Rumors, Random Thoughts, etc Version 20/20 We all got everything right...

[SkyHook]

I needed some good news in the worst of ways, so thanks Dallas. Wonder if Finley has a shot at the permanent job? I see the AD speculation has already kicked into high gear, but I assume they aren't going to let the interim guys make that call, so probably needs to wait until the replacement is named. Not that that will stop anyone. Oh and I shouldn't have to say this, but to forestall complaints -- this is not me as a mod telling anyone not to speculate. I just think as a poster its premature.

I saw some speculation earlier about a return of Dennis Lindsey, who previously was an advisor in Dallas. He had some great years as Utah's GM, but lost his way a bit towards the end of his tenure, imo.

[djFan71]

At least Dumars and Weaver are unavailable as options.

[CallMeKahn]

I needed some good news in the worst of ways, so thanks Dallas. Wonder if Finley has a shot at the permanent job? I see the AD speculation has already kicked into high gear, but I assume they aren't going to let the interim guys make that call, so probably needs to wait until the replacement is named. Not that that will stop anyone. Oh and I shouldn't have to say this, but to forestall complaints -- this is not me as a mod telling anyone not to speculate. I just think as a poster its premature.

I saw some speculation earlier about a return of Dennis Lindsey, who previously was an advisor in Dallas. He had some great years as Utah's GM, but lost his way a bit towards the end of his tenure, imo.

Lindsey is the SVD of BBall Ops in Detroit. Don't see him leaving that situation.

[SkyHook]

I needed some good news in the worst of ways, so thanks Dallas. Wonder if Finley has a shot at the permanent job? I see the AD speculation has already kicked into high gear, but I assume they aren't going to let the interim guys make that call, so probably needs to wait until the replacement is named. Not that that will stop anyone. Oh and I shouldn't have to say this, but to forestall complaints -- this is not me as a mod telling anyone not to speculate. I just think as a poster its premature.

I saw some speculation earlier about a return of Dennis Lindsey, who previously was an advisor in Dallas. He had some great years as Utah's GM, but lost his way a bit towards the end of his tenure, imo.

Lindsey is the SVD of BBall Ops in Detroit. Don't see him leaving that situation.

If he was placed at the top of the Mavs food chain instead of being the chief deputy to Langdon he may. His ties to that area (Baylor) also might be a factor.

[shrink]

Read on Twitter

MIN does not need Ja Morant.

[ReggiesKnicks]

Read on Twitter

MIN does not need Ja Morant.

Early takeaways.

-Peak James Harden is incredibly underrated
-ANT trying to rival SGA as a possession scorer
-Siakam should be on a contender
-Booker should be on a contender
-Randle has played himself into being a Top 10 player so far this season
-Size is King
-Tiny Players struggle in the modern NBA

[parsnips33]

Read on Twitter

MIN does not need Ja Morant.

Early takeaways.

-Peak James Harden is incredibly underrated
-ANT trying to rival SGA as a possession scorer
-Siakam should be on a contender
-Booker should be on a contender
-Randle has played himself into being a Top 10 player so far this season
-Size is King
-Tiny Players struggle in the modern NBA

Struggle in isolation or struggle period? How important is isolation anyways?

[ReggiesKnicks]

Read on Twitter

MIN does not need Ja Morant.

Early takeaways.

-Peak James Harden is incredibly underrated
-ANT trying to rival SGA as a possession scorer
-Siakam should be on a contender
-Booker should be on a contender
-Randle has played himself into being a Top 10 player so far this season
-Size is King
-Tiny Players struggle in the modern NBA

Struggle in isolation or struggle period? How important is isolation anyways?

Isolation specifically, but it also applies to the league as a whole. When the league moves to a more perimeter-oriented style, the smaller, quicker players tend to get squeezed out.

Isolation becomes prevalent and important when your offensive system either breaks down or the defense you are playing consistently stops your early shot-clock offensive actions.

I couldn't put a number on how important isolation is, but it is more important than not at all and less important than the best isolation player is the best offensive player.

[parsnips33]

Early takeaways.

-Peak James Harden is incredibly underrated
-ANT trying to rival SGA as a possession scorer
-Siakam should be on a contender
-Booker should be on a contender
-Randle has played himself into being a Top 10 player so far this season
-Size is King
-Tiny Players struggle in the modern NBA

Struggle in isolation or struggle period? How important is isolation anyways?

