Official 2020-21 Season Thread #1: To Beard or not To Beard?

[phillynative]

The blazers have like 6 different guards who can get their on shot. We have shake and rookie maxey lol

[the_process]

The blazers have like 6 different guards who can get their on shot. We have shake and rookie maxey lol

Can't say it enough.

[Negrodamus]

We need to make a move at the deadline. It should be some of Curry, Scott, Ferguson, Bradley, Furkan and probably at least one Shake, Maxey, Thybulle or a pick to get a legitimate, championship level starter (depending on the player).

Somewhat cheaper end: Bledsoe, George Hill, Patty Mills, Evan Fournier

Bledsoe is still my target.

[elchengue20]

Bledsoe sucks, and can't shoot.

Those players are lateral moves, won't change much.

Fournier could be interesting, but he's been hurt lately. Patty Mills maybe, still isn't much better than Seth.

[sixers hoops]

We need to make a move at the deadline. It should be some of Curry, Scott, Ferguson, Bradley, Furkan and probably at least one Shake, Maxey, Thybulle or a pick to get a legitimate, championship level starter (depending on the player).

Somewhat cheaper end: Bledsoe, George Hill, Patty Mills, Evan Fournier

Bledsoe is still my target.

I like George Hill a lot for our needs, but I think he may be out a while.

[stormi]

I think ultimately we're on hold until Morey can acquire that bonafide third star. The winning Embiid archetype is either the two megastar route ex: Harden + Embiid + strong supporting cast. Or the allstar distributor + Embiid/Simmons trio, ala: Butler + Simmons + Embiid. I don't see that player available right now on the market so we're in a bind. We should still focus on strengthening the roster though in the meantime, I'm not bullish on Seth or Danny (age concerns) longterm or the composition of the bench if a playoff series were to start today. Still a lot of work to do.

[snoopdogg88]

The buyout market would be great. But the problem is no one worthwhile is going to want to come here over both LA teams and the Nets ahead of us in the pecking order. We got really lucky with Ersan and Marco that one year.

Still think Derrick Rose could be a killer pickup that won’t cost much.

[elchengue20]

I wouldn't waste any assets in a lateral move like Bledsoe, Rose or any player of that calibeer.

We have to keep them for when a trade for a real star becomes available.

I would only trade expirings and maybe a 2nd rounder, that's it.

[Negrodamus]

Bledsoe sucks, and can't shoot.

Those players are lateral moves, won't change much.

Fournier could be interesting, but he's been hurt lately. Patty Mills maybe, still isn't much better than Seth.

Lateral moves from Seth Curry? 2-time all defensive team, is currently shooting 40% from 3 on 5 attempts a game on a dreadful team, has a career .337 FTr, can actually play PG. When Curry isn't hitting shots, he is honestly worthless. His perceived value is his ability to hit wide open 3 pointers. That's obviously not happening right now and will be even harder in the playoffs when the good teams tighten up their defense.

Scott, Ferguson, Bradley, and arguably Furkan are nearly unplayable in the playoffs.

Comparable players on contenders right now: Dennis Schroder on the Lakers (Rondo last year), Patrick Beverley on the Clippers, Mike Conley on the Jazz, Marcus Smart on the Celtics.... These are the guys that show up in the playoffs and play high effort defense while showing veteran intangibles to stay in/win games.

We currently don't have anyone like that. The only guy who approaches that is Dwight Howard and, with all due respect, he ain't it.

Additionally, we're not getting Beal, there's no one disgruntled enough to pull off a huge trade. Waiting on a third star is basically acknowledging that this season isn't a realistic contending season. I know that sounds crazy in the context of the top team in the East, but we have seen time and time again that if Ben or Embiid are out or having an off night, we are completely inept at creating offense.

It's definitely counterintuitive to my usual priorities, but I'd do Seth, Scott, Ferguson, and either a heavily protected future first or two seconds for Bledsoe. Salaries match up well and we're not giving up really anything of consequence.

[Zumramania]

Bledsoe is a 25% career shooter from 3 in playoffs. Do we need such a player?

[elchengue20]

Bledsoe sucks, and can't shoot.

Those players are lateral moves, won't change much.

Fournier could be interesting, but he's been hurt lately. Patty Mills maybe, still isn't much better than Seth.

Lateral moves from Seth Curry? 2-time all defensive team, is currently shooting 40% from 3 on 5 attempts a game on a dreadful team, has a career .337 FTr, can actually play PG. When Curry isn't hitting shots, he is honestly worthless. His perceived value is his ability to hit wide open 3 pointers. That's obviously not happening right now and will be even harder in the playoffs when the good teams tighten up their defense.

Scott, Ferguson, Bradley, and arguably Furkan are nearly unplayable in the playoffs.

Comparable players on contenders right now: Dennis Schroder on the Lakers (Rondo last year), Patrick Beverley on the Clippers, Mike Conley on the Jazz, Marcus Smart on the Celtics.... These are the guys that show up in the playoffs and play high effort defense while showing veteran intangibles to stay in/win games.

