(Lock Thread)The LeBron James- 23-24 NBA Playoffs & Off-Season Thread -(NO PERSONAL ATTACKS & BAITING)

[zimpy27]

Guards: CP3 ($8m BAE), Reaves ($13m), Caruso ($10m)
Forwards: LeBron ($51m), Prince ($5m), Vando ($11m)
Bigs: Davis ($43m), Stretch big (<$20m)

Rest of team can be a mix of 7 vets and rookies ($17m)


Vincent+17 for Caruso
Sign CP3 to $8m using MLE
Rui trade for stretch big

Is Cp3 worth the mle? Wonder if he could be had for the vet min?

We do need a stretch big, but who is realistic?

If we are going for Caruso, should be moving Vando

I see playoff Rondo in 2020 when I look at CP3 but better honestly.

Portis is my hope. I think there are other options. Backup C that David can be at PF for.

[nzahir]

Guards: CP3 ($8m BAE), Reaves ($13m), Caruso ($10m)
Forwards: LeBron ($51m), Prince ($5m), Vando ($11m)
Bigs: Davis ($43m), Stretch big (<$20m)

Rest of team can be a mix of 7 vets and rookies ($17m)


Vincent+17 for Caruso
Sign CP3 to $8m using MLE
Rui trade for stretch big

Is Cp3 worth the mle? Wonder if he could be had for the vet min?

We do need a stretch big, but who is realistic?

If we are going for Caruso, should be moving Vando

I see playoff Rondo in 2020 when I look at CP3 but better honestly.

Portis is my hope. I think there are other options. Backup C that David can be at PF for.

Who are the other options?

Portis is meh, -1.8 epm

But not a lot of great options unless Wolves for some reason want to move on from Reid or Indi wants to move off of Turner

Brook Lopez would be solid

Vuc I am unsure about his defense, probably too negative of a defender.

Same thoughts for Olynyk

Duop Reath seems like the stealthiest name. As well as Isaiah Stwart

Wendell Carter Jr would be nice

Unsure if Wolves move KAT either, but I can see it de to having Reid. Not very realiatic for us, but he would fit in quite well

[zimpy27]

Is Cp3 worth the mle? Wonder if he could be had for the vet min?

We do need a stretch big, but who is realistic?

If we are going for Caruso, should be moving Vando

I see playoff Rondo in 2020 when I look at CP3 but better honestly.

Portis is my hope. I think there are other options. Backup C that David can be at PF for.

Who are the other options?

Portis is meh, -1.8 epm

But not a lot of great options unless Wolves for some reason want to move on from Reid or Indi wants to move off of Turner

Brook Lopez would be solid

Vuc I am unsure about his defense, probably too negative of a defender.

Same thoughts for Olynyk

Duop Reath seems like the stealthiest name. As well as Isaiah Stwart

Wendell Carter Jr would be nice

Unsure if Wolves move KAT either, but I can see it de to having Reid. Not very realiatic for us, but he would fit in quite well

What about Isaac?

Portis I think fits the bill the best. He backs up Giannis, not worried about EPM there.

Olynyk might be the best option.

[nzahir]

I see playoff Rondo in 2020 when I look at CP3 but better honestly.

Portis is my hope. I think there are other options. Backup C that David can be at PF for.

Who are the other options?

Portis is meh, -1.8 epm

But not a lot of great options unless Wolves for some reason want to move on from Reid or Indi wants to move off of Turner

Brook Lopez would be solid

Vuc I am unsure about his defense, probably too negative of a defender.

Same thoughts for Olynyk

Duop Reath seems like the stealthiest name. As well as Isaiah Stwart

Wendell Carter Jr would be nice

Unsure if Wolves move KAT either, but I can see it de to having Reid. Not very realiatic for us, but he would fit in quite well

What about Isaac?

Portis I think fits the bill the best. He backs up Giannis, not worried about EPM there.

Olynyk might be the best option.

Who is Isaac? Jonathan Isaac??

