The $50 million Kaveman
Donald Sterling is suddenly in the spending mood. Young Chris is ca$hing in.
Let’s talk about this proposed contract offer to the great Chris Kaman, sometimes known as Kaptain Kaveman. going off physical appearance, the only other person making $10 mill a year that looks like him is Hulk Hogan, and I’m assuming the Hulkster makes that much. Why not, he’s a legend. Dauber from the sitcom Coach probably wasn’t pulling in that kind of cake, though I suppose it’s possible (and insane). So, as far as appearances go, this is rare for someone with that particular look. But that’s just the skin deep part of the equation.
I am a big fan of Chris Kaman, basketball player. When it came time for his top 50 spot, I volunteered to write it and here it is. I stated my case, that he is a young banger, 23 years old and getting better, and he brings extra swagger to his team. On the court he contributes to Clipper Ws in many ways, and provides the fans with entertainment. Off the court, he claims to not have a checking account and gives away money to friends. This was when he had a combined $11 million contract. Putting an average of $10 million in his hand over a five year period…
This is such the opposite of a Donald Sterling move, you have to wonder if he’s still alive. After all those years of Sterling refusing to spend money on his own players, it looks like money will be going to a guy that wants to give it away. This is the feel-good story of the NBA season so far.
Kaman takes pride in being the type of guy that money won’t change. This will be a true test. Sure, he’s been a millionaire already, but for some reason $10 mill a year is another level in my eyes. Take a look at his quotes about the contract:
“I’m not going to go for what’s under market value for my position after how I performed last year and what I know I’m capable of.”
All business.
“I know what guys have gotten most recently with Dalembert and Tyson Chandler. I know what they did in their years when they got paid, and I think my numbers are probably a little bit better in some areas.”
Ooooh… using leverage. You’re gonna pay Sterling. The thing is, NBA players are all about this business stuff. Now that Kaman could find himself a $50 million man, dudes will be more motivated to prove themselves against him. I’m happy that the Clippers are going to pay to keep one of their key players. Hopefully he spends his money in reckless and interesting ways like Gilbert Arenas.
What do you think of this contract? The right move? Too much? What’s the deal with this deal?
31 Responses to “The $50 million Kaveman”
Oct.17 at 2:56 pm
dpak says:
10 mill per for 10 and 10? I miss seeing real centers play.
Oct.17 at 3:02 pm
TrippleX says:
My Top 5: Nash, Dirk, Gasol, AK47 and Kobe
Oct.17 at 3:10 pm
Ryan Jones says:
TrippleX, you’re gonna need a new angle soon, dude.
Oct.17 at 3:10 pm
Clement says:
Actually, A Kaveman should only be about less than $1000 http://www.digitalv6.com/kaveman.html
Oct.17 at 3:16 pm
SteveSmith#8 fan says:
10 - 11 million seems about right considering what guys like Nene, Chandler, and Dalembert are making now. He may average only 10 and 10 but don’t forget that he is playing on the Clippers behind scorers like Brand, Maggette, Sam I am, Cat, and Thomas. I am pretty sure that if he was on another team his scoring average would be higher. I think the Nuggets, Hornets, 76er’s would pick Kaman over Nene, Chandler, and Dalembert any day of the week.
Oct.17 at 3:18 pm
Simply Turrible says:
I like the Kaman extension for several reasons, but most of all because as Sam points out it proves that Sterling and Co. are more than willing to pay to keep good talent.
And Kaman is talented; his numbers have increased steadily in each of his three seasons. Let’s not forget that last year he had two 20-20 games, providing a glimpse of what he’s capable of. He has a nice ambidextrous (spelling?) little baby hook around the rim, and his presence on D is integral to the continued success of the Clippers. When he’s playing with a nasty streak the man’s unstoppable; the only question is whether he can summon that intensity throughout the whole season. I say great move, especially in light of what far inferior centers such as Dalembert and Chandler have received recently.
Oct.17 at 3:19 pm
Eric Neely says:
Seems like a good move, especially when compared with the recent center paydays. Kaman is actually good, unlike, say, Adonal Foyle. And he’s got some offense, unlike, say, Tyson Chandler. If you’re the Clips and you wanna roll with a center, it’s not going to get much better than Ka(ve)man. But then again much of the rest of the L is going small, cause the Suns Are Fun… So is it still worth $10m per for a position that’s been gradually disappearing?
Oct.17 at 3:49 pm
rgeezy says:
Knowing Kaman hell spend it all on a cabin in the middle of nowhere in Michigan and live with the animals.
Oct.17 at 3:59 pm
Paniscus says:
You could by a lot of Led Zeppelin with $50M.
Oct.17 at 4:43 pm
H to the izzo says:
Thank you Ryan,thank you.I think it’s the right move and since he’s now worth $50m I think it’s only right that he gets a real nickname any suggestions?
