Trade & FA 2024-25:

[BigDirk41]

To play devils advocate a bit. Would Marcus Morris a legit backup 4 and DSJ/Dinwiddie a legit backup PG have more impact on winning than a 4th Center Powell? I’m counting Maxi as the 3rd Center in this scenario.

Yeah absolutely. I don't know how it couldn't. Maxi should hopefully stay healthy no more than he'll play next season.

[BigDirk41]

I think both/either are likely to play almost exactly as much as Powell. 

They're giving Hardy and Exum the ball. The backup 4 might be a little thin if there's an injury, but I don't think there's a rotation spot open for one of those, either.

I think the argument to that is that Exum can't be counted on for 82 games. He only played 55 last year and seems injury prone. I really hope Hardy shines though. I think he can.

[Smitty]

I think both/either are likely to play almost exactly as much as Powell. 

I disagree but not enough to bicker about. The fact that we’re having in depth discussions about 11-14 players on the roster, day 2 of Free Agency is a good place to be.

[KillerLeft]

Luka
Kyrie
Thompson
Washington
Lively
Marshall
Gafford/Kleber
Grimes
Exum
Hardy

That's already 10 people (11 if you think Kleber is going to get 4 minutes). More than they can realistically play in a playoff rotation, so 1-3 of those guys won't play in the playoffs. Honestly, it's more than you can realistically play in one REGULAR SEASON game, effectively, though you can mix and match there from one night to another, and injuries/load management will happen.

The only way, at this point, to actually improve the team in a meaningful way is to replace one of those guys or add someone who pushes one of them to the deep bench. Anyone added BEHIND one of them does almost nothing.

If they were an old team, I'd argue for maximizing the developmental aspect of the bottom of the roster, but they're young, even with Thompson/Kleber/Irving, and they're trying to compete for a title THIS YEAR, which to me brings us back to guys like Powell/Markief who will stay ready, know their role, be supportive and above all else not cause drama.

[Jason Terry]

I think it should be Lawson and DSJ as the last two spots

[Smitty]

Luka
Kyrie
Thompson
Washington
Lively
Marshall
Gafford/Kleber
Grimes
Exum
Hardy

That'e already 10 people (11 if you think Kleber is going to get 4 minutes). More than they can realistically play in a playoff rotation, so 1-3 of those guys won't play in the playoffs. Honestly, it's more than you can realistically play in one REGULAR SEASON game, effectively, though you can mix and match there from one night to another, and injuries/load management will happen.

The only way, at this point, to actually improve the team in a meaningful way is to replace one of those guys or add someone who pushes one of them to the deep bench. Anyone added BEHIND one of them does almost nothing.

If they were an old team, I'd argue for maximizing the developmental aspect of the bottom of the roster, but they're young, even with Thompson/Kleber/Irving, and they're trying to compete for a title THIS YEAR, which to me brings us back to guys like Powell/Markief who will stay ready, know their role, be supportive and above all else not cause drama.

I mostly agree with this post actually. The difference I think in my thinking is that you believe in Hardy a bit more than I do and that’s perfectly fine. BUT more importantly I see the games missed by LuKaiExum being a real issue in the regular season and think another PG would get real playing time in ~40-50 games. I definitely don’t see Powell playing that many. As for the front court I don’t see it as dire because of Naji’s ability to play down and the development of Omax. Plus Luka and Klay being able to play some 4 (in the way we talked about earlier). PJ to play some 5 and so on.

[KillerLeft]

I agree with this post actually. The difference I think in my thinking is that you believe in Hardy a bit more than I do and that’s perfectly fine. BUT more importantly I see the games missed by LukaiExum being a real issue in the regular season and think another PG would get real playing time in ~40-50 games. I definitely don’t see Powell playing that many. As for the front court I don’t see it as dire because of Naji’s ability to play down and the development of Omax. Plus Luka and Klay being able to play some 4. PJ to play some 5 and so on.

