The Target: Fabricio Oberto (and why the chance of landing him just got better)

Mike Jones reports that Oberto remains the top target of the Wizards.

And with the Spurs reportedly signing Theo Ratliff, the chances of the Argentinian landing in D.C. just got a fair bit better.

UPDATE: A link to a report by David Aldridge regarding Oberto was dropping in the comments.

Now, the WaTimes' Mike Jones is reporting that Oberto is "very" interested.

We're a couple more posts away from getting the man his own color-coded interest level chart.

over 2 years ago Kyle Weidie 48 comments 0 recs |

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Comments

Cool

we can hold off on all of our various trade wishes for a while if we get him.

Look Mr. James, I lived near the Chesapeake Bay for the first 21 years of my life, at times as close as a 5 minute walk. I know about crabs. And let me tell you something about crabs: they travel every time they get in the lane.

by kseandoyle on Jul 23, 2009 12:59 PM EDT reply actions

Earlier today NBA.com reported that Oberto – according to his agent – plans to make his decision next week and that the Wizards are the more likely choice. They listed only the Spurs as the other option.

by Johnnie Futbol on Jul 23, 2009 1:46 PM EDT reply actions

Awesome

If we get the Oberto from two seasons ago (now that his heart is finally fixed), then we will be getting a good player for a very small investment. If we only get the Oberto of last season or worse, then we still haven’t lost that much considering the relatively small contract he’ll be getting and the few number of minutes he’ll be scaled down to.

"It's OK for the Bullets to trade baskets, as long as they can score on their end." -- Words of wisdom from Phil Chenier

by cuppettcj on Jul 23, 2009 1:55 PM EDT up reply actions

Link?

You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.

by Mike Prada on Jul 23, 2009 2:00 PM EDT up reply actions

http://www.nba.com/2009/news/features/david_aldridge/07/22/aldridge.0722/index.html

Free agent forward Fabricio Oberto will decide on an NBA team by next week, according to his agent, Herb Rudoy, with the Washington Wizards favored to sign him. Oberto, who is at home in his native Argentina deciding what he will do, has also mullng whether to return to the San Antonio Spurs, who sent him to Milwaukee in late June in the Richard Jefferson trade. However, a league source said Wednesday that the Spurs, while keeping their options open, are looking in another direction.

The Wizards have offered Oberto their bi-annual exception, set for next season at $1.99 million. That amount, combined with the $1.9 million that was guaranteed on Oberto’s deal next season, would make the four-year NBA veteran financially whole for next year. Despite good Vegas Summer League play from young forwards JaVale McGee and Andray Blatche, Washington still believes it has a gaping need for a veteran big to back up center Brendan Haywood next season.

“He knows he wants to go where he can play on a team that has a chance to win,” Rudoy said.

It’s near the bottom of the link above. Contrary to what I posted above, the article mentions Sacramento, Phoenix and Oklahoma as teams who have made inquiries, but it doesn’t sound like they’re making strong pitches to Oberto.

by Johnnie Futbol on Jul 23, 2009 2:05 PM EDT up reply actions

We're giving him the biannual exception, not the minimum?

Innnteresting. That means we pay a lot more for him. Instead of paying 800k (the cost of the vets minimum per team, since the league pays the rest of the 1.3 million dollar salary), we’re giving him 2 million. That’s an additional 1.2 million of cost.

I hate to go back to this, but … DeJuan Blair for $400,000, or Fabricio Oberto for $2 million? Oberto’s not five times better than Blair.

You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.

by Mike Prada on Jul 23, 2009 2:10 PM EDT up reply actions

I Also Hate to Go Back to This

But…Blair…cannot…guard…centers. We need a backup for Haywood, not for Jamison.

"It's OK for the Bullets to trade baskets, as long as they can score on their end." -- Words of wisdom from Phil Chenier

by cuppettcj on Jul 23, 2009 2:12 PM EDT up reply actions

I hear that

But then I want someone better than Oberto. If you’re going to spend $2 million anyway, why not up your offer a bit and chase after Rasho for half the MLE.

You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.

by Mike Prada on Jul 23, 2009 2:14 PM EDT up reply actions

Ernie's Call

There might be a price ceiling, and the LLE might be that limit. I too would rather have Rasho, but if Oberto returns to his form from two seasons ago, then we’ll get almost the same production, but for less money.

"It's OK for the Bullets to trade baskets, as long as they can score on their end." -- Words of wisdom from Phil Chenier

by cuppettcj on Jul 23, 2009 2:20 PM EDT up reply actions

Won't Rasho want two years

the difference this year might be different, but next year it may be substantial

by Blatche4MVP on Jul 23, 2009 2:43 PM EDT up reply actions

There aren't the minutes for that

by RamVA on Jul 23, 2009 3:04 PM EDT up reply actions

actually

we need a backup frontcourt player. It’s been pointed out on here many times that McGee and Blatche don’t play well together. Meaning they could BOTH backup Haywood, depending on the matchup. So I agree, for the price and potential, I would prefer Blair. But that’s moot now.

by CJHutch on Jul 23, 2009 5:30 PM EDT up reply actions

Why does everyone think Blair would be ready to step in and contribute this year or next when almost every other drafted player takes years to develop?

