07-12-2025, 12:38 PM
(07-12-2025, 12:23 PM)KillerLeft Wrote: I see the potential problems this roster could face in a similar way to RTG and mvossman.
But, if we're right, it will play out negatively on the court, and the team will make adjustments. I respect Vogel, and the NBA community at large seems like they've turned a corner and started respecting Kidd quite a bit recently, so we have to assume that these same potential negatives have at least crossed their minds.
I take solace in the knowledge that IF we're right, the team has the tools on hand to allow them to change course. AD and Lively would instantly be the best center rotation in the NBA (partly because they can play some together, making it really easy for both players to have a bigger role), and could last for a while, together, with Lively coming out the other side much better as a result of the collaboration. Ditto for AD's influence on Flagg, imo. PJW will be a GREAT fit next to Flagg in lineups with the right synergy. Whether Thompson is a starter or (eventually) a 20-minute bench guy, his help on and off the court is likely going to be key. I'm a little worried about how Kyrie's career ends, but I seem to be in the minority. Marshall and Exum are both useful in a variety of ways. Russell is on a value contract and can be useful as a stopgap, a bench piece or as a trade deadline asset. I haven't completely given up on Martin and Hardy like some.
Even if we're completely right and they need to add an impact guard, they have the assets to do so. I'm ok with waiting to confirm that's the move, and to ensure they're pouncing on the right opportunity, rather than the first one.
I think there's great potential here for Cooper Flagg's rookie contract period to be more successful than any #1 pick has a right to expect. I think he's very lucky to be in this situation.
Going over that roster it just screams for a POA defender that can be another creator in the mix. If things are going well I could see them pull that trigger at the TDL. They need to do it in the offseason at the latest. The clock is ticking.
I agree on the outlook for Flagg's rookie period, but his second contract time frame might be dicey. With AD, Kyrie and Klay all well past their prime and few assets, its going to be tough to reset after this first window.