I think there's a good chance we don't make a trade

At least not during the season. We can't even trade Crabbe/Harkless/Leonard until after January 15th, CJ until after January 27th.

I think there's a good chance we hold onto what we have, let these guys develop some chemistry, and then make a move next summer when Crabbe might be a little easier to move.

It also seems like the guys are improving.

Turner is playing a lot better. Over the last 10 games he's averaging 11 points, 3.8 assists, 4.6 rebounds, 1 steal and he's shooting 48.3% from the field.

Crabbe is also playing better. Over the last ten games he's averaging 11 ppg, 3.4 rebounds, and he's shooting 46.3% from the field. Crabbe is averaging over 41% from three this season.

Is this production worth all that money? No, but at least they're not completely sucking anymore.

 

If there a move it won't be nettle mover it be something small. But it will all depend how this group is playing on Jan 15 if they would consider a major move. This summer it will be a salary cap type move if there consider signing Plum next year.

 

There will be a move. It's been a year and a half with the same front court, and the same problems are there, and it's gotten worse. The move might not happen until the offseason, but "letting them develop chemistry" won't be the reason why. The evaluations should be done by now imo. The sample size is more than big enough.

 

I didn't say it would be the reason why.

The one variable is Plumlee. He becomes a free agent this summer and frankly I think he's going to be too expensive. He's one of the only guys still on a cheap contract.

 

I think Neil is going to be motivated, but I'm guessing it's going to be tough sledding unloading some of these guys.

 

Crabbe especially, and he's the one guy that I think we have to move. He's too expensive to be a bench player.

Either that, or we need to trade CJ for a comparable star player and start Crabbe.

 

In how many minute? If they can keep that up, that's damn good, albeit expensive, bench production.

 

Crabbe has been playing even better in December (7 games)

12.3 ppg, shooting 47.6% from the field in 27 minutes per game.

Turner is averaging 26 minutes per game in the last 10. Turner is shooting 49% in December.

 

Neil has obviously givien up on "moving the needle".

 

Couple more interesting things:

Turner is having, by far, his best ORtg. It is currently at 105 and his career ORtg is 97. Unfortunately, he's also having his worst DRtg at 113. His career DRtg is 105. I think this is a reflection of Stotts great offensive coaching..... and completely horrible defensive coaching.

 

To me, the vibe of your entire post was that the team wont make a move because the team is improving. While that may be true, they really had nowhere to go but up. Even at their best, they are still just average defensively, and a large part of that has to do with the massive deficiency in the front court. It was there last season as well. It's not a new development. Neil doesn't/shouldn't need more time to evaluate it, but I would understand if a move wasn't made, just because it takes two to tango.

As for those eligibility dates, that's not really an issue. Most teams don't trade until the deadline anyway. You can probably count on two/three fingers the number of trades thatll go down before February.

 

Yeah, I feel like if there is a center to be had that also fits long term, you make that move asap, regardless of whatever our record might be. The question is will other teams be more motivated to deal in February, or in the summer.

 

Sorry, that wasn't my intention at all. I think they might not make a trade because I think a trade will be easier to make during the offseason. To me, giving the team more time to gel and develop is an added bonus.

I completely disagree that Neil doesn't need more time to evaluate the roster. We are only now seeing the fruits of adding Evan Turner to the lineup, and our guys are constantly improving. Harkless is better than he was last year. Plumlee seems to be better offensively than he was last year. Vonleh has been.... disappointing. Leonard is a bust. I absolutely think that we are seeing the wheat separating from the chaff.

I also think that we need a better idea of whether Dame and CJ can actually coexist long term. I still have my doubts. We need to know what limitations Crabbe has, and whether he could potentially be a starter. To say that that evaluation is done and that Neil shouldn't need any more time to determine who should stay and who should go is...... rather short sighted.

 

Let me clarify, when it comes to evaluations, I was referring mainly to the center position. I agree about the rest.

 

But that's part of the problem.... the entire world knows we need a big man. That doesn't put us in a position of strength while trying to deal. Frankly, I don't think adding a big man is going to magically transform us over night into a contender. Not unless New Orleans wants to give us Anthony Davis, or we can get Cousins without giving up CJ.

I would love to get Whiteside but it sure doesn't sound like he's going anywhere.

 

Maybe even earlier. His contract could help us take on salary. Btw, any guesses on what his injury actually is?