2017-18: 50-32 (4th in the East, lost in the Finals)
Draft picks: 8
Signed for next season ($137.9m): Lebron James, Kevin Love, George Hill, Tristan Thompson, JR Smith, Jordan Clarkson, Kyle Korver, Cedi Osman, Larry Nance, Ante Zizic
This summer's free agents: Rodney Hood, Jose Calderon, Jeff Green, Kendrick Perkins, Okaro White, John Holland, London Perrantes
I don't see why Hood, Green, Perkins and White would be back next year, but I can see them going for another year of Calderon. Holland and Perrantes are on 2-way contracts.
Obviously: the player option of Lebron James is the first order of business. If Lebron leaves, the whole world is turned upside own. First, I'd guess they'd fire Tyron Lue and begin the search for a new coach; then I reckon either Love, Hill, Thompson and/or Smith gets traded (I'd trade away all four if I could, pile up as many draft picks as possible); then that #8 pick becomes the "new savior" (without Lebron, I'd look to swap #8 for the Clippers #12 and #13); they re-sign Hood and roll into next year with a new coach, a new youth movement and a relatively new supporting cast (Nance, Osman, Korver, Hood and whoever they get in return for the more expensive players). Then they settle into a Charlotte Hornets-like mediocrity for a while with an eye on stockpiling draft picks. Wow, it's a whole different world, huh?
On the other hand, if Lebron does come back, it'd look pretty much like this year....which is why Lebron not coming back seems more likely, right? Personally, I think Lebron comes back and we go through all this again next summer (when he becomes steadily more likely to leave). Lebron could go to the Lakers but in the West he'd likely have to face the Warriors and the Rockets, which is not much fun. I thought the Spurs were a possibility, though the sudden news that Kawhi wants out would probably put the kibosh on that move (can they get Kawhi to Cleveland...? Uhhhh, no). I don't think the Sixers are interesting to Lebron and talk of the Celtics is worth noting, but I don't see it happening. So, outside of the Lakers, I don't see anywhere for Lebron to go. He's outgrown the league. And, though no one else may agree with me, Love and Thompson are good fits for Lebron and the Cavs.
So where do the Cavs go? Let's start with a pointless trade idea: Hawks get #8 pick, George Hill; Cavs get Kent Bazemore.
First off, you better believe the Hawks are gonna be the belle of the ball this summer: they've got room to take on bad contracts and no pressing need to be good at basketball. Bazemore is their one tradeable asset (I think they're married to Schroeder, for better or worse), perhaps they can do better than George Hill, but his contract is virtually identical to Bazemore's, he'll give them minutes on the floor without much danger of actually winning games and that #8 pick must be pretty tantalizing (if Michael Porter drops to 8 because of medical concerns, grab him and give him the year off; the Hawks are in Process mode, they don't need the #8 pick to actually play next year anyway). Can the Hawks do better than this? Maybe, but getting rid of Bazemore isn't a bad thing and they want draft picks first and foremost.
For the Cavs, if Lebron comes back then who cares about #8? And turning Hill into a contributor with the exact same price tag would be a great move. I think Hill gives the Cavs nothing but a reminder of his inability to make the game winning free throw in Game One. In short Hill's gotta go and, yeah, Bazemore isn't a perfect fit but he's got energy, he'll play minutes and he'll appreciate a shot at winning since he's basically never been on a good team. It's an expensive price to pay to bring in Bazemore but it's worth it to get rid of Hill. (Speaking of getting rid of goats (the bad kind), is there any way they can talk the Jazz into taking JR Smith for Alec Burks? (I don't see how, probably not possible anyway))
The Cavs are in a tough spot next year with or without Lebron. With Lebron, they'd be running back the same so-so team but they'd have Lebron; without, they'd be stuck with the same so-so team but they wouldn't have Lebron (yipes!). I think getting rid of Hill and Smith is absolutely necessary and giving up the #8 pick will be the price to pay to make one or both of those guys disappear (and likely getting back a player/contract even worse than Kent Bazemore).
Okay, okay, let's assume that none of that happens and Lebron comes back. What do the do with #8? Chances are there is nobody out there that Lebron particularly wants to play with, so I'd make the same suggestion to the Cavs that I made above to the Hawks: take Michael Porter, shut him down, forget that he's even there and run him out there in 2019-2020 (with or without Lebron). If they really want someone to play right now, I guess they'll be targeting Trae Young as their replacement for Kyrie/Isiah (I think that's a pipe dream but it is the upside, I suppose). I think Jaren Jackson is a guy they would actually play but I think he'll be gone. (Getting rid of this pick--even after it's been picked--is much more likely than the Cavs rolling into next season with a high profile rookie, since outside of Porter, Jackson and Young, none of the other top prospects even fit Cleveland anyway)
So realistically the Cavs are looking at PG Hill, SG Smith, SF Lebron, PF Love, C Thompson with Clarkson, Korver, Osman and Nance off the bench. Not a super exciting squad but I think they'd still get through the East. That team is solid if unspectacular, if they just maintain some consistency, Lebron can still carry them the way he always has. As bad as Clarkson looked at times in the playoffs (dude, there was a moment in Game Two where he just looked like a little kid that had no idea what he was doing out there that will stay with me for a while, ha!), but as a night in/night out regular season PG off the bench, he'll be fine taking up minutes. And I still think that as Lebron gets used to Nance he will genuinely like playing with him. Over the course of a full regular season, I think if the Cavs return this exact same squad, they'll be better than the were this past season. Good enough to get past the Celtics and Sixers? Yeah, sure, why not?
So far they still have Lebron, so now I will hit 'PUBLISH'.
Showing posts with label projections. Show all posts
Showing posts with label projections. Show all posts
Friday, June 15, 2018
Tuesday, June 5, 2018
2018-19 Houston Rockets
2017-18: (1st in the West, lost in the conference finals)
Draft picks: 46
Signed for next season ($80.4m): James Harden, Ryan Anderson, Eric Gordon, PJ Tucker, Nene Hilario, Chinanu Onuaku, Zhou Qi
This summer's free agents: Chris Paul, Trevor Ariza, Tarik Black, Clint Capela, Luc Mbah a Moute, Gerald Green, Joe Johnson, Aaron Jackson, RJ Hunter, Markel Brown
Okay, the Rockets gotta lotta moves to make this summer. Paul, Ariza, Capela were big pieces of this past season when they led the West in the regular season and bringing them back (or replacing them) are the Rockets' main priorities. Of course, Mbah a Moute and Green were good contributors, too. I don't expect Black, Johnson or Jackson to be back next year. Hunter and Brown are 2-way contracts.
#46 is not likely to make an impact for the Rockets, wouldn't be surprised to see them swap it for a future 2nd rounder. But Malik Newman (Kansas) might still be there. Hey, I watched Newman as a Team USA youth player a few years back and was mightily impressed, he kinda botched his college days but don't be surprised if he's actually a worthwhile NBA player. That said, a rookie PG is probably not getting the Rockets too excited. Probably more likely #46 ends up in a trade package.
The Rockets will surely bring back Chris Paul and Clint Capela (after pretending like they've got a shot with Lebron, of which I think they have none), but I reckon they let Ariza and Mbah a Moute move on and I can't see them bringing back Green or Johnson (unless they get a deep discount on one or the other). I'm sure they'd love to move on from Ryan Anderson (why does Anderson make so much more than Eric Gordon? And why do both make so much more than Ariza?) but I don't see anyone out there clamoring to get in on that deal (well, Atlanta is in the mode of preferring draft picks to wins, is a 2019 1st rounder enough for the Hawks to pick up that contract?). James Harden is one of the most efficient players in the game but as the Cavs are showing (again) one great player is not enough to win in the NBA. I'm still dubious that Chris Paul is the right fit for Harden, but Paul is a great player so unless a sign/trade is in the works, I think they've got to bring him back. That said, bringing Paul back doesn't get them past the Warriors, so who knows? Capela, too, become a stable part of their offensive attack, seems like they have to bring him back, but, man, someone out there is going to offer him a ton of money. Gonna be a long weird summer for the Rockets, I think.
Draft picks: 46
Signed for next season ($80.4m): James Harden, Ryan Anderson, Eric Gordon, PJ Tucker, Nene Hilario, Chinanu Onuaku, Zhou Qi
This summer's free agents: Chris Paul, Trevor Ariza, Tarik Black, Clint Capela, Luc Mbah a Moute, Gerald Green, Joe Johnson, Aaron Jackson, RJ Hunter, Markel Brown
Okay, the Rockets gotta lotta moves to make this summer. Paul, Ariza, Capela were big pieces of this past season when they led the West in the regular season and bringing them back (or replacing them) are the Rockets' main priorities. Of course, Mbah a Moute and Green were good contributors, too. I don't expect Black, Johnson or Jackson to be back next year. Hunter and Brown are 2-way contracts.
#46 is not likely to make an impact for the Rockets, wouldn't be surprised to see them swap it for a future 2nd rounder. But Malik Newman (Kansas) might still be there. Hey, I watched Newman as a Team USA youth player a few years back and was mightily impressed, he kinda botched his college days but don't be surprised if he's actually a worthwhile NBA player. That said, a rookie PG is probably not getting the Rockets too excited. Probably more likely #46 ends up in a trade package.
The Rockets will surely bring back Chris Paul and Clint Capela (after pretending like they've got a shot with Lebron, of which I think they have none), but I reckon they let Ariza and Mbah a Moute move on and I can't see them bringing back Green or Johnson (unless they get a deep discount on one or the other). I'm sure they'd love to move on from Ryan Anderson (why does Anderson make so much more than Eric Gordon? And why do both make so much more than Ariza?) but I don't see anyone out there clamoring to get in on that deal (well, Atlanta is in the mode of preferring draft picks to wins, is a 2019 1st rounder enough for the Hawks to pick up that contract?). James Harden is one of the most efficient players in the game but as the Cavs are showing (again) one great player is not enough to win in the NBA. I'm still dubious that Chris Paul is the right fit for Harden, but Paul is a great player so unless a sign/trade is in the works, I think they've got to bring him back. That said, bringing Paul back doesn't get them past the Warriors, so who knows? Capela, too, become a stable part of their offensive attack, seems like they have to bring him back, but, man, someone out there is going to offer him a ton of money. Gonna be a long weird summer for the Rockets, I think.
2018-19 Boston Celtics
2017-18: 55-27 (2nd in the East, lost in the conference finals)
Draft picks: 27
Signed for next season ($107.4m): Gordon Hayward, Al Horford, Kyrie Irving, Jaysun Tatum, Marcus Morris, Jaylen Brown, Terry Rozier, Guerschon Yabusele, Semi Ojeleye, Abdel Nader, Daniel Theis
This summer's free agents: Greg Monroe, Marcus Smart, Aron Baynes, Shane Larkin, Jonathon Gibson, Kadeem Allen, Jabari Bird,
I don't see any reason to bring back Greg Monroe. I think they're gonna have to let go of Smart (ouch, that hurts). Baynes and Larkin were nice players for the Celtics, I assume they'd like to bring them back, not sure how they fit in the cap. I don't know who Gibson is. Allen and Bird are on 2-way contracts.
#27 pick? Huh, no top 5 picks this year? They'll be bringing back/welcoming in Gordon Hayward next year so the loss of Marcus Smart should be made up in house. But at #27 they could use a dirty work guy, a gritty gutty smashing bastard of a goon. Is that Grayson Allen (Duke)? Could be.
The Celtics lost their big free agent signing Hayward like two minutes into the season and then lost their top scorer and prized trade addition Kyrie Irving going into the playoffs, but still managed to get within one game of the NBA Finals. The cult of Coach Stevens grows and the team vibe the Celtics displayed in the playoffs (especially when dispatching the talented Sixers) was enviable and impressive. Getting full seasons out of Hayward and Kyrie and knowing what they've got in Jaysun Tatum makes the Celtics the odds-on choice to win the East next year. I expect the Celtics to take it easy this summer focusing on shoring up the end of the roster by bringing back Baynes and Larkin. But then again....wouldn't be surprised to see them package Jaylen Brown and Marcus Morris and the #29 pick to snag #5 from the Mavs; if Doncic is still at #5 on draft night (I don't think he will be), expect the Celtics to be among those putting together packages for the Mavs to consider.
Draft picks: 27
Signed for next season ($107.4m): Gordon Hayward, Al Horford, Kyrie Irving, Jaysun Tatum, Marcus Morris, Jaylen Brown, Terry Rozier, Guerschon Yabusele, Semi Ojeleye, Abdel Nader, Daniel Theis
This summer's free agents: Greg Monroe, Marcus Smart, Aron Baynes, Shane Larkin, Jonathon Gibson, Kadeem Allen, Jabari Bird,
I don't see any reason to bring back Greg Monroe. I think they're gonna have to let go of Smart (ouch, that hurts). Baynes and Larkin were nice players for the Celtics, I assume they'd like to bring them back, not sure how they fit in the cap. I don't know who Gibson is. Allen and Bird are on 2-way contracts.