[nzahir]

So while watching these finals, are we thinking about trying to build a team with real depth or getting a 3rd star?

Still have no clue what this team should be doing

The problem with going for a #3 is likely we wont have enough depth due to salary restrictions and or gave up all our pieces

If we get a guy like Lavine, shouldn't cost many, if any real resources. But now we cant trade for any high salary guys with those picks and swaps. But still can at least get some cheap/young guys

Do a deal for a guy like Trae or Mitchell and you are out of assets and in a toug cap spot

Lauri will take up the assets, but give you some wiggle room with salaries

But the problem for not getting another top end guy (especially a guard) is that I am unsure if we have enough talent in the playoffs in terms of shot creation, shot making, penetration, and athleticism

The guard rotation would be Reaves, maybe Dlo, Christie, and Vincent

Just is weak compared to most top end teams. A guy like Jrue would have been great next to Reaves

[PistolPeteJR]

So while watching these finals, are we thinking about trying to build a team with real depth or getting a 3rd star?

Still have no clue what this team should be doing

The problem with going for a #3 is likely we wont have enough depth due to salary restrictions and or gave up all our pieces

If we get a guy like Lavine, shouldn't cost many, if any real resources. But now we cant trade for any high salary guys with those picks and swaps. But still can at least get some cheap/young guys

Do a deal for a guy like Trae or Mitchell and you are out of assets and in a toug cap spot

Lauri will take up the assets, but give you some wiggle room with salaries

But the problem for not getting another top end guy (especially a guard) is that I am unsure if we have enough talent in the playoffs in terms of shot creation, shot making, penetration, and athleticism

The guard rotation would be Reaves, maybe Dlo, Christie, and Vincent

Just is weak compared to most top end teams. A guy like Jrue would have been great next to Reaves

3 stars is not the way to go in today’s league. 2 + excellent depth. Except the Lakers have no way of piecing that depth because no team is giving Pelinka KP and Jrue-type players for peanuts, plus he can’t pull that off, let alone figure out stylistically how to build the team.

[thebigbird]

Jeanie continues to be the worst owner in the NBA. Leave LeBron, please.

Read on Twitter

?s=46&t=LoczziaTWuqlhvyvHGT92A

[nzahir]

So while watching these finals, are we thinking about trying to build a team with real depth or getting a 3rd star?

Still have no clue what this team should be doing

The problem with going for a #3 is likely we wont have enough depth due to salary restrictions and or gave up all our pieces

If we get a guy like Lavine, shouldn't cost many, if any real resources. But now we cant trade for any high salary guys with those picks and swaps. But still can at least get some cheap/young guys

Do a deal for a guy like Trae or Mitchell and you are out of assets and in a toug cap spot

Lauri will take up the assets, but give you some wiggle room with salaries

But the problem for not getting another top end guy (especially a guard) is that I am unsure if we have enough talent in the playoffs in terms of shot creation, shot making, penetration, and athleticism

The guard rotation would be Reaves, maybe Dlo, Christie, and Vincent

Just is weak compared to most top end teams. A guy like Jrue would have been great next to Reaves

3 stars is not the way to go in today’s league. 2 + excellent depth. Except the Lakers have no way of piecing that depth because no team is giving Pelinka KP and Jrue-type players for peanuts, plus he can’t pull that off, let alone figure out stylistically how to build the team.

Which is why I wonder if just going for a #3 guy makes sense

It will take a lot of solid moves and idk if I see a lot of those opportunities

Need teams in bad shape who have some useful guys

But not a lot of bad teams in the west with guys I would want besides Portland and Utah (could also try to be good). So I guess Brogdon or Grant (meh, costs a lot) or someone like Sexton or Collins. Unless Lauri is available (and that would be going for a #3, but salary is good)
Not seeing any game changers on the Pistons, Wizards, or Hornets

Leaves us with

Raps: Olynyk?
Hawks: Trae would be a big move. I am not sure if I am a big fan of DJM honestly, especially with his avg at best 3 point shooting, likely below avg for a guard with his volume
Nets: This could be the team, but doesnt seem like they will sell low on their guys. Bridges is the big name, but Cam Johnson is very intriguing
Bulls: Caruso, Vuc?, Lavine would be a #3 type of deal

A lot easier to go for a #3 guy if Dlo opts in, without it, probably better to go for the depth and pieces

[therealbig3]

Was thinking about this, as LeBron fans, we bemoan the fact that he never had consistently great coaching or management around him at any point...except for his Miami years.

