So it seems like Utah is in a bit of a bind here. I know there are rumors that they're looking for the PGOTF this draft, but unless they have a deal lined up with Harris, they should make a move, also do we know if they're that enamored with Kemba or Knight? It seems like they might want to add a center, seeing as they only have Jefferson (a 4/5) and two 4's who want to start in Millsap and Derick Favors. I could see them going after Kanter or the other C highly ranked and then grabbing Jimmer with the #12 pick. If they were to take a C, it sure seems like Millsap should be available, and seeing as they have no decent 2's at the moment, and there are none highly ranked in the draft, maybe they'd want to take Matthews back. Both have similar contracts I believe (that decrease significantly from here on out), Matthews was a fan favorite and fit their system well, and here he won't get tons of minutes IF we keep Roy. We could use a little more toughness, and Lamarcus can play 5. POR: Miller/Roy/Wallace/Millsap/Aldridge bench: draft pick b/u PG, Camby, Batum, Oden(?) etc. I wouldn't mind following it with a trade w/Minnesota and possibly grab back Webster after sending Rudy, filler, and a prospect their way.
No. The gaping hole at the 2 is more serious than the hole at the 4/5 spot if we were to lose Wessy Wes.
Is it really that gaping? We'd still have Roy (kind of), but Batum would be better off at 2 than three, he guards 1's a lot of the time anyways, and with Wallace at 3 there aren't a ton of minutes anyways. Besides, Millsap could play spot minutes at the 3 too. Especially if we got Webster back, which would be very easy I think, the backup three spot is taken care of. Rudy/Claver/filler? to Minnesota for Webster/future pick Miller/Roy/Wallace/Millsap/Aldridge Darius Morris*/Batum/Webster/Camby/Oden I think depending on Roy and Oden (of course) but even with mild consistent contributions from both that's a very good team with lots of versatility.
I would argue batum can create as well as Matthews, especially when in a situation not to defer to players around him.
If you're right, and Utah chooses to move Millsap, I think they could probably get more than Wes. There's always the possibility that they are still enamored with him, but I think a quality young big like Millsap would bring more than Matthews.
Deference has always been Nic's mentality throughout his playing days, even as a youngster, so I don't think his role has much to do with what we see from him. To compare their skills, I will agree that Batum is the better passer, but only slightly. Both aren't that great slashers either, but at least Matthews has the strength and aggressiveness to drive and finish through contact on a semi-consistent basis. Really interested to see how serious Nic is about getting stronger this off-season. It would help his game quite a bit.
Neither player is good at creating for themselves, but Matthews works a lot better off the ball and generally puts himself in better situations to score.
We should only go after good players if the other team doesn't want to get anything out of the deal? Like SA. How dare they ask us to take a below average contract back when they are trying to trade us their 29 year old 3 time NBA all-star PG.
Or the player they almost matched but didn't because they had another young SG next to him for the player that they have one more talented, and one with more potential at the same position.
I don't understand why Utah would want to trade Millsap if they took a center. Because it would bump Jefferson over to the 4? I think most teams like having more than two serviceable big guys. Ed O.
Good point, and one that had slipped my mind. I still don't think they're going to be looking to move Millsap. I'd imagine they'd let him play some 3 before doing that. Ed O.
The thing is they'll likely take Kanter (giving them another big), or Williams (duplicating Millsap). There's a chance they take Knight, but I see them gambling on Jimmer being there at 12 instead.
I think it's very possible that they move Millsap, however I don't think Matthews is enough to get it done. What else would we be willing to offer them though?