#27 pick? Huh, no top 5 picks this year? They'll be bringing back/welcoming in Gordon Hayward next year so the loss of Marcus Smart should be made up in house. But at #27 they could use a dirty work guy, a gritty gutty smashing bastard of a goon. Is that Grayson Allen (Duke)? Could be.
The Celtics lost their big free agent signing Hayward like two minutes into the season and then lost their top scorer and prized trade addition Kyrie Irving going into the playoffs, but still managed to get within one game of the NBA Finals. The cult of Coach Stevens grows and the team vibe the Celtics displayed in the playoffs (especially when dispatching the talented Sixers) was enviable and impressive. Getting full seasons out of Hayward and Kyrie and knowing what they've got in Jaysun Tatum makes the Celtics the odds-on choice to win the East next year. I expect the Celtics to take it easy this summer focusing on shoring up the end of the roster by bringing back Baynes and Larkin. But then again....wouldn't be surprised to see them package Jaylen Brown and Marcus Morris and the #29 pick to snag #5 from the Mavs; if Doncic is still at #5 on draft night (I don't think he will be), expect the Celtics to be among those putting together packages for the Mavs to consider.
Saturday, May 19, 2018
2018-19 Philadelphia Sixers
2017-18: 52-30 (3rd in the East, lost in the 2nd round)
Draft picks: 10,26,38,39,56,60
Signed for next season ($70.5m): Joel Embiid, Robert Covington, Jerryd Bayless, Markelle Fultz, Ben Simmons, Dario Saric, Justin Anderson, Furkan Korkmaz, TJ McConnell, Richaun Holmes, Timothe Luwawu
This summer's free agents: JJ Reddick, Amir Johnson, Marco Belinelli, Ersan Ilyasova, Demetrius Jackson
Their veterans are all free agents, which ones do they bring back? The Sixers will still need 3-4 vets to fill out the roster and they may well decide that Reddick, Johnson, Ilyasova and Belinelli are the right guys for them but they also have a ton of money to spend, a top ten pick and a full year of Markelle Fultz on the way. Personally I'd keep Belinelli and let the other three walk but I have no sense of what the Sixers will do. Jackson is on a 2-way contract.
Okay, let me start by saying Philly was probably the team I watched most this year (Jazz and Kings would round out my top three). One weird observation: I don't know that any of these guys actually like each other; Simmons and Covington are classic in-their-own-head kinda guys; Saric and McConnell are outgoing but nobody knows what they're talking about; Embiid is on his own planet. Fultz, Korkmaz, Luwawu all seem like nice guys but have yet to prove anything; I wouldn't be surprised if all the veterans are gone next year; Coach Brown has been through the tough times, are we sure he's ready for the good times? GM Colangelo inherited a raft of talent and so far has done nothing but wildly overpay for Fultz (and get nothing out of Jahlil Okafor). My observation was that the Sixers were better than the Celtics, who seem to be on their way to the Finals, so what changes do they need to make going forward?
First thing to remember is in 2 years, they'll have to re-sign Simmons and Saric (and possibly Fultz, Korkmaz and Luwawu), but until then they've got tons of money to spend. (Yeah...like...Lebron money) So who should they go get? I say there are four players for the Sixers to wheel and deal for: 1) Jaysun Tatum (not gonna happen), 2) Kevin Durant (he could be out there this summer, but I doubt it), 3) Kawhi Leonard (he fits perfectly, totally worth the money, but probably the most expensive to acquire), 4) Klay Thompson (bingo!).
Pointless trade idea: Sixers get Klay Thompson; Warriors get #10 pick and JJ Reddick (sign and trade; say, 3yrs/$45m).
This year in the playoffs I've been most impressed by Al Horford first and Klay second. When Klay is on, the game is over, he is so money, yet so disciplined, he'd be perfect with Simmons and Embiid and Saric and McConnell, he'd ice games for them, he is the perfect veteran/scoring machine for that crew. Hell I'd sign him to mega-monster whatever extension before the end of the summer. Lock this crew down for a stretch. And for the Warriors, they gotta pay KD again this summer and then lock down either Draymond or Klay...I think it's Draymond. I think Klay has better trade value, too, with 1yr/$18.9m left on his deal. Reddick may feel like redundancy but he is a helluva shooter and a reliable vet, Golden State can always use those. I suggest 3yrs/$45m, $15m/per seems reasonable to me, he's got good value, he knows how to contribute to a good team, 3 years at a good rate (bumping then declining: $14m, $19m, $12m), but Reddick plus the #10 pick is at least a defensible return for letting Klay leave town (they should take Saric, too); they'd rather have Klay but not a bad deal that saves money, gives them a hot shot rookie to throw in the mix (what if Trae Young falls there? Wow) and solidifies Draymond.
You've got to pair this crew with a veteran, who do you want? Demarcus Cousins...seriously, he'd be such a buzzkill for them. Even if the team was good, they'd be annoying and grumpy rather than fun to watch.
Lebron James? No. If I'm the Sixers I don't even want Lebron. Again the Sixers have 2 years before the bill comes due. They can comfortably go to Lebron and offer, say, 2yrs/$60, with the proviso that this is Ben's team, not Lebron's team and there will not--will not--be a 3rd year on the deal. I think Lebron can do much better than that somewhere, certainly Cleveland, probably many other places. So while I don't think Lebron-to-Philly is actually advantageous for either Lebron or the Sixers, I don't think it happens anyway. Why would the Sixers give Lebron more than any other team in the league, they are the most immune to his charms.
Paul George? No. Lemme ask you something: what the fuck has Paul George ever done? What big games did he win, which series did he drag his team past a goliath, how many times did he nail down the #1 seed or uplift a town so much as to transcend holy men and great statesmen? I think Paul George is a helluva player but why would the Sixers expect anything of him if they bring him in? They need to add a veteran to the youth movement but is it plainly obvious that Paul George is the right fit in any way? He's gonna command a huge paycheck, he's gonna steal attention and stats from the kids without necessarily contributing more wins--though clearly they'd be a good team. I'm not sure his style would mesh, I'm not convinced he makes Simmons or Embiid better players, I think he's a distraction rather than an addition. And a big money distraction, at that.
No, fuck all that, Sixers. I'd go after Marcus Smart, Aaron Gordon, and Enes Kanter. Smart is a free agent this summer, the Celtics choice: pay Smart now or pay Rozier next summer? I don't think they'll do both but I think Rozier's emergence in this playoff run has shown that he has more reliable (and cheaper) value as a 2nd string ball handler and scoring option than Smart's crazy highs/lows (though his highs are better than anything Rozier can do); I think the Celtics are a better team when Smart plays but I think Ainge reckons he can replace him, I think they let Smart walk. Sixers should be all over Marcus Smart. He's the veteran that just beat the youth movement through hard work and loyalty and love of the game and just a crazed desire to win, all of which these Sixers kids could really use. I think Smart forms a great platoon with Covington (I like Covington better coming off the bench, nice upgrade for the 2nd string), meshes perfectly with Simmons slashing and the Embiid down low takeovers. I say give Marcus Smart (say, 4yrs/$60m), with the instruction to go out there and win Defensive Player of the Year and next year in the playoffs, we want you punch Brad Stevens dead in the face, if Smart's down with all that, then welcome to the team, brother.
Aaron Gordon is a restricted free agent with the Magic. He's had moments of brilliance on both ends of the floor...but...just moments. Hey, I'm willing to chalk it up to Orlando just being bloody awful at everything for the last few years. I'd go hard after this reclamation project, that likes to move with the ball and knock down 3's, waterbug around the basket on the d side. Offer him 3yrs/$30m (team option 3rd year), tell him you want career highs in FG%, Free Throw Attempts and Defensive Rebounds. Simmons and Embiid are the stars, no need to unbalance that. Gordon is another young athlete to throw in the mix that doesn't cost too much or take up too much oxygen, he knows how to play and he'll be another fun addition to the lineup.
If the Sixers want a big money free agent, how about Enes Kanter? He has a 1yr/$18.6m player option with the Knicks. He probably figures he can make than that and maybe he can. For the Sixers, Kanter can fill the 2 year window before the big contracts kick in. Kanter played with the crazed attack of Russell Westbrook, playing alongside Ben Simmons should be a boon for his FG%. Look, around the basket Kanter is great, really great, much better than you think kinda great; but, more than 5 feet from the hole, he gets pretty useless pretty fast. So the trick is to play him at center, hover around the basket for passes from Simmons or McConnell and collect the scraps from Embiid and Saric. I think he can be great with the Sixers. And, again, a reliable vet, not some attention hog that needs all the money. For 2 years he can come in and contribute (then they probably let him move on). For 2yrs/$45m does that budge Kanter to Philly?
Yes: the youth movement eventually needs a veteran to build around. But a guy like Lebron warps your franchise for a decade after he leaves, why throw in with that when you've already got the next two superstars in Simmons and Embiid? And a promising batch of cheap talent (Saric, Covington, McConnell, Fultz) around them with another batch of young talent to keep an eye on (Luwawu, Korkmaz). You've beaten the Lebron game, why play it? Stick with the greatest youth movement in eons, add more youth that everyone else gave up on (Smart, Gordon), get an underappreciated veteran to do his one thing really well (Kanter) and still have money to make moves at the deadline, without mortgaging your future to a guy that already is what he is. Durant is worth the effort, Kawhi (probably) is worth the effort and Klay Thompson is worth the effort (and Jaysun Tatum, but that ain't happening). That's it, Durant, Kawhi and Klay are really the only three in the league worth Machivellian moves this summer. I don't think Durant is truly available, I think Kawhi would be the most expensive move to make--the Sixers should go after Klay Thompson. What does it take to get Klay Thompson? I'd value Marcus Smart right alongside those guys because his presence really would be a game-changer for this team (and he's more likely to be available).
But, man, they don't need Lebron, they don't need Paul George or Cousins or Deandre or--OMG--Carmelo or Chris Paul or any of that stuff. There's a lot of hidden costs that come with guys like that. They're great players (well....not Carmelo) but a great player can be disruptive, they're not the process, they are where the process gets sidetracked. (Go get Klay!) Don't go nuts with the money just because you've got it. Go nuts when you can get what you want, not simply what's the most expensive.
Draft picks: 10,26,38,39,56,60
Signed for next season ($70.5m): Joel Embiid, Robert Covington, Jerryd Bayless, Markelle Fultz, Ben Simmons, Dario Saric, Justin Anderson, Furkan Korkmaz, TJ McConnell, Richaun Holmes, Timothe Luwawu
This summer's free agents: JJ Reddick, Amir Johnson, Marco Belinelli, Ersan Ilyasova, Demetrius Jackson
Their veterans are all free agents, which ones do they bring back? The Sixers will still need 3-4 vets to fill out the roster and they may well decide that Reddick, Johnson, Ilyasova and Belinelli are the right guys for them but they also have a ton of money to spend, a top ten pick and a full year of Markelle Fultz on the way. Personally I'd keep Belinelli and let the other three walk but I have no sense of what the Sixers will do. Jackson is on a 2-way contract.
Okay, let me start by saying Philly was probably the team I watched most this year (Jazz and Kings would round out my top three). One weird observation: I don't know that any of these guys actually like each other; Simmons and Covington are classic in-their-own-head kinda guys; Saric and McConnell are outgoing but nobody knows what they're talking about; Embiid is on his own planet. Fultz, Korkmaz, Luwawu all seem like nice guys but have yet to prove anything; I wouldn't be surprised if all the veterans are gone next year; Coach Brown has been through the tough times, are we sure he's ready for the good times? GM Colangelo inherited a raft of talent and so far has done nothing but wildly overpay for Fultz (and get nothing out of Jahlil Okafor). My observation was that the Sixers were better than the Celtics, who seem to be on their way to the Finals, so what changes do they need to make going forward?
First thing to remember is in 2 years, they'll have to re-sign Simmons and Saric (and possibly Fultz, Korkmaz and Luwawu), but until then they've got tons of money to spend. (Yeah...like...Lebron money) So who should they go get? I say there are four players for the Sixers to wheel and deal for: 1) Jaysun Tatum (not gonna happen), 2) Kevin Durant (he could be out there this summer, but I doubt it), 3) Kawhi Leonard (he fits perfectly, totally worth the money, but probably the most expensive to acquire), 4) Klay Thompson (bingo!).
Pointless trade idea: Sixers get Klay Thompson; Warriors get #10 pick and JJ Reddick (sign and trade; say, 3yrs/$45m).
