Tony Gaffney gets some props
“We really like his basketball feel. His athleticism, his defensive capabilities. He’s learning how to shoot the ball, and that’s one of the keys for him. He’s doing really well out there. Guys like him. He fits in really well with us."
Jackson goes on to say that Gaffney's inclusion on the final roster will definitely be a front office talking point, but I still think it remains a long shot.
No doubt, they like what's been on display thus far, and Gaffney does seem light years ahead in the pecking order than fellow roster hopeful Thomas Kelati. At the very least, I think his chances have risen from "doubtful" to "not out of the question." But between today's lean economic times and the Lakers' already sky high payroll, I'm guessing the desire to keep the roster at a baker's dozen will win out. I wouldn't be surprised, however, to see Gaffney in a D-Fenders jersey to start the season. I'm actually counting on it. And who knows? Maybe Doc Buss will decide that when once you've ponied up 110+ mil (after the luxury tax kicks in), what's another few hundred grand?
Were it my money, and the staff really liked Gaffney's potential, I'd like to think I'd take option B, because he's garnered enough praise to land on the enemy radar. But since we're talking cash and both Jerry B and I are nothing if not betting men, my money is on the team concluding that a Tony Gaffney (whether the actual player or one similar) can be found during the regular season should the need arise, and will chance him getting scooped by another team.
Either way, Gaffney's making the most of this chance, and along those lines should be happy with himself.AK
Thanks to reader Steven W. Miller for the heads up about the article.
Repost:
If Morrison plays his cards right he can turn this Lakers stint into a rebuilt career. He's going to have to accept a contract at the vets min, but if he does, he can jump start his career through all the exposure he'll be getting with LA. Because his actual cost to the team is that big 10 million, he's definitely not being traded and is becoming a free agent when his contract expires.
Normally I would say there is no way we even think about re-signing a guy like Morrison when we still need to re-sign Gasol. But because Morrison may come cheap (vets min) and because there is no way we bring back Sasha when his deal runs out after next season--and because we still need a reliable spot up shooter on the bench--Morrison may be a real option for this team.
There is no way Farmar comes back. And I see Jordan having a big year, too. We're just not going to pay Farmar mid-level type money when we've already established that salary range for all-star caliber guys like Artest. And after a big year with us, Farmar may get the money and starting spot he covets.
But I'd keep an eye on Morrison this year. I think the formula is right for him to create a nice little niche on this team and make progress toward an NBA career, if not a big, immediate pay day.
Wes
Posted by: wesjoenixon | October 20, 2009 at 11:40 AM
man this kid can play and if the lakers dont take him he's going to be a steal. he'd fit in great with the lakers or OKC.
Posted by: jennah | October 20, 2009 at 12:08 PM
I agree with you Wes. I think Morrison is looking more comfortable on this team. His threes are looking sweet again.
Gotta give Gaffney props too. Not only is he from MA like me, but the kid seems to hold his own on the court too. I had to look twice when he made that 3 on the Clippers. I didn't even know it was him.
Give the guy a chance. He seems like a stand-up guy willing to work his butt off and we like those types around here.
Posted by: EastCoastJessie | October 20, 2009 at 12:19 PM
when you go from Kobe Bryant to Gaffney in the same sentence, you're kinda waiting for the other shoe to drop, like... "black taco"? or something...
This Gaffney guy seems to be channeling some Kirilenko... but, not a WHOLE LOT of Kirilenko... but he seems to be a good character. I think it would be a great disservice to put him on the roster. He needs to go to the DLeague and play against some guys, if he gets lucky, he gets called up later in the year to play in practice for us and gets a ring out of it. Not a bad story...
Posted by: Porky Pig | October 20, 2009 at 12:27 PM
Porky-
Remember, they can sign him to a D-League contract, but if he's not on the Lakers roster, any other team can pick him up. If they want to call him up so to speak later in the year, they have to sign him up front.
It won't cost much (and probably won't be fully guaranteed) but it's still extra cash for a guy highly unlikely to play. The big thing may be Walton's back. If he's not healthy going into the season, that increases Gaffney's chances of sticking.
Still probably a long shot, though. But if he sticks, Gaffney will almost certainly spend vast chunks of time with the D-Fenders.
