Discussing Other Teams' Moves Part 3

[hands11]

Speaking generally about Dallas, I'm beginning to feel a bit better about what they did this summer. I still think the 4th guaranteed year for Calderon will be something they regret down the road (would have been better to have him and Monta come off the books at the same time IMO), but they should be competitive this year, and they have options going forward.

Dalembert/Wright
Nowitzki/Blair
Marion/Carter
Ellis/Ellington
Calderon/Harris

I think DAL is a 35 win lottery team:

-They are average or below average at 4/5 of their positions
-Their FA plan was to focus on ex Bucks lol
-Their backcourt could be terrible Defensively and they have nobody good to protect the rim
-They are relying om key contributions from very old players (including Dirk who has played fewer and fewer game each of the last 4 years)

Let me jinx the Mavs like I did the Bobcats last season. (My praising another team in preseason seems to be like the SI cover jinx, if last season was any indication).

I think the Mavericks will be pretty good. I was never a big OJ Mayo fan. He's gone this season. I am a Jose Cal_eron fan. He plays no d at all. OTOH he's a great distributor and a tremendous shooter. The Mavericks also lost some of their soft interior. Kaman and Brand seem to be over-the-hill. Blair is going to bang. Wright is underrated. I think their youthful activity will be a key. Dalembert is enigmatic, very up and down. Yet, the guy is a really good rebounder who can block shots. He and Blair will help them on the boards a lot more than what they got from Kaman and Brand. But none of that is why I think Dallas will be competitive.

Dirk was coming off surgery. I expect he won't average 17 ppg this season. His numbers have declined each of the past three or four years, but I don't think he's done. I believe he'll bounce back and average over 20 and be much better this season. He's sort of like Duncan. Athleticism isn't his strength. He's tall and highly skilled.

Monte Ellis will do some things worse than Mayo, but I believe he's got the same type vibe as Jason Terry. His game should work with Dirk.

I think Dallas is better than 35 wins, but yes, I could be wrong.

Add Denver to your list. It just took a year for it to kick in.

You did swing hard for the fences with Charlotte. I know how you look to go for the long ball. But that was a huge wiff. I get it though. I like swinging for the fence sometimes as well. If you are right, you are usually the only one that predicted it.

As for Dallas. Say this out load a few times. Monte Ellis and Jose Calderon. Monte Ellis and Jose Calderon.

That is not Peas and Carrots. That is anti Wall and Beal. Unless Ellis really changes his ways. But if he could do that, he could fit on a lot of other teams. Ellis's problem is based on him wanting to so badly be THE MAN. Funny thing is, in a league with a shorter list of good SG then it does good PG, if he would just ton it down, he would be a much better SG and get a lot more respect as a good one.

Dallas filled out a roster. Not so sure they build a basketball team though. They are basically an older Dirk with a bunch of NBA recognizable names, but old guy versions of those names.

Dirk is getting old 35. Devin Harris is already hurt 30. Carter is already old 36. Marion is 35. Sam D is 32
Bernard James is their back up center. Right. Bernard who ??

They are an old team that will likely have players producing less and or getting injured. And even when healthy... Monte Ellis and Jose Calderon are the guards.

This could get ugly early and worst down the stretch if there are injuries. God forbid Dirk misses 20 games.

Dirk had a good career with that team, but it looks like that run is over. He needs to leave. They aren't going to build anything good around him. Dallas has slot their leverage to attract players.

BUT DIRK TO DC WOULD WORK. Need to start a petition.

Wall, Beal, Webster, Dirk, Nene with Okafor resigned and keep Kevin S and Ves. Dirk would be great for Ves.

Get it down Ted/EG

[hands11]

IF he's healthy... Miami is unbeatable.

But of course we know he will get injured in training camp. However, at worst Oden will take Juwan's place on the bench. Pat Riley got him for 2 years at the veteran's minimum. I think New Orleans was offering more dough.

Looks like LeBrons momma did get around a little didn't she. Except this biological mix was missing the health gene. Better hair though.

[LyricalRico]

Dumars has put together a team that would be fun to play with on NBA 2k14, but I have serious doubts about it's ability to have anything except limited success in real life. I just don't see them being able to run any kind of consistent offense with Jennings at PG and Smith playing on the perimeter at SF. They'll definitely have some cool highlights, though, and I'd expect them to be a playoff team.

My hope is that Monroe struggles to fit in and Dumars decides that Drummond/Smith is the C/PF combo they should stick with, making Monroe available at the deadline instead of over the summer. Not sure how likely that is, though.