This year in the playoffs I've been most impressed by Al Horford first and Klay second. When Klay is on, the game is over, he is so money, yet so disciplined, he'd be perfect with Simmons and Embiid and Saric and McConnell, he'd ice games for them, he is the perfect veteran/scoring machine for that crew. Hell I'd sign him to mega-monster whatever extension before the end of the summer. Lock this crew down for a stretch. And for the Warriors, they gotta pay KD again this summer and then lock down either Draymond or Klay...I think it's Draymond. I think Klay has better trade value, too, with 1yr/$18.9m left on his deal. Reddick may feel like redundancy but he is a helluva shooter and a reliable vet, Golden State can always use those. I suggest 3yrs/$45m, $15m/per seems reasonable to me, he's got good value, he knows how to contribute to a good team, 3 years at a good rate (bumping then declining: $14m, $19m, $12m), but Reddick plus the #10 pick is at least a defensible return for letting Klay leave town (they should take Saric, too); they'd rather have Klay but not a bad deal that saves money, gives them a hot shot rookie to throw in the mix (what if Trae Young falls there? Wow) and solidifies Draymond.
You've got to pair this crew with a veteran, who do you want? Demarcus Cousins...seriously, he'd be such a buzzkill for them. Even if the team was good, they'd be annoying and grumpy rather than fun to watch.
Lebron James? No. If I'm the Sixers I don't even want Lebron. Again the Sixers have 2 years before the bill comes due. They can comfortably go to Lebron and offer, say, 2yrs/$60, with the proviso that this is Ben's team, not Lebron's team and there will not--will not--be a 3rd year on the deal. I think Lebron can do much better than that somewhere, certainly Cleveland, probably many other places. So while I don't think Lebron-to-Philly is actually advantageous for either Lebron or the Sixers, I don't think it happens anyway. Why would the Sixers give Lebron more than any other team in the league, they are the most immune to his charms.
Paul George? No. Lemme ask you something: what the fuck has Paul George ever done? What big games did he win, which series did he drag his team past a goliath, how many times did he nail down the #1 seed or uplift a town so much as to transcend holy men and great statesmen? I think Paul George is a helluva player but why would the Sixers expect anything of him if they bring him in? They need to add a veteran to the youth movement but is it plainly obvious that Paul George is the right fit in any way? He's gonna command a huge paycheck, he's gonna steal attention and stats from the kids without necessarily contributing more wins--though clearly they'd be a good team. I'm not sure his style would mesh, I'm not convinced he makes Simmons or Embiid better players, I think he's a distraction rather than an addition. And a big money distraction, at that.
No, fuck all that, Sixers. I'd go after Marcus Smart, Aaron Gordon, and Enes Kanter. Smart is a free agent this summer, the Celtics choice: pay Smart now or pay Rozier next summer? I don't think they'll do both but I think Rozier's emergence in this playoff run has shown that he has more reliable (and cheaper) value as a 2nd string ball handler and scoring option than Smart's crazy highs/lows (though his highs are better than anything Rozier can do); I think the Celtics are a better team when Smart plays but I think Ainge reckons he can replace him, I think they let Smart walk. Sixers should be all over Marcus Smart. He's the veteran that just beat the youth movement through hard work and loyalty and love of the game and just a crazed desire to win, all of which these Sixers kids could really use. I think Smart forms a great platoon with Covington (I like Covington better coming off the bench, nice upgrade for the 2nd string), meshes perfectly with Simmons slashing and the Embiid down low takeovers. I say give Marcus Smart (say, 4yrs/$60m), with the instruction to go out there and win Defensive Player of the Year and next year in the playoffs, we want you punch Brad Stevens dead in the face, if Smart's down with all that, then welcome to the team, brother.
Aaron Gordon is a restricted free agent with the Magic. He's had moments of brilliance on both ends of the floor...but...just moments. Hey, I'm willing to chalk it up to Orlando just being bloody awful at everything for the last few years. I'd go hard after this reclamation project, that likes to move with the ball and knock down 3's, waterbug around the basket on the d side. Offer him 3yrs/$30m (team option 3rd year), tell him you want career highs in FG%, Free Throw Attempts and Defensive Rebounds. Simmons and Embiid are the stars, no need to unbalance that. Gordon is another young athlete to throw in the mix that doesn't cost too much or take up too much oxygen, he knows how to play and he'll be another fun addition to the lineup.
If the Sixers want a big money free agent, how about Enes Kanter? He has a 1yr/$18.6m player option with the Knicks. He probably figures he can make than that and maybe he can. For the Sixers, Kanter can fill the 2 year window before the big contracts kick in. Kanter played with the crazed attack of Russell Westbrook, playing alongside Ben Simmons should be a boon for his FG%. Look, around the basket Kanter is great, really great, much better than you think kinda great; but, more than 5 feet from the hole, he gets pretty useless pretty fast. So the trick is to play him at center, hover around the basket for passes from Simmons or McConnell and collect the scraps from Embiid and Saric. I think he can be great with the Sixers. And, again, a reliable vet, not some attention hog that needs all the money. For 2 years he can come in and contribute (then they probably let him move on). For 2yrs/$45m does that budge Kanter to Philly?
Yes: the youth movement eventually needs a veteran to build around. But a guy like Lebron warps your franchise for a decade after he leaves, why throw in with that when you've already got the next two superstars in Simmons and Embiid? And a promising batch of cheap talent (Saric, Covington, McConnell, Fultz) around them with another batch of young talent to keep an eye on (Luwawu, Korkmaz). You've beaten the Lebron game, why play it? Stick with the greatest youth movement in eons, add more youth that everyone else gave up on (Smart, Gordon), get an underappreciated veteran to do his one thing really well (Kanter) and still have money to make moves at the deadline, without mortgaging your future to a guy that already is what he is. Durant is worth the effort, Kawhi (probably) is worth the effort and Klay Thompson is worth the effort (and Jaysun Tatum, but that ain't happening). That's it, Durant, Kawhi and Klay are really the only three in the league worth Machivellian moves this summer. I don't think Durant is truly available, I think Kawhi would be the most expensive move to make--the Sixers should go after Klay Thompson. What does it take to get Klay Thompson? I'd value Marcus Smart right alongside those guys because his presence really would be a game-changer for this team (and he's more likely to be available).
But, man, they don't need Lebron, they don't need Paul George or Cousins or Deandre or--OMG--Carmelo or Chris Paul or any of that stuff. There's a lot of hidden costs that come with guys like that. They're great players (well....not Carmelo) but a great player can be disruptive, they're not the process, they are where the process gets sidetracked. (Go get Klay!) Don't go nuts with the money just because you've got it. Go nuts when you can get what you want, not simply what's the most expensive.
2018-19 Utah Jazz
2017-18: 48-34 (5th in the East, lost in the 2nd round)
Draft picks: 21,52
Signed for next season ($89.3m): Rody Gobert, Ricky Rubio, Joe Ingles, Alec Burks, Jae Crowder, Thabo Sefelosha, Jonas Jerebko, Ekpe Udoh, Donovan Mitchell, Tony Bradley, Royce O'Neal
This summer's free agents: Derrick Favors, Dante Exum, Raul Neto, Erik McCree, Georges Niang
The Jazz have money to spend but let's start with a pointless trade idea: Crowder and Sefelosha to the Bucks for Jabari Parker (sign and trade); why do this? It allows Jabari to maximize his money, it gives the Bucks two defensive vets to put along side Giannis with the same salary as the guy they were gonna let go for free and it allows the Jazz to bring in a new guy without adding salary. (Kinda convoluted but I feel like it works for everybody) They then use the rest of their money to give Favors and Exum a raise (I'm not the Jazz, but I'm certain they have decided whether they want to keep Exum or not; if so, they'll pay him good money and if not, they won't give him shit). I guess they could spend their money on Demarcus Cousins but that's quite a cultural gamble; I think I'd rather keep it going with Favors and Exum. McCree and Niang are on 2-way contracts. And I like Neto as a 3rd string PG, if they let Exum go maybe they could bring back Neto on a reasonable deal. At any rate, they've got options but I suspect they'll choose continuity over new blood--the trade I suggested gives them new blood for minimal outlay.
I saw a mock draft that had Utah taking two Pac-12 combo guards: Troy Brown (Orgeon) and De'Anthony Melton (Southern Cal). I dunno either of those guys but sounds good to me, if they can score, they'd be welcome additions.
I think they'll bring back Favors, Exum and Neto. I can see them making Burks and Sefeolosha available to the trade market (I think this'll be a busy summer for trades, don't be surprised to see filler coming from the four corners of the earth). As for free agents, I think they've long coveted (is that the word?) Jabari Parker and I would suggest taking a run at Avery Bradley: a defensive minded tough guy that can knock down 3's and be a protector for young master Mitchell. Since I think they'll re-up most of their current roster, it feels like they'll only have enough for one decent addition. But if they wanted to go for a big money addition, how about JJ Reddick? Or if they're looking for an exciting young contributor, how about Jerami Grant? And for a Summer League-level last chance, how about Wade Baldwin?
I expect next year's lineup to look pretty similar to this year's. They do have money for at least one or two additions, especially if they choose to let go of current free agents. This is Donovan Mitchell's team now; flanked by Rubio and Ingles, with Gobert for up-the-middle defense, the core if firmly in place. Traditionally Utah has been forced to keep their current players because SLC is not much of a free agent destination. But perhaps Donovan Mitchell and Coach Snyder have changed that equation.
Draft picks: 21,52
Signed for next season ($89.3m): Rody Gobert, Ricky Rubio, Joe Ingles, Alec Burks, Jae Crowder, Thabo Sefelosha, Jonas Jerebko, Ekpe Udoh, Donovan Mitchell, Tony Bradley, Royce O'Neal
This summer's free agents: Derrick Favors, Dante Exum, Raul Neto, Erik McCree, Georges Niang
The Jazz have money to spend but let's start with a pointless trade idea: Crowder and Sefelosha to the Bucks for Jabari Parker (sign and trade); why do this? It allows Jabari to maximize his money, it gives the Bucks two defensive vets to put along side Giannis with the same salary as the guy they were gonna let go for free and it allows the Jazz to bring in a new guy without adding salary. (Kinda convoluted but I feel like it works for everybody) They then use the rest of their money to give Favors and Exum a raise (I'm not the Jazz, but I'm certain they have decided whether they want to keep Exum or not; if so, they'll pay him good money and if not, they won't give him shit). I guess they could spend their money on Demarcus Cousins but that's quite a cultural gamble; I think I'd rather keep it going with Favors and Exum. McCree and Niang are on 2-way contracts. And I like Neto as a 3rd string PG, if they let Exum go maybe they could bring back Neto on a reasonable deal. At any rate, they've got options but I suspect they'll choose continuity over new blood--the trade I suggested gives them new blood for minimal outlay.
I saw a mock draft that had Utah taking two Pac-12 combo guards: Troy Brown (Orgeon) and De'Anthony Melton (Southern Cal). I dunno either of those guys but sounds good to me, if they can score, they'd be welcome additions.
I think they'll bring back Favors, Exum and Neto. I can see them making Burks and Sefeolosha available to the trade market (I think this'll be a busy summer for trades, don't be surprised to see filler coming from the four corners of the earth). As for free agents, I think they've long coveted (is that the word?) Jabari Parker and I would suggest taking a run at Avery Bradley: a defensive minded tough guy that can knock down 3's and be a protector for young master Mitchell. Since I think they'll re-up most of their current roster, it feels like they'll only have enough for one decent addition. But if they wanted to go for a big money addition, how about JJ Reddick? Or if they're looking for an exciting young contributor, how about Jerami Grant? And for a Summer League-level last chance, how about Wade Baldwin?
I expect next year's lineup to look pretty similar to this year's. They do have money for at least one or two additions, especially if they choose to let go of current free agents. This is Donovan Mitchell's team now; flanked by Rubio and Ingles, with Gobert for up-the-middle defense, the core if firmly in place. Traditionally Utah has been forced to keep their current players because SLC is not much of a free agent destination. But perhaps Donovan Mitchell and Coach Snyder have changed that equation.
2018-19 New Orleans Pelicans
2017-18: 48-34 (6th in the East, lost in the 2nd round)
Draft picks: 51
Signed for next season ($96m): Anthony Davis, Jrue Holiday, Solomon Hill, Nikola Mirotic, E'Twaun Moore, Alexis Ajinca, Darius Miller, Chieck Diallo, Frank Jackson
This summer's free agents: Demarcus Cousins, Rajon Rondo, Ian Clark, Jordan Crawford, Deandre Liggins, Emeka Okafor, Charles Cooke
Okay, the Pelicans have two big priorities this off-season: Cousins and Rondo. I'd suggest going the sign-and-trade route with Cousins; as good as he was, they're a better team without him and since there aren't a lot of teams with cap space, Cousins would have a lot more options if teams were willing to send out salary to bring him in. If the Pelicans can't work a trade, I'd let him go. You hate to let to him walk but I'd hate to pay him big big money when you just watched the team get better without him; he's getting expensive, he's getting injury-prone, he's still a total pain in the ass in every way. Rondo, though, they must have back next year. Rondo finally looks like he's in the right place, I'd keep him (and if I was Rondo, I'd stay). Personally I'm not a fan of Ian Clark (I'd rather have, say, Rodney Hood). Crawford, Liggins and Okafor are fine for the end of the bench, I suppose, but they're fungible for the Pelicans. Cooke is on a 2-way contract.
