The HRR NBA Trade Analyses Archive

August 1, 2000

The Charlotte Hornets signed and traded G Eddie Jones, F Anthony Mason, G Ricky Davis, and the rights to swingman Dale Ellis to the Miami Heat in exchange for F Jamal Mashburn, F P. J. Brown, F Otis Thorpe, F Tim James, and G Rodney Buford who was also signed and dealt.

Note:

• Mashburn, Mason, Davis, Thorpe, Ellis, and Buford can all become free agents next summer.

2000 - ‘01 Player Salaries:

Eddie Jones, Mia: $8.96 M.

Anthony Mason, Mia: $3.0 M.

Ricky Davis, Mia: $0.939 M.

Dale Ellis, Mia: $2.51 M.

Jamal Mashburn, Cha: $6.2 M.

P. J. Brown, Cha: $5.8 M.

Otis Thorpe, Cha: $2.2 M.

Tim James, Cha: $0.783 M.

Rodney Buford, Cha: $0.4235 M.

Who got the better of the deal?

Miami.

Why?

Despite Pat Riley blinking at the rumored signing of Eddie Jones to Chicago which cause Riley to include P. J. Brown in this deal, Miami is the winner in this trade.

The Heat obtained Charlotte’s two best players. Jones, 28, provides Miami with a long armed slasher and defender who plays the passing lanes exceptionally well. Eddie has also made himself into a consistent scorer from the perimeter.

Mason, 6’8, will play small forward the majority of the time. His ability to run an offense from the forward spot should be commended. In addition, Mase is also a very good and versatile defender. Unfortunately, Mason’s off court problems have continued to haunt him. Therefore, if he has any problems off the court this season or he just doesn’t work out with the Heat, Miami can renounce him and use his salary along with the rest of the salary cap room Miami will have next summer to go after Chris Webber for example.

Ricky Davis, 21, is an athletic 6’6 guard who has an improving game. He’s also an athletic slasher; however, he has yet to show consistency with his outside shooting. He has the skills to be a good fit in Miami. A big question with him is: Will he be willing to endure the grueling Riley practices and become a better defender as well as a better player.

Dale Ellis was a throw - in for cap purposes. He’ll probably be waived before training camp.

Charlotte Hornets’ Coach Paul Silas said, “I feel great about things for what we got, for Eddie (Jones) and that we didn’t let him leave for nothing.”

Not letting Eddie Jones leave “for nothing” is exactly right. In Mashburn and Brown, the Hornets obtained 2 players who have slightly different skills than Jones and Mason.

Mashburn, 6’8, 250, is a better low post scorer than Jones; but, Jamal is not as good defensively as Jones. Mash is a good ball handler and an improved 3 point shooter. He's versatile enough to play shooting guard which definitely causes matchup problems for guards who he outweighs by 30 to 40 pounds.

P.J. Brown is “Mr. Intangible”. He provides all the little things such as defending the opposing teams best front court scorer; setting good picks; boxing out; hitting the open shot, etc. However, for whatever reason, last season P.J. only grabbed 7 plus rebounds a game which is not that great for a 6’11 starting forward. Brown may play small forward for the Hornets alongside 6’10 Derrick Coleman and 6’11 Elden Campbell in a very tall front court.

Otis Thorpe, 38, adds to the Hornets deep front court; however, his best days are behind him. Neither his defense or his rebounding are as good and reliable as they used to be.

Tim James, 6’8, barely played last season for Miami. He had a difficult time adjusting to the small forward spot after playing with his back to the basket at the University of Miami. However, he’s improved his outside shooting and his overall skills for small forward; so, he could see a few minutes for the Hornets.

Rodney Buford, 6’5, is a very good shooter and slasher. He has long arms which enable him to play the passing lanes. In fact, his basketball skills aren’t his problem. His problem is marijuana. He’s been arrested for possession of marijuana twice and stopped by customs officials in Toronto for having 2 joints in his possession. He’s promised it will “never, ever happen again”. Hopefully, he can keep that promise. If so, the Hornets could have a keeper.