jamaalstar21 wrote:76ciology wrote:Long term, I think Raps should replace both GTJ and FVV if they really want to be switchable on defense.
So you want them to eliminate guards entirely (as well as their 2 best shooters)? As far as switchable guards go, those 2 rate very highly. Trent is 6'6" (shoes) with a 6'9" wingspan. Fred is very stout against most matchups. Obviously forwards are inherently more switchable due to size, but a team needs to be able to do more than just switch on defense.
Even with Barnes out, this is arguably the most switchable team of all-time. They don't need to become more switchable, they need to shore up their primary weaknesses: rim pressure, backline defense, size at center, and shooting. I think the Raps knew all season they were short 1 rotation guard and 1 center. They chased centers hard at the trade deadline (Poetl, Nerlens Noel, Porzingis) before they settled for Thadd.
The Raps hoped they could fluster Embiid enough with their switching defense, but evidently clearly underestimated him. Even if they were even more switchable, it wouldn't have helped with this matchup. It's too important with Embiid to have at least 1 primary defender who can bother him. I bet the Raps continue their chase for a workable center this offseason. It's been their biggest problem since Gasol left.
Yes getting a legit big was a problem for the Raptors and Khem Birch as much as I like him was not it. It didn't help that they outbid themselves by giving him a 3/20M deal when similar big men like Willie Hernangomez got a 3/7.5M(last year team option). If Birch's deal was a team option he'd have been far easier to move. When they settled for Thad and Josh Richardson was flipped there, I was hoping the Raps could've done something like this:
San Antonio: Khem Birch(if his last year was a team option it'd be far more feasible), Dragic, Bonga, TOR 22 1st, future 2nd
Toronto: Josh Richardson, Thaddeus Young, DET 2nd
-San Antonio would've shed salary for next year and Birch's deal would've expired at the same time as Collins and Dejounte's deal.
-Toronto badly needed a 2 guard off the bench to spell minutes for Trent Jr. when he needed rest. They'd have Young's bird rights and I would've loved to give him a 2/10-12M deal with a 3rd year being a player option to simply work with Barnes and Achiuwa as he's a solid vet, but wouldn't blame him for going elsewhere to get a ring. Plus J-Rich has one more year at 12M and could be flipped if need be. He's really excelled in a bench role as shown this past year in Boston/San Antonio
I wish they could've played Flynn more in a backup pg role even if it meant some short term pain in order to let him learn from his mistakes and save the wear and tear from Vanvleet while having Banton play in the g-league to develop his jump shot and have some confidence.
Honestly even though Embiid has been whipping them badly as he should, seeing Maxey killing them this easily has been brutal to see but honestly the 76ers are at a stage where they've endured the luxuries and heartache of playoff basketball and maybe they finally break through. I'd be happy for Danny Green and Embiid as Silver/league executives wouldn't be too happy with Hinkie's project finally succeeding(the Process). Seeing Harden win a ring before Brooklyn would be amusing.
Either way it's been fun seeing Scottie shine and Precious has left me impressed as I honestly thought he'd need at least 2 more years before showing progress. His FT shot needs work, but his 3pt shot has come along nicely and hopefully his BB IQ and decision making improves with more reps.
Honestly I had Philly in 6 as the Raptors inexperience outside the title core was gonna be a problem and Embiid was gonna steamroll them, but Maxey's emergence as a 2nd/3rd option has elevated them to a whole new level. If Harris can be consistent and give them 15/10 a game that'd be nice.
