We got the #3 pick. Discuss the possibilities.

the implied reference was to finding young players in Europe, and in the states, who had talent for quickly making impact

 

one thing though: Cronin was clear about needing length before the last off-season. Then he signed 6'2 Payton

 

This is just my opinion, but this team will never go anywhere with a Dame/Simons backcourt. I think no matter what the move is, Simons needs to go. Sharpe has made him completely irrelevant, mostly because I don't think anyone believes that Simons will come off the bench, which is the move that SHOULD happen if he were to stay.

The three players that should be starters, no question, is Dame/Shae/Grant.

The other two spots are entirely dependent on what we do this summer. I think the team needs to move on from Simons and Nurk. So whether we go out and trade for a four, or we trade for a three, or we trade for a center.... or we try to sign a center. I think those two players need to go. But I personally will consider this offseason to be a massive failure if we go into next season with:

Dame
Simons
Sharpe
Grant
Nurk

With Thybulle, Miller, and some other free agent coming off the bench. That team is not going to be in the top 8, mostly because our defense will be last in the league.... again. Obviously it would be nice if Sharpe or Miller popped, but I just don't see that team staying healthy, I don't see our defense being improved, and I think it will just be more of the season old bullshit.

 

No, he just mentions their names as possible players who could be great. But didn't say why. Could ain't should. He talked more about entitlement of the youngsters coming in, and the need for more guys like Udonis Haslem on rosters to be second father to these kids.

 

The Nuggets have Jeff Green. Blazers don't currently have a Uncle Jeff type. That's his nickname in Denver.

 

But he's not gonna give up any of his $60m/year to sign FA's that would help their chances.

 

Seriously why didn't he sign Giannis.

 

This is true of almost ANY M.C., except a rare few that have the chops to do it & do it well. Guys like Supernatural, Eyedea (The GOAT), & Sage Francis… just to name a few.

 

Define "won't go anywhere".

 

We will not be a contender with Dame/Simons as our starting backcourt. Unless I guess we go out and get three All-Defense players at the 3, 4 and 5.

 

Says the league is completely different is different than when he came into the league.

Younger players are more entitled. Says Wemby was essentially "gifted" a team and he hasn't earned his stripes yet. Says it's NOT their fault. Says they don't have to fight for it or earn it. For some prospects that doesn't work.

If he was commissioner he would force teams to have 2 vets, mentions "like Udonis Haslem".

Says he doesn't feel like he's aging even though people say he is. Doesn't have a crazy injury history and says "I'm only 32".

Says he would have a "lot to say" if Ja was on his team, but refuses to divulge what he would say.

Talks about how Jokic is probably the best player in the league. Other dudes are more talented, more gifted, but Jokic is the best.

Says the new CBA will probably prevent a Nuggets dynasty because they're going to have to pay a lot of dudes a lot of money.

Says that there will always be 'American' stars in the league; that's when he firsts mentions Scoot and Miller (Miller first, by the way

Now it gets interesting.

Asked about being traded to a contender.

He says "that's a loaded question because if you trade me to a contender, what's it gonna cost them for me to get there?"

"how do you know I'll be playing in June? How do we know everyone will be healthy? Everything will work out?"

Says that we finally have the assets to build a team to compete and if we can't do that, then we'll have to have another conversation.

Says the only team he ever considered legitimately leaving was after the Nuggets playoff loss.

Says he wouldn't mind be trading to Brooklyn or Miami (The question was: If you were traded to Brooklyn, Miami, Boston or ???), which would you prefer (or something like that). Specificially mentions Bridges and Bam.

Expects to be in Portland.

 

Yes. I can. It's called a contract. You are expected to fulfill the terms of your contract. Don't take the extension if you don't want to honor your word.

 

We move the pick for a big time player or the move is if the Nets want him they have to give up Claxton, we have to take back Simmons and they have to take Nurk plus give us the rights to their picks in this draft and a couple future PHX picks. I realize this trade won't happen until right after free agency opens but the conversation should be had on draft day and arrangements should be made immediately.

I still think Joe pulls off a trade that makes sense that sends pick 3 out and brings in big talent upgrades.

 

And NO other superstar is giving any money away either.

 

He never said he wouldn't honor his contract. He simply is stating what needs to happen to win now. Going with a bunch of unproven players probably isn't leading to that, if at all. They've got the ability to ,potentially add some studs.

 

I don't care about other superstars. I care about the leader of my team. When 1 guy makes that much money (not even considering endorsements or commercials) and makes it almost impossible to sign guys for 20-25% of what he gets, I don't completely buy it. Others have done it before.

 

I don’t believe in Joe, I think he’s gonna make the Grandfather offer for Bridges by giving Chicago 23, then sending Simmons/Nas/3/Future 1s for Bridges/Claxton, then both regress to above average role players and whoever is taken at 3 becomes an all-star and our future 1s that are only top 4 protected end up being lottery picks for the Nets.

 

Only trade we should make is Ant/Nurk/Future picks. Draft at 3 and keep him.

 

If you're looking for examples, there are plenty. Including:

"Evidently, Shaq had a player option of $30.6 million but eventually decided to opt-out of it. He settled on $20 million per season, while also giving financial flexibility to the franchise.

“This contract allows me to address all of my family’s long-term financial goals while allowing the Heat the ability to acquire those players that we need to win a championship,” said Shaq.