The Expendables (NBA Edition)
Webster’s dictionary defines expendable as: “more easily or economically replaced than rescued, salvaged, or protected.” This prompted me to create a list of players on current NBA teams that are good, but when it comes down it can be replaced without a significant negative effect on their team. Contrary to the recent “Expendables” movie that came out this list of characters do not kick ass or beat on their opponents like the star-studded cast in the film.
Gilbert Arenas
1 of 5
Drafting John Wall instantly landed Arenas on the expendables list. While everyone appears to be cool with the Wizards backcourt now, wait until mid-season when the losses pile up and Wall isn’t playing up to his hype. Gilbert is at a lose-lose situation this season. He has to take a backseat to John Wall (which is extremely hard for Arenas with his ego) and any negativity that occurs in Washington this season will be his fault. I’m not sure if Washington his holding onto him for trade bait come February but I sure as hell wouldn’t let him taint John Walls rookie season. Gilbert Arenas is EXPENDABLE.
Tony Parker
2 of 5
The rumors about Parker wanting to play for the Knicks began last season around the trade deadline. Now with George Hill emerging as an effective starter the Tony Parker era in San Antonio isn’t as bright as it used to be. Parker’s un-willingness to accept a bench role this season will likely spark some trade rumors. I don’t blame Parker for not wanting to come off the bench as he is a former Finals MVP but Hill is more fitted for the starting nod. The Spurs should consistently seek out trade offers for Parker while his value is still high. At the end of the day George Hill is the starter and Tony Parker is EXPENDABLE.
Vince Carter
3 of 5
The Vince Carter trade wasn’t a huge disappointment, but it wasn't a huge success either. When watching the Magic play last postseason I felt J.J Redick was more effective than Vince. The fact of the matter for Orlando is they need to get Dwight Howard more touches inside and by no means does Carter help that cause. He has been a star his whole career and when thrown into a secondary scoring role has had problems adapting. The Magic are better suited splitting time between Redick and Pietrus at the shooting guard position. These two provide a more balanced game than Carter, which proved to work well as they made it to the Finals the previous year. Sorry Vince but you are EXPENDABLE.
Monta Ellis
4 of 5
Ellis lit it up for the Warriors last season averaging 25.5 ppg but it is still yet to be seen if he can mesh with Stephen Curry. A backcourt with Curry and Eliis becomes a big liability for the Warriors moving forward because they lack the size and muscle to defend big guards. The last thing the Warriors need with these young guards is an envy problem. Curry looks to be the future for Golden State and this might not sit well with Ellis who told media when Curry was drafted that he cant see it working with both of them starting. Monta is a great player who would be just as effective on a team with weak guard play. So this makes him EXPENDABLE.
Hasheem Thabeet
5 of 5
It is pretty rare to see a 2nd overall draft pick be demoted to the Development League less than mid way through the season. The conclusion regarding Thabeet is that he is a bust. This may be true now but we must remember he is still only 23 years old. A 7’3 athletic center who has a knack for blocking shots will always be needed in the NBA but Memphis is not the place for Hasheem. Marc Gasol has locked down the center spot for the Grizzlies and will remain there for the future. He is a fringe all-star and will be a top 5 center in the NBA soon. This leaves Thabeet in a very tough spot as playing time will be a scarcity in Memphis. Hopefully the Grizzlies trade him to a team in need so he can begin developing his game but for now Hasheem Thabeet is EXPENDABLE.