BK
Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | October 20, 2009 at 12:33 PM
Porky Pig,
"I think it would be a great disservice to put him on the roster. He needs to go to the DLeague and play against some guys, if he gets lucky, he gets called up later in the year to play in practice for us and gets a ring out of it. "
You raise a very legit point. Spending a year on a roster and about 30 combined minutes on the floor can be a difficult way to begin a career. Particularly while on a one year rookie contract with no other resume filler. Putting aside how the lack of burn can theoretically stunt Gaffney's development, from a "staying in the league" perspective, that may not be ideal. On the flip side, there is obviously value in being part of a championship squad and working with the likes of Kobe, Pau, LO, Artest, Fish, Phil, etc. But you cannot ignore the practical realities of NBA life.
The best of both worlds would be to make the Lakers, but spend the overwhelming majority of the season playing with the D-Fenders. Of course, then you're back to the finanicial realities that may prevent Gaffney from getting signed in the first place.
AK
Posted by: Andrew and Brian Kamenetzky | October 20, 2009 at 12:36 PM
Nice story, check our Artests twitter about Mike Chatfield, Queens street point guard that got killed this week. Ron and Lamar are lucky to have gotten out of the hood, Chatty was 31. All those kids stuck in the deadly street cycle need to understand what faith & hardwork can achieve.
I am a bigger Ron fan now, he has quite a heart.
Posted by: Tony F | October 20, 2009 at 12:38 PM
Wes,
Some excellent points, especially the point about Morrison not being traded. Whether he can foil the Lakers plan to save $10M per year once his contract expires I still a big question but if he shoots the ball extremely well and is willing to sign for say, $1.5M to $2M per year, he might find a home.
-
I also agree with you that Sasha’s expiring contract next year will likely be looked at the same way as Adam’s contract this year, meaning a possible $10M per year in salary and luxury tax savings. The only way Sasha will have a chance to stay with the team is if he has a great year and is willing to take a pay cut, same as Adam would, in order to stay with the champs. Otherwise, Adam may replace him.
-
As for Jordan, if he has a great year, I think he may be able to get an offer greater than what the Lakers would pay him. On the other hand, I think the Lakers would be willing to pay more than we might expect if he really matures and plays smarter. He would have to show that he has become much more consistent and learned to make better decisions for that to happen. That is possible.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | October 20, 2009 at 12:52 PM
I guess, the more I think about it, everybody is right in some way about Gaffney. This team is unbelievably stacked so every 3rd game should be a blowout with the starters possibly sitting out the 4th quarter, so Gaffney could get some playing time in the big leagues against real competition.
To show how unknown Gaffney is, Yahoo has him listed as a Center! LOL! If he has any chance of being a light version of Kirilenko, the Lakers have to keep him, those guys are extremely valuable, they've got 6 fouls to give and can just drape themselves over somebody who is hot. Who cares if he can stop them? just break their rhythm for a 3-5 minute period and then you run a rested Kobe or Artest back at them.
Posted by: Porky Pig | October 20, 2009 at 12:58 PM
DID MY "how 'bout my Lakers" chat with a close friend that coached college. Hadn't seen that much of the team but did catch the end of the one Golden State game that Gaffney chased down and blocked the layup at the buzzer. With all the players situations on the roster, Gaffney was the guy worth talkin' about.
Said before, he looks like he's got Ariza energy. Gaff Bandwagon?
C'mon, FO, how much could it cost to have him at the end of the bench?
Posted by: VMan | October 20, 2009 at 01:02 PM
It's better that Gaffney goes with the D-Fenders and get PT to get him to develop despite that other teams can sign him as well as the Laker can.
Sun made the mistake of not going to the D-Fenders until it was way over late and while his Laker career was sealed when he opted to play for China again instead of Summer League, holding off quality game experience in the D-League did not increase his chances of staying in LA and getting more than 1 ring.
The best method is what AK suggested and get him to roster but then send him down to D-League. Yes it does come with its financial cost but hey that's what the D-League is for right? Besides if he can develop into a very quality player and still stay on a reasonable contract hey the Lakers got their money worth from the kid. If he develops hey who needs Ammo? That would be about $9 million in total salary almost saved then (counting Ammo's current contract and the effects of luxury tax).
The Lakers are spending so much money for the D-Fenders and well don't get that much money from it (I mean, do we really go to Staples Center to watch the D-Fenders?). This would be a great opportunity to use their D-League team to have a player develop into a possible quality NBA player.
Posted by: KB Blitz | October 20, 2009 at 01:14 PM
Damn Economics!
