Start Lillard Iggy Batum Aldridge Lopez? Defensively, we'd certainly be better. Our bench would have more depth. But I'm not sure Iggy puts us over the top.
Over the top in what way? We're not a contender, if that's what you mean, but I think we could get out of the first round.
I don't think Westbrook is "better" than Durant, but I think he has the killer instinct that guys like Kobe, Jordan, etc have/had. Durant seems too nice to me. He's one of the best players in the league, top five talent, but he won't push Westbrook out of the way and demand control of the team.
You essentially dedicate yourself to Iggy (12 million at least) Batum (11 million) Aldridge (16 million?+) Damian (10+ million) over the longhaul. Thats 50 million at least of salary cap right there. (Very rough estimates). Does that core 4 put you in contention for a championship? I'm not sure. Say Damian is all-star caliber, maybe has a couple MVP-borderline seasons. He is your #1 fiddle. Aldridge stays the same. #2 guy. Iggy and Batum fight it out for #3, but they are both rather passive and like to create. Neither of them can really create their OWN shot though, and Iggy has declined every year. Just not sure how that lineup can compete for a title - or if they would rather. A lot hinges on Damian and I guess McCollum to a lesser extent.
What would you think of Danny Granger? Coming off an injury, kind of old, but a good talent when he's healthy. He put up 18 per game before he got hurt. He was one of the best scorers in the league. I wonder if he could be had for Wes/Freeland/cap space. Lillard Batum Granger Aldridge Lopez
I think if you factor in defense, which is silly underrated by fans, Westbrook is the better overall player. But, defense doesn't get the love offense does because its not quantifiable by stats such as PPG, RBG, or APG. For instance, Memphis (almost) let Tony Allen walk (supposedly) but people forget their are two ends to a basketball court. Durant is better offensively and Melo is probably better than him, but I'd take Durant all other things being equal because Durant at least tries on D and doesn't just jack shit up. I understand my belief isn't widely shared, just to me, defense wins championships coupled with offense. Thats what makes LeBron the best player right now.
I would certainly be more open to that. Especially if Batum is going to continue with the passivity stuff. I like Iggy for his defense, but I'm just not sure how he'll hold up over the next couple years. Granger is also coming off of injury and looked absolutely horrible when he returned (briefly). I think Granger fits the mold of a SF that can get his own shot though.
You've got to think he'll regain some of his form when he's fully healthy. He averaged almost 19 ppg in 2011-2012.
I'm scared of Granger because of his injury. I was listening to a podcast during the NBA season this year that had Stephania Bell on it (She is one of ESPN's Injury Specialist) and she was talking about how the injury to Granger is one that he wont recover 100% from and its going to effect him for the rest of his career, she just wasn't sure how badly it will effect him but was adamant on him not being able to recover from it 100%
Hmmm.... well..... I guess it's one of those high risk/high reward type moves. He only has one year left, so it wouldn't be a huge loss if it didn't pan out. I think there are a handful of guys that could be had, with that high risk/high reward potential. Eric Gordon Danny Granger Iggy The question, is it worth it to roll the dice? If you really want to keep Aldridge, I think Olshey has to take a gamble.
On a one year contract I wouldn't say no to a mathews/something small for him trade because there isn't much risk and it gives us a huge expiring. But there is no way we get granger for that price
