
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