Dropping this in the trade thread in anticipation of a post-Nico tear down. Look at Flagg's stats over 10 games and compare to Giddey's rookie year. I have no doubts Flagg will be a great player someday but it's going to take time. It's not the end of the world but it's time for a reality check. Flagg isn't good enough right now to play 30+ minutes and compete for a championship.
Unfortunately, this is the opposite of Luka. I distinctly remember Luka's first 10 games and thinking needed to be surrounded by better players immediately. He was ready to go. Flagg isn't. So you have to build for the future. No surprises below:
Five players you prioritize:
- Forward - Flagg: needs to play PF and be paired with guys who can shoot (which means Christie is a better fit than PJW)
- Wing - Christie: solid, smart, can take the culture mantle from Powell
- Forward - PJW: solid rotation player, beloved by fans, can be a Harrison Barnes who just plays the right way
- Center - Lively: young, still on rookie contract, but he has to play 65 games
- Guard - Kyrie: you only trade him if he asks to be moved
Must trade now
- Klay: You have to let him go. He'll play meaningful playoff minutes for someone.
- Gafford: You have to get a creator who can play next to Kyrie, even if you have to include PJW and/or swap Gafford for Lively
Trade deadline moves
- Naji: could net an asset from a contender
- AD: He has to play center while he's here and you hold on to him until you find the biggest haul you can get
No or negative trade value
- Russell
- Martin
- Exum
- Hardy
- Williams
- Powell
Unfortunately, this is the opposite of Luka. I distinctly remember Luka's first 10 games and thinking needed to be surrounded by better players immediately. He was ready to go. Flagg isn't. So you have to build for the future. No surprises below:
Five players you prioritize:
- Forward - Flagg: needs to play PF and be paired with guys who can shoot (which means Christie is a better fit than PJW)
- Wing - Christie: solid, smart, can take the culture mantle from Powell
- Forward - PJW: solid rotation player, beloved by fans, can be a Harrison Barnes who just plays the right way
- Center - Lively: young, still on rookie contract, but he has to play 65 games
- Guard - Kyrie: you only trade him if he asks to be moved
Must trade now
- Klay: You have to let him go. He'll play meaningful playoff minutes for someone.
- Gafford: You have to get a creator who can play next to Kyrie, even if you have to include PJW and/or swap Gafford for Lively
Trade deadline moves
- Naji: could net an asset from a contender
- AD: He has to play center while he's here and you hold on to him until you find the biggest haul you can get
No or negative trade value
- Russell
- Martin
- Exum
- Hardy
- Williams
- Powell