(03-11-2025, 02:50 PM)Chicagojk Wrote: It is going to be hard to build a contender next year with Kyrie out for a good portion of next year. Although to get a real view, we need creation. Ideally with some size and shooting. At least one starting level player and probably a good solid bench piece. Maybe the bench piece can be a draft pick if we keep it.
It got me thinking though of Klay, Max, Marshall and Caleb. I think there are too many bodies there i we assume the centers and PJ are on the roster next year. I think at least one, maybe two will need to be moved this offseason. All have their strengths and weaknesses. I would be curiuos how you would rate each.
Klay- Negatives-Oldest and short term. Also not very good when he needs to elevate his play when others are out. advantages-He has big game experience and is still a shooter teams need to defend.
Max- Negatives- Slow release and right now is not a guy who can score efficienctly on his own. Needs to shoot better too. Advantages- Youngest and is a pretty smart player. Also contract controlled and should still improve when he is playing with better players. What is he though? Is he a good rotation piece or can he be more?
Marshall- Negatives- I have trouble seeing how he fits long term is he can't shoot or won't take open threes. The paint is going to be crowded and ideally he is going to get open looks off rotations. If he can't or won't take a three, I don't know how he can be here long term...especially with other questionable shooters. He is also a little overrated as a defender. Advantages- Does a little of everything. He provides some toughness. He has also been one of the brighter spots since Kyrie injury putting up some huge numbers.
Caleb-- Too early to tell. I liked some of the small things he has done. He appears to have a nice feel for the game. His offense will be the key. Can he hit open shots? Not going to be a big scorer, but can he be a guy who does positive things while on the court. Also on a cost controlled contract.
Personally I think it is between Caleb and Marshall. Klay is short term and you get a longer look at Christie to see how his game grows next year. Klay has the teams trust as he has played in big games and I think they will be leary to move him. Unless we are struggling next year at the deadline or if he asks to be traded. Although Klay starting with one creator is another pretty big problem if PJ is at the three.