Isolation specifically, but it also applies to the league as a whole. When the league moves to a more perimeter-oriented style, the smaller, quicker players tend to get squeezed out.

Isolation becomes prevalent and important when your offensive system either breaks down or the defense you are playing consistently stops your early shot-clock offensive actions.

I couldn't put a number on how important isolation is, but it is more important than not at all and less important than the best isolation player is the best offensive player.

I agree with this but with the caveat of smaller quicker GUARDS getting squeezed out. I actually think if you restrict things to wings, I'd rather a 6'4" guy with the speed to guard 1-3 over like a 6'9" wing. Guards getting bigger, wings getting smaller I think there is a bit of a "positionless" convergence. Granted that has more to do with defense I think than with offense more broadly or isolation specifically

[zimpy27]

Kyrie, Davis, LaVine, DeMar, Sabonis, Ja, Kawhi, Harden, Zubac

A lot of big moving pieces out there I think.

[mademan]

Kyrie, Davis, LaVine, DeMar, Sabonis, Ja, Kawhi, Harden, Zubac

A lot of big moving pieces out there I think.

I'd be shocked to see Kyrie/Lavine/Harden traded (for different reasons). Kawhi is interesting, but to me, AD and Sabonis have near or greater than a 50% of being traded, and thats gonna shake up the league.

[HadAnEffectHere]

Ja is pretty clearly getting suspended indefinitely tomorrow for throwing this game tonight and is getting traded in the next two weeks. I would assume he's moved for expirings alone.

[babyjax13]

Stupid thought experiment, how many picks would it take to get that 2026 NOP pick from Atlanta?

As a Jazz fan I would offer the following:

2027: UTA 1st, higher of CLE/MIN 1st, LAL 1st (1-4 protected)
2028: highest of UTA/CLE
2029: second highest of UTA/MIN/CLE

So, that would be 5 1sts. I think this 2026 draft is insane and if I can double my odds of a top-4 pick that is worth a star level offer, IMO. Would or should ATL bite? I don't think so, if I am being honest.

[LarsV8]

Stupid thought experiment, how many picks would it take to get that 2026 NOP pick from Atlanta?

As a Jazz fan I would offer the following:

2027: UTA 1st, higher of CLE/MIN 1st, LAL 1st (1-4 protected)
2028: highest of UTA/CLE
2029: second highest of UTA/MIN/CLE

So, that would be 5 1sts. I think this 2026 draft is insane and if I can double my odds of a top-4 pick that is worth a star level offer, IMO. Would or should ATL bite? I don't think so, if I am being honest.

An infinite number of late picks will not get you that pick.

Maybe the five to move from like 4 to 1 or something like that.

[babyjax13]

Stupid thought experiment, how many picks would it take to get that 2026 NOP pick from Atlanta?

As a Jazz fan I would offer the following:

2027: UTA 1st, higher of CLE/MIN 1st, LAL 1st (1-4 protected)
2028: highest of UTA/CLE
2029: second highest of UTA/MIN/CLE

So, that would be 5 1sts. I think this 2026 draft is insane and if I can double my odds of a top-4 pick that is worth a star level offer, IMO. Would or should ATL bite? I don't think so, if I am being honest.

An infinite number of late picks will not get you that pick.

Maybe the five to move from like 4 to 1 or something like that.

Utah is a bad team, are their unprotected picks in 2027 and 2028 going to be late? This isn't all pur crap, it is our best picks for two seasons + picks on top of them.

But yes, I agree, stacking mediocre assets for a great one doesn't work unless the asset is distressed, and an unprotected pick from the Pelicans, Kings, or Hornets is always gold.

[LarsV8]

Stupid thought experiment, how many picks would it take to get that 2026 NOP pick from Atlanta?

As a Jazz fan I would offer the following:

2027: UTA 1st, higher of CLE/MIN 1st, LAL 1st (1-4 protected)
2028: highest of UTA/CLE
2029: second highest of UTA/MIN/CLE

So, that would be 5 1sts. I think this 2026 draft is insane and if I can double my odds of a top-4 pick that is worth a star level offer, IMO. Would or should ATL bite? I don't think so, if I am being honest.

