Trade & FA 2025-26: Free Agency Starts 5pm CST/6pm EST

[Smitty]

Lively is also a bit of an issue, do we continue to bet on him developing when we can find center talent like Cisse without even using a pick?

I don't think Cisse is in the same ballpark with Lively talent wise. Same with Cisse and Gafford. Sure, he's been a bright spot this season and another hit for the Two-Way guys. I'd even be open to the idea of him being on the 15-man as a 3rd Center this year and next, but Lively is far superior to Cisse in level of play.

I absolutely share your concern that Lively is 'an issue' that will always have to be addressed with any team build. You can't just pencil him in as the starter. He doesn't and won't play starter minutes and he can't stay healthy, so you're always forced to have a very good "backup Big" and then a third to fill in as the backup for that Big. It's frustrating and I don't know what the answer is, other than see what happens next season and make a decision then.