Neil is building towards something...

Side note on Monroe, he is 2 inches shorter than Meyers at only 6'9.75 in socks. And his wing span is also slightly shorter, but his standing reach is actually a half an inch longer at 9.05".

Vonleh on the other hand measured at only 6'8" but has a a slightly longer wing span than both of the other two and about the same standing reach at 9'.

Plumlee also has a 9' standing reach.

It doesn't really mean anything, but I was curious to compare them.

 

Vonleh was only 18 at the combine. Over at the Hornet forum they've talked about his physical growth. At 6'8" (w/o shoes) 240 lbs -- at 18 he was as big as Brian Grant.

It'll be interesting to see if we can get updated numbers. Each team does this every fall camp.

 

For comparison:



Brian Grant: 6'8.5" w/o shoes | 247 lbs | 22 years old (wingspan not recorded) - 1994 combine
Noah Vonleh: 6'8" w/o shoes | 247 lbs | 18 years old

 

I keep having this thought in the back of my mind that part of what Neil is constructing is a team that can rest its top players some throughout the season like the Spurs so we don't fade at the end of the game and season and are fresher for the playoffs. Just a thought. Which does seem to fit nicely with the super bench idea/theory and an upgrade to try to keep LMA. And not just solid players but athletic players. The Spurs had a bench that could easily score 50 points which not only lets players rest more during the game but take games off.

 

I think Neil wants the deepest bench in the NBA and a top 2 way team. Everything you need for matchups is getting covered, shooters, slashers, defenders, and tempo..I'm impressed so far

 

What defenders? Plumlee has some upside there but he is not good yet. Henderson is really not a good defender at all.

 

Aminu is a defender, Leonard improved drastically on defense, Henderson is in my view better than you think he is..he has quick hands, Lamarcus is a good defender, but none of them will defend well if they don't do it together. Plumlee is an excellent defender...it's a matter of opinion though whether you see CJ, Dame, etc making a defensive leap. Vonleh has a lot of potential to defend well and in my view is way better than TRob at 18..More importantly cmeese..what do you think so far about the moves we've made....Batum is gone and you should be happy yeah?

 

I think we all want a deep bench for a change. At least an average bench. But then again....we'll see with Stotts still around.

 

People out way too much emphasis on individual defense, when systematic defense is what matters. Ours improved bit still has flaws. Aminu is better than Batum, Monroe is actually better than Monroe, and Henderson is better that whatever got from Afflalo.

 

The team only has 7 players... not sure how everything is getting covered when we have less than half the roster.

But I agree in the sense the players have good skill sets. If we get a plodding starting center I like the change Plumlee brings.

 

Rolo had been terrible in the last two playoffs on both ends. I really like the guy but that was one of my take aways is he isn't the long term answer as a starting center.

Defense is very hard to measure.

 

Maybe Neil is trying to do this;

Cut Kaman.
Sign LaMarcus for max $20.1 million
Trade Henderson for Hibbert using our cap space to absorb $9.5 million
Sign Wes starting at $9 million the first year for 5 years $52 million total.
Sign Aminu starting at $6 million for 4 years $25 million total
Sign Mike Dunleavy with the room exception for $5.7 million total over two years
Sign Wright for the vet minimum.
Keep Crabbe, Frazier sign Pat

Hibbert/ Plumlee/ Vonleh
Aldridge/ Leonard/ Wright
Aminu / Dunleavy/ Crabbe
Wes/ CJ/ Pat
Lillard / Fraizer

Still have one roster spot for a veteran or another PG.

Wes could instead sign for $9 million each of the next two years with an opt out next summer if he would rather prove he is worth more. I suspect he won't get anywhere close to the $15 million per season he'd prefer. Once none of those huge offers come in he'll certainly consider coming back here to prove his worth; that just seems like Wes' way of doing things. $9 million is still the most he will have ever made in a season.

Overall I really like that lineup; we give LaMarcus the center he is good friends with and has wanted to play with for years. We have a defensive SF in Aminu but a backup who can shoot in Dunelavy. Plumlee gives us an athletic look instead of the plodding Hibbert. CJ can play at SG with Dame if he is being trapped but will also be the primary backup PG. Aminu, Dunelavy, and Wright can all slide to PF in small ball lineups if we want LaMarcus at center. There is a mix of veterans but also lots of youth that can improve. Gives us a ton of options.

 

I like the idea. Not sure on all the figures, but I really like the team, and I think it is attainable.
Hibbert is a gamble, but it is only for a year to see how it goes. If it works, great, otherwise at least you gave it shot. I also think that this is the type of guy LMA wants around him.
Plumlee is an excellent change up to Hibbert, and can run the floor if we want to play smaller/faster.
Aminu provides a much needed defensive stopper, which is a must if you want to contend. All of the recent championship teams have had an excellent wing defender. His lack of shooting, whilst not ideal for Stotts' system, may actually provide a different look from recent years with a guy that can actually cut to the basket.
I love Wes, so although he may be a risk, I want him back. CJ / Crabbe / Pat can hold down the fort until Wes returns. I'm also very interested in seeing what Pat can do, I know everyone looks exciting this time of year, but I am really high on him.

 

I really like what you did and my only concern would be Hibbert. I have been completely unimpressed with his play during the last two years. I would much rather see Monroe instead of Hibbert. Don't know whether this fits within the CAP space.