#51 is not likely to bring back any sexy rookies, I'd suggest trying to pick up one of those Nevada combo guards (Caleb Martin or Kendall Stephens) or taking a flyer on a foreign prospect (preferably one of those big Euro white guys that shoots 3's); either way, the draft is not where the Pelicans will bring in new blood....unless...
How about this pointless trade idea: Cousins to the Knicks for the #9 pick, a 2020 1st round pick and Joakim Noah. Think Noah has anything to offer the AD-Rondo-Holiday line? He's still vastly cheaper than Cousins and if the first year doesn't work out, they can stretch him for the second year (or talk him into retiring). (If this trade is made on draft day then the Knicks could put in a 2019 pick instead of 2020, but either way, we all expect the Knicks to be in the lottery for the foreseeable future, right?) Or how about Cousins to the Heat for Adebayo, Olynyk, Winslow and 1st round pick? Or how about to the Cavs straight up for Kevin Love?
They may well bring back Cousins, he was fucking great before he got hurt last year. I thought he interfered with Davis rather than strengthening him, it's hard to imagine Cousins meshing with Mirotic, I always thought Boogie was a decidedly un-Rondo kinda guy. In the end, I think Cousins can be better utilized by turning him into a raft of role players, but bringing back a great player hardly ever feels like a bad idea. No matter what they do, it's hard to imagine the Pelicans creating a clear separation from the logjam in the West, I expect them to see the Pelicans in the hunt for a playoff spot next year, and I would suggest casually expecting a post-season next year is a good next step for the Pelicans.
Draft picks: 51
Signed for next season ($96m): Anthony Davis, Jrue Holiday, Solomon Hill, Nikola Mirotic, E'Twaun Moore, Alexis Ajinca, Darius Miller, Chieck Diallo, Frank Jackson
This summer's free agents: Demarcus Cousins, Rajon Rondo, Ian Clark, Jordan Crawford, Deandre Liggins, Emeka Okafor, Charles Cooke
Okay, the Pelicans have two big priorities this off-season: Cousins and Rondo. I'd suggest going the sign-and-trade route with Cousins; as good as he was, they're a better team without him and since there aren't a lot of teams with cap space, Cousins would have a lot more options if teams were willing to send out salary to bring him in. If the Pelicans can't work a trade, I'd let him go. You hate to let to him walk but I'd hate to pay him big big money when you just watched the team get better without him; he's getting expensive, he's getting injury-prone, he's still a total pain in the ass in every way. Rondo, though, they must have back next year. Rondo finally looks like he's in the right place, I'd keep him (and if I was Rondo, I'd stay). Personally I'm not a fan of Ian Clark (I'd rather have, say, Rodney Hood). Crawford, Liggins and Okafor are fine for the end of the bench, I suppose, but they're fungible for the Pelicans. Cooke is on a 2-way contract.
#51 is not likely to bring back any sexy rookies, I'd suggest trying to pick up one of those Nevada combo guards (Caleb Martin or Kendall Stephens) or taking a flyer on a foreign prospect (preferably one of those big Euro white guys that shoots 3's); either way, the draft is not where the Pelicans will bring in new blood....unless...
How about this pointless trade idea: Cousins to the Knicks for the #9 pick, a 2020 1st round pick and Joakim Noah. Think Noah has anything to offer the AD-Rondo-Holiday line? He's still vastly cheaper than Cousins and if the first year doesn't work out, they can stretch him for the second year (or talk him into retiring). (If this trade is made on draft day then the Knicks could put in a 2019 pick instead of 2020, but either way, we all expect the Knicks to be in the lottery for the foreseeable future, right?) Or how about Cousins to the Heat for Adebayo, Olynyk, Winslow and 1st round pick? Or how about to the Cavs straight up for Kevin Love?
They may well bring back Cousins, he was fucking great before he got hurt last year. I thought he interfered with Davis rather than strengthening him, it's hard to imagine Cousins meshing with Mirotic, I always thought Boogie was a decidedly un-Rondo kinda guy. In the end, I think Cousins can be better utilized by turning him into a raft of role players, but bringing back a great player hardly ever feels like a bad idea. No matter what they do, it's hard to imagine the Pelicans creating a clear separation from the logjam in the West, I expect them to see the Pelicans in the hunt for a playoff spot next year, and I would suggest casually expecting a post-season next year is a good next step for the Pelicans.
Thursday, May 17, 2018
2018-19 Toronto Raptors
2017-18: 59-23 (1st in the East, lost in the 2nd round)
Draft picks: none
Signed for next season ($127.5m): Kyle Lowry, Demar DeRozan, Serge Ibaka, Jonas Valenciunas, Norman Powell, CJ Miles, Jakob Poetl, Delon Wright, OG Anunoby, Malachi Richardson, Pascal Siakam, Alfonzo McKinnie
This summer's free agents: Lucas Noguiera, Fred Van Vleet, Lorenzo Brown, Malcolm Miller
I'm sure they'd love to bring back Van Vleet, a nice second rotation player for them, but I'm not sure the money is there. I can't imagine they bring back Noguiera, he's been there forever and virtually never played. Brown and Miller are on 2-way contracts.
The Raptors are in pretty much the same position this summer that they were last summer: no draft picks, no team/player options and no money to spend. So this year's team is pretty much next year's team. They've built great continuity with this crew over the years, they continue that on for one more year.
But here's a coupla pointless trade ideas.
Raptors get Chris Paul (sign & trade, say, 4yrs/$110m); Rockets get Kyle Lowry (2yrs/$64.2m remaining)
Raptors get Kenneth Faried (1yr/$13.7m); Nuggets get Jonas Valenciunas (2yrs/$34.2m)
They've already moved on from Coach Casey but the Raptors could use a roster shakeup too. Because they don't have money for free agents or tasty draft picks, trading is their best bet to make changes. Might as well go big. I think CP fits just fine with DeRozan and Ibaka, the strong second string gives CP a good chance to hold leads from the bench, and a new coach brings a whole new style and attitude (a Chris Paul attitude). Long term this guarantees a star level, well-respect PG to run the show with DeRozan for the foreseeable future. Does this give them a chance to get past Lebron? Probably not, but isn't any worse than what's been getting drubbed the last two years. Look, the Raptors aren't going anywhere in the playoffs with the Celtics, Sixers and Bucks charging fast, but they can still be a steady playoff team with rabid home fans. Paul doesn't bode post-season success but it locks down the regular season for a while.
The Raptors would be getting a purely defensive, rebounding presence down low that doesn't need the ball but would be available for pick and roll lob dunks. Faried had some good times, if he could get his game back, he'd be fine in the Raptor rotation. And it unburdens their long term commitments, gives them a little more flexibility in future summers.
As for the Rockets, 2 years of Lowry is probably better than re-signing CP for 4-5 more years of steady decline. On the court, I think Lowry is a better fit for Harden than CP, he'll keep the offense from being sclerotic while hanging back for Harden's one-man show without complaint. Does this give them a better chance to beat the Warriors? No, but doesn't make them any less likely to beat the Warriors and it frees up future salary. And the Nuggets could use a down low presence that can rebound and score (and actually get on the floor), Valenciunas is the kind of all around okay player that goes well with their lineup variations and fits their salary cap well in the 2nd year.
These moves would leave the Raptors with a lineup of PG Paul, SG DeRozan, SF Ibaka, PF Anunoby, C Poetl, with Van Vleet, Wright, Miles, Powell, Siakam, Faried off the bench. They'd be moving JV's 1yr/1 option year for 1yr of Faried (whom they could cut if need be, too) and moving on from Lowry's huge deal for a similar (perhaps cheaper) long term deal with a hall of fame PG while (slightly) saving money against the cap. Again: this doesn't suggest they'll win in the playoffs but it should give the fans something to root for.
Draft picks: none
Signed for next season ($127.5m): Kyle Lowry, Demar DeRozan, Serge Ibaka, Jonas Valenciunas, Norman Powell, CJ Miles, Jakob Poetl, Delon Wright, OG Anunoby, Malachi Richardson, Pascal Siakam, Alfonzo McKinnie
This summer's free agents: Lucas Noguiera, Fred Van Vleet, Lorenzo Brown, Malcolm Miller
I'm sure they'd love to bring back Van Vleet, a nice second rotation player for them, but I'm not sure the money is there. I can't imagine they bring back Noguiera, he's been there forever and virtually never played. Brown and Miller are on 2-way contracts.
The Raptors are in pretty much the same position this summer that they were last summer: no draft picks, no team/player options and no money to spend. So this year's team is pretty much next year's team. They've built great continuity with this crew over the years, they continue that on for one more year.
But here's a coupla pointless trade ideas.
Raptors get Chris Paul (sign & trade, say, 4yrs/$110m); Rockets get Kyle Lowry (2yrs/$64.2m remaining)
Raptors get Kenneth Faried (1yr/$13.7m); Nuggets get Jonas Valenciunas (2yrs/$34.2m)
The Raptors would be getting a purely defensive, rebounding presence down low that doesn't need the ball but would be available for pick and roll lob dunks. Faried had some good times, if he could get his game back, he'd be fine in the Raptor rotation. And it unburdens their long term commitments, gives them a little more flexibility in future summers.
These moves would leave the Raptors with a lineup of PG Paul, SG DeRozan, SF Ibaka, PF Anunoby, C Poetl, with Van Vleet, Wright, Miles, Powell, Siakam, Faried off the bench. They'd be moving JV's 1yr/1 option year for 1yr of Faried (whom they could cut if need be, too) and moving on from Lowry's huge deal for a similar (perhaps cheaper) long term deal with a hall of fame PG while (slightly) saving money against the cap. Again: this doesn't suggest they'll win in the playoffs but it should give the fans something to root for.
Monday, April 30, 2018
2018-19 Indiana Pacers
2017-18: 43-38 (5th in the East, lost in the 1st round)
Draft picks: 23,50
Signed for next season ($92.8m): Victor Oladipo, Thaddeus Young, Bojan Bogdanovic, Darren Collison, Al Jefferson, Cory Joseph, Lance Stephenson, Myles Turner, Domantis Sabonis, TJ Leaf, Joe Young, Alex Poythress, Ike Anigbogu
This summer's free agents: Glenn Robinson, Trevor Booker, Edmund Sumner, Ben Moore
I think Robinson will not be re-signed. Booker was a veteran pickup for the playoffs, I have no sense of whether they liked him enough to bring him back. Sumner and Moore are on 2-way contracts.
Worth noting that Thad Young ($13.7m) and Collison ($7.9m) are on player options; both played well enough to perhaps earn themselves a raise, so I could see them both opting out (on the other hand, there's not a lot of cap space out there and the Pacers did have a helluva year, so I can see them both coming back, too). And there are team options on Stephenson, Sabonis and Joe Young. Sabonis obviously earned his extension. I don't know who Joe Young is. As for Stephenson, I'd say he's a character in the Lebron drama: if Lebron leaves the Cavs, what would the Pacers need Stephenson for? But if Lebron is a Cav next year, having Stephenson on the roster might be an attractive option.
The team looks to be pretty well intact next year with only PF Young and PG Joseph possibly needing to be replaced. I can see them nabbing two foreign bigs, Dzanan Musa (Bosnia) and Goga Bitadze (Georgia) if they have time to develop some projects; or Trevon Duval (Duke) or Johntay Porter (Missouri) and maybe Jacob Evans (Cincinnati) or Jalen Hudson (Florida) if they think they need to get rotation players right away.
The Pacers got big minutes out of Young, they really would like him back but at $13.7m, I could see him being attractive to lesser teams with money to spend (veteran presence on the Suns? Or big money acquisition for the Nets?). Cory Joseph, too, is a top quality 2nd/3rd string PG, not a super sexy free agent but could be worth $8m+ to some other team out there. But the Pacers do have money to spend and would have a lot more if Young and Joseph (and Stephenson) move on--how about Enes Kanter, Iman Shumpert and Dante Exum as replacements? The core (Oladipo, Bogdanovic, Sabonis, Turner, Collison) is in place, this summer will tell how much they're able to maintain/upgrade the supporting cast (and are they gonna get anything out of Leaf or Anigbogu?).
Draft picks: 23,50
Signed for next season ($92.8m): Victor Oladipo, Thaddeus Young, Bojan Bogdanovic, Darren Collison, Al Jefferson, Cory Joseph, Lance Stephenson, Myles Turner, Domantis Sabonis, TJ Leaf, Joe Young, Alex Poythress, Ike Anigbogu
This summer's free agents: Glenn Robinson, Trevor Booker, Edmund Sumner, Ben Moore
I think Robinson will not be re-signed. Booker was a veteran pickup for the playoffs, I have no sense of whether they liked him enough to bring him back. Sumner and Moore are on 2-way contracts.
