Post by Phoenix Suns on Feb 10, 2009 13:48:17 GMT -5
Charles Boen Exclusive Interview
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Bill Simmons: First off, let me begin by saying I appreciate you spending a few minutes with me here today.
Boen: Not a problem!
Bill Simmons: How do you feel about the current state of your team at the moment? What are your team’s strengths, weaknesses and what are your expectations for the Wizards.
Boen: I'm just really really mad at my team right now, first of all Brad you are a DUMB ASS for trading JRich for Deng...thought I'd get that off my chest. Anyways I can't win a game. Right now I guess I'm looking to rebuild, as much as I hate too. It's sort of a go with the flow type process right now, just waiting for that one big offer. As for the expectations for my team I think we could get into the playoffs if we get it together, but honestly we still need that big deal to put us over the top. Bogut is on the block (as I have made clear) but no one is taking the bait, Marion could go though I love his versatility and I need at least a decent guard to do ANYTHING. Unlike in RR1, my backcourt is completely depleted.
Boen has been actively shopping Marion and Bogut but hasn't found any takers
Bill Simmons- Speaking of RR1, you completely turned around the Miami Heat from laughing stocks to championship contenders, with the pieces you have in Washington, do you think you can do the same?
Boen: I need a big deal or that big break. Anything is possible, I might even consider trading KD if it's what has to be done. There are still quite a few GMs who are sleeping on the job which reduces a lot of trade possibilities.
Bill Simmons: Your team have struggled and have found themselves in bottom place in the West. Do you see your losing ways changing? Or are you looking forward to the offseason?
Boen: I still have my pick, so the more I lose the more it favors rebuilding but at this point I am open to anything. I seem to be rebuilding in every league so I'd love to make the playoffs and we have the talent to do it...we just need a big deal
Bill Simmons: On paper your team looks like a playoff contender. Do you feel your team is underachieving? and if so, why?
Boen: No guards, I love Law but he isn't what I need right now and KD should be at the 3. I've talked to teams about moving Bass for a legit PG so I can slide everyone else down and run n gun like I want too. Nothing so far, and Bogut isn't getting the interest I thought he would, I was thinking of when I had Kaman in RR1...everyone wanted the Caveman.
Bill Simmons: You've been talking a lot about the “big deal”, what would you be looking for in a the “big deal”? A player who can help you win now or someone you can build around in the future?
Boen: Probably both, you have to look at everything in a deal and that's why I think I have been successful as a GM, because I know how to get deal that help you both now and in the future An example of this "big deal" I talk about would be I offered IND Bogut and Marion for LBJ, Daniels, Webster, and Kosta This would have given me an INSANE combo in KD/LBJ. and some nice pieces to move around giving me a depth line up of Webster/Law/Daniels/Bass/Kosta/Synder. if IND would have done it I would have tried to trade some of my depth for an 80 and see how did. if we started playing well maybe I trade my pick or KD for something else.
A potential trade that would've sent the King to DC was quickly rejected by Pacers management.
Bill Simmons: Last question on your team before we move onto other topics, do you think the Wizards are now in better shape then when you got them?
Boen: I'm not gonna disrespect my close friend Brad, but they were TOTALLY centered to this year. Not all his fault and Deng's real life struggles KILLED his value. I don't like to put all my chips in a basket unless I can contend, which WAS was not a contender when he had them or now I think we have a MUCH brighter future but talent wise the RR1 Wizards are better but not by much I don't think.
Bill Simmons: There hasn't been much surprises regarding the standings, the top teams on paper are playing like the top teams unlike last season. With that said, who do you think will take home the ship?
Boen: I'll tell you I love Charlotte right now, but Chicago in my opinon made a GREAT trade. Baron and Ray will play VERY well off of Yao. Dyess can play his role as the D rebounding guy. If Morrison/Bell work good as a pair OR they get a SF (maybe a Battier type guy) I could see them taking it. Of course Phoenix is in the discussion always and Denver has a lot of talent.
Can Rondo lead Charlotte to their first championship?
Bill Simmons: Interesting how you don't mention your former team, the Miami Heat. Any particular reason why?
Boen: Destroyed everything I worked so hard to bulid, if you were gonna trade LBJ (which I plan to) you need to a STUD and a little better role player ike in a perfect world for example maybe LBJ and Patterson for Wade and Bell he added too much Offense and the D is gone, only one that plays D is Camby
Bill Simmons: I've heard your favourite team in real life are the Houston Rockets. Obviously you have to be disappointed with their play this season. If you were GM, what direction would you go?
Boen: What else can you do really? T-mac isn't heatlhy yet...I mean if he T-mac is T-mac we are going to go places if not I don't know what we can do? Not going to be able to trade T-mac for value (unless Phoenix gives us Amare for him, which I'll and think steve Kerr is a dumb ass) but we have a good group, maybe get a PG but we have some bench guys that can play Tinsley might be a nice fit for us to be honest, but more as a chance of pace guy othing major is needed it, it just fringes on can T-mac be T-mac in the playoffs. We'll find out soon enough.
Bill Simmons: Final question, Amare, Shaq, JO, Marion and VC. Who's staying who's going as we head towards the deadline
Boen: Haha I was just kind of reading and getting my own 2 cnets about this Amare is staying unless Kerr wnats to be remember as the dumbest GM EVER (don't get me started on Phoenix) but I think JO will stay eps. after his 9 block performance VC might go not sure, and I think Marion will stay but here my BOLD prediction, Shaq BACK to LA for Odom, Mihm and Sasha you heard it here first folks
Bill Simmons: That's all for today folks. Stay tuned for our next exclusive interview with a RimRockers GM.
Boen predicts Shaq is gonna head back to the Lakers