An infinite number of late picks will not get you that pick.

Maybe the five to move from like 4 to 1 or something like that.

Utah is a bad team, are their unprotected picks in 2027 and 2028 going to be late? This isn't all pur crap, it is our best picks for two seasons + picks on top of them.

But yes, I agree, stacking mediocre assets for a great one doesn't work unless the asset is distressed, and an unprotected pick from the Pelicans, Kings, or Hornets is always gold.

Utah is still going to be tanking in 27 and 28?!

[babyjax13]

An infinite number of late picks will not get you that pick.

Maybe the five to move from like 4 to 1 or something like that.

Utah is a bad team, are their unprotected picks in 2027 and 2028 going to be late? This isn't all pur crap, it is our best picks for two seasons + picks on top of them.

But yes, I agree, stacking mediocre assets for a great one doesn't work unless the asset is distressed, and an unprotected pick from the Pelicans, Kings, or Hornets is always gold.

Utah is still going to be tanking in 27 and 28?!

I assume they will still not be a playoff team in 2027. Not sure about 2028. Usually dont go from one of the 7-8 worst teams to playoffs in one offseason.

[SkyHook]

Stupid thought experiment, how many picks would it take to get that 2026 NOP pick from Atlanta?

As a Jazz fan I would offer the following:

2027: UTA 1st, higher of CLE/MIN 1st, LAL 1st (1-4 protected)
2028: highest of UTA/CLE
2029: second highest of UTA/MIN/CLE

So, that would be 5 1sts. I think this 2026 draft is insane and if I can double my odds of a top-4 pick that is worth a star level offer, IMO. Would or should ATL bite? I don't think so, if I am being honest.

I appreciate the effort. I dream about that pick, but I doubt the Hawks give up the most valuable current draft asset for an amalgamation of picks regardless of quantity. The only possible move I can imagine of that pick is if Atlanta sees a window to make the Finals this year and the perfect player for them to get there becomes available on the market.

[Daddy 801]

I needed some good news in the worst of ways, so thanks Dallas. Wonder if Finley has a shot at the permanent job? I see the AD speculation has already kicked into high gear, but I assume they aren't going to let the interim guys make that call, so probably needs to wait until the replacement is named. Not that that will stop anyone. Oh and I shouldn't have to say this, but to forestall complaints -- this is not me as a mod telling anyone not to speculate. I just think as a poster its premature.

I saw some speculation earlier about a return of Dennis Lindsey, who previously was an advisor in Dallas. He had some great years as Utah's GM, but lost his way a bit towards the end of his tenure, imo.

Honestly I think Dennis could do a good job. He has a very pragmatic view. He made some mistakes in Utah I assume he learned from. I think after all the drama with Nico a guy like Dennis coming in and adding some stability and building internal systems for like a 4 year stint would work. Send out Kyrie and AD and build from the ground up would be a good approach for that organization. Dennis drafted well and he got great guys from out of nowhere. Him getting Royce and Ingles who no one wanted and are still in the league speaks to his drafting. Not to mention Gobert and Donovan. Both extremely impactful players.

Just my two cents.

[Daddy 801]

An infinite number of late picks will not get you that pick.

Maybe the five to move from like 4 to 1 or something like that.

Utah is a bad team, are their unprotected picks in 2027 and 2028 going to be late? This isn't all pur crap, it is our best picks for two seasons + picks on top of them.

But yes, I agree, stacking mediocre assets for a great one doesn't work unless the asset is distressed, and an unprotected pick from the Pelicans, Kings, or Hornets is always gold.

Utah is still going to be tanking in 27 and 28?!

Yes. Not an outright tankfest. But yes, they/“we” will be bad. Ace and whomever we get in this draft will take 3-4 years to really be impactful/winning players. That’s just how it works. I don’t think we make a real playoff push until 29 and I think if all goes well we are in a OKC-ish like situation with a lot of good young players and still have good picks. Years 27 and 28 I assume we are like a playin or right out of playin level team. But no guarantee.

OKC, Spurs, Houston, Denver, LA, and Minnesota are all going to be good the next five years. So until we build a team on that level we aren’t getting into the playoffs unless it’s like 6-10 range.