Posted by: lakersrydeordie | October 20, 2009 at 01:31 PM
hobbitmage
Ask and you shall recieve. I think Gaffney could have some impact this year, given some limited minutes and with the right personnel on the court. I'd like to keep him, but times are tough and money doesn't grow on trees. Yet.
LakerTom
If Girardi gave us Game 3, then Fuentes/Sciossia served up Game 2 on a silver platter by not walking Roidriguez. Two way street there, el captitan. Regadrless, it's been an incredible series. Late innings, great pitching, clutch hitting and Jeff Freaking Mathis comes up HUGE. Normally I'd send a bowl of spaghetti to pitch to Mathis, but it looks like he's found his swing. Tonight should be a barn burner. Bummed i have rehearsal as I will only be able to tape one of the games which means I'll have to look forward to a recap tomorrow in the LA Times.
GO LAKERS/ANGELS!!!!!
Posted by: Jamie Sweet | October 20, 2009 at 02:03 PM
um, if Luke Walton is hurt, and everybody else is healthy, and we don't win a championship this year, does the earth crash into the sun or something?
Posted by: phred | October 20, 2009 at 02:06 PM
At this point, I would just hate to see the UMass product end up, God forbid, in Boston as their 12th man!
Posted by: Jefe101 | October 20, 2009 at 02:11 PM
We should have a vote: favorite long shot bench filler from this decade. Here are my nominations...
DJ Mbenga
Mike Penberthy
Coby Karl
Jamal Sampson
Tony Gaffney
Sun Yue
Von Wafer
Devin Green
Jannero Pargo
Jelani McCoy
Joe Crispin
Tony Bobbitt
John Celestand
Posted by: puddle | October 20, 2009 at 02:22 PM
puddle- good list, but didn't von wafer and pargo go on to have almost real success with other teams? anyway, i don't know who i would vote for, but i would like to subtract one vote from jelani mccoy if he gets any. that guy sucked.
Posted by: phred | October 20, 2009 at 02:40 PM
i guess i should phrase that as a question- can i please have my vote be counted to subtract one vote from jelani?
Posted by: phred | October 20, 2009 at 02:40 PM
The Lakers could very well sign him to an NBA contract and send him to the D-League since he is a rook. That way he could play for the defenders on a Lakers contract and not be able to be signed by any other team.
Morrison I'm sure will be kept at vets minimum, Fisher will be taking a pay cut, Gasol will likely be kept for around 12-14 mil when he is resigned, and Vujacic will likely have to take a paycut now once he's resigned. All in all, it seems like many millions are going to be freed up soon. Plenty for resigning Farmar and definately Brown. I'd like to see Luke traded in a salary dump. I'm sure Gaffney will be kept along.
Posted by: J-Dizzle | October 20, 2009 at 02:53 PM
Even if Gaffney ends up 14th man, he still won't be playing unless 2 players end up on the injury list. Just too much money for a warm body for scrimmage.
Players like Ammo and Sasha need to play with a team like the Lakers to have a decent career. They are valuable to the Lakers yet they get less pressure and often end up as the 5th man on the court when defenses have to doubleteam a Kobe, a Pau or a Bynum. They won't be effective if they are guarded closely so they need the open space created by the triangle and the Lakers' stars.
If Sasha isn't resigned, he probably goes back to Europe, where he'll end up with a decent team. For the same amount of money (in the future), Sasha or Ammo as the Lakers' designated outside shooter? This season will basically be a tryout between the 2 who gets an extension (at reduced rates) and sticks around long-term.
Posted by: LakerinBC | October 20, 2009 at 02:58 PM
I think with so many other question marks, there is too much time spent on a D-Leaguer. Send him there, and let him learn the ropes. Some other points, from an outside view:
a) the only salary dumps here would be to free up money to sign KOBE - forget re-signing anyone else
b) Morrison - can't get off his own shot, and whose mins does he take, Artest?
c) Fisher - he starts the year at PG. IF he is supplanted, just my opinion, but he will NOT be happy coming off the bench.
d) Farmar or Brown? - - ah, neither. Kobe Bryant is the PG on this team, he has the ball in his hands 70% of the time. Not saying that is a bad thing, just think too much is being made over backup PG. Starting PG? Different story - PJ likes Fisher because he can handle being the PG on D, but not O. Don't think either Farmar or Brown could warm up to that. Like Brown as a 2 guard, though, that idea has some depth.
Keeping it real. Keeping it objective. Outside View
Posted by: outside view | October 20, 2009 at 03:12 PM
Adam Boo Hoo Morrison is a perfect fit for the Lakers; Morrison and Fisher can wipe each others tears when the Lakers get knocked out of the playoffs in the second round this year.
