we've been out of the first round twice since Jordan shrugged. We seem to be entrenched in the "first-round loser" category of respectable mediocrity. I'd like to say it's based on injuries, but when we DID have a healthy Roy, Oden, LMA and MIller, no one knew how to put them together (the famous "don't worry about offense, Greg, just defend and rebound" quote comes to mind). So what to do to build for the future? Well, it won't come as a shock that we need talent upgrades. And depth. And the things that come with youth (speed, stamina, upside). Going forward, the spots I think are cemented for this team are: PG: (crickets) SG: Roy, Matthews SF: Crash, maybe Batum PF: LMA C: Oden That's 6 roster spots, right there. I think that between Roy, Wes, Batum, Crash and LMA we have almost all 144 minutes from those positions covered. We need at least one starter at PG and a backup 5/4 that is capable of emergency starts (maybe Camby). That takes us to 8 players, 7 roster spots left. I think that keeping at least 3 "developmental" spots isn't a bad thing. Armon and Luke and Elliott could fill those unless they're gone or we get something better for them. Rudy and Patty are both not coming back nor worth a whole lot. So how do we fill 4 spots (and a starting PG?) We have Miller's option-laden contract and Camby's expiring deal. We have the MLE and our own first-round pick, but are unable to trade 2012, 2013 or 2014's pick. First, I think that trading Miller to anyone that'll cut him can get us a player(s) back that will make in the 6-9M range. This can be someone like Redick, or a bad contract + good draft pick, etc. Be open to signing him for the MLE (if that still exists in July). But the need is to get a player or players that can either contribute or have some serious upside. Redick might be the best fit/opportunity out there. Then, have Uncle Paul start a shopping spree with draft picks. Target guys on the bubble 1st/2nd in the PG and C positions like Malcolm Lee, Shelvin Mack, Reggie Johnson, Jeremy Tyler. If you don't go after Redick, see what it would take to go get Jimmer. You're not going to get a starting-quality PG or C for the MLE, unless maybe it's Andre. But OJ Mayo was pretty cheap earlier this winter (McBob and a 1st, iirc?). Maybe Camby can man the middle until Oden's ready to go. I'm starting to get jumbled up here, and lunch is almost over, so this'll go quickly. I think the following roster is at least doable for next year: PG: Miller (MLE), Armon?, Malcolm Lee or Shelvin Mack SG: Wes, Roy, (Redick or Mayo), E. Williams? SF: Crash. Batum, Babbitt? PF: LMA, Camby, Jeremy Tyler, C: Oden, Johnson, Lucas Nogieura or Reggie Johnson We have enough "vets" in Roy, Wallace, LMA and Miller (if he's around). Sarge, for all one may trash him for, is pretty good at instilling discipline in younger players with upside but maybe not discipline or motor. Tyler fits this. I think Beasley might've as well. While going big-time young this year may cause us to take a small step back, it replenishes our depth and gives us some potential trade chips in the future.
