05-22-2025, 08:12 AM
(This post was last modified: 05-22-2025, 10:28 AM by DanSchwartzgan.)
(05-22-2025, 06:58 AM)Chicagojk Wrote: I saw Laura Gunn ( I think that is her name) make a case for Cole Anthony the other day. Zach Lowe mentioned a few weeks ago that he thinks Orlando has to upgrade their center position. He didn't think Carter does enough. So how about Gafford for Cole Anthony and # 16.
Orlando needs a point guard/shooting though so they may want to use #16 in a different way.
Orlando is interesting. They are at the second apron if they bring everyone back (TO's on Harris, Joseph and injured Mo are worth $22mm that could be cut). They are the worst 3 point shooting team in the league and ranked 27th on O (but were killed by injuries just like we were). They probably look to upgrade the KCP spot to someone who can shoot better and help more with creation. The other place they could get more shooting is at center. They could also use some bench creation.
So, they face the unenviable task of improving while cutting salary. Besides the 16th pick, they also have 25, 46 and 57.
Probably the best thing about Cole Anthony from a Mav's perspective is he can organize the team for the period needed. Then, like Lonzo, he's a TO in year two. I actually think Martin and Hardy might have some value as bench players. But, those types of moves are secondary moves for Orlando. Unfortunately, many of the same names discussed for us are mentioned for Orlando (Reaves, Sexton, Simons et al). I think the path to anything involving Orlando for Dallas is helping them put together a package for someone like those guys with Dallas swapping out secondary pieces. Anthony isn't in Orlando's long term plan, but he isn't so bad (on court or financially) that they will want to do that deal on a stand-alone basis...especially if it doesn't involve cost savings.