We currently don't have anyone like that. The only guy who approaches that is Dwight Howard and, with all due respect, he ain't it.

Additionally, we're not getting Beal, there's no one disgruntled enough to pull off a huge trade. Waiting on a third star is basically acknowledging that this season isn't a realistic contending season. I know that sounds crazy in the context of the top team in the East, but we have seen time and time again that if Ben or Embiid are out or having an off night, we are completely inept at creating offense.

It's definitely counterintuitive to my usual priorities, but I'd do Seth, Scott, Ferguson, and either a heavily protected future first or two seconds for Bledsoe. Salaries match up well and we're not giving up really anything of consequence.

Milwakee traded him because they got tired of his inability to make open shots or create offense in the Playoffs.He won't make any difference here. Also his defense is overated.

I ll give you that his improvement in three point % is surprising. Still probably a fluke.Hes a 34% carreer shooter. Also this season he's shooting 65% from the line.He's not a good shooter. Plus, it's not a good sign that even with him shooting well from 3, he has failed to make a positive impact on his new team.They have been awful with him running the offense.

Trading for him won't turn us into a realistic contender. It's going to be just a waste of assets.

[HardenToSixers]

Bledsoe sucks, and can't shoot.

Those players are lateral moves, won't change much.

Fournier could be interesting, but he's been hurt lately. Patty Mills maybe, still isn't much better than Seth.

Lateral moves from Seth Curry? 2-time all defensive team, is currently shooting 40% from 3 on 5 attempts a game on a dreadful team, has a career .337 FTr, can actually play PG. When Curry isn't hitting shots, he is honestly worthless. His perceived value is his ability to hit wide open 3 pointers. That's obviously not happening right now and will be even harder in the playoffs when the good teams tighten up their defense.

Scott, Ferguson, Bradley, and arguably Furkan are nearly unplayable in the playoffs.

Comparable players on contenders right now: Dennis Schroder on the Lakers (Rondo last year), Patrick Beverley on the Clippers, Mike Conley on the Jazz, Marcus Smart on the Celtics.... These are the guys that show up in the playoffs and play high effort defense while showing veteran intangibles to stay in/win games.

We currently don't have anyone like that. The only guy who approaches that is Dwight Howard and, with all due respect, he ain't it.

Additionally, we're not getting Beal, there's no one disgruntled enough to pull off a huge trade. Waiting on a third star is basically acknowledging that this season isn't a realistic contending season. I know that sounds crazy in the context of the top team in the East, but we have seen time and time again that if Ben or Embiid are out or having an off night, we are completely inept at creating offense.

It's definitely counterintuitive to my usual priorities, but I'd do Seth, Scott, Ferguson, and either a heavily protected future first or two seconds for Bledsoe. Salaries match up well and we're not giving up really anything of consequence.

Don't disagree with most of what you said, but when you bring up Rondo but say Dwight ain't it, I feel like you're a bit biased by watching the same guys on our team all the time. Like did you watch that much of Rondo before the playoffs? He just had a one-off strong playoff run and has been a pretty shaky player for many years now.

[Negrodamus]

I think they traded him because Jrue is a better player and they are consolidating assets. I don't think the package I mentioned is really burning important assets.

[elchengue20]

I fully agree that we desesperately need a established/veteran guard who can create offense. If he's good defensively, even better.I just think Bledsoe sucks in that role, and won't improve our chances.In my opinion, compared to the players you mentioned.

Conley is a way superior offensive player, as a shooter and running an offense.

Marcus Smart is on another level defensively, and also better offensively. At least he has a knack to make shots in big games, something Bledsoe has been terrible at.

Schoreder has regressed a bit in Los Angeles. Has struggled at adjusting to Lebron handling the offense so much.He would be better here.Last year he was clearly better than Bledsoe.Still i think he's a better shotcreator and playmaker.Worse defender. But we really need offense in that position.

I rather have any of those 3 players than Bledsoe. Bledsoe in my opinion, isn't even a above average PG nowadays.He's always been a mediocre player skill wise who relied a lot on his elite athleticism. Hes lost a step these last few years. Plus, he isn't a great leader by any means. Don't see him bringing the thoughness or veteran leadership we need.

[Skates]

It's hard to know exactly what we need to do until they can figure out what is going on with Seth Curry. He clearly isn't right and that hard pick last night didn't help. If Curry misses time again, I would almost be tempted to throw Isiah Joe in the starting lineup and see what he can do with his range and height playing next to Simmons.

As for trades I have my opinions, but sure as heck hope they are irrelevant (more than usual, lol) with Morey thinking of stuff I never would.

[Negrodamus]

I fully agree that we desesperately need a established/veteran guard who can create offense. If he's good defensively, even better.I just think Bledsoe sucks in that role, and won't improve our chances.In my opinion, compared to the players you mentioned.

Conley is a way superior offensive player, as a shooter and running an offense.

