Texas Chuck wrote:VCfor3 wrote:The FO mentioned at media day that they are now in a bit more of a win sooner than later mode
Wanted to reply here so as not to derail the Simmons thread. That confuses me in light of their off-season moves, in particular the JV trade. Unless they think more highly of Adams than I think they do, it sure seemed like an off-season of trying to improve their asset base more than a trying to be more than a play-in team this year.
I'd be all for a big Simmons(or other high level player) deal. But I read them a bit differently.
I think it was a nod to their plan moving forward after this offseason and not a reflection of the offseason itself. I really don't know if Ziaire was their true target, but they supposedly have been looking at him for two+ years and Ziaire said some stuff to back it up so I am inclined to think he was. I wonder if this offseason was their last swing in the draft with Williams while getting a couple more assets to prepare for that potential big move. Now this season they start to figure out how to take what they have and make it better with less focus on asset accumulation type moves though they will capitalize if an opportunity presents itself. I doubt Simmons is necessarily their target, and really doubt we would pay what Morey is asking, but we could be a sneaky team if Beal or another youngish player wants out. Maybe Ingram wants out of NOP or Denver for some reason wants to move Murray for tax reasons down the road. I think Memphis is trying to position itself to be one of the stronger bidders next time a star shakes loose though OKC, GSW, and probably NOP are still better positioned.
As for this past offseason: JV is definitely the better player in a vacuum, but neither he or Adams are long term pieces. Adams also may be the better pairing for JJJ's (and Ja's) development even if the team overall is a bit worse. They don't have JV to bail them out so more will be asked of Ja and JJJ when the offense stagnates. Adams is easier to move to the bench if JJJ does become a true 5 sooner as opposed to later. Adams also provides better rim protection and can mentor JJJ. He also is better at boxing out so hopefully it will give JJJ more opportunity to rebound and let him work on easily his greatest weakness. Would be cool if he could ever get close to an average rebounder. I also think that our FO has set themselves up to have cap space this next offseason and an expiring Adams that following season in order to really start looking hard for a third potential star to put with Ja and JJJ. Gives them a window of good salary filler with three extra picks (two next draft) and all their own picks to work with moving forward. We also have some non-blue chip young players other teams would have interest in. Bane, Melton, Clarke, and Tillman should all draw some level of interest from most teams though Clarke admittedly is at an all time low value-wise.
TLDR: Sorry for the word vomit Chuck lol. Adams probably helps Ja/JJJ development as much as JV would. And moving forward we are looking to make winning moves now that this offseason is over as opposed to starting this offseason.