Worth noting that Thad Young ($13.7m) and Collison ($7.9m) are on player options; both played well enough to perhaps earn themselves a raise, so I could see them both opting out (on the other hand, there's not a lot of cap space out there and the Pacers did have a helluva year, so I can see them both coming back, too). And there are team options on Stephenson, Sabonis and Joe Young. Sabonis obviously earned his extension. I don't know who Joe Young is. As for Stephenson, I'd say he's a character in the Lebron drama: if Lebron leaves the Cavs, what would the Pacers need Stephenson for? But if Lebron is a Cav next year, having Stephenson on the roster might be an attractive option.
The team looks to be pretty well intact next year with only PF Young and PG Joseph possibly needing to be replaced. I can see them nabbing two foreign bigs, Dzanan Musa (Bosnia) and Goga Bitadze (Georgia) if they have time to develop some projects; or Trevon Duval (Duke) or Johntay Porter (Missouri) and maybe Jacob Evans (Cincinnati) or Jalen Hudson (Florida) if they think they need to get rotation players right away.
The Pacers got big minutes out of Young, they really would like him back but at $13.7m, I could see him being attractive to lesser teams with money to spend (veteran presence on the Suns? Or big money acquisition for the Nets?). Cory Joseph, too, is a top quality 2nd/3rd string PG, not a super sexy free agent but could be worth $8m+ to some other team out there. But the Pacers do have money to spend and would have a lot more if Young and Joseph (and Stephenson) move on--how about Enes Kanter, Iman Shumpert and Dante Exum as replacements? The core (Oladipo, Bogdanovic, Sabonis, Turner, Collison) is in place, this summer will tell how much they're able to maintain/upgrade the supporting cast (and are they gonna get anything out of Leaf or Anigbogu?).
Saturday, April 28, 2018
2018-19 Milwaukee Bucks
2017-18: 44-38 (7th in the East, lost in the 1st rd)
Draft picks: 17
Signed for next season ($105.5m): Giannis Antetokounpo, Eric Bledsoe, Khris Middleton, Tony Snell, John Henson, Matthew Dellavadova, Thon Maker, DJ Wilson, Tyler Zeller, Malcolm Brogdon, Sterling Brown
This summer's free agents: Jabari Parker, Jason Terry, Marshall Plumlee, Shabazz Muhammad, Xavier Munford
Could be a huge mistake but I think they're going to let Parker move on. Terry is rumored to be retiring, Plumlee and Munford are on 2-way contracts. Muhammad (the poor man's Jeff Green) probably won't be back (but I wouldn't be surprised if the Bucks sign him).
Their only draft pick is #17. The Bucks have been known to gamble (took Antetokounpo when no one was sure what he was and Thon Maker at #10), so I wouldn't be surprised if they nabbed high schooler Anfernee Simmons or a foreigner like Dzanan Musa (Bosnia).
Personally I kinda liked what I saw in Parker but reports are that he resented the presence of the Freak and rather than going with it, he sulked. Also with his injury history it feels like the Bucks are going to let him walk. That leaves a lineup of PG Brogdon, SG Bledsoe, SF Middleton, PF Antetokounpo, C Henson with Dellavadova, Snell, Zeller, #17 and Maker off the bench. They've got some room for a free agent but do they go for scoring or a down-low presence that can free Antetokounpo for more offense? I can see them going after Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (good veteran on both sides of the ball, should be a reasonably priced addition) or Ed Davis (as a down low complement for Antetokounpo). I don't think they could get both but either one of those would work for them I think. Also, is Parker a sign & trade possibility? Cap space is tight out there, in order to bring Parker in, a lot of teams would have to send something out. So is Parker still a trade chip for them even if he doesn't come back?
Draft picks: 17
Signed for next season ($105.5m): Giannis Antetokounpo, Eric Bledsoe, Khris Middleton, Tony Snell, John Henson, Matthew Dellavadova, Thon Maker, DJ Wilson, Tyler Zeller, Malcolm Brogdon, Sterling Brown
This summer's free agents: Jabari Parker, Jason Terry, Marshall Plumlee, Shabazz Muhammad, Xavier Munford
Could be a huge mistake but I think they're going to let Parker move on. Terry is rumored to be retiring, Plumlee and Munford are on 2-way contracts. Muhammad (the poor man's Jeff Green) probably won't be back (but I wouldn't be surprised if the Bucks sign him).
Their only draft pick is #17. The Bucks have been known to gamble (took Antetokounpo when no one was sure what he was and Thon Maker at #10), so I wouldn't be surprised if they nabbed high schooler Anfernee Simmons or a foreigner like Dzanan Musa (Bosnia).
Personally I kinda liked what I saw in Parker but reports are that he resented the presence of the Freak and rather than going with it, he sulked. Also with his injury history it feels like the Bucks are going to let him walk. That leaves a lineup of PG Brogdon, SG Bledsoe, SF Middleton, PF Antetokounpo, C Henson with Dellavadova, Snell, Zeller, #17 and Maker off the bench. They've got some room for a free agent but do they go for scoring or a down-low presence that can free Antetokounpo for more offense? I can see them going after Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (good veteran on both sides of the ball, should be a reasonably priced addition) or Ed Davis (as a down low complement for Antetokounpo). I don't think they could get both but either one of those would work for them I think. Also, is Parker a sign & trade possibility? Cap space is tight out there, in order to bring Parker in, a lot of teams would have to send something out. So is Parker still a trade chip for them even if he doesn't come back?
2018-19 Washington Wizards
2017-18: 43-39 (8th in the East, lost in the 1st rd)
Draft picks: 15,44
Signed for next season ($124.7m): Otto Porter, Bradley Beal, John Wall, Ian Mahinmi, Marcin Gortat, Markieff Morris, Jason Smith, Jodie Meeks, Kelly Oubre, Tomas Satoransky
This summer's free agents: Tim Frazier, Mike Scott, Chris McCullough, Ramon Sessions, Ty Lawson, Devin Robinson
I was pretty impressed with Mike Scott in the post-season, not sure if that's enough to re-sign him. I kinda like Frazier as a backup PG but with Wall and Satoransky taking so much of the playing time, the Wizards will likely look to spend less on a 3rd string PG. Lawson, too, will probably be playing somewhere else next year (somewhere like China). McCullough just never caught on, I don't expect he'll be back in the league again. Robinson is on a 2-way contract.
The draft will likely yield some depth at the Guard spot for the Wizards. #15 looks like either Lonnie Walker (Miami) or Khyri Thomas (Creighton) but maybe Miles Bridges (Michigan St) or Kevin Knox (Kentucky) falls to there. The 2nd rounder could bring in Mo Wagner (Michigan) if they're looking for some size but otherwise guards seem to be the best bet there, too: Devonte Graham (Kansas), Keenan Evans (Texas Tech), Bruce Brown (Miami) seem to be in the mix. The Wizards are just looking for bench players in the draft, just looking to thicken the rotation.
Smith ($5.4m) and Meeks ($3.4m) each have player options but I don't expect either of them to leave. So next year's squad will probably be: PG Wall, SG Beal, SF Porter, PF Morris, C Gortat with Satoransky, Oubre, Smith, #15 and Mahinmi off the bench. Oh man, if they could move on from Mahinmi that would be ideal but I don't see that happening. So they have no cap space, no room to make moves, frankly I don't even see how they fill out the roster. So next year's team should look a lot like this year's team.
Draft picks: 15,44
Signed for next season ($124.7m): Otto Porter, Bradley Beal, John Wall, Ian Mahinmi, Marcin Gortat, Markieff Morris, Jason Smith, Jodie Meeks, Kelly Oubre, Tomas Satoransky
This summer's free agents: Tim Frazier, Mike Scott, Chris McCullough, Ramon Sessions, Ty Lawson, Devin Robinson
I was pretty impressed with Mike Scott in the post-season, not sure if that's enough to re-sign him. I kinda like Frazier as a backup PG but with Wall and Satoransky taking so much of the playing time, the Wizards will likely look to spend less on a 3rd string PG. Lawson, too, will probably be playing somewhere else next year (somewhere like China). McCullough just never caught on, I don't expect he'll be back in the league again. Robinson is on a 2-way contract.
The draft will likely yield some depth at the Guard spot for the Wizards. #15 looks like either Lonnie Walker (Miami) or Khyri Thomas (Creighton) but maybe Miles Bridges (Michigan St) or Kevin Knox (Kentucky) falls to there. The 2nd rounder could bring in Mo Wagner (Michigan) if they're looking for some size but otherwise guards seem to be the best bet there, too: Devonte Graham (Kansas), Keenan Evans (Texas Tech), Bruce Brown (Miami) seem to be in the mix. The Wizards are just looking for bench players in the draft, just looking to thicken the rotation.
Smith ($5.4m) and Meeks ($3.4m) each have player options but I don't expect either of them to leave. So next year's squad will probably be: PG Wall, SG Beal, SF Porter, PF Morris, C Gortat with Satoransky, Oubre, Smith, #15 and Mahinmi off the bench. Oh man, if they could move on from Mahinmi that would be ideal but I don't see that happening. So they have no cap space, no room to make moves, frankly I don't even see how they fill out the roster. So next year's team should look a lot like this year's team.
2018-19 Oklahoma City Thunder
2017-18: 48-34 (5th in the West, lost in the 1st rd)
Draft picks: 53,57
Signed for next season ($137.5m): Russell Westbrook, Carmelo Anthony, Steven Adams, Paul George, Andre Roberson, Alex Abrines, Patrick Patterson, Kyle Singler, Terrence Ferguson, Dakari Johnson
This summer's free agents: Ray Felton, Nick Collison, Jerami Grant, Josh Huestis, Corey Brewer, Daniel Hamilton, PJ Dozier
I suspect it is time to bid adieu to Collison (I can see him getting kicked upstairs). I'd re-sign Grant and Huestis (though I don't see where the money comes from). Hamilton and Dozier are on 2-way contracts. Not sure about Felton, his contract was reasonable last year though they could probably do better in that price range.
First things first: George ($20.7m) has a player option and Carmelo has an early termination option ($27.9m). Sure seems to me that George could get a bigger paycheck on a better team, so I'd be kinda shocked if he returns. Melo, on the other hand, ain't getting no $28m from anyone else, so I expect he will be back. (I hated the Melo trade when it happened, fully expect to still hate it next year) Losing George will save them $20 million but that's not a lot (though if they could beg Melo to opt out, too, then they could truly remake the team).
Gotta be honest: #53 and #57 are not sexy draft picks. If they could somehow sneak the Martin (Nevada) twins, that'd be their best move. Otherwise they should draft Euro prospects since they don't have money to spend on draft picks anyway.
Right now: well, even without PG they'll still have a decent roster around Westbrook and perhaps Melo has a renaissance. I dunno, it's hard to see them finishing as high as 5th in the West next year though. They become dangerous playoff underdog instead of odds-on fave. Next summer they'll have more flexibility, can they lure someone in then?
Draft picks: 53,57
Signed for next season ($137.5m): Russell Westbrook, Carmelo Anthony, Steven Adams, Paul George, Andre Roberson, Alex Abrines, Patrick Patterson, Kyle Singler, Terrence Ferguson, Dakari Johnson
This summer's free agents: Ray Felton, Nick Collison, Jerami Grant, Josh Huestis, Corey Brewer, Daniel Hamilton, PJ Dozier
I suspect it is time to bid adieu to Collison (I can see him getting kicked upstairs). I'd re-sign Grant and Huestis (though I don't see where the money comes from). Hamilton and Dozier are on 2-way contracts. Not sure about Felton, his contract was reasonable last year though they could probably do better in that price range.
First things first: George ($20.7m) has a player option and Carmelo has an early termination option ($27.9m). Sure seems to me that George could get a bigger paycheck on a better team, so I'd be kinda shocked if he returns. Melo, on the other hand, ain't getting no $28m from anyone else, so I expect he will be back. (I hated the Melo trade when it happened, fully expect to still hate it next year) Losing George will save them $20 million but that's not a lot (though if they could beg Melo to opt out, too, then they could truly remake the team).
Gotta be honest: #53 and #57 are not sexy draft picks. If they could somehow sneak the Martin (Nevada) twins, that'd be their best move. Otherwise they should draft Euro prospects since they don't have money to spend on draft picks anyway.
Right now: well, even without PG they'll still have a decent roster around Westbrook and perhaps Melo has a renaissance. I dunno, it's hard to see them finishing as high as 5th in the West next year though. They become dangerous playoff underdog instead of odds-on fave. Next summer they'll have more flexibility, can they lure someone in then?
