Listening to the Rip City podcast this was a direct quote from Neil (while at the combine) that he'd be willing to package the picks for (my words) a player in a Nurkic type of situation. Boston is rumored to be positioning themselves for a run at Anthony Davis - and are stockpiling picks. He doesn't necessarily fit the 'doesn't fit' category but would you be opposed to Marcus Smart to Portland deal revolving around the picks? He's the sixth man this team desperately needs - a playmaker off the bench who just so happens to be an elite level defender. Another player who'd fit this category is Jahlil Okafor - if you can get him cheap. I envision he'd be our Kanter off the bench role.
Smart wouldn't be a bad idea, but I'd rather just draft Mitchell who will be better. Okafor can't play with Nurkic. Okafor for 15min a game is pointless.
Okafor would have to improve a lot to become Kanter. Currently, he's not particularly good at anything--he's not even an efficient scorer. I'd be very sad if Olshey gave up any of Portland's picks for Okafor.
Mitchell wont be there at #15 IMO. His stock has risen more than any other prospect - the only player that comes close is Kennard. Jahlil is in a weird situation. Very little structure and the management always looking/planning for down the road. A losing culture. It's eerily similar to Zach Randolph's situation with the Knicks.
With Fultz I'd look into acquiring TJ McConnell. Some other players that fit the description: Mario Hezonja Dragan Bender Jakob Poeltl
More like: Detroit is struggling WITH Andre Drummond and Reggie Jackson. The fans have pretty much turned on Jackson, and Drummond has just kind of plateaued, particularly this year. The only thing Drummond truly excels at is rebounding. Try to guess his FT% this year without looking. Then look. Yes, really. Obviously Detroit just needs to waive Drummond and rebuild around BOBAN.
TJ McConnell is a worse shooter than Turner... This forum would explode if NO acquired him. I also don't know why people keep throwing out Bender's name a year after Phoenix drafted him 4th overall, knowing he was a project big. Phoenix isn't Charlotte.
Kevan Looney intrigued me when he came out. Long, bouncy big who didn't get a lot of run at UCLA so the potential for being underdrafted is certainly there. Tough to know how he's developed sitting at the end of GS's bench, but just judging by playing style, he's probably improved his outside shooting, transition game and understanding of defense... Throw in the fact that GS is still in their championship window and you'd have to imagine that a cheap vet like Ed Davis or (less preferably) Aminu would interest them... Intriguing idea at least...
