What if we trade nobody?

Those trades you were referring to are historical rip offs. You forgot Danny Ainge trading two of his old superstar players to New Jersey for three unprotected number one draft choices, which caused the league to create the Stephan rule which stands for general managers that are so stupid the League has to intervene. Cronin was dealing with teams that were minus most of their draft picks, Phoenix and Milwaukie have already been ripped off by the smart GM’s, thus is the reason he had to go all the way to 2028 or 2030 because these teams couldn’t trade any of the draft choices because they had already off loaded. Based on what Cronin had to work with, I think he did a good job. The trades you were referring to, all of the teams draft choices were available to be traded. Try working a deal with Milwaukee or Phoenix, they can’t trade any pics anymore unless you go for second rounders from Milwaukie.

 

ok then...everybody trading their best player was ripping off the other team, everybody but Portland.

OKC got Chris Paul, two first's, and two swaps for Westbrook then a year later traded CP3 for Rubio, Kelly Oubre, and a 1st. Houston traded Harden for 4 first's and 4 swaps, plus Oladipo who they traded for Kelly Olynyk and a first round swap. Toronto just traded Siakam for Bruce Brown, Kira Lewis, Jordan Nwora and three 1st round picks

I might be convinced to move from the label of mediocre return to average return. But there's no way I'd label the trade as good. Necessary, sure; good nope

now maybe, Brogdon will be moved for a significant asset; Timelord will be moved for something or might actually stay healthy a season; and Camara will ascend. That would change the equation

 

Those are different circumstances, and I think the league is now realizing that you can’t just give away your draft picks like they’ve been doing. I sort of feel like Cronin got in at the very end, and was able to glean a few pics at the end of this decade. Given the circumstances I think he did a good job. I understand those other trades were better, I’m sitting in my room living room, and reading about them, shaking my head as they were going down. Now years later everybody is wondering WTF were the Clippers thinking when they gave away SGA. I’m sure Cronin would love to have a deal like that, but I think the league is wiser, and the teams that would make those trades again don’t have the resources anymore. Maybe the clippers will win a ring this year. I’m pretty sure that Cronin did everything he could like call New Jersey for Mikel Bridges but was told no.

 

Eh... I don't think his first game was so great. Second game was much better.

 

His shot didn’t fall first game but his length and skill set were something we haven’t had since Batum really. He even threw an oop to Ayton. Have you guys shelved your podcast for the season?

 

I haven't broadcast it on here but my second daughter was born a little over a week ago so I'm a little tied up lol

 

Congrats!

 

Thank you sir!

 

fair enough...certainly the market changes year to year

a year ago, Minny having given away 4 first's for Gobert looked like a dipshit trade for Minny and made them a laughingstock; and by extension made 1st's more valuable

a year later with Minny sitting as the 1st seed in the West with the 2nd best record and the #1 defense in the NBA, the trade is looking a hell of a lot different, especially with Minny's projected 1st's in 2025 and 2027 likely to be in the late 20's. Meaning that the risk/reward of trading future 1st's looks a lot more acceptable

 

congratulations!

I wonder what annual tuition will be 18 years from now?

 

She's gonna be a plumber or electrician or some shit. Whatever job AI can't steal.

 

Minnesota having mortgaged their future for this year is a big risk. They look good now, because they’re in first place with a great record, let’s see how it works out in the end. If they don’t win now and then don’t win next year suddenly, it’s not going to look so good.. The LA Rams did it and got a Super Bowl. Phoenix and Minnesota and Milwaukee are all in. Somebody will win and look smart other teams will be asking themselves now what. I like the path Oklahoma City is going. They’ve managed to get some superstars and their draft choices will just be icing on the cake. I don’t like trading away half a decade worth of draft choices in order to win now. The teams holding Phoenix draft choices at the end of the 2020s, along with the Portland trailblazers that have Milwaukee’s pics at the end of the 20s are going to be in a great position. I’ll concede that it wasn’t a trade like the teams before them, and they certainly aren’t much better off right now, but what if Milwaukee sucks in 2028 or 2029 or 2030? Can you imagine swapping a first rounder that’s in the 20s for a top three pic in an unbelievable draft, it could happen. And what if Boston sucks, they will be so leveraged out with their a few good players they can’t afford anybody.
Cronin has to figure out a way to pay off Chicago so we don’t have that messing with our pic swap in 2028

 

Congratulations!

 

Unfortunately, like Mario he struggles with his shot as a 6'8/6'9 playmaker. If he can knock down 3s everything else becomes easier for him. Rooting for him.

 

They waived Skylar Mays. Blazers injury bug keeps peppering Portland guards. It's kind of important in pro basketball to have players with creative offensive handles. Not a lineup composed entirely of bigs and 3&D guys.

We certainly like Dalano's agressive takes. It might not always be there, but at least Banton can keep the defense honest using his length, and finishing above the rampart of giant defenders.