Obviously if there was a star available (at least one taller than 6'3") then we need him. But assuming there aren't any stars, what position should we be looking to shore up? Point guard? Shooting guard? What kind of player is there an obvious need for, even if he's not a star? Related question: how many guaranteed contracts do we have right now? Is this it: 1. Lillard 2. Leonard 3. CJ 4. Aminu 5. Davis 6. Henderson 7. Plumlee 8. Vonleh 9. Crabbe 10. Harkless 11. Connaughton 12. Montero ? 13. Kaman ? 14. Frazier ? Does that mean we only have room for 1 more at most? (And possibly not that, as some GMs carry fewer than the full amount.) (And this is with us not re-signing Dorrell Wright, which seems likely.)
With that list, it looks like we might be wise to hang on to Kaman, as you usually carry 3 centers. But I think we've all been assuming we'd use his contract as a good trade piece.
I'd prefer to hang onto Kaman until the trade deadline to be a mentor coach on the floor/bench. Then at the trade deadline use Kaman plus cap space to acquire future assets, with the understanding if the team that acquires Kaman cuts him/buys him out for salary dump, we will immediately resign him as an assistant coach. Or, if he goes to a contender, it's a short term rental and we sign him next summer as an assistant coach. I want to take advantage of Kaman's ability to mentor our young bigs, PLUS move him for future assets. I want the best of both. BNM
Aside from a star wing player............I would like a good physical back up PG. You get someone who can play the point as well as defend bigger SG's........ and you fill two needs. This would allow either Dame and CJ to always be on the court. I would even trade Henderson to do it if the player was good enough.
In my mind, our biggest need is a scoring wing with decent size. CJ can score, but he's small, and Henderson/Aminu/Harkless are all limited offensively. Crabbe and Connaughton each could be that guy someday, but they're longshots to get there. Secondly, I'd just like a BIG big...a legit 7-footer who protects the paint. Less important since I like what our other four bigs bring to the table, but it's definitely something that's missing.
Perhaps I wasn't clear, but when I say acquire assets, I understand we may need to also take back a big, bad (short term) contract from a team looking to get under the luxury tax threshold. That's why I mentioned using Kaman + cap space to net future assets. Use our cap space, plus Kaman's contract, to save some team tax dollars in exchange for a young player or future draft pick(s). Or, send him to a contender that needs to beef up their front court depth heading into the playoffs - again in exchange for future assets. BNM
They're missing a long-term solution at shooting guard and if Leonard is a PF now, then we're pretty thin at center.
A starting SG. Preferably a player who can get his own shot. Damian and CJ are the only players on the roster who can create their own offense. Vonleh will eventually get there but he's still a year or two away.
Plumlee and Kaman and both "true centers" and I also think we can play Leonard and Vonleh together. It doesn't matter which one you call the center, although Meyers has more size to guard opposing centers. BNM
It's a bit awkward that both Plumlee and Davis are so completely useless if they're more than arm's length from the basket so you can't really play them together. Davis and Leonard should work, and Plumlee and Vonleh also. Davis and Leonard look likely as the starters.
He burns hot and bright, but burns out quickly. His most important value is teaching/mentoring our young bigs. He took Meyers under his wing last year and the improvement was very noticeable. I'd like to see him continue to mentor Meyers, and do the same for Vonleh and Plumlee. BNM
So I'd settle for Koponen. Not to flog a dead horse or anything. (This is a bit like wanting a Porshe and settling for a 92 Honda Civic.)
Forgot about Davis for a minute. With Leonard, Plumlee, Davis, Kaman and Vonleh, I think we have the 4/5 spost covered. Lots of size and multiple players that can play the 4 or 5. I agree, Davis + Plumlee is one combination that probably won't work, but most other combinations seem feasible. BNM
Aminu/Harkless is a solid defensive oriented rotation. A center with a skillset that meshes well with Vonleh. My choices: Alex Len and Terrence Ross.
