When I think about drafting a player or sign a free agent, I'm not sure I see where I'd like to replace anyone. I like our starters. I actually like our bench now with Claver, Leonard, and Maynor. Eventually, Leonard starts and Hickson comes off the bench. The pieces are all there. I think we just need internal improvement. I expect Lillard, Batum, and Leonard to all be better next season. Aldridge also needs to improve if he wants to be a championship level player. And I think it can happen. Honestly, make no major fixes, save the money, and run with these guys next year.
What did I say to make you think that? Edit: Oh fuck, I used the wrong name!!! Is there a way to delete?
If we make no moves then our ceiling is a playoff team. With a few moves that pan out(starting C and a couple of bench players) we could be a threat to make the second round but you can't even talk championship until you get to the playoffs and see how the players play when they are at that stage.
Matthews would be the ideal backup wing. I've been kicking around the thought of whether or not JJ and the new and improving Meyers are enough at C and I think it's a thought that deserves merit. Long term though, both due to depth, scoring and energy/defensive needs off the bench, I think if we can get another player at or near Wes'/Batum's level, it would be a great addition...
I disagree, solely because he hasn't really shown the ability to create his own shot. It's possible that playing with Maynor will render that fact immaterial, but I'd really like our backup wing to be able to attack the rim. Seems to me that this hinges both on Leonard's development and Hickson's willingness to accept a heavy minutes off the bench role. Honestly, I'm more confident in the likelihood of Leonard maturing into a legit starter than I am in Hickson subjugating his ego long-term for the good of the team. I hold out hope, though. I'm with MM on this one--I'd love Tyreke Evans here. I think if we could add him to the 8 players listed below, that group of 9 could legitimately develop into a title contender.
so to those who think that we've got what we need for a championship run--you think that adding a 20th-or-worse pick next year will be a difference-maker, but not a low-lotto one this year? Tyreke scares me a bit b/c he's like the anti-Redick: consistently takes low-efficiency shots, hasn't picked up a 3pt shot, still turns the ball over a bunch (1.5-to-1 A/TO) and doesn't really create a bunch for his teammates (3.8ast/36min and a AST% of 18%, the lowest of his career). I'm not saying he's not useful, but he's not as useful as his price tag will most likely be.
Kinda disingenuous to point to a low A/TO rate as evidence of high turnovers when you're also pointing out a low TO%. Plus, we're talking about a backup SG--nobody's really concerned all that much about him distributing. Compare his numbers with our current SG and with our former backup SG (and this year's presumptive SMotY). Even in a "down year", Evans compares favorably.
Nothing left to do with this team, just wrap a bow around and it and wait for the championships to start rolling in amirite?
If you're cool with being the 8th to 10th seed every year i'd say they have the pieces for that. I for one don't want them to be the Western Conference Milwaukee Bucks.
Give Eric a break. He said "no major fixes". I don't consider bench players individually as major fixes, but adding one or two quality veterans and a late lottery pick would be a huge upgrade for our bench. I do think Leonard has the potential to be a much better than average starting center - 2 or 3 years down the road, and eventually even an all star. If we resign Hickson, he can continue to start while Meyers develops and then move to the back-up role. Short term, I see Leonard coming of the bench for another year, then one or two years of starting before we finally START to see the finished product. If we end up in the lottery, and keep the pick, I'd go for BPA. This draft seems to be top heavy with solid 4/5 prospects. If one of them slips, like Drummond last year, grab them. If not, we could still use a quality back-up at just about any position coming off the bench. A high upside 2/3 would be nice. I believe in upgrading talent whenever you can. Aldridge, Lillard and Batum are all quality pieces. Surround them with enough talent and they can become a top 4 team in the West, if Leonard develops and they beef up the bench. The problem is, we're never going to lure a top tier free agent (aka: superstar) here via free agency or forced trade. The best we can hope for is a lopsided trade for an above average starter with a big contract on a team looking to dump salary, or a problem child in need of a fresh start. In the meantime, continue to stock up on good players at reasonable prices so you'll have the pieces in place to make a move if one presents itself. If that doesn't happen, I'm fine going into next season with: Aldridge Lillard Batum Matthews Hickson (resigned to an appropriate contract) Leonard Maynor Late Lottery Pick (BPA) One or Two solid veteran free agents on decent deals (at, or below MLE level) The team will be better next year. I think internal growth of Lillard, Batum Leonard and Claver, plus a late lottery pick and a beefed up bench would be enough to make the playoffs. And the team would continue to grow as Lillard, Leonard and Late Lottery Pick continue to improve. It's hard to predict their ceiling, especially because Leonard could end up anywhere from average to an all star. He has all the tools, but who knows if he'll put it all together. I hope he does, and am encouraged by his improvement, his effort and his attitude. BNM
We have Hickson and Maynor's bird rights... I'm wondering if we could still make an offer to someone like Mayo. Lillard/Maynor Mayo/Matthews Batum/Claver Aldridge/Freeland Hickson/Leonard