That’s an actual question, I’m not very familiar with Blair.

by MR on Jul 23, 2009 5:41 PM EDT up reply actions

Mostly because

Rebounding is the one skill that translates easiest to NBA success. You look at recent successful rebounders in college (Millsap, etc.) recently, and they’ve all been able to help a team right away. Now, they may lack the upside of other prospects, but they do help a team right away. So once you break down the “rookie is always a project” bias, you see that the rookies that help most right away fit the Blair profile. And they were all not nearly as good rebounders as Blair himself.

Personally, I’m willing to throw away concerns about Blair’s knees because, in the short term, we needed the skill he brought to the table. He may flame out in three years, but for a second-round pick, it’s so little risk.

You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.

by Mike Prada on Jul 23, 2009 5:46 PM EDT up reply actions

Defense?

by MR on Jul 23, 2009 8:04 PM EDT up reply actions

what

about defense? I don’t believe Blair is a liability on defense. Not in the post at least. Sure, he’s short for a post player, but he’s stronger than a lot of “proven” NBA centers. And anyone who knows post play, knows that strength is just as important as height. Just ask Wes Unseld.

by CJHutch on Jul 24, 2009 9:09 AM EDT up reply actions

Let me reiterate that I don’t know anything about Blair’s game, these are actual questions, not sarcastic rhetorical questions. I’m actually curious about everyone’s take on his ability to play NBA defense this year.

I’m just puzzled about why everyone is so worked up about not taking Blair. This is a guy who every NBA team with a pick thought was not first round material in the weakest draft in decades. But I’ve never watched the guy play so I’m just asking. I suspect that part of it is that the Spurs took him. If the Clippers picked him we’d all be saying how glad we are that we passed.

by MR on Jul 24, 2009 10:10 AM EDT up reply actions

Meh

For me, it’s that he brings a tangible skill for very little money. Blair was something like sixth on our draft board, so I don’t think it has anything to do with the Spurs picking him.

You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.

by Mike Prada on Jul 24, 2009 10:28 AM EDT up reply actions

As

to this statement

This is a guy who every NBA team with a pick thought was not first round material in the weakest draft in decades.

I believe the 2001 draft was the “weakest draft in decades.” I’ll reserve judgement on this one for a year or two. But in ’01, there was another player every team thought was not first round material, was picked in the 2nd round by Golden State, and he turned out to be arguably the best player from that draft.

As for Blair himself, I think that the reason you keep seeing people (including me) bring him up on here is because a lot of us wanted the Wizards to pick him up if we somehow traded back into the mid to late FIRST round. Again, this is only MY opinion, but I believe he will turn out to be one of the better players in this draft. I think the teams went back to preconceived notions on draft night, afraid to pull the trigger. From what I heard, he actually worked out very well in pre draft sessions, and I read plenty of articles that said teams were not concerned with his knees after consulting doctors. Again, I hate to keep riding this horse, as it makes it seem like I can’t let it go. I just feel like Blair is going to prove a lot of people wrong, all around the league.

by CJHutch on Jul 24, 2009 11:40 AM EDT up reply actions

2000 was worse than 2001

Michael Redd was the best player in the 2000 draft. That’s a yikes.

You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.

by Mike Prada on Jul 24, 2009 12:03 PM EDT up reply actions

You're right

it is slightly worse. All you had to say was Stevenson came out in that draft. ……..I’m pulling your chain…..

I had never really thought of it, but I do find it interesting ….

Michael Redd was the best player in the 2000 draft. That’s a yikes.

…that for 2 years in a row the best player in the draft was taken in the SECOND ROUND (although the argument between Arenas and Joe Johnson is debatable. I think Arenas reached star status earlier)

by CJHutch on Jul 24, 2009 5:46 PM EDT up reply actions

Arenas is better than Joe Johnson

In fact, no star is more overrated in this league than Joe Johnson.

You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.

by Mike Prada on Jul 24, 2009 6:14 PM EDT up reply actions

I like

Johnson, but I agree Arenas is better. I said debatable because not everyone feels this way.

But Arenas being better works for my original statement, so we’ll go with that. Makes me look smarter.

by CJHutch on Jul 24, 2009 6:40 PM EDT up reply actions

Exactly

And to add to MIke’s point…. he would only have cost $457K for ONE year…. A second round pick is not guaranteed a long term (3-year) contract…. You can sign them for 1-year at the League Minimum…

$457K is not that much to spend on a player that was the best rebounder in College last year.