Did anybody see that commercial where Adam Morrison states the nicknames he’s comfortable with-work along those lines-If you haven’t its on youtube
Oct.17 at 4:54 pm
Gord says:
Give TrippleX some credit, he actually posted in the Artest top 50 article today and proved that he’s not a robot! Kaman is great and definitely worth 10 mil…he’s one of very few true 5’s that are more than half competent in the NBA today
Oct.17 at 4:57 pm
Russ Bengtson says:
Honestly, I think the Clippers are lowballing him.
Oct.17 at 5:00 pm
Reggie Evans says:
The headline should read: Kaveman’s extension is huge!
Oct.17 at 5:06 pm
H to the izzo says:
I will never give TrippleX credit for anything he can’t even spell triple and I just realised that Kaman is probably the only white player in the nba not compared to Larry Bird and he looks the most like him something to think about.
Oct.17 at 5:58 pm
DVLb0y613 says:
50 mil can buy a lot of explosives chris!!
Oct.17 at 5:58 pm
nic says:
im with russ. with the new CBA, things are a bit more reasonable, but if this was 5 years ago, this deal would be a bargain at twice the price. to hell with sam, dude is the real clipper difference maker.
Oct.17 at 5:59 pm
basketball drills says:
He’s worth more, but taking it or not depends on how conservative he is. The conservative approach is to take it. But if he has a great year, he can probably make a couple more per if all goes well. But then again, does he want to possible go somewhere else, and not play with Brand, and not play for Dunleavy? Tough call.
Oct.17 at 6:16 pm
Dj says:
he’s only 23? damnnnn,…
Oct.17 at 6:45 pm
John Bowen says:
Kaman has a valid point about his contribution and value compared to Dalembert and Chandler. I also read that he only wants to play for MD - and where is HIS contract? Because MD and Kim Hughes have made Kaman one of the best 5’s in the Leauge today.
Can you imagine the Pistons with the Kaman? Or the Heat after Shaq daddy hangs it up? Either one sounds ring fitting time to me - and Kaman would be what 25 yrs old by that time? Clippers loose.
Oct.17 at 6:53 pm
Noah Doucette says:
Ghosty is worth every penny. In a league nearly devoid of quality centers you have to lower your standards a tinsy bit (at least until Greg Oden/Joakim Noah get in.) So even tho Kaman isnt a stat stuffer he still has the basic elements of a good center, wich is avging a double double and having the ability to block shots. Also he is capable of playing a full season with little or no injury mishap. *cough* Camby *cough*
Oct.17 at 9:55 pm
Drolfe says:
Damn right he’s worth that amount. Not too many big players in the league right now play like him. 23?? He just might sprout into a bonefide superstar.
Oct.17 at 11:34 pm
Dallas J. says:
Pay the Kaveman. hey what ever happened to that Donald Sterling discrimination case from awhile back anyway?
Oct.18 at 12:56 am
Russ Bengtson says:
I think he’s a six years, $70-something million kind of guy. With an opt-out clause after four years or so. And the Clips should give it to him—after they paid Brand and Mobley, they shouldn’t stop now.
Oct.18 at 2:38 am
andrew says:
i think this was definitely the right move for the clips after watching tyson chandler collect 10 mil a year and still not know how to do a dropstep the last two years. centers in the league just aren’t what they used to be so if you have one that fits your system, can score, and bring some toughness on a daily basis you re-sign him, and thats exactly what sterling and baylor did. the whole core of this team is still intact (plud timmy thomas) and they have a bright future, both short term and long term. real good move by the clippers.
Oct.18 at 2:46 am
Nathan says:
Kaman is definitely worthy of the money. He is a rare species in the NBA nowadays and last time I checked, the Suns weren’t winning championships with their uptempo style. Kaman can score with either hand, is a above average passer and a great free throw shooter for a big man. He still struggles at times with his ADD, but imagine how could he could be playing in the East. He deserves this deal and the Clippers are smart by trying to lock him up.
Oct.18 at 3:37 am
TripleX says:
my top 5: kwame brown, michael olowokandi, pape sow, keith closs, eddie curry
Oct.18 at 9:02 am
Shotcaller21 says:
Chris is worth it. Dude has a great game, great attitude, and great work ethic. His numbers are better every year.
Plus, with that kind of cash, Kaman could buy any kind of animal-skin-cap he wants.
Oct.18 at 12:07 pm
Sam Rubenstein says:
I should have also mentioned that he’s from the same draft class as Lebron, Wade, Melo, and Bosh. Not counting them and Darko, he was the next player chosen. So this could be another piece in Lebron’s all business all the time movement.
Oct.18 at 12:35 pm
JG says:
Kaman’s worth 10 mil a year or more. Y’gotta remember dude is only 23, I think he’ll peak at about 17-18 ppg, 10-12 rpg, but it’ll be consistent over his career, very worth that money
Oct.18 at 2:35 pm
Simply Turrible says:
I wonder why Kaman isn’t on Tripple X’s list- he seems to fit the pasty criteria.
Oct.19 at 4:07 am
hon says:
my starting lineup-american born whites: jason williams, wally szffgzdgakgedzszdkfk, matt harpring, david lee, Chris Kaman.