What are the Bucks Thinking?

ESPN is reporting that the Bucks have not made a qualifying offer to Charlie Villanueva. I am not understanding what their mind set is on this. A qualifying offer was only 4.6 million. In only 27 minutes of playing time, Charlie was the 3'rd leading scorer at 16.2 ppg and the 2'nd leading rebounder with 6.7 rpg. He shot 34.5% from 3 point range and was at 83.8% from the free throw line.

As a Bucks fan, I would have to really question the logic in allowing a player of that talent to walk for nothing. I do realize that the Bucks are over the salary cap. So the Bucks are going to say goodbye to a steady contributor to their team.

Here is where the Grizzlies come into the equation. We need a Power Forward. We need 3 point shooting on this team. We are dealing with a 3 year plan in which we are looking for younger players that can learn how to win together and be there in the future. So how does the Grizzlies and Charlie match up together.

1. Charlie is a 6-11 232 pound power forward. Though maybe just a few pounds on the slim side for his height, he does fit the position we are shopping for.

2. The Grizzlies need 3 point shooting. Charlie last season made 89 3 point shots while shooting 34.5% from 3 point range. That is a much higher percentage than any other power forward the Grizzlies have had.

3. The Grizzlies 3 year plan with younger players. Charlie fits into the 3 year plan as well. Charlie turns 25 this August. So he is young enough to grow with the franchise and be coming into his prime when our other stars are coming into their prime.

I am not saying that if we sign Charlie V that he is the Power Forward to lead the Grizzlies to the NBA Championship. But Charlie does fit the position and some of the needs that our team has at this time. Charlie would be a big improvement for the Grizzlies at the starting power forward position. I am slightly worried about his rebounding numbers. In 27 minutes last season he only averaged 6.7 per game. I would hope playing with the Grizzlies he would be playing around 34 to 36 minutes. In that amount of minutes, we would need him to be averaging 10 rebounds a game.

A starting lineup of Conley, Mayo, Gay, Villanueva, Gasol would be a nice starting lineup with 5 guys capable of averaging in double figures. That would also leave some scorers on the bench. The addition of Charlie V along with the draft picks I believe would allow us to compete for 35 to 40 wins next season.