12-02-2024, 07:33 PM
(12-02-2024, 06:40 PM)gomavs Wrote: 3 observations:
1. Omax looks like a bust. Can he still play in the development league?
2. It is time to trade Hardy. Maybe somebody would give us a 2nd round pick for him?
3. Maxi looks like he is done. Unless, of course, there is something physically wrong that we don't know about. He has given us a lot in his career, but it is time to ride into the sunset.
1) yes, he can still play in G-league. I wouldn't call him a bust. The game is just moving too fast for him right now. He should be further along being a three year college player and being in his second year in the NBA. I am just trying to figure it if he just lacks the basketball IQ or because the game moves to fast for him that he just appears a step slow. When you see a rebound or a lose ball, he is just a tick slow reacting. The highlights from college were awesome. I think there is a pretty good player in there and I think he is a kid who will work his butt off, but we just haven't seen it yet. Sometimes it clicks...sometimes it doesn't.
2) I think Hardy is a prime trade candidate. That skill set doesn't bring much back though. He will clearly be outside the main rotation when everyone is healthy. It is probably smart to be patient with him too though, but willing to move him if you get a better fitting part. I have little doubt he could do similar stats as the Utah second year guard (even though the Utah guard is better handling the ball).
3) I think this is the prime opportunity to give Maxi minutes. He offers a unique skill set even though he is a zero on offense right now. We should be looking at eventual replacements (hopefully Omax), but if he can't stay healthy than we have our answer. Ideally, he isn't going to be a heavy minute player. Can he play 10 minutes a night in a playoff game...where every now and then gets 20 plus depending on good play and matchups? There really isn't a lot of room for minutes in that role imo if PJ and our centers are healthy. Maxi can provide a unique skill set. It just is really painful to watch him try to score or pass right now.