Posted by: The Green Asterisk | October 20, 2009 at 03:28 PM
To all those who question the "riding pine for the Lakers vs. playing somewhere
else",
So ... As a D-fender, do you get access to the Lakers coaches?
Getting paid 6 figures to be tutored by Kareem (everyone hopes),
PJ, Shaw, etc...
vs. making "how much" to play with 3rd tier players ...
It is written: knowledge is more precious than rubies & understanding more
than gold.
Not that I don't see playing as important.. I just think getting paid to work
for and learn your craft from the best of the best is always a wise investment.
Posted by: hobbitmage | October 20, 2009 at 04:09 PM
I don't think Gaffney will go to the D-League. He's already said that he has a contract waiting in Israel if the Lakers drop him. More $$ will be offered to him there as opposed to playing in the D-League.
Posted by: cinz | October 20, 2009 at 07:12 PM
He seems like he could be a solid reserve, or at the very least hustle and play solid defense in limited minutes, so I'd like to see him land a spot on the roster (especially if he's liked by the rest of the team), but in regard to AK's statement that he's showing up on enemy rader, I'd say the fact that he played at UMASS was the overwhelming factor in the Boston Globe paying attention. (although Im sure that many in Boston have more than just a passing interest in what's transpiring in L.A.)
Posted by: james | October 20, 2009 at 09:56 PM
i like morrison but no matter what the lakers have to keep Sasha
Posted by: autoprt | October 20, 2009 at 11:10 PM
Remember, they can sign him to a D-League contract, but if he's not on the Lakers roster, any other team can pick him up. If they want to call him up so to speak later in the year, they have to sign him up front.
It won't cost much (and probably won't be fully guaranteed) but it's still extra cash for a guy highly unlikely to play. The big thing may be Walton's back. If he's not healthy going into the season, that increases Gaffney's chances of sticking.
Still probably a long shot, though. But if he sticks, Gaffney will almost certainly spend vast chunks of time with the D-Fenders.
BK
BK don't they HAVE to pay him the NBA rookie minimum if they sign him? It's $457,588 this year, even if they then let him play on the Dfenders.
Posted by: tomK | October 20, 2009 at 11:34 PM
Puddle,
1. Mike Penberthy
2. Jamal Sampson
3. Coby Karl
4. Jannero Pargo
5. Tony Gaffney
What do we play for? RINGS!!!!
Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.
GO LAKERS!!!!
Posted by: Jon K. | October 21, 2009 at 12:02 AM
jon k
What is that list, Lakers that no one has heard of?
Posted by: tomK | October 21, 2009 at 12:20 AM
One thing that is working against Gaffney in addition to the payroll is the Lakers overwhelming depth of talent. If this was almost any other team in the league I think he would stand a much better chance. That being said as a Laker fan I would love to see a player like Gaffney make the team I think even last year when the Lakers won the title they missed an energy player in their rotation since they no longer had Turiaf. I think Gaffney fills that role perfectly; but I agree I doubt he will make it in the end.
Posted by: Gary Ayd | October 21, 2009 at 12:47 AM
thats b.s he is going to make it cuz he works harder then any other person on the court and all you in L.A know that noone else is a defensive threat (rookie) like him. This kid is a future NBA defensive player of the year
Posted by: chris mendes | October 21, 2009 at 07:19 AM
I like Tony Gaffney a lot. If the Lakers want to keep him they need to sign him now and keep him on the Laker team. It probably won't add much more to the salary cap to sign him, and Laker practices would do more for him than D_League practice and D_League games.
Posted by: Frank Hickman | October 22, 2009 at 02:33 AM
I am from mass and have been following Gaffney's progress all off season. Would love to see him make the Laker's roster, but I think he doesn't make it in the end and will just jet it to Israel. He was plenty of fun to watch as an undergrad and plays wicked smart on the court - I wouldn't be suprised if he goes to Israel and makes a roster of a lower tier NBA team next year so long as he plays consistently abroad. The cap issue for the Lakers does make his potential to make the roster an intersting question though.
Go Celtics :-P
Posted by: UMassGrad | October 22, 2009 at 11:22 AM
I can't believe people care this much about a guy who is barely capable of making the practice squad. Take it easy. There are more important things the Laker's should worry about...Like losing to the Celtics in the championship AGAIN!
Posted by: common sense | October 23, 2009 at 08:04 AM