Quinn Cook is a dead eye shot maker from three. DSJ & Quinn would be quality adds. I really wish teams had a full on minor league system like before. Either that or allow more 2 way guys. Elleby has real ability and just needs to be developed. I think his shot is coming along. He has great rebounding instincts for a guard. Brown Jr. & Watford need that same developing. They won't get it at the end of the bench. I think DSJ, Quinn, and & Chriss fit this team's timeline more than the youngsters. The NBA needs to let teams retain their talent & develop it in the G League. 2 Two-way players is not enough.
I went Dennis Smith Jr. and Chriss. Smith's career suggests that he's not going to be a particularly good point guard and I think it's unlikely he suddenly learns (though, of course, Billups himself is an example of figuring things out a bit later on) but he's the most competent point guard the Blazers have ever had on their bench. So keep him. Chriss was starting to figure out his game in Golden State. Injuries derailed that, but I think as a springy "vertical spacer" (lob target) and help defender, he makes an interesting reserve. Zeller is oft-injured and I don't think the team wants to play Nance at center too much--another big who can play in conventional or small lineups seems like a win.
The way this roster is constructed, my view is that keeping both Smith and Chriss would pay dividends as the season progresses.
I'll take Smith, but add Patterson. Watching some of our possessions again last night, it's crazy how much he improves our spacing by just being a big who can shoot.
I voted Blevins because clearly he is only on the team because Dame wants him there. If it makes Dame happy, that's good enough reason for me!
DJS is obvious. Chriss is the other clear choice, not because he's worthy on being on an NBA roster, but because Olshey has left us with 2 injury plagued centers, the next best backup C option (Nance) has also had injury issues, so we would be foolish to not have an emergency option available. Blevins is the only one I'd consider. He's the worst player, but if he keeps Dame here, then he's worth a long term deal!
Nance is a little bigger than Chriss (Standing reach, wing, and weight) He would be our 3rd sting center even with Chriss on the team. Which IMO means we need another PF with at least some shooting skills. Patterson would be my choice (along with Smith) as he at least has the potential to his an outside shot.
What would be the implications of cutting Elleby? Isn't his contract already guaranteed for this season?