Marcus Smart is on another level defensively, and also better offensively. At least he has a knack to make shots in big games, something Bledsoe has been terrible at.

Schoreder has regressed a bit in Los Angeles. Has struggled at adjusting to Lebron handling the offense so much.He would be better here.Last year he was clearly better than Bledsoe.Still i think he's a better shotcreator and playmaker.Worse defender. But we really need offense in that position.

I rather have any of those 3 players than Bledsoe. Bledsoe in my opinion, isn't even a above average PG nowadays.He's always been a mediocre player skill wise who relied a lot on his elite athleticism. Hes lost a step these last few years. Plus, he isn't a great leader by any means. Don't see him bringing the thoughness or veteran leadership we need.

Yea, it'd be great if we could get those guys, but they are all on contenders that likely don't want to move on from a guy who completely understands their system. That's why I'm looking at the vets who are playing on garbage teams and are a cap hit.

[DCasey91]

I’d grab Bjelica at the deadline. We desperately need forward depth (Its Harris that’s it lol). Stretch 4 is perfect for our team.

Maxey
Korkmaz
Thybulle
Milton
Joe

It’s too much with Curry as well. They’re all young and not good enough to play the role required yet when the real thing happens. (I suspect a few aren’t good enough too anyway if they were of age they don’t have the high enough skillset/ability in them.)

If we’re off on Beal. Lowry is the big one that can help improve this teams ceiling imo. Especially if they miss the playoffs.

If we do go for Beal, Gordon is the best replacement for Ben. Beal is the only hypothetical offensive stud out there atm bar Oladipo (less offense but a legit two all star player when fully fit). Or roll the dice with Lavine (Ben is off the table in my eyes if we got that route).

We all know we’re one key piece short. It’ll be interesting to see if the Jazz can go all the way by committee (I suspect not). Our ceiling is higher having a legit superstar. So our “ideal” structure of the team isn’t that far off even after squandering so many chances/assets.

Long term though I’d probably move Harris. He’s a fine player but we definitely need cap flexibility moving forward. Having two overpays on a finals team is okay if they are not making max money.

[Stribor]

Don't touch what is not broken. We are still young team, and I think if we do not win this season, Maxey and Shake could make surprising jump the next one, and the other guys will already enter a serious senior years. We are constructed well atm.

[DCasey91]

Don't touch what is not broken. We are still young team, and I think if we do not win this season, Maxey and Shake could make surprising jump the next one, and the other guys will already enter a serious senior years. We are constructed well atm.

I’d agree there provided the ongoing year in/ year out deep problem is solved. I don’t think either of the two are capable enough of being a 2nd option on a championship winning team at all. I like them both but I’m realistic with the two. I see more 6th man potential.

Korkmaz I’m not high on

Thybulle should be safe (but it’s his awareness that’s a let down. I.e 35% from 3, lower foul rate and there’s a full time bench spot for any team in the league for a decade. That’s on him though).

Joe is too raw (better shooter out of the lot).

Milton ceiling is coming up (don’t see all star potential but that’s fine. He was a steal at his pick).

Maxey has a suspect jumpshot I believe.

The irony is that there’s a playoffs starter in my eyes from day one by the name of Mikal Bridges without needing any of our young players/Green.
He has the required skillset to be Covington at minumum (if he maxes out could be Middleton lite bargain at that pick). There’s our SF for the next half decade lol.
Made no sense to me to trade the pick then get a less superior player (Thybulle) and get a vet Green as well. It’s like doubling down after the fact.

[Stribor]

Don't touch what is not broken. We are still young team, and I think if we do not win this season, Maxey and Shake could make surprising jump the next one, and the other guys will already enter a serious senior years. We are constructed well atm.

I’d agree there provided the ongoing year in/ year out deep problem is solved. I don’t think either of the two are capable enough of being a 2nd option on a championship winning team at all. I like them both but I’m realistic with the two. I see more 6th man potential.

Korkmaz I’m not high on

Thybulle should be safe (but it’s his awareness that’s a let down. I.e 35% from 3, lower foul rate and there’s a full time bench spot for any team in the league for a decade. That’s on him though).

Joe is too raw (better shooter out of the lot).

Milton ceiling is coming up (don’t see all star potential but that’s fine. He was a steal at his pick).

Maxey has a suspect jumpshot I believe.

The irony is that there’s a playoffs starter in my eyes from day one by the name of Mikal Bridges without needing any of our young players/Green.
He has the required skillset to be Covington at minumum. There’s our SF for the next half decade lol.
Made no sense to me to trade the pick then get a less superior player (Thybulle) and get a vet Green as well. It’s like doubling down after the fact.

I agree with Mikal sentiment, but I am much more high on Maxey. I could actually see him possibly becoming u surprise a la D. Mitchell (although clearly a very different player). He is atheltic enough, not elite, but enough. On the other hand his handles and coordination seem elite. If he learns the tricks and develops further his shoot, he could become something surprising. I would not like to give up on guy that seem to have a lot of potential.