Looks like I might be on to something:

The ceiling for this roster might not be all that high, at least for now. The spacing issues are real, Drummond just turned 20, and both Smith and Jennings need to prove they can shave back their worst tendencies. Monroe has to improve as a defender, and Cheeks has to balance the frontcourt minutes among his three star bigs. Detroit may top out as a leading candidate for one of the Eastern Conference’s last three playoff spots next season, and that’s fine.

<snip>

And there is always another shoe to drop. Detroit isn’t stoked about giving Monroe a max-level contract extension, and if they fall in love with the Smith-Drummond front line, they may dangle Monroe at some point. And they’ll have cap space in each of the next two summers. No harm, no foul.

http://www.grantland.com/blog/the-trian ... -milwaukee

[deneem4]

This Detroit team is being very underated...
Same with kings/timberwolves/raptors

[dangermouse]

Maybe they stick to bringing Drummond off the bench, and starting Smith/Monroe. I still think Monroe will be available soon though too.

[dckingsfan]

OK, just for fun Detroit:

Last Year's Team – This is a team in search of guards and wings. Having landed Drummond and Monroe, the front court looks very solid although it could use some depth.

Point Guard: The addition of Jose Calderon was helpful. But not enough. Will Bynum is an acceptable backup but like Calderon will be a free agent. Clearly Detroit's biggest need.

Shooting Guard: Rodney Stuckey and Brandon Knight are much more suited to the PG position because of their size but have been forced in the SG position. Not great guards in my mind. Kim English is no help at this time. All three will be back as they have contracts for ’13-’14 - not really that helpful.

Small Forward: Kyle Singler has become the starting SF. He should become a capable backup over time and maybe a capable starter. Jerebko and Middleton will return as well.

Power Forward: Greg Monroe is fast developing into a fringe all-star. Villanueva is a very capable backup. This will be the anchor of the lineup moving forward sans injuries.

Center: Detroit picked up Andre Drummond a very controversial pick and a very good one. Arguably one of the top 3 picks in the draft. A perfect match for Greg Monroe. Kravtsov will return as the Drummond’s backup.

Coach: None.

Draft Picks – #8

Cap Space: At only $35M committed for next year, Detroit could bring in two solid Free Agents or 4 “mid” free agents. Lots of options

So what did they do?

Hire Maurice Cheeks...

"Well, I've covered the NBA since the days when Jack Ramsay was roaming the Blazer sidelines in paisley pants. And I don't think since that time I've seen a coach as poorly informed, as casual about his duties and as lazy as Cheeks. NBA head coach? He should have been charged with identity theft."

No. 8 SG Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, No. 37 F Tony Mitchell, No. 56 PG Peyton Siva

"...Detroit Pistons have agreed to a sign-and-trade deal that will net Jennings, a restricted free agent, a new three-year contract worth in excess of $25 million. The Bucks will receive guard Brandon Knight, forward Khris Middleton and center Viacheslav Kravtsov..."

Added Chauncey Billups, added Josh Smith, added Luigi Datome, resigned Bynum. Signed Caldwell-Pope and Tony Mitchell.

PG: Jennings, Bynum, Siva
SG: Billups, Stuckey, Caldwell-Pope
SF: Smith, Singler, Datome
PF: Monroe, Villanueva, Jerebko, Mitchell
C: Drummond

Depending how fast Drummond improves is when this team becomes a playoff team. I still think he is a couple of years away. You gotta love the FT% .371 - he really should hire Rick Barry...

Villaneuava and Stuckey come off the books next year, so plenty of cap flexibility. And they have to figure out if they will pay Monroe - but he is a RFA.

[hands11]

http://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/22 ... ie-Program

Man, I wish we would have drafted this guy.

[dangermouse]

Yeah I saw that. Was wondering if he was into the drugs.

Banging a groupie in the hotel isnt that bad though. I'm sure we'd all like to say "hey, we'd follow the rules, this is serious stuff!" but really, if some fine b*tch was thirsty you would risk it. I know i would. But maybe id be smart enough to go to her hotel.

[montestewart]

I'm trying to figure out why Mario Chalmers and Darrell Arthur were there to be expelled in the first place. I thought it was a rookie transition program. Telling me those two pot smoking orgyists represent the mentor program?

[dangermouse]

I think that happened in previous years? Im not sure.

[Ruzious]

No. 8 SG Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, No. 37 F Tony Mitchell, No. 56 PG Peyton Siva

"...Detroit Pistons have agreed to a sign-and-trade deal that will net Jennings, a restricted free agent, a new three-year contract worth in excess of $25 million. The Bucks will receive guard Brandon Knight, forward Khris Middleton and center Viacheslav Kravtsov..."

