2020-2021 ROSTER TALK: Archived

[SleepingHero]

1.  So, I'd eliminate the too expensive guys right off the bat:  Ball, Conley, Lowry, Powell and Schroeder.  I'll put Dipo on this list since he turned down more.  I've seen estimates of $20mm for Powell.  So, assuming Portland wants him, he may be too rich also.  I wil point out that there are a limited number of teams that can send out this kind of money.  But current teams can pay.  So, you are probably looking for someone who has to change teams and isn't so good that the NY's of the world don't want them.  The estimates on DeRozan start in this range and go higher.  Maybe DeRozan?  Many here don't like the fit.  Would he come here to be a 6th man?

I too pretty much struck those guys off the list. Conley/Lowry are going to be too pricy. Powell/Schroeder are in a similar boat and are looking for pay-days. Ball has the added caveat of RFA along with a payday. I find it a bit interesting that you didn't immediately strike DeRozan off though. I think he can get a big payday from NYK or TOR. I wouldn't be surprised if he signed 4/126. I personally love DeRozan. He's statistically one of the best mid range shooters of all time. He'd add another level to the offense and he can surprisingly defend and create. Still he can't hit a 3 which is scary. But does a lethal mid range make up for it? Especially if he's a 3rd option? DeRozan also moves THJ to the bench, which I think is the best role for him. 

2.  I'd eliminate the guys who are too rich to trade for.  Recall the spirit of the exercise.  No KP deals in this conversation or deals where we create even more holes to fill this one.  So, Brogdon, Smart and LaVine are gone.

Fair. I disagree with Smart being too pricey. I can see BOS moving on from him for a moderate package centered around JRich pretty easily. The only thing is are the Mavs inclined to take back Smart with his chucker tendencies and a kobe-like attitude in late game situations? Tough to say. Smart on paper reads to me a lot like JRich but a worse scorer. 

3.  I'd eliminate the guys who aren't clearly better than JRich...the devil you know.  I think you first have to define JRich.  I'd use post AS data.  There, he's a net positive in +/- and on a Per 36 basis he's 14/4/3.25  with a 3% of .364.  He also seems to be a good locker room fit. 

What I'm left with from your excellent work is Fournier and Monk.  I could make an argument for Green and Dragic, but the age thing is an issue.  I think I'd rather commit four years to the younger guys than even two years to the older guys.  But, to Kamm's point, would you rather keep Powell/WCS as your C's and sign Fournier or Monk as a sixth man?  Or, would you rather go with Holmes/Powell as your C's and go with Green and some guy for the rMLE to back up the 2/3 spot?  

I think we're landing around the same spot though. Except I'm more than happy to prioritize some older vets. We're a young team and need leadership. Dragic brings almost everything we're looking for at the 2nd guard spot. His defense is a bit suspect but it's obvious he's a passable team defender. Same with Rose. Just makes plays and is a winner. Further, If we threw 17mm a year at Dragic for 2 years it'd be hard for him to turn that down. Same with Rose. 


As to adjusting the big-man rotation or guard rotation, I lean more guard. WCS was passable this year and I wouldn't be against bringing him back. It's obvious our guard rotation is a bit thin to me night in and night out. Outside of Luka/Brunson I'm not sure what sort of production we'll get from THJ/JRich/Burke. Consistency is key. 
Some other athletic rim rollers that could be had for cheap:
Thies
Biyombo
Cody Zeller
Dwight Howard
Portis

Another guard that I forgot to mention was Duncan Robinson.  He's probably priced out but should still be mentioned.