02-19-2025, 01:53 PM
(02-19-2025, 01:29 PM)mvossman Wrote: I think there were a few of us on here that were excited about the DJJ signing (although I don't think anybody pictured him becoming a quality starter).
I think we would have been better off keeping DJJ. Grimes could have provided most of what we are getting from Klay (and probably more by the end of Klay's contract) without needing to be in the starting lineup. Hell, we could have had DJJ, Grimes and Naji for less assets and cap hit than going the Klay route.
You are likely correct. I'm not saying Klay isn't a good addition, but it almost felt like a status thing. That a multi-ring champion would leave the team he won with to move over to DAL, who is historically bad at FAs, and indicate he expects to compete for a title. Despite the last 5 years of extended injuries and declining productivity.
At the time I was OK with it as I expected Klay and Kyrie to provide veteran leadership to the basket of young talent DAL was accumulating. They can still do that, but the basket is smaller now. I am hopeful they can hang on until the calvary arrives as I think there are going to be a lot of surprised teams if they can get healthy. (BIG IF, I know, I know).