Added Chauncey Billups, added Josh Smith, added Luigi Datome, resigned Bynum. Signed Caldwell-Pope and Tony Mitchell.

PG: Jennings, Bynum, Siva
SG: Billups, Stuckey, Caldwell-Pope
SF: Smith, Singler, Datome
PF: Monroe, Villanueva, Jerebko, Mitchell
C: Drummond

Depending how fast Drummond improves is when this team becomes a playoff team. I still think he is a couple of years away. You gotta love the FT% .371 - he really should hire Rick Barry...

Villaneuava and Stuckey come off the books next year, so plenty of cap flexibility. And they have to figure out if they will pay Monroe - but he is a RFA.

They've got some talented players, but this is a team that I think is going to have serious chemistry problems and a lot of trouble with outside shooting.

[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

No. 8 SG Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, No. 37 F Tony Mitchell, No. 56 PG Peyton Siva

"...Detroit Pistons have agreed to a sign-and-trade deal that will net Jennings, a restricted free agent, a new three-year contract worth in excess of $25 million. The Bucks will receive guard Brandon Knight, forward Khris Middleton and center Viacheslav Kravtsov..."

Added Chauncey Billups, added Josh Smith, added Luigi Datome, resigned Bynum. Signed Caldwell-Pope and Tony Mitchell.

PG: Jennings, Bynum, Siva
SG: Billups, Stuckey, Caldwell-Pope
SF: Smith, Singler, Datome
PF: Monroe, Villanueva, Jerebko, Mitchell
C: Drummond

Depending how fast Drummond improves is when this team becomes a playoff team. I still think he is a couple of years away. You gotta love the FT% .371 - he really should hire Rick Barry...

Villaneuava and Stuckey come off the books next year, so plenty of cap flexibility. And they have to figure out if they will pay Monroe - but he is a RFA.

They've got some talented players, but this is a team that I think is going to have serious chemistry problems and a lot of trouble with outside shooting.

Totally agree on predicting chemistry problems. Their young, drafted talent won't get minutes they may deserve due to big contracts and older players. What if Siva runs a team and competes the best at PG and KCP is a great defender but they don't play? Why is Stuckey still on the roster? Why draft Tony Mitchell when he won't ever play ahead of Josh Smith (because of his contract).

Detroit has talent but Mo Cheeks won't issue minutes based on merit. Guys won't work together because they're all pitted against each other for minutes.

[Kanyewest]

I'm trying to figure out why Mario Chalmers and Darrell Arthur were there to be expelled in the first place. I thought it was a rookie transition program. Telling me those two pot smoking orgyists represent the mentor program?

It happened in their respective rookie seasons.

[Dat2U]

No. 8 SG Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, No. 37 F Tony Mitchell, No. 56 PG Peyton Siva

"...Detroit Pistons have agreed to a sign-and-trade deal that will net Jennings, a restricted free agent, a new three-year contract worth in excess of $25 million. The Bucks will receive guard Brandon Knight, forward Khris Middleton and center Viacheslav Kravtsov..."

Added Chauncey Billups, added Josh Smith, added Luigi Datome, resigned Bynum. Signed Caldwell-Pope and Tony Mitchell.

PG: Jennings, Bynum, Siva
SG: Billups, Stuckey, Caldwell-Pope
SF: Smith, Singler, Datome
PF: Monroe, Villanueva, Jerebko, Mitchell
C: Drummond

Depending how fast Drummond improves is when this team becomes a playoff team. I still think he is a couple of years away. You gotta love the FT% .371 - he really should hire Rick Barry...

Villaneuava and Stuckey come off the books next year, so plenty of cap flexibility. And they have to figure out if they will pay Monroe - but he is a RFA.

They've got some talented players, but this is a team that I think is going to have serious chemistry problems and a lot of trouble with outside shooting.

IMO that lineup isn't going to last very long. It may take 10-15 games (if that long) for the coaching staff to realize this isn't going to work. IMO their roster really looks like this...

G Jennings, Bynum, Siva
G Billups, Stuckey, Caldwell-Pope
F Singler, Datome
F Smith, Jerebko, Villanueva, Mitchell
C Monroe, Drummond

They need a SF in the worst way. I think they'd be okay with keeping Monroe at least through this season because Drummond may not be completely ready for 30 minutes a night but they need to take a long look at potentially making a move to balance out their roster going forward. Monroe & Stuckey for an above average starting wing player would make them a clear cut playoff team.

[pancakes3]

I'm trying to figure out why Mario Chalmers and Darrell Arthur were there to be expelled in the first place. I thought it was a rookie transition program. Telling me those two pot smoking orgyists represent the mentor program?

