Can we build around Derek Lively?

[KillerLeft]

That rookie year playoff run was impressive! Big men with foot injuries is concerning. 98 games played out of 246 in his career is concerning. He’s such a likeable human being and the defensive impact and potential is there… I think we’re reaching Greg Oden territory though.

As a stake holder and buyer of all Lively stock, if you were the GM, what would you be willing to offer him in an extension this summer?

The thing is, it's way more than that run of surprising good play during his rookie year. There were a couple of short down periods that year and last, as he came off of injuries and played himself back into rhythm, but basically he's been GREAT most of the time he's played, including the few games he played this season, when he made an impact one could call team altering with a soberly straight face. Frankly, there aren't many players in the sport who can make the type of impact he does.

I’d make a run at getting him on the cheapest possible extension, but as someone mentioned in another thread I doubt he’d take it. He’s shown too much promise already not to bet on himself. I’d be content to play the situation out and make the call down the road. But, I’m nowhere near trying to replace him or anything like that. I’ll hope this move has him ready to go to start next season, and that the timing of that syncs up with a team ready to benefit.