(Yesterday, 03:40 PM)F Gump Wrote: If you are trading Gafford in suitable trade window, the decision has to be made IN THE SUMMER. And there will be NO CLUE on what Lively will offer next season, when we are in the summer. He's an injured player, who has had a significant issue and surgery, and will not even try to play until October.
On top of that, Lively has NEVER been reliable for a whole season. Has he ever even played half? I like the "idea" of Lively, but I don't see that as something to depend on.
In light of that, to me it would be a major mistake to assume Lively is the answer as the C you need, and move Gafford. This franchise has lots of experience in lacking a decent center, years on end at times, and now that they have a decent solution, imo the idea of frittering it away would be stupid.
In lively Rookie year he played in 76 out of 104 games including the playoffs which was 73%, and he was crucial in the playoff run. His health is a huge concern, but he has been a very positive impact when on the court (he has one of the highest net ratings this season).
I would argue Gafford has maybe even more questions. He was abused regularly in that playoff run and he has been terrible this season without an elite P&R partner. He has also had some of his own health concerns recently. If we don't end up with an elite P&R ball handler I am concerned that Gafford is going to tank his value even more.