(07-20-2023, 09:06 PM)KillerLeft Wrote: Right. Me, either, and I said as much.
I’m just happy they didn’t move in the wrong direction AGAIN.
But which moves were moves in the wrong direction? I don't think they were necessarily making moves in a wrong direction. Their problem for 5 years was that they had really no direction. Wanting to be contenders, but not puting everything in to be one. Not tanking or developing on the other hand. They were also failing at what they actually wanted to do. They thought KP is the right piece next to Luka, they failed. They didn't want to let Brunson go, they failed. They didn't want 2020 rookies to not succeed, other than Green (to an extent) they failed. They wanted to sign complementary low level stars like Kemba and Lowry, but failed. I don't remember them spending cash to buy a SRP or correct some of the mistakes. Missed a bunch of opportunities like not getting value for cap space twice. Other than throwing 2nd rounders around like candy, they didn't trade draft capital. Always keeping the powder dry for that next star, which is the strategy that I do hold against them.
I don't think anything is much different in a big picture. What is their direction? They brought Kyrie in, which is a short term move. Than they did a bunch of long term moves. So when those long term moves will be ready, Kyrie will be worse or gone. Failed to bring the good complementary pieces. Even if one believes Green and GW are credible starters, we all know they have huge hole on the C position. Still have plenty of players that don't fit the need.
I said many times. I am fine with those moves they made. I hope all kids they have will become good players. What I firmly believe is missing, is a couple of complementary players to bridge the gap between now and the time the kids are ready. And I consider this part a failure. And if I quote Stein - THEY know they have not done enough.