tcheco wrote:SA37 wrote:Rui is a solid player, but on a good team he probably needs a role like Obi Toppin's in Indiana. It's hard to see any team giving up much value for Hachimura.
I mean, he is limited in some things, but he can shoot the 3 better than Toppin, an is a bit bigger,
I think he can be the 5th best player in a contending team. Toppin is good, but can improve his shooting a bit
To the bolded, yes, I think Rui could be what Harrison Barnes was for the Warriors 10 years ago. I think the big issue for the Lakers is the roster may not all fit together, and Rui and Knecht on their own probably don't get the Lakers an upgrade.
I think the Lakers can live with a Vincent/Smart tandem at guard. Then you have Reaves, LeBron, and Luka getting the bulk of the minutes. That leaves Rui, Vando, Ayton, Hayes and Kleber vying for the big minutes at the 5.
If the Lakers are looking to upgrade, Rui has the most trade value. I don't think Rui on his own gets the Lakers a big upgrade. The Lakers could add in Knecht, but who does that get them? And this is what I meant with my comparison to Toppin: he's useful, but if Indiana put Toppin on the block, how much value would he actually bring back?