I know we need a center more than anything else, but Charlie bell has no team right now, and he could be signing a deal with the Bucks at about 900,000 a year. Why not take a look at him? He's capable of playing the 1,2 and the 3. Cut Hunter and Dupree for Bell.

Plus hes from MSU I think..

Bucks would pretty much match any reasonable offer for Bell, IMO, especially if it comes from an Eastern Conference team.

We also drafted 3 SGs.

Yeah, before the draft I was all about bringing in Charlie. He's a hard worker, he plays hard, he would have been a nice fit. Now, we have no room for him.

When you can get a player of his quality and work ethic, you do it. I don't care if you have to cut Dupree, Hunter, and Murray. I like him far better than any of those three.

When you can get a player of his quality and work ethic, you do it. I don't care if you have to cut Dupree, Hunter, and Murray. I like him far better than any of those three.

http://sports.espn.go.com/media/nba/2004/0604/photo/a_davidson_i.jpg

Even if we cut those three, look at the three guys we just drafted.

Stuckey plays the 1 and 2
Afflalo plays the 2 and 3
Mejia plays the 1, 2, and 3

I would love to have him, and I'd rather have him than Afflalo and Mejia, but we aren't going to sign him and have him take time from the young guys. Just not going to happen, which is too bad because I'd love to see Charlie Bell in a Pistons uni.

Even if we cut those three, look at the three guys we just drafted.

Stuckey plays the 1 and 2
Afflalo plays the 2 and 3
Mejia plays the 1, 2, and 3

I would love to have him, and I'd rather have him than Afflalo and Mejia, but we aren't going to sign him and have him take time from the young guys. Just not going to happen, which is too bad because I'd love to see Charlie Bell in a Pistons uni.

None of those guys are proven and Bell is. Now I'm all for giving rookies decent PT but I'm not happy about having to rely on unproven players. I would still like to sign Bell, even if it takes some time from the rooks. The truth is that even with signing Bell, you can still give each of the rookies 5 minutes per game until they prove that they deserve more. I would like to see Billups and Rip each playing 30-32 mpg.

PG - Billups 32, Bell 8, Stuckey 8
SG - Hamilton 32, Bell 10, Afflalo 6
SF - Prince 32, Hayes 12, Meija 4

Thant gets everone on the floor plus our starters stay fresh and we can increase minutes to those who deserve it and bench or trade those who don't work out. Keeping in mind injuries, everyone gets some pt and hopefully the rookies will get to see some more in blowouts.

It should be more like

PG - Billups 32, Bell 6, Stuckey 10
SG - Hamilton 32, Bell 10, Afflalo 6
SF - Prince 32, Hayes 12, Bell 4

At those 3 spots we are going to have a 5 man rotation, 6 if Flip Murray gets some run. It's silly to think about adding someone else, like Charlie Freaking Bell is the answer to a question we spent all summer spending all our resources on.

Despite our efforts this summer, I don't think that the back-up PG spot is solid and I think that Bell could help that. We are asking a lot of Stucky and our alternatives are who?? Hunter (ancient) or Murray (mediocre) ???? Bell is an upgrade over Hunter or Murray which is why I say we sign him and let him take his spot.

Bell is a tiny upgrade over Flip, and we would be hoping he would get burried by the end of this year. How do you propose we offer him a deal that MIL won't match/beat for 1 season? Or are you going to give him a 4 year deal and watch him sit?

He's an upgrade over Murray, but then Flip will play him over Stuckey.

fuck murray and bell.

Bucks Bell takes a trip to Greece

Posted by: gwoelfel on September 7, 2007 at 2:20AM EST
BY GERY WOELFEL

Just how far apart are the Milwaukee Bucks and Charlie Bell in contract negotiations?

You could say as far as the distance between Wisconsin and Greece.

After all, that’s where Bell was Thursday, spending the day talking with members of the Olympiacos team, one of the most tradition-rich basketball teams in Europe.

Bell, a restricted free agent who was the only Buck to play in all 82 games last season, is seriously contemplating leaving the Bucks to play for Olympiacos. Reports surfaced Thursday that Olympiacos has offered the 27-year-old Bell a two-year contract worth $10 million.

Mark Bartelstein, Bell’s Chicago-based agent, wouldn’t confirm those reports. However, Bartelstein said his client intends on staying in Greece for a couple of more days and that talks with Olympiacos officials has intensified.

That’s a far cry from the discussions Bartelstein has had with the Bucks. Bartelstein said he hadn’t spoken with any Bucks official since Tuesday and described the parties as being “light years’’ apart.

“I would have never imaged us getting to this point and having such a difference of opinion,’’ Bartelstein said. “But that happens in business. This is a business decision for Charlie and this is a business decision for the Bucks.

“We just have a major difference of opinion on Charlie’s value.’’

Bartelstein said the Bucks have extended a multi-year offer to Bell, but wouldn’t disclose the amount. Bartelstein also wouldn’t reveal what kind of contract he was seeking for Bell.