Well, look at it this way, at PG: Can you envision them guaranteeing Hardy's contract, not trading him and NOT playing him AGAIN? I can't, personally, so I don't think they're in the business of putting up more road blocks to him making their pick successful. I think if you guys are right and he can't do it, he'll get shipped out at the deadline, but I'd bet a lot of money they'll give him the ball to start the season off - he was just getting minutes in the NBA Finals. 

At the 4...I discussed this the other day a bit, but if you want to keep a POA defender on the floor a lot, and I bet they do, that means figuring out how to carve out big minutes for the trio of Exum, Grimes and then probably Marshall. When looking at that list, it seems to me that Thompson is essentially the backup 4 (or Luka, if you'd prefer), because when Marshall plays, he'll be defending on the perimeter. That's why it already seems so "smaller wing" heavy. Luka and Klay are going to take turns defending the slowest, least dangerous forward 90% of the time. It's the only way to make sense of the current roster, imo.

[KillerLeft]

Kyrie or Hardy
Grimes or Exum
Marshall or Grimes or Exum
Luka or Washington or Thompson or Marshall
Center

I predict there will be a TON of combinations out of THOSE choices. Obviously, there will be lineups with more of the forwards playing together, too, but we're already expecting those.

[Smitty]

Well, look at it this way, at PG: Can you envision them guaranteeing Hardy's contract, not trading him and NOT playing him AGAIN? I can't, personally, so I don't think they're in the business of putting up more road blocks to him making their pick successful. I think if you guys are right and he can't do it, he'll get shipped out at the deadline, but I'd bet a lot of money they'll give him the ball to start the season off - he was just getting minutes in the NBA Finals. 

At the 4...I discussed this the other day a bit, but if you want to keep a POA defender on the floor a lot, and I bet they do, that means figuring out how to carve out big minutes for the trio of Exum, Grimes and then probably Marshall. When looking at that list, it seems to me that Thompson is essentially the backup 4 (or Luka, if you'd prefer), because when Marshall plays, he'll be defending on the perimeter. That's why it already seems so "smaller wing" heavy. Luka and Klay are going to take turns defending the slowest, least dangerous forward 90% of the time. It's the only way to make sense of the current roster, imo.

I think we’re on the same page really. Especially the front court. Maybe I’m putting too much emphasis on what I think will be a combined ~70 games missed between LuKaiExum like last year.

[KillerLeft]

If you want to replace Hardy at PG, you're essentially replacing the role of the team's FOURTH preference (maybe 3rd, if he beats out Exum, which I find possible). Is that really that much of a game changer? You can always pick someone up if there are a couple of injuries (hence Gump's cushion).

[Jason Terry]

Luka
Kyrie
Thompson
Washington
Lively
Marshall
Gafford/Kleber
Grimes
Exum
Hardy

That's already 10 people (11 if you think Kleber is going to get 4 minutes). More than they can realistically play in a playoff rotation, so 1-3 of those guys won't play in the playoffs. Honestly, it's more than you can realistically play in one REGULAR SEASON game, effectively, though you can mix and match there from one night to another, and injuries/load management will happen.

The only way, at this point, to actually improve the team in a meaningful way is to replace one of those guys or add someone who pushes one of them to the deep bench. Anyone added BEHIND one of them does almost nothing.

If they were an old team, I'd argue for maximizing the developmental aspect of the bottom of the roster, but they're young, even with Thompson/Kleber/Irving, and they're trying to compete for a title THIS YEAR, which to me brings us back to guys like Powell/Markief who will stay ready, know their role, be supportive and above all else not cause drama.

You’re right that it gets crowded and someone will need to be moved to make improvements. We’re set up well to make a move now or at the TDL. All good sized contracts. We should get a good idea of who took the summer seriously and came ready to play by December or earlier. 

Im expecting a trade so the end of the roster should be guys who are useful after we package our depth and get the right player.

So i like AJ Lawson as a developmental guy to replace who we send out. So long as he’s cool with not playing much. He really seemed like he fit with the guys

I also like DSJ from a basketball fit. Losing DSJ he’s the best cheap POA defender out there in case this really becomes a problem or if there’s injury. I think he fits with the vibes here 

I do think Kief and Powell are great players to have around too

[KillerLeft]

I think we’re on the same page really. Especially the front court. Maybe I’m putting too much emphasis on what I think will be a combined ~70 games missed between LuKaiExum like last year.

