2020-2021 ROSTER TALK: Archived

[mvossman]

So, we need a top 10 defense.  We need another shot creator.  We need rebounding.  We need a second star. We need trade assets.  We need better depth.  

You are right BTW.  Part of that could be solved by addition.  But, it may also take subtraction of the worst defenders (most of whom are good offensive players).  To me, the question is whether this summer is about accumulating assets or will they try to take a big swing now while they “may” have cap room.

I think they almost have to take the big swing due to limited cap space in future and they just hired a GM and coach specifically for bringing in free agents (it seems).

If you don't move KP, then your big splash to improve both shot creator and defense is to bring in Lowry or Conley.  THJ is gone if you do that, but you may still have enough to bring in a 3&D guy like Green (would be ironic if we finally get Green after Nelson leaves).  If you assume KP defensive issues were coming back from injury early related and he will get back to his old self with a healthy off season, then a lineup of KP/DFS/Luka/Green/Lowry would be contender worthy (if Lowry doesn't fall off a cliff).

Another option would be to land Ball.  He is not true shot creation, but his transition playmaking, BB IQ and passing ability would be a big help offensively and he is a good point of attack defender.  He would be a better version of what we were hoping to get from JRich.  If we had him this year instead of JRich, I think we are still playing and legit contenders.

If we are dumping KP, then my favorite play would be a Hayward trade.  Then you get Holmes for your anchor and Powell (or Ball) for your point of attach defender who can shoot.  Is Holmes/DFS/Hayward/Luka/Powell a contender?  I think it could be.

Another option if our big free agent is DeRozan, maybe you work a trade with Spurs for a DeRozan for KP S&T.  Maybe we get some additional value out of that.  Then you go the same route as above.  Is Holmes/DFS/DeRozan/Luka/Powell a contender.  I question if the defense is good enough.

Those are some pathways that I think are not crazy unreasonable that would address our biggest weaknesses.  Honestly if we could pull any of these off (with the possible exception of DeRozan) I would feel really good about our chances with Rick as coach.  I have a lot less confidence in what Kidd can do, but maybe we needed this GM/Coach move in order to execute a move like above.