However, the scuttlebutt is Bartelstein is seeking a five-year, $25 million contract for Bell.
:dismissed: The Bucks, according to some NBA officials, won’t go beyond a three-year deal worth around $9 million. Bell made $744,000 last season.

Bartelstein called the Olympiacos’ offer an “attractive alternative’’ but also admitted another European team – which he didn’t name but is presumably FC Barcelona – remains highly interested in Bell.

Furthermore, Bartelstein claimed there is an NBA team – which he also didn’t disclose -- that has a keen interest in Bell, who averaged 13.5 points a game last season.

Bell isn’t a stranger to playing on foreign soil. Before joining the Bucks two years ago, Bell played for Breogan in the Spanish League. Prior to that, he had stints with Virtus Kinder Bologna and Benetton Treviso in the Italian League.

It is believed the Bucks have discussed possible replacements for Bell if he decides to bolt. Earl Boykins, whom the Bucks acquired last season from Denver, remains unsigned as a free agent. But Bucks officials have made it clear they don’t have any intentions on bringing him back.

The Bucks could also be interested in Troy Hudson, a veteran combo guard who is also unsigned. However, Hudson, who played for Minnesota last season, isn’t likely to be content in a backup role behind point guard Maurice Williams or shooting guard Michael Redd.

While negotiations with the Bucks have been unproductive and could lead to Bell playing elsewhere next season, Bartelstein insisted neither he nor Bell harbor any animosity toward the Bucks.

“We’re not angry with the Bucks,’’ said Bartelstein, who also represents several other Bucks, including Williams, Bobby Simmons, Jake Voskuhl and Awvee Storey. “The Bucks gave Charlie his chance (to play in the NBA) and we’ll never forget that.

“He’s enjoyed playing there. But, again, this is a business and the Bucks are entitled to run their business the way they see it.’’

And, barring a radical change, they’ll be running it this season without Bell.

The Bucks have been playing hardball with G Charlie Bell. As a restricted free-agent, Bell's options are limited to getting an offer from another NBA team and allowing the Bucks to match it, signing the best offer Milwaukee makes or simply accepting a one-year deal worth $900,000 (Bell would be an unrestricted free agent next summer in that case). But Bell and his agent, Mark Bartelstein, introduced a wrinkle: They've said he would play in Europe rather than return to Milwaukee for an undervalued contract. The team is not buying it and, much like the negotiations with PG Maurice Williams, the Bucks find themselves in a game of chicken with Bartelstein. The Bucks eventually awarded Williams a six-year, $52 million contract, so chalk up the first round to Bartelstein. But with Bell, the Bucks are gambling that the European threats are just a negotiating ploy. Remember, Bell has played in Russia, Spain and Italy, and though he hasn't bad-mouthed his experience, he has never seemed eager to go back. He once told a reporter, "Honestly, the food over there is good, but I prefer Pizza Hut and Olive Garden." ...

Charlie Bell has no taste in food.

Link (http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=269549)

Wasn't it him talking about how he'd have food flown in when he played in Europe, or something like that?

Pizza Slut doesn't do much for me, but the zuppa tuscana at Olive Garden is pretty awesome.

Bell will no longer toll
Agent says guard is through with Bucks

Charlie Bell still has hopes of playing in the National Basketball Association this season but he no longer wants to play for the Milwaukee Bucks.

By CHARLES F. GARDNER
cgardner@journalsentinel.com
Posted: Sept. 13, 2007

Charlie Bell doesn't want to play for the Bucks this year.

That was the word Thursday night from Bell's Chicago-based agent, Mark Bartelstein.

The 6-foot-3 Bell and the Bucks have reached an impasse on negotiations for a multiyear contract, and with the start of training camp approaching in less than three weeks, the restricted free agent is ready to move on to a European club or another NBA team.

"A lot of frustration has built up throughout the summer," Bartelstein said. "The Bucks are certainly entitled to do what's in the best interest of the franchise.

"He feels the Bucks have sent him a message about how important he is to them. The waters have become poisoned at this point, and he doesn't want to be in Milwaukee any more."

Bell recently visited Greece and received a substantial contract offer from Olympiakos, one of the top clubs in Europe. Bartelstein said a number of NBA teams were interested in Bell, although the Bucks retain the right to match any offer sheet he will receive.

The Bucks are thought to have offered $3 million per year in a multiyear deal.

Bartelstein declined to discuss contract figures but said "we believe our (request) was extremely fair."

Bucks officials were unavailable for comment Thursday night.

Bell was the only Bucks player to appear in all 82 games last season, and he made 64 starts while playing a valuable role in the backcourt.

The former Michigan State star played at both guard spots and averaged 13.5 points and 3.0 assists in 34.7 minutes per game.

"Charlie Bell exudes professionalism and class," Bartelstein said.

