Then let's go ahead and sign him, because I'd wager good money he doesn't add too many wins to this team.
I'd be for signing Nate. I'm not a big believer in tanking I think there is a very real cost in stunting player developement and the team learning bad habits. Young players like Lillard and Batum are more likely to become low percentage offensive black holes when they are foced to do more then they should for a marginally talented team. If Jamal Crawford had spent some of his first 8 years on a Spurs type of playoff team he would've developed much better habbits as a player. He was on some terrible squads in Chicago and New York so he was given more offensive responsibilities then he could effectively handle.
If we're good enough to have the 13th pick in a weak-ass draft, we're good enough not to need the 13th pick in a weak-ass draft.
That's a tough one. He does add some talent but he's has always struck me as a selfish player. I want to see us add quantity of talent, but preferably the right kind of talent. How's that for a wishy-washy answer?
And we're not bad enough to get a top 5 pick, so I'd rather convey the pick and regain the trade flexibility that the pick´s conditional status eliminates. I'd rather add players that help our core guys learn how to win. Plus, that would give us more cap room this summer.
Selfish off the bench with our goons is GOOD. Selfish as a starter? Not so much. Therefore, I think Nate would be fine.
We need a backup SG too. Win win. Lillard wants to win games. He said it's his number one goal. Are we supposed to tell him not to win?
The last two years, his assists/36 have jumped significantly, and his assist rate is over 30%. It seems as though he's suddenly learned how to be a real live point guard. We would do well to bring him in and give him a major role off the bench.
Big name free agents don't come to small market teams though in less your team is really good. Thats the problem with building though free agent market. The Thunder got really lucky.
No one said anything about enticing big time free agents. Making the playoffs entices all free agents including the role player types that we want. a guy like Matt Barnes signs for nothing to play for the clips and dude would be our best bench player.
I'm not wanting big name free agents. I wanted a superstar through draft (possibly Lillard) and role playing vets. Big name free agents want big time money and the ball. We want role players that are defensive specialists, garbage men and shooters.
Lillard and lma are both all star talents. Batum could sneak in an all star berth someday too. if we did blow our load on one fa, im sure pekovic or Jefferson would rather sign with a playoff team. Compare our team to the warriors and grizzlies...whats the difference? Mostly depth. id gladly be in either of those teams spots in the leagur standings right now.