2018-19 San Antonio Spurs
2017-18: 47-35 (7th in the West, lost in the 1st rd)
Draft picks: 18,49
Signed for next season ($99.4m): Lamarcus Aldridge, Kawhi Leonard, Pau Gasol, Patty Mills, Danny Green, Rudy Gay, Manu Ginobli, Derrick White, Joffrey Lauvergne, Dejounte Murray, Brandon Paul
This summer's free agents: Tony Parker, Kyle Anderson, Bryn Forbes, Davis Bertans, Matt Costello, Darrun Hilliard,
I think it's time for Parker to move on, but I doubt he gets the kind of money he wants, so perhaps he could be in San Antonio's price range. Anderson and Bertans are probably still in San Antonio's reach, too. I think they can do better than Forbes. Costello and Hilliard are on 2-way contracts.
Okay, elephant in the room: they've got to figure out what to do with Kawhi. Do they trade him? Sign him to an extension? Or let him play put the final year of his deal? The answer to that sets up the rest of the off-season. I'd vote to re-sign him, I would strenuously vote against playing out his deal and I could be talked into a trade but I'd likely vote against that, too. Unless he is dead set on never playing basketball again, I'd re-sign him no matter what it costs (which I think is what they'll do).
Green, Gay and Lauvergne are on player options. I can see Danny Green opting out (how about him in a Pelicans uniform?) and I'm not sure Gay gets much more money but I can see him heading to a new environment (how about coming off the bench for the new-look Lakers?). Lauvergne seems safe for San Antonio. If Green and Gay bolt they'll have money to spend and holes to fill. (Hmmm...does that leave them Lebron money...?)
I've seen a mock draft that has them taking Zhaire Smith (Texas Tech) at #18, seems like a good fit for them. The Spurs are the greatest at finding foreign talent late in the draft, I assume they'll make the most of #49 (perhaps even swapping it to Philly for #56 and #60).
Right now: until they figure out Kawhi and the player options, it's pretty impossible to know what they're gonna do. My guess is they came back with Kawhi but without Green (Gay's move probably depends on whether Kawhi comes back). After that, who knows? (Seriously though: Lebron and Kawhi with Aldridge...it would light a fire under the Rockets and Warriors and new-look Lakers, no?)
Draft picks: 18,49
Signed for next season ($99.4m): Lamarcus Aldridge, Kawhi Leonard, Pau Gasol, Patty Mills, Danny Green, Rudy Gay, Manu Ginobli, Derrick White, Joffrey Lauvergne, Dejounte Murray, Brandon Paul
This summer's free agents: Tony Parker, Kyle Anderson, Bryn Forbes, Davis Bertans, Matt Costello, Darrun Hilliard,
I think it's time for Parker to move on, but I doubt he gets the kind of money he wants, so perhaps he could be in San Antonio's price range. Anderson and Bertans are probably still in San Antonio's reach, too. I think they can do better than Forbes. Costello and Hilliard are on 2-way contracts.
Okay, elephant in the room: they've got to figure out what to do with Kawhi. Do they trade him? Sign him to an extension? Or let him play put the final year of his deal? The answer to that sets up the rest of the off-season. I'd vote to re-sign him, I would strenuously vote against playing out his deal and I could be talked into a trade but I'd likely vote against that, too. Unless he is dead set on never playing basketball again, I'd re-sign him no matter what it costs (which I think is what they'll do).
Green, Gay and Lauvergne are on player options. I can see Danny Green opting out (how about him in a Pelicans uniform?) and I'm not sure Gay gets much more money but I can see him heading to a new environment (how about coming off the bench for the new-look Lakers?). Lauvergne seems safe for San Antonio. If Green and Gay bolt they'll have money to spend and holes to fill. (Hmmm...does that leave them Lebron money...?)
I've seen a mock draft that has them taking Zhaire Smith (Texas Tech) at #18, seems like a good fit for them. The Spurs are the greatest at finding foreign talent late in the draft, I assume they'll make the most of #49 (perhaps even swapping it to Philly for #56 and #60).
Right now: until they figure out Kawhi and the player options, it's pretty impossible to know what they're gonna do. My guess is they came back with Kawhi but without Green (Gay's move probably depends on whether Kawhi comes back). After that, who knows? (Seriously though: Lebron and Kawhi with Aldridge...it would light a fire under the Rockets and Warriors and new-look Lakers, no?)
2018-19 Minnesota Timberwolves
2017-18: 47-35 (8th in the West, lost in the 1st rd)
Draft picks: 20,48
Signed for next season ($121.4m): Andrew Wiggins, Jimmy Butler, Jeff Teague, Gorgui Dieng, Taj Gibson, Karl Anthony-Towns, Cole Aldritch, Jamal Crawford, Justin Patton, Tyus Jones
This summer's free agents: Nemanja Bjelica, Aaron Brooks, Marcus Georges-Hunt, Anthony Brown, Amile Jefferson, Derrick Rose
Personally I love Bjelica (but we all know he'll look better in a Spurs uni), I didn't even know they had Brooks, I don't know who Georges-Hunt is, and Brown and Jefferson are on 2-way contracts. Who knows where D-Rose goes from here, wouldn't be surprised to see him back with his mentor (and enabler) Coach Thibs, but he was active in the post-season so...Knicks, right? (They already had him. Yeah....so?)
Seeing as they got virtually nothing (4 minutes in 1 game played) out of last year's 1st round draft pick, Justin Patton, and Thibs pretty much just likes to run his main rotation guys into the ground, does it even matter who they draft? I can see them going for Grayson Allen (Duke) at #20, then perhaps Hamadou Diallo (Kentucky) in the 2nd round. On the other other hand I could see them drafting foreigners with both picks, since the draftees probably won't play, why not just wait another year on them?
Next year's squad will likely be: PG Teague, SG Butler, SF Wiggins, PF Gibson, C Towns with Crawford, Jones, Dieng, #20, (and Rose?) off the bench. 3 years ago this team was brimming with optimism, they were a fun team, a growing team. Then they brought in Coach Thibs and now they're the 2014 Chicago Bulls: old, monotonous, dull. *sigh* How does this team get better? They don't have money for free agents so the engine for growth is improving the players that are already there: Wiggins has not grown, Towns' game makes no sense at all, Dieng is an afterthought, Bjelica is likely on his way out, and Justin Patton is...I don't know what he is. But Thibs has shown no aptitude for doing that, so I am not optimistic. What they were this year is likely what they'll be next year, heaven help them if the Denver Nuggets get slightly better.
Draft picks: 20,48
Signed for next season ($121.4m): Andrew Wiggins, Jimmy Butler, Jeff Teague, Gorgui Dieng, Taj Gibson, Karl Anthony-Towns, Cole Aldritch, Jamal Crawford, Justin Patton, Tyus Jones
This summer's free agents: Nemanja Bjelica, Aaron Brooks, Marcus Georges-Hunt, Anthony Brown, Amile Jefferson, Derrick Rose
Personally I love Bjelica (but we all know he'll look better in a Spurs uni), I didn't even know they had Brooks, I don't know who Georges-Hunt is, and Brown and Jefferson are on 2-way contracts. Who knows where D-Rose goes from here, wouldn't be surprised to see him back with his mentor (and enabler) Coach Thibs, but he was active in the post-season so...Knicks, right? (They already had him. Yeah....so?)
Seeing as they got virtually nothing (4 minutes in 1 game played) out of last year's 1st round draft pick, Justin Patton, and Thibs pretty much just likes to run his main rotation guys into the ground, does it even matter who they draft? I can see them going for Grayson Allen (Duke) at #20, then perhaps Hamadou Diallo (Kentucky) in the 2nd round. On the other other hand I could see them drafting foreigners with both picks, since the draftees probably won't play, why not just wait another year on them?
Next year's squad will likely be: PG Teague, SG Butler, SF Wiggins, PF Gibson, C Towns with Crawford, Jones, Dieng, #20, (and Rose?) off the bench. 3 years ago this team was brimming with optimism, they were a fun team, a growing team. Then they brought in Coach Thibs and now they're the 2014 Chicago Bulls: old, monotonous, dull. *sigh* How does this team get better? They don't have money for free agents so the engine for growth is improving the players that are already there: Wiggins has not grown, Towns' game makes no sense at all, Dieng is an afterthought, Bjelica is likely on his way out, and Justin Patton is...I don't know what he is. But Thibs has shown no aptitude for doing that, so I am not optimistic. What they were this year is likely what they'll be next year, heaven help them if the Denver Nuggets get slightly better.
2018-19 Portland Trail Blazers
2017-18: 49-33 (3rd in the West, lost in the 1st rd)
Draft picks: 24,54
Signed for next season ($112m): Damien Lillard, CJ McCollum, Evan Turner, Moe Harkless, Meyers Leonard, Al-Farouk Aminu, Zach Collins, Caleb Swanigan, Jake Layman
This summer's free agents: Ed Davis, Jusuf Nurkic, Shabazz Napier, Pat Connaughton, Wade Baldwin, CJ Wilcox, Georgias Papagiannis
Right now they are right on the edge of the salary cap, so even though I'm guessing they'd love to bring back Davis, Nurkic, Napier and probably even Connaughton, I'm not sure they've got the money to do it. Wilcox is on a 2-way contract. Baldwin and Papagiannis may be available for 2-way contracts, too (summer league for those two?).
After getting mowed down by the suddenly mighty Pelicans, the buzz is that they may fire Coach Terry Stotts. Personally I think that'd be a mistake. He's been through thick and thin with this squad, he knows these players, knows the environment, considering they're likely to be rolling into next season with roughly the same squad, not sure I see the upside of starting with a new coach. Hey, man, the Pelicans were fucking legit in that series, you wish the Blazers would be better but its not like they gacked it up to a sub-standard team. This is gonna be a weird summer but I think moving on from Stotts right now would not be a good move.
In the draft #25 could net them Trevon Duval (Duke), Jalen Brunson (Villanova) or Landry Shamet (Wichita State), each of those guys looks to give them another combo guard that might make losing Napier and Connaughton a little easier to deal with. Or if they want some size maybe Chimezie Metu (USC), Omari Spellman (Villanova) or Brandon McCoy (UNLV) would be there. At #54 Cody Martin (Nevada) might be another combo guard for them to try out.
Pointless trade idea (warning: this one ain't that great): Evan Turner straight up for Tristan Thompson. Their contracts are virtually identical, so this is would be swapping a ball handler (which the Cavs could use if Lebron moves on) for a big guy (which the Blazers could use if they can't bring back Davis or Nurkic). The Cavs clearly have given up on Tristan and while he's not exactly the best big man ever, a change of scenery might do him so good. This doesn't really do anything for their cap situation (Tristan is slightly cheaper for each of the next two years) but it does shift their focus for off-season acquisitions and could make the plethora of combo guards in the draft a little more enticing.
Draft picks: 24,54
Signed for next season ($112m): Damien Lillard, CJ McCollum, Evan Turner, Moe Harkless, Meyers Leonard, Al-Farouk Aminu, Zach Collins, Caleb Swanigan, Jake Layman
This summer's free agents: Ed Davis, Jusuf Nurkic, Shabazz Napier, Pat Connaughton, Wade Baldwin, CJ Wilcox, Georgias Papagiannis
Right now they are right on the edge of the salary cap, so even though I'm guessing they'd love to bring back Davis, Nurkic, Napier and probably even Connaughton, I'm not sure they've got the money to do it. Wilcox is on a 2-way contract. Baldwin and Papagiannis may be available for 2-way contracts, too (summer league for those two?).
After getting mowed down by the suddenly mighty Pelicans, the buzz is that they may fire Coach Terry Stotts. Personally I think that'd be a mistake. He's been through thick and thin with this squad, he knows these players, knows the environment, considering they're likely to be rolling into next season with roughly the same squad, not sure I see the upside of starting with a new coach. Hey, man, the Pelicans were fucking legit in that series, you wish the Blazers would be better but its not like they gacked it up to a sub-standard team. This is gonna be a weird summer but I think moving on from Stotts right now would not be a good move.
In the draft #25 could net them Trevon Duval (Duke), Jalen Brunson (Villanova) or Landry Shamet (Wichita State), each of those guys looks to give them another combo guard that might make losing Napier and Connaughton a little easier to deal with. Or if they want some size maybe Chimezie Metu (USC), Omari Spellman (Villanova) or Brandon McCoy (UNLV) would be there. At #54 Cody Martin (Nevada) might be another combo guard for them to try out.
Pointless trade idea (warning: this one ain't that great): Evan Turner straight up for Tristan Thompson. Their contracts are virtually identical, so this is would be swapping a ball handler (which the Cavs could use if Lebron moves on) for a big guy (which the Blazers could use if they can't bring back Davis or Nurkic). The Cavs clearly have given up on Tristan and while he's not exactly the best big man ever, a change of scenery might do him so good. This doesn't really do anything for their cap situation (Tristan is slightly cheaper for each of the next two years) but it does shift their focus for off-season acquisitions and could make the plethora of combo guards in the draft a little more enticing.