Other NBA restricted free agents who remain unsigned include Golden State's Mickael Pietrus and Cleveland's Sasha Pavlovic and Anderson Varejao.

"We're not sure what we're going to do, but he will not sign a contract with the Bucks," Bartelstein said. "Charlie has a lot of pride, and he has to do what's best for him and his family.

"Charlie wants to feel wanted and appreciated, and I don't see any way to repair it at this point."

Bartelstein said he spoke with Bucks general manager Larry Harris and conveyed Bell's feelings.

"There's no ill will," Bartelstein said. "I have great respect for Larry Harris. Each player wants to feel he's important to that organization's success."

Several Bucks players recently have lobbied for Bell's return, including point guard Mo Williams and forward Charlie Villanueva.

Earlier this summer, Bartelstein negotiated a six-year, $52 million contract for Williams, who was an unrestricted free agent. The agent also represents Bucks players Bobby Simmons, Jake Voskuhl and Awvee Storey.

Heat Sign Charlie Bell to Offer Sheet

MIAMI, FLA., Sept. 17 – The Miami HEAT announced today that they have signed guard Charlie Bell to an offer sheet. Under NBA rules, the Milwaukee Bucks now have seven days to match the offer or the restricted free agent will be a member of the HEAT. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Bell, a 6’3”, 200-pound guard, appeared in all 82 games (64 starts) for the Bucks last season and averaged 13.5 points, 3.0 assists, 2.9 rebounds, 1.18 steals and 34.7 minutes. A three-year NBA veteran, Bell began his NBA career after signing with the Phoenix Suns as an undrafted free agent on July 23, 2001. In addition to playing for the Suns and Bucks, he also saw action with the Dallas Mavericks during the 2001-02 season. For his career he has averaged 10.9 points, 2.6 assists, 2.5 rebounds and 28.2 minutes while shooting 43.7 percent from the floor and 75.7 percent from the foul line.

Now is the pertfect time to get Bell. We can do a S&T while unloading Murray or someone (depending on what the offer is for) and should only have to give up a 2nd rd. pick or two!!!

Rumor has it that it is 18 mil per 5 years.

As much as I hate to say it, props to Heat ownership for stepping up to attempt to improve their team even though they are already over the luxury tax.

Bucks match Heat's offer for Bell

The Milwaukee Bucks today matched the Miami Heat's five-year, $18 million offer sheet to guard Charlie Bell, according to National Basketball Association sources.

The Heat extended the offer on Monday, and the Bucks had seven days to respond.

Bell had said he wanted to go to Miami and hoped the Bucks would not match the offer. Milwaukee's previous offer had been a three-year deal for $9 million.

Miami was rebuffed in its second off-season attempt to land a key member of the Bucks' backcourt. Earlier this summer, the Heat made a five-year, $31 million offer to unrestricted free agent Mo Williams, who wound up signing a six-year, $52 million deal with the Bucks.

Bell visited Miami last weekend and was impressed with the opportunity with the Heat.

The former Michigan State guard said he was unhappy with negotiations with the Bucks this summer and did not want to return.

"Inside my heart, I just won't be there," Bell said last week. "I won't feel the same toward the organization."

Bell's agent, Mark Bartelstein, said he talked with Bell today and that the 6-foot-3 guard was "kind of digesting it."

"This is all part of the business," Bartelstein said. "They realize Charlie Bell is a heck of a player, a huge piece of their present and future. They decided they wanted and needed to have Charlie with them."

Bell was only the second restricted free agent to receive an offer sheet this summer. In July, Indiana declined to match an offer made by Toronto for forward Maceo Baston.

"Restricted free agency is a very difficult process," Bartelstein said. "You go through an emotional roller coaster. There's going to be a little bit of a healing process."

Bartelstein said he was highly appreciative of the Heat's offer to Bell. "They treasured him and wanted him," Bartelstein said.

Miami has been seeking alternative options in their backcourt. The Heat has holdover Jason Williams and newly signed free agent Smush Parker at point guard, and the current primary backup for shooting guard Dwyane Wade is first-round draft pick Daequan Cook.

Asked about Bell's approach to returning to the Bucks, Bartelstein said: "He's a professional. He will do everything he can to get himself prepared to have a great season."

The Bucks backcourt now appears set with Michael Redd and Mo Williams as starters, with Bell able to play his usual versatile role behind both players. Others in the mix are newly signed free agent Royal Ivey, Lynn Greer and rookie Ramon Sessions. Swingman Desmond Mason also can play as a second guard but will be used primarily at small forward.

"The Bucks have a terrific young team," said Bartelstein, who represents five of the team's players, including Bell, Williams and Bobby Simmons. "Larry Harris has done an incredible job of putting a real talented group of young players together.

"I wish we could have got it (Bell's contract) done months ago, but at the end of the day, the Bucks made a statement about how valuable Charlie is to them, an impressive statement."

The Bucks' tenacity is becoming contagious around the league....