In my opinion, the perfect scenario; even while saving money, would have been to draft Blair and sign him to a 1-year deal at the league minimum (with two 1-year team options) – and THEN to sign a League Minimum Vet Center.

Bullets Forever - where "Dagger ! " happens......

by Rook6980 on Jul 24, 2009 12:04 PM EDT up reply actions

Could we have even given him the minimum?

This post will doubtlessly show how little I know about the salary cap, but given that we are over the cap aren’t we only allowed to use non-exception contracts to re-sign our own players/picks?

Furthermore, the LLE can’t be divided up among multiple contracts like the MLE can, so weren’t we basically stuck offering the LLE?

by Manimal Smith on Jul 23, 2009 2:34 PM EDT up reply actions

You can give anyone the minimum no matter your cap status

It’s an exception like the MLE and LLE are.

You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.

by Mike Prada on Jul 23, 2009 2:36 PM EDT up reply actions

Thanks for the clarification

Should have realized that it had to work that way so that teams over the cap could fill their rosters.

by Manimal Smith on Jul 23, 2009 3:16 PM EDT up reply actions

and

sports has never, ever worked that way. This is not a guy we’re getting for ‘upside’. If thsi is a serious contender/playoff team we need NOWside.

by Jheiser3 on Jul 23, 2009 2:40 PM EDT up reply actions

The Spurs trade him, replace him, and are considering other options…and he’s still thinking about re-signing with them? C’mon Fabrico. Come to DC. We WANT you. Not like those teases, the Spurs.

On another note, I’m surprised that (according to Mike Jones) John Edwards isn’t in the mix along with Alade Aminu and Josh Heytvelt in the “slim chance” category. I thought he looked as good as the other two and fits our needs for a big legit center better.

by MR on Jul 23, 2009 2:11 PM EDT up reply actions

Me too

I actually liked Edwards more.

You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.

by Mike Prada on Jul 23, 2009 2:13 PM EDT up reply actions

I think Aminu is exactly what we DON’T need: JVM/Blatche lite.

by MR on Jul 23, 2009 2:20 PM EDT up reply actions

Oberto not great not bad...

Once everyone is healthy (the core) with additions of talented young players such as “Tayshawn” Young, “Lamar” Blatche and Javale “Griffin killer” McGee lol we are going to be a strong team. Keep in mind that if Arenas is healthy you have a Kobe, Lebron, Dwayne, Nash caliber player as well as Butler Jamison and Haywood. With Alberto, Miller & Foye as additions and the bad players taken off the team Oberto is just sounding better than the other players to me. Sure we can get some young talent but why? More young talent really?? We have all the young talent we need and I think with Flip and Cassell they are going to excel and help the team tremendously with bench scoring. I personally think Oberto fits the team perfectly, he is witty, offensively and defensively composed, and obviously healthier than last season. With offensive weaponry and experience from our core, explosiveness and energy from our bench, and solid composed play from veteron/experienced new additions, no really bad players (minus taser [sorry I had to]) and a defensive upgrade we are going to be a VERY strong team in the east. In summarization I think Oberto is what we need, personally more so than a Blair

by Unxpekted on Jul 23, 2009 3:46 PM EDT reply actions

Now im not a Taser fanatic

like some people may be, but he really isnt a bad player at all. You can count on him to rebound well, defend at least decently, and even catch a couple lobs from Gil, Randy, and Javaris. Your exception to not having any bad players shouldve been Mike James not Taser.

by lj15 on Jul 23, 2009 4:12 PM EDT up reply actions

or Stevenson

by CJHutch on Jul 23, 2009 5:35 PM EDT up reply actions

Oberto !!! Oberto !!! Oberto !!! Oberto !!! Oberto !!! Oberto !!! Oberto !!! Oberto !!! Oberto !!!

by eltacoman on Jul 23, 2009 6:24 PM EDT up reply actions

Fair enough

I just dont see Taser having much of a role this season and persoanlly I prefer Mike James. James dramatically changed some very important games we had against Cleveland. He was able to make clutch shots as well as hit a few threes. Personally I just think Taser was able to shine a little bit with so many players injured last season. Sure he had a nice drunk or two but come on man were past that. We are tyring to be a team worthy of winning a championship. Anyway this post is Oberto and again if you read what I posted I think he is a great compliment! I personally like this move over the Shaq to Lebron.

PS The video of Lebron being dunked on has posted yay!

by Unxpekted on Jul 23, 2009 4:16 PM EDT reply actions

Taser and James will both be third string this year.

Unxpekted, are you trying to bait people around here?

by MR on Jul 23, 2009 4:25 PM EDT up reply actions

Wow

Something is truly wrong if you feel that Mike James will be better than anybody we have on our roster for next year.

by lj15 on Jul 23, 2009 4:47 PM EDT up reply actions

I like Taser but better than James by alot?