2018-19 Miami Heat
2017-18: 44-38 (6th in the East, lost 1st rd)
Draft picks: (none)
Signed for next season ($147.3m): Hassan Whiteside, Tyler Johnson, Goran Dragic, James Johnson, Dion Waiters, Kelly Olynyk, Josh Richardson, Justice Winslow, Bam Adebayo, Jordan Mickey, Rodney McGruder
This summer's free agents: Wayne Ellington, Udonis Haslem, Dwyane Wade, Luke Babbit, Derek Walton, Derrick Jones
I think the plan is to bring back Ellington and Wade (although I have no idea where the money comes from to make either of those deals happen). Surely they're not bringing back Haslem, right? Good god, they should've made him an asst coach 5 years ago! Walton and Jones are on 2-way contracts.
They don't have any of the 60 picks in this draft (but still confident they can get Baker Mayfield).
After getting thoroughly worked by the upstart Sixers, they'll need to work some accounting magic to field a workable team for next year. Right now their lineup looks something like: PG Dragic, SG Waiters, SF Richardson, PF James Johnson, C Whiteside with Tyler Johnson, Winslow, Adebayo, Olynyk and McGruder off the bench. If they are able to bring back Wade and Ellington that gives them the same team that finished 6th in the East and had no prayer against the Sixers, so unless Pat Riley has a rich uncle that drops dead this summer, it looks like there are no upgrades on the way.
Pointless trade idea: Winslow, Adebayo, Olynyk for Demarcus Cousins. If Cousins doesn't recover from his Achilles' injury (that's a scary injury for any athlete but especially one of Cousins' size), then that would not work out in the Heat's favor. But they've always coveted Boogie and if he comes back and plays like he did the first half of this year, it would give the Heat a whole new look and feel (though it sacrifices all the youth they have). That would give them a lineup of Dragic, Waiters, Richardson, Cousins and Whiteside (and no bench at all). Does that sound like an upgrade? Ehh, maybe. (And how about the Pelicans rolling into next year with Rondo, Holiday, Mirotic, Adebayo/Olynyk, Davis with Moore, Miller and Winslow off the bench while saving them money....hmmmm, I kinda like that) The downside of this trade is...uh, I don't think its possible. With the Heat already over the cap, adding salary is not a thing they could do. I think they'll have to move Whiteside or Tyler Johnson (nice player but, oof!, that contract) to bring back Wade (how's D-Wade gonna feel about being left out after watching Udonis Haslem score all those years of free money?).
Whatever they do they'll still have a good coach, a reliable rim protector, an off-kilter PG and....well, the weather's nice. Riley is always capable of wheeling and/or dealing so don't write them off yet. But, man, with no draft picks and no cap flexibility we will see the depth of Riley's magic.
Draft picks: (none)
Signed for next season ($147.3m): Hassan Whiteside, Tyler Johnson, Goran Dragic, James Johnson, Dion Waiters, Kelly Olynyk, Josh Richardson, Justice Winslow, Bam Adebayo, Jordan Mickey, Rodney McGruder
This summer's free agents: Wayne Ellington, Udonis Haslem, Dwyane Wade, Luke Babbit, Derek Walton, Derrick Jones
I think the plan is to bring back Ellington and Wade (although I have no idea where the money comes from to make either of those deals happen). Surely they're not bringing back Haslem, right? Good god, they should've made him an asst coach 5 years ago! Walton and Jones are on 2-way contracts.
They don't have any of the 60 picks in this draft (but still confident they can get Baker Mayfield).
After getting thoroughly worked by the upstart Sixers, they'll need to work some accounting magic to field a workable team for next year. Right now their lineup looks something like: PG Dragic, SG Waiters, SF Richardson, PF James Johnson, C Whiteside with Tyler Johnson, Winslow, Adebayo, Olynyk and McGruder off the bench. If they are able to bring back Wade and Ellington that gives them the same team that finished 6th in the East and had no prayer against the Sixers, so unless Pat Riley has a rich uncle that drops dead this summer, it looks like there are no upgrades on the way.
Pointless trade idea: Winslow, Adebayo, Olynyk for Demarcus Cousins. If Cousins doesn't recover from his Achilles' injury (that's a scary injury for any athlete but especially one of Cousins' size), then that would not work out in the Heat's favor. But they've always coveted Boogie and if he comes back and plays like he did the first half of this year, it would give the Heat a whole new look and feel (though it sacrifices all the youth they have). That would give them a lineup of Dragic, Waiters, Richardson, Cousins and Whiteside (and no bench at all). Does that sound like an upgrade? Ehh, maybe. (And how about the Pelicans rolling into next year with Rondo, Holiday, Mirotic, Adebayo/Olynyk, Davis with Moore, Miller and Winslow off the bench while saving them money....hmmmm, I kinda like that) The downside of this trade is...uh, I don't think its possible. With the Heat already over the cap, adding salary is not a thing they could do. I think they'll have to move Whiteside or Tyler Johnson (nice player but, oof!, that contract) to bring back Wade (how's D-Wade gonna feel about being left out after watching Udonis Haslem score all those years of free money?).
Whatever they do they'll still have a good coach, a reliable rim protector, an off-kilter PG and....well, the weather's nice. Riley is always capable of wheeling and/or dealing so don't write them off yet. But, man, with no draft picks and no cap flexibility we will see the depth of Riley's magic.
Tuesday, April 24, 2018
2018-19 Denver Nuggets
2017-18: 46-36
Draft picks: 14-ish,43,58
Signed for next season ($107.4m): C Paul Millsap, SG Gary Harris, PF Kenneth Faried, PF Mason Plumlee, SF Wilson Chandler, SF Darrell Arthur, PG Jamal Murray, PF Trey Lyles, SF Juan Hernangomez, PF Tyler Lydon, SG Malik Beasley, SF Nikola Jokic
This summer's free agents: Devin Harris, Will Barton, Richard Jefferson, Monte Morris, Torrey Craig
Morris and Craig are on 2-way contracts. Harris and Jefferson are expendable and while I'm guessing they'd love to bring back Barton, I don't think they will have the resources.
First things first: Jokic needs to get paid this summer. He's clearly shown he's a badass and he's currently the cheapest player on their roster. They may or may not give him a raise this year (if I were Jokic's agent I'd want more money sooner but the team does have the leverage) but signing Jokic to an extension is the first order of business.
The Nuggets have good size on the bench already (Lyles, Hernangomez, Lydon) and since they've shown a propensity to draft combo guards, it feels like Khyri Thomas (Creighton) at #14 could be a good fit. And how about Shake Miltom (SMU) at #43? The #58 is generally best utilized on some random European prospect but would they be interested if Rawle Alkins (Arizona) was still there?
Wilson Chandler ($12.8m) and Darrell Arthur have player options ($7.4m), both of whom I would assume will opt in (though I'd rather have the money if I were the Nuggets). Money's tight and after signing Jokic and bringing in a lottery pick, there won't be much left over for free agents. If they could dump the last $13.7m they owe Faried that would give them some flexibility. (Question: could they swap the final year of Faried for the virtually identical final year of Tyson Chandler? Couldn't they then waive Chandler (and the Suns could waive Faried) without affecting the cap? Not sure but I think it would work)
For now the lineup looks like: PG Murray, SG Harris, SF Chandler, PF Millsap, C Jokic with Beasley, Lyles, Hernangomez, Plumee and #14 pick off the bench (no more Will Barton). This is pretty much what got them to the brink of the playoffs. If they can get more minutes out of Millsap and continued maturation from Murray, Harris, Jokic, Beasley and Lyles, that should get them close again next year. Next summer they'll have money to spend and a lot of team options, allowing them to move on from Millsap if it doesn't work or reconfigure the youth movement. Looks like the plan is to build up the core, keep pushing toward the post-season and make a big splash next summer.
Draft picks: 14-ish,43,58
Signed for next season ($107.4m): C Paul Millsap, SG Gary Harris, PF Kenneth Faried, PF Mason Plumlee, SF Wilson Chandler, SF Darrell Arthur, PG Jamal Murray, PF Trey Lyles, SF Juan Hernangomez, PF Tyler Lydon, SG Malik Beasley, SF Nikola Jokic
Morris and Craig are on 2-way contracts. Harris and Jefferson are expendable and while I'm guessing they'd love to bring back Barton, I don't think they will have the resources.
First things first: Jokic needs to get paid this summer. He's clearly shown he's a badass and he's currently the cheapest player on their roster. They may or may not give him a raise this year (if I were Jokic's agent I'd want more money sooner but the team does have the leverage) but signing Jokic to an extension is the first order of business.
The Nuggets have good size on the bench already (Lyles, Hernangomez, Lydon) and since they've shown a propensity to draft combo guards, it feels like Khyri Thomas (Creighton) at #14 could be a good fit. And how about Shake Miltom (SMU) at #43? The #58 is generally best utilized on some random European prospect but would they be interested if Rawle Alkins (Arizona) was still there?
Wilson Chandler ($12.8m) and Darrell Arthur have player options ($7.4m), both of whom I would assume will opt in (though I'd rather have the money if I were the Nuggets). Money's tight and after signing Jokic and bringing in a lottery pick, there won't be much left over for free agents. If they could dump the last $13.7m they owe Faried that would give them some flexibility. (Question: could they swap the final year of Faried for the virtually identical final year of Tyson Chandler? Couldn't they then waive Chandler (and the Suns could waive Faried) without affecting the cap? Not sure but I think it would work)
For now the lineup looks like: PG Murray, SG Harris, SF Chandler, PF Millsap, C Jokic with Beasley, Lyles, Hernangomez, Plumee and #14 pick off the bench (no more Will Barton). This is pretty much what got them to the brink of the playoffs. If they can get more minutes out of Millsap and continued maturation from Murray, Harris, Jokic, Beasley and Lyles, that should get them close again next year. Next summer they'll have money to spend and a lot of team options, allowing them to move on from Millsap if it doesn't work or reconfigure the youth movement. Looks like the plan is to build up the core, keep pushing toward the post-season and make a big splash next summer.
2018-19 Los Angeles Clippers
2017-18: 42-40
Draft picks: 12-ish, 13-ish
Signed for next season ($112m): C Deandre Jordan, SF Danilo Galinari, SF Tobias Harris, PG Austin Rivers, PG Lou Williams, C Boban Marjonovic, PG Milos Teodosic, SF Wesley Johnson, SG Patrick Beverley, PF Sam Dekker, PG Jawun Evans, SG Sindarius Thornwell
The Clippers likely fancy themselves built on veterans rather than rookies (that may depend on who their coach is) but they need depth everywhere so if they could score, say, Collin Sexton (Alabama) and Robert Williams (Texas A&M), that wouldn't be a bad way to go. Though if they could score the Kentucky pair (Knox and Gilgeous-Alexander) I think they should do that. Back-to-back lottery picks are an interesting novelty. Seems like they have twice the leverage if they want to trade one or both picks (or package one with Gallinari to clear even more cap room).
Worth noting that Jordan, Rivers, Teodosic and Johnson have player options. I think Deandre opts out and I think Rivers opts out (because I also think Papa Doc Rivers moves on, too). I expect Johnson to come back but I suspect Teodosic can get more than $6.3m if he opts out. So I expect the Clippers roster to look wildly different in 6 weeks or so. If Jordan, Rivers and Teodosic opt out, the Clippers will suddenly have a ton of money to spend. I'm not seeing them getting Paul George but they could offer Demarcus Cousins a hefty pile of cash. Likely they'll end up with something like Derrick Favors, Joe Johnson, maybe Ed Davis or Dante Exum to go with two new rookies. Or they run it back with the so-so team they had last year. I dunno, they're wide open at this point. We'll know more when opt-out day passes.
For now: I dunno. I think they'll be looking for a new coach soon. And I think they'll be looking to fill gaping holes in their roster preferably with big splashy superstars (maybe). Or if no one opts out they could be running back the same team (I bet that doesn't happen). For right now, I have no idea what the Clippers will be rolling into next year with.
Draft picks: 12-ish, 13-ish
Signed for next season ($112m): C Deandre Jordan, SF Danilo Galinari, SF Tobias Harris, PG Austin Rivers, PG Lou Williams, C Boban Marjonovic, PG Milos Teodosic, SF Wesley Johnson, SG Patrick Beverley, PF Sam Dekker, PG Jawun Evans, SG Sindarius Thornwell
This summer's free agents: Avery Bradley, Montrezl Harrell, CJ Williams, Tyrone Wallace
I think they have to bring back Harrell, I doubt they bring back Bradley, Wallace is on a 2-way contract. No idea about Williams, might depend on whether Austin Rivers sticks around.The Clippers likely fancy themselves built on veterans rather than rookies (that may depend on who their coach is) but they need depth everywhere so if they could score, say, Collin Sexton (Alabama) and Robert Williams (Texas A&M), that wouldn't be a bad way to go. Though if they could score the Kentucky pair (Knox and Gilgeous-Alexander) I think they should do that. Back-to-back lottery picks are an interesting novelty. Seems like they have twice the leverage if they want to trade one or both picks (or package one with Gallinari to clear even more cap room).
