I hope we kick ass this year in the playoffs, but...

[wolfen]

I hope we do some damage in the playoffs this year but I honestly think that roster tweaks for next year can make us legit contenders. I don't think a massive trade needs to be done this off season, it's obvious the things that could take us to the next level are in the front court. Hear me out.

Jericho Sims - Had we traded back into the end of round 2 like I was hoping we would, specifically to nab Sims, we'd have our backup legit sized big who can defend, rebound, and is athletic. Of course, that ship has sailed now, so we have to find that guy in the off season, the draft can do that for us.

Assuming we're drafting around 18, there could be some excellent options for us:

Mark Williams - Right now he's be my top choice. Wingspan 7-7, standing reach 9-8. He's 7-0 242. Oh ya AND he can move his puppies. I just don't see any reason how he wouldn't be a damn good backup C right out of the gate. Can't remember who it was, but in an article I read recently, a Duke beat reporter who attends practice reguarly actually raves about his outside shooting stroke. He doesn't do that in Duke's system, but it's nice to know that there's potential there, that he may not just be a defender / rebounder.

Nice article about his attributes - https://247sports.com/college/duke/Article/mark-williams-duke-blue-devils-basketball-standing-reach-wingspan-167535716/

Walker Kessler - Wingspan 7-5. He's 7-1 245. His block rate in college is almost historical. That won't carry over to the NBA, but he'll be at least average at protecting the rim. The dude plays so hard and he's a large human.

Ya, we have a boatload of 2nd round picks, but we won't draft a player with each one. Hopefully, we'll package them to trade up to consider guys like Jaylin Williams (versatile PF with size), Kennedy Chandler (PG, I really like him. Gotta think about the future), Malaki Branham (SG, rock solid, I like that he can score in the mid-range).

To conclude, honestly, if we did nothing else but nabbed Mark Williams in the draft, if he pans out, that would massively help the team. He wouldn't need to start. Just play him when needed against the bigger bigs that give us problems. Towns could easily play the 4 next to him if we did play a big lineup. So ya, let's see what we can do in the playoffs this year, maybe we can do some damage and go farther than we think. The good news, IMO, next year we don't have to do anything crazy roster-wise to make the next step. Just nab Mark Williams and off we go. What say you?

[minimus]

I honestly think that roster tweaks for next year can make us legit contenders

I would say that roster tweaks for next year MIGHT make us legit contenders after 2-3 years. We have just started to build a winning culture, it takes a few years of consistent development before young players can really start playing good basketball.

For instance, Devin Booker first four years was labeled as garbage scorer without defense. Last three seasons he played with Rubio, CP3 as PGs, building chemistry with Ayton and Bridges (and Crowder). We need consistency badly. Consistency at coaching level, consistency at management level, consistency in developing young players. We need to add a veteran or high IQ, high character players. I believe we have enough talent in offence. Today we played the best team in NBA, and call me crazy, but I believe that their talent level is not higher than ours. What separates us is discipline, execution both in defense and offense, chemistry. We play for emotions, they play for win. The difference between these two teams is Booker dunking and getting T, and dumb fouls that Karl commits (flagrant, 14th technical that might lead to suspension when it will be the most important game of the season).

I love KAT, I love Edwards but these guys need to learn a lot more, need to be much smarter players than they are right now. I won't happen in one season under Finch.

[Calinks]

There is still a chance we could take a step back next year, like the Knicks but hopefully a lot less extreme. Lots of teams will get better, some will fall off though. Progress also isn't always a straight line up. I do think we will be better with the experience and some roster tweaks though, the playoffs will show us what we really like and what we can do without.

We are probably going to lose some depth/talent though and that can affect us in unpredictable ways.