BTW, I'm not responding/arguing. The last several posts have just been stream of consciousness thinking about all of this. 

I honestly believe the roster is reasonably without holes. In fact, I think there's quite a bit of competition in some of the key spots we're discussing.

[Smitty]

BTW, I'm not responding/arguing. The last several posts have just been stream of consciousness thinking about all of this. 

I honestly believe the roster is reasonably without holes. In fact, I think there's quite a bit of competition in some of the key spots we're discussing.

I didn’t take it as argument. We’ve been on the same page for the most part for sure. I agree there is a lot of competition and have repeatedly said how deep and versatile this roster is. The fact that we can go 3-4 pages about roster spot 14 is a great place to be!

[mvossman]

If you want to replace Hardy at PG, you're essentially replacing the role of the team's FOURTH preference (maybe 3rd, if he beats out Exum, which I find possible). Is that really that much of a game changer? You can always pick someone up if there are a couple of injuries (hence Gump's cushion).

I still think both those guys are better from the 2 guard spot where they are providing scoring and secondary play making. When one (or both) of Luka/Kyrie are out it would be nice to have a vet comfortable running point. 

I have no interest in having two washed Morris twins on this roster.

[Jason Terry]

If you want to replace Hardy at PG, you're essentially replacing the role of the team's FOURTH preference (maybe 3rd, if he beats out Exum, which I find possible). Is that really that much of a game changer? You can always pick someone up if there are a couple of injuries (hence Gump's cushion).

Wasn’t it such a game changer offensively when we had Luka/Brunson/Dinwiddie in a 3 man rotation at the guard spots? We were able to constantly attack and kick. Luka wouldn’t have to do so much. Plus both Luka and Kyrie miss a bunch of games combined. 

Exum was great last year. I view him as similar to Maxi. Exum will miss some time but he had some huge stretches last season. He’s supplemental though 

Hardy should be given a big chance to open the year. He’s got to put it all together right now and show he’s ready for a real role. He has to show he can be a smart player and cut out the turnovers. Needs to be a consistent scorer and passable defender. If he looks lost by December still we trade him

[KillerLeft]

Wasn’t it such a game changer offensively when we had Luka/Brunson/Dinwiddie in a 3 man rotation at the guard spots? We were able to constantly attack and kick.

Yes! But, at great cost on the defensive end.

I do not believe this team is being designed to play that way, and if they do want to play that way for a stretch, I see no reason Hardy can’t grow to be just as effective in one of those three spots as Dinwiddie was.

[F Gump]

If they re-sign Morris, they have to waive Lawson, and then after signing Morris they have no money to sign anyone else.

If the Morris quote is reliable (and I wouldn't think there's any point for him to lie), they have no room to sign anyone else. No Lawson, no DSJ, they are done.

[audiosway]

If they re-sign Morris, they have to waive Lawson, and then after signing Morris they have no money to sign anyone else.

If the Morris quote is reliable (and I wouldn't think there's any point for him to lie), they have no room to sign anyone else. No Lawson, no DSJ, they are done.

Yeah. I'm fine with it too. They have depth, they have made some upgrades. I'm good with Morris since he is a great locker room guy. You need those on a team.

[Jason Terry]

Check out that ball don’t lie podcast if you haven’t. Jake Fischer on DJJ. Says they had a deal done with his agent. Same one Naji got. DJJ then defects to Klutch for the money. They seem to think it wasn’t about the role

[BigDirk41]

Check out that ball don’t lie podcast if you haven’t. Jake Fischer on DJJ. Says they had a deal done with his agent. Same one Naji got. DJJ then defects to Klutch for the money. They seem to think it wasn’t about the role

Bad choice on his part if true. He cost himself money when you factor in California taxes compared to Texas. I'm guessing he thought he could get the full MLE, but he was wrong.