I disagree I dont see Taser as a MUCH BETTER player than Mike James. Im not saying Taser is better neither am I saying James is better. They both are on the bottom of the player chain of our current roster. I re-iterate again though this is about Oberto and my point is he is going to be a great addition.

PS. If you think Dominic McGuire is the star thats going to win us a championship team and want him to play more please be a fan of the Clippers. I want us to win a championship and be back in the days where we were feared in the east and when we were fun to watch not back to the days where we won 18 games. Just my opinion everyones entitled though. I dont mind the guy getting a few filler minutes in when were 15-20 points plus in the fourth. Either way better players are going to elevate everyones game and ultimately the team will be happier being successful so yay for Taser having a better team.

by Unxpekted on Jul 23, 2009 5:07 PM EDT reply actions

I'd be willing

to bet that McGuire gets more PT this year than James. If for no other reason, than his WILLINGNESS to play defense, and his ability to rebound. All James provides is streaky scoring. We have enough scoring. Of course, this is all assuming James is even on the team.

by CJHutch on Jul 23, 2009 5:47 PM EDT up reply actions

Watch yourself

You are starting to take my comments out of context and starting to put words in my mouth with the goal of being sarcastic. I never said or even came close to saying that I think Taser is going to be the star that will win us a championship. I even said that im not a Taser fanatic. I understand the fact that him and James are going to be end of the bench guys. My main point was that Taser is not a bad player and that he does many more positive things on the court than James and that he will indeed get more PT than James.

PS. I heard you the first time you said Oberto is going to be a great addition. The conversation is allowed to deviate from the original topic, so you saying that anymore wouldnt be very useful.

by lj15 on Jul 23, 2009 6:36 PM EDT up reply actions

Oberto !!! Oberto !!! Oberto !!! Oberto !!! Oberto !!! Oberto !!! Oberto !!! Oberto !!! Oberto

Yes We Can

by eltacoman on Jul 23, 2009 6:26 PM EDT reply actions

Yes We Did?!

Apparently, he just agreed to sign with the Wizards . . .

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/wizardsinsider/2009/07/oberto_agrees_to_join_wizards.html#comments

by Bucky Katt on Jul 23, 2009 6:40 PM EDT up reply actions

I agree with what you said. Its a free country and in the USA I support freedom of speech : ). When it boils down to it we are all Wizards fans. I can be issued a warning but when people didnt pay any attention to team becuase of there losing streak I was the one buying tickets and taking me and my friends to support our team. I even watch the summer league games and preseason games. Taser has supplied me with plenty of “jumping out my seat” play when I have been at the games, when he has blocked, did a nice dunk, or supported our team in anyway.

OBERTO IS SIGNED BABY!!!

Cant wait, I love my team : )

by Unxpekted on Jul 23, 2009 7:32 PM EDT reply actions

Ok then

by lj15 on Jul 23, 2009 7:42 PM EDT up reply actions

Some responses

1. It’s a free country, but BF is not a “free speech no matter what” place. There are parameters. I issue warnings to remind people of what they are.

2. There’s no need to start with the “I’m a true fan” stuff. Everyone on here is a true fan, otherwise, they wouldn’t waste time on a Wizards blog.

You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.

by Mike Prada on Jul 23, 2009 9:25 PM EDT up reply actions

Oopz

Got a little excited he has not signed yet but I sure hope so.

If he does we

1) Need a nick name

2) If you saw him in his rookie years (short hair) he had some awesome plays (crazy bank shots, dunks, blocks galore). Maybe the long hair slowed him down lol Lets pursued him to cut it.

by Unxpekted on Jul 23, 2009 7:50 PM EDT reply actions

I am irrationally excited at the prospect of him signing

If he has signed, then I am pretty jazzed about it.

This doesn’t justify selling the pick instead of taking Blair, but it is a really sound move. We need a veteran, hard nose player who is scrappy, plays good D, and is capable of working within an offense without breaking plays. He fits all of those characteristics and has the added bonus of having been the starting center on a championship winning team (albeit he didn’t even play more than 20min for that team that year).

From watching him I really get the sense that he is one of those guys who prides himself on being on fitting in with the team and adding to it with hustle and scrappiness (we finally get a foreign player who can sell a flop on OUR side) rather than with flash or me-first oriented game.

I am a little bit concerned that San Antonio decided to sign Theo Ratliff’s expiring contract over bringing him back, and that this means his health is more uncertain than we realized. It does give me pause that my first thoughts about this were “if he is healthy, then its a good move.” The “if he is healthy” is something we want to be hearing less, not more.

by Manimal Smith on Jul 23, 2009 8:09 PM EDT reply actions