It happened in their respective rookie seasons.

Although Rookies that are kicked out, or miss their Rookie program have to go back and repeat it the 2nd year. Iverson apparently never went to his rookie one or any subsequent one and just cut the league a fines check every year instead.

Yeah I saw that. Was wondering if he was into the drugs.

Banging a groupie in the hotel isnt that bad though. I'm sure we'd all like to say "hey, we'd follow the rules, this is serious stuff!" but really, if some fine b*tch was thirsty you would risk it. I know i would. But maybe id be smart enough to go to her hotel.

4 days for a mandatory work training retreat? I'm pretty sure even 20 year old me would be able to resist for 4 days rather than getting fined 50 grand - money that I haven't even gotten paid yet. If you were to risk it for that biscuit, you'd probably have to get her a room in your hotel and get it done before midnight so you don't get busted for curfew.

[Nivek]

No. 8 SG Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, No. 37 F Tony Mitchell, No. 56 PG Peyton Siva

"...Detroit Pistons have agreed to a sign-and-trade deal that will net Jennings, a restricted free agent, a new three-year contract worth in excess of $25 million. The Bucks will receive guard Brandon Knight, forward Khris Middleton and center Viacheslav Kravtsov..."

Added Chauncey Billups, added Josh Smith, added Luigi Datome, resigned Bynum. Signed Caldwell-Pope and Tony Mitchell.

PG: Jennings, Bynum, Siva
SG: Billups, Stuckey, Caldwell-Pope
SF: Smith, Singler, Datome
PF: Monroe, Villanueva, Jerebko, Mitchell
C: Drummond

Depending how fast Drummond improves is when this team becomes a playoff team. I still think he is a couple of years away. You gotta love the FT% .371 - he really should hire Rick Barry...

Villaneuava and Stuckey come off the books next year, so plenty of cap flexibility. And they have to figure out if they will pay Monroe - but he is a RFA.

They've got some talented players, but this is a team that I think is going to have serious chemistry problems and a lot of trouble with outside shooting.

IMO that lineup isn't going to last very long. It may take 10-15 games (if that long) for the coaching staff to realize this isn't going to work. IMO their roster really looks like this...

G Jennings, Bynum, Siva
G Billups, Stuckey, Caldwell-Pope
F Singler, Datome
F Smith, Jerebko, Villanueva, Mitchell
C Monroe, Drummond

They need a SF in the worst way. I think they'd be okay with keeping Monroe at least through this season because Drummond may not be completely ready for 30 minutes a night but they need to take a long look at potentially making a move to balance out their roster going forward. Monroe & Stuckey for an above average starting wing player would make them a clear cut playoff team.

I agree. I can see sense in signing Josh Smith, IF they did it to construct a 3-man PF/C rotation. Coaches tend to curtail minutes for bigs anyway, so dividing PF/C minutes between Smith, Drummond and Monroe would seem to be smart.

But, then Dumars does an interview and indicates their plan is to start all 3 guys. Which makes no sense.

[LyricalRico]

Monroe & Stuckey for an above average starting wing player would make them a clear cut playoff team.

What about Monroe+Jerebko+Singler for Porter+Ariza+Seraphin+pick?

Monroe/Okafor
Nene/Jerebko
Webster/Singler
Beal/RiceJr
Wall/Maynor

We'd need another guard for depth, but at first glance I like the look of that team.

[GhostsOfGil]

Monroe & Stuckey for an above average starting wing player would make them a clear cut playoff team.

What about Monroe+Jerebko+Singler for Porter+Ariza+Seraphin+pick?

Monroe/Okafor
Nene/Jerebko
Webster/Singler
Beal/RiceJr
Wall/Maynor

We'd need another guard for depth, but at first glance I like the look of that team.

Awesome. Pick up Beno or Gerald Henderson for the vet minimum and were set!

[Upper Decker]

Beno Urirh just signed with the Knicks for the vet minimum. Every single MLE or vet minimum signing this offseason is a better signing / contract than Eric Maynor.

[Upper Decker]

Monroe & Stuckey for an above average starting wing player would make them a clear cut playoff team.

What about Monroe+Jerebko+Singler for Porter+Ariza+Seraphin+pick?

Monroe/Okafor
Nene/Jerebko
Webster/Singler
Beal/RiceJr
Wall/Maynor

We'd need another guard for depth, but at first glance I like the look of that team.

I'd do this happily. I question whether Detroit would want Ariza over Singler. From what I can tell Detroit really likes Singler so I think it could be whittled down to

Monroe + Jerebko for Porter + Vesely + Seraphin + unprotected pick.