For now: I dunno. I think they'll be looking for a new coach soon. And I think they'll be looking to fill gaping holes in their roster preferably with big splashy superstars (maybe). Or if no one opts out they could be running back the same team (I bet that doesn't happen). For right now, I have no idea what the Clippers will be rolling into next year with.
2018-19 Detroit Pistons
2017-18: 39-43
Draft pick: 42
Signed for next season ($117.7m): PF Blake Griffin, C Andre Drummond, PG Reggie Jackson, PF Jon Leuer, SF Langston Galloway, PG Ish Smith, SG Stanley Johnson, SG Luke Kennard, SF Reggie Bullock, PF Henry Ellenson, PF Eric Moreland, PG Dwight Buycks
This summer's free agents: Anthony Tolliver, James Ennis, Jameer Nelson, Kay Felder, Reggie Hearn
Felder and Hearn are on 2-way contracts. They're already over the salary cap, so no money for any of the other guys.
Still no word on whether they'll move on from Stan Van Gundy. Not sure how much longer his deal runs but they've hamstrung the front office for at least another year with the Blake Griffin trade last year. So do they let StanVan dangle for one more year or do they bring a new guy to get the hang of things? I don't know, not sure it makes any difference. I guess I'd keep him, give him one last shot at pulling off a miracle--the playoffs aren't out of the question with this squad--but then look for new blood as soon as the season ends.
And who do they draft at #42? I kinda doubt that Draymond Green or Manu Ginobli will be waiting there and I doubt even more than the Pistons would recognize them if they were there (in recent years they've passed on Devin Booker, Justice Winslow, Donovan Mitchell, Myles Turner, Bobby Portis, etc, etc). So it doesn't matter. I wouldn't be surprised to see them trade it for a future 2nd rounder (could happen) but they do need low cost players so maybe they try to do something with Shake Milton (SMU) or Mo Wagner (Michigan), two guys that have had some buzz about them and could still be available.
With possibly no coach, possibly no Prez of basketball operations, possibly not even a GM and certainly no money to spend (and still two more years of paying Josh Smith), hard to see how the Pistons make a splash in the free agency market this summer. Indeed, if anyone shows the slightest interest in Jon Leuer or Ish Smith, I think they can be had for a coupla cartons of cigarettes. They are married to Blake Griffin, Reggie Jax and Andre Drummond for the next 2-3 years and I don't see that core as a contender any time soon. Time for a "process"!
For now: well, they've got an expensive core that they can work with. They could compete for a playoff spot but hard to imagine them going deep. What they've got now is what they're likely to have next October (with or without StanVan) and while this isn't bad, it's not anything special in the East. The bed is made, coupla more years of lying in it til something happens.
Draft pick: 42
Signed for next season ($117.7m): PF Blake Griffin, C Andre Drummond, PG Reggie Jackson, PF Jon Leuer, SF Langston Galloway, PG Ish Smith, SG Stanley Johnson, SG Luke Kennard, SF Reggie Bullock, PF Henry Ellenson, PF Eric Moreland, PG Dwight Buycks
Felder and Hearn are on 2-way contracts. They're already over the salary cap, so no money for any of the other guys.
Still no word on whether they'll move on from Stan Van Gundy. Not sure how much longer his deal runs but they've hamstrung the front office for at least another year with the Blake Griffin trade last year. So do they let StanVan dangle for one more year or do they bring a new guy to get the hang of things? I don't know, not sure it makes any difference. I guess I'd keep him, give him one last shot at pulling off a miracle--the playoffs aren't out of the question with this squad--but then look for new blood as soon as the season ends.
And who do they draft at #42? I kinda doubt that Draymond Green or Manu Ginobli will be waiting there and I doubt even more than the Pistons would recognize them if they were there (in recent years they've passed on Devin Booker, Justice Winslow, Donovan Mitchell, Myles Turner, Bobby Portis, etc, etc). So it doesn't matter. I wouldn't be surprised to see them trade it for a future 2nd rounder (could happen) but they do need low cost players so maybe they try to do something with Shake Milton (SMU) or Mo Wagner (Michigan), two guys that have had some buzz about them and could still be available.
With possibly no coach, possibly no Prez of basketball operations, possibly not even a GM and certainly no money to spend (and still two more years of paying Josh Smith), hard to see how the Pistons make a splash in the free agency market this summer. Indeed, if anyone shows the slightest interest in Jon Leuer or Ish Smith, I think they can be had for a coupla cartons of cigarettes. They are married to Blake Griffin, Reggie Jax and Andre Drummond for the next 2-3 years and I don't see that core as a contender any time soon. Time for a "process"!
For now: well, they've got an expensive core that they can work with. They could compete for a playoff spot but hard to imagine them going deep. What they've got now is what they're likely to have next October (with or without StanVan) and while this isn't bad, it's not anything special in the East. The bed is made, coupla more years of lying in it til something happens.
2018-19 Charlotte Hornets
2017-18: 36-46
Draft picks: 11-ish
Signed for next season ($119.5m): PF Nicholas Batum, C Dwight Howard, SF Marvin Williams, C Cody Zeller, SF Micheal Kidd-Gilchrist, PG Kemba Walker, SG Jeremy Lamb, PF Frank Kaminsky, SG Malik Monk, SG Julyan Stone, PF Willy Hernangomez, SG Dawyne Bacon
This summer's free agents: Michael Carter-Williams, Traveon Graham, Marcus Paige, Mangok Manthiang
Paige and Manthiang are on 2-way contracts. I don't see why they'd bring back MCW or Graham, both rather nondescript players.
They hired all-world GM Mitch Kupchak to run the show. His first choice will be their new coach. I would think they'd like David Fizdale but I wouldn't be surprised to see them bring in David Blatt. The Hornets look to be mediocre again next year (and already look overpaid for 2019-2020), either Fizdale to motivate or Blatt to innovate is the best bet.
Where do they go in the draft? At #11 they could be in line for Kevin Knox (Kentucky) but do they want to add another Kentucky scorer? I think he's gonna be good but the Hornets have a way of making talent turn to mush. They could probably use a center but all the best C's look to be off the board by then. They could reach for Robert Williams (Texas A&M) or Mitchell Robinson (high schooler) but if they could swap it for a future pick, I wouldn't be surprised to see them give that a try.
How can a team so far over the salary cap have such a bare cupboard? 6 guys making double digit millions next year: Nicolas Batum, Dwight Howard, Marvin Williams, Cody Zeller, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Kemba Walker. When GM Kupchak calls you up, which one of those guys do you want? Walker is the most productive and least expensive, so I wouldn't be surprised to see him get moved by the deadline. Howard is expiring (but also wildly overpaid) so he might net a coupla 2nd round picks but I don't see a pile o' booty coming back for the rest of them. Unless they move salary, they can't really sign anyone this summer.
For now: They're in a tough spot: not bad enough to tank but not good enough to threaten anyone in the post-season. I wouldn't be surprised to see them sneak into the playoffs in the East (although only the Cavs look to be vastly worse next year) with what they've got now. But I don't see any great improvement coming with this crew either. The middle is the worst place to be in the NBA and they are firmly there.
Draft picks: 11-ish
Signed for next season ($119.5m): PF Nicholas Batum, C Dwight Howard, SF Marvin Williams, C Cody Zeller, SF Micheal Kidd-Gilchrist, PG Kemba Walker, SG Jeremy Lamb, PF Frank Kaminsky, SG Malik Monk, SG Julyan Stone, PF Willy Hernangomez, SG Dawyne Bacon
Paige and Manthiang are on 2-way contracts. I don't see why they'd bring back MCW or Graham, both rather nondescript players.
They hired all-world GM Mitch Kupchak to run the show. His first choice will be their new coach. I would think they'd like David Fizdale but I wouldn't be surprised to see them bring in David Blatt. The Hornets look to be mediocre again next year (and already look overpaid for 2019-2020), either Fizdale to motivate or Blatt to innovate is the best bet.
Where do they go in the draft? At #11 they could be in line for Kevin Knox (Kentucky) but do they want to add another Kentucky scorer? I think he's gonna be good but the Hornets have a way of making talent turn to mush. They could probably use a center but all the best C's look to be off the board by then. They could reach for Robert Williams (Texas A&M) or Mitchell Robinson (high schooler) but if they could swap it for a future pick, I wouldn't be surprised to see them give that a try.
How can a team so far over the salary cap have such a bare cupboard? 6 guys making double digit millions next year: Nicolas Batum, Dwight Howard, Marvin Williams, Cody Zeller, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Kemba Walker. When GM Kupchak calls you up, which one of those guys do you want? Walker is the most productive and least expensive, so I wouldn't be surprised to see him get moved by the deadline. Howard is expiring (but also wildly overpaid) so he might net a coupla 2nd round picks but I don't see a pile o' booty coming back for the rest of them. Unless they move salary, they can't really sign anyone this summer.
For now: They're in a tough spot: not bad enough to tank but not good enough to threaten anyone in the post-season. I wouldn't be surprised to see them sneak into the playoffs in the East (although only the Cavs look to be vastly worse next year) with what they've got now. But I don't see any great improvement coming with this crew either. The middle is the worst place to be in the NBA and they are firmly there.
2018-19 Los Angeles Lakers
Draft picks: 25,47
Signed for next season ($39.1m): SF Luol Deng, PG Lonzo Ball, SG Brandom Ingram, SG Kyle Kuzma, PG Tyler Ennie, PG Josh Hart, C Ivaca Zubac, C Thomas Bryant
This summer's free agents: Brook Lopez, Kentavius Caldwell-Pope, Channing Frye, Isiah Thomas, Julius Randle, Travis Wear, Gary Payton, Andre Ingram
Randle has played his way into consideration for a re-up but I suspect he'll be a last minute option for the Lakers; if he's willing to wait, I'm guessing the Lakers will throw him a nice offer but if he's impatient he'll be playing somewhere else. Ingram was a fan favorite and could be low-cost roster filler (but I doubt we'll ever see that dude again). If the Lakers fail in their ability to lure in big time free agents, there is a chance that they bring back Isiah Thomas (and pretend like they got an all-star) but I'm guessing that's not their first choice. Payton is on a 2-way contract.
#25 isn't usually a sexy pick but the Lakers have drafted well over the years in this area (Kuzma, Larry Nance) so don't be surprised if they get a pretty good player here. Jalen Brunson (Villanova) might be there. And at #47 they could be in on Malik Newman (Kansas). I think both of those guys could be good pickups for them.
Okay, the ducks have been put in a row. First they go for Paul George (if the Thunder get rolled by the Jazz, you gotta think he'll be available and interested), then Lebron (I didn't think he'd leave Cleveland but the Pacers have made it clear the Cavs won't go too far this year), with Deandre Jordan, maybe Demarcus Cousins as the backup plan. I think they'll get George, still too early to call on any of the other guys. If they end up with JJ Reddick and Derrick Favors (and, say, Jahlil Okafor to go with Randle) instead, that actually seems like a pretty good crew to go with Ball, Ingram and Kuzma.
For now: well, right now there's not much there. But they'll look different by the end of the summer, I am sure.
Signed for next season ($39.1m): SF Luol Deng, PG Lonzo Ball, SG Brandom Ingram, SG Kyle Kuzma, PG Tyler Ennie, PG Josh Hart, C Ivaca Zubac, C Thomas Bryant
Randle has played his way into consideration for a re-up but I suspect he'll be a last minute option for the Lakers; if he's willing to wait, I'm guessing the Lakers will throw him a nice offer but if he's impatient he'll be playing somewhere else. Ingram was a fan favorite and could be low-cost roster filler (but I doubt we'll ever see that dude again). If the Lakers fail in their ability to lure in big time free agents, there is a chance that they bring back Isiah Thomas (and pretend like they got an all-star) but I'm guessing that's not their first choice. Payton is on a 2-way contract.
#25 isn't usually a sexy pick but the Lakers have drafted well over the years in this area (Kuzma, Larry Nance) so don't be surprised if they get a pretty good player here. Jalen Brunson (Villanova) might be there. And at #47 they could be in on Malik Newman (Kansas). I think both of those guys could be good pickups for them.
Okay, the ducks have been put in a row. First they go for Paul George (if the Thunder get rolled by the Jazz, you gotta think he'll be available and interested), then Lebron (I didn't think he'd leave Cleveland but the Pacers have made it clear the Cavs won't go too far this year), with Deandre Jordan, maybe Demarcus Cousins as the backup plan. I think they'll get George, still too early to call on any of the other guys. If they end up with JJ Reddick and Derrick Favors (and, say, Jahlil Okafor to go with Randle) instead, that actually seems like a pretty good crew to go with Ball, Ingram and Kuzma.
For now: well, right now there's not much there. But they'll look different by the end of the summer, I am sure.
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