Is it a legitimate knock against him that he chose to leave that situation in 2014? What happens if he stayed, seeing how Miami was clearly capable of rebuilding and putting a pretty good team around Butler?

He would have had an excellent coach in Spoelstra, clearly an excellent front office headlined by Riley, and they likely would have been able to piece together a good team around him while moving on from Wade and Bosh that could have allowed him to contend for many more years there. Granted, the return to Cleveland and that epic championship wouldn't have happened, but what happens if he stayed? Could he have had more overall team success than the 2 titles he won afterwards?

[zimpy27]

Mitchell looking to extend with Cavs right after this Hurley news...


I'm wondering if Mitchell knows that LeBron is coming to Cavs. LeBron was Mitchell's idol growing up. Mitchell was present in the studio for the decision.

LeBron for Garland, it makes sense.

[nzahir]

Mitchell looking to extend with Cavs right after this Hurley news...


I'm wondering if Mitchell knows that LeBron is coming to Cavs. LeBron was Mitchell's idol growing up. Mitchell was present in the studio for the decision.

LeBron for Garland, it makes sense.

I'm cool with the return to Cle
I don't trust this FO to make a well rounded team, feels like we go gunning for a 3rd guy

If its Garland and Niang/Wade for Bron, I think LA needs to be sending out Reaves or something like a 1st and JHS. If its Reaves, then Cavs need to send filler, but lets say its a 1st and JHS.

Cle should then swing Allen for a stretch 5. Go get Caruso for a 1st, JHS, and filler? Cp3 for the min/mle?

Mitchell, Caruso, Bron, Mobley, Stretch 5
Cp3, Strus, Okoro, Levert, Wade, ?

Maybe try and consolidate some of Strus, Okoro, Wade, and Levert for a higher tier guy

Can also look to trade Mobley for a guy like Bridges and keep Allen and then get a pf in another deal

If Bron stays with the Lakers, I much rather prefer Mitchell, but I feel like Trae would be the target since Atlanta seemingly wouldn't mind moving him

[Ian Scuffling]

Was thinking about this, as LeBron fans, we bemoan the fact that he never had consistently great coaching or management around him at any point...except for his Miami years.

Is it a legitimate knock against him that he chose to leave that situation in 2014? What happens if he stayed, seeing how Miami was clearly capable of rebuilding and putting a pretty good team around Butler?

He would have had an excellent coach in Spoelstra, clearly an excellent front office headlined by Riley, and they likely would have been able to piece together a good team around him while moving on from Wade and Bosh that could have allowed him to contend for many more years there. Granted, the return to Cleveland and that epic championship wouldn't have happened, but what happens if he stayed? Could he have had more overall team success than the 2 titles he won afterwards?

As a Cleveland fan, I am more than happy he came back, but have thought of this as well. Spo was without a doubt the best coach he ever had. The organization seems to be first class, too. Riley is light years ahead of Pelinka, obviously. I'm sure they would have re-tooled, correctly, around Lebron and been contenders and winners. But, they were also contenders and winners in Cleveland. They just had miserable luck with both injuries and a certain player thinking more highly of himself than he should have

[ardee]

Was thinking about this, as LeBron fans, we bemoan the fact that he never had consistently great coaching or management around him at any point...except for his Miami years.

Is it a legitimate knock against him that he chose to leave that situation in 2014? What happens if he stayed, seeing how Miami was clearly capable of rebuilding and putting a pretty good team around Butler?

He would have had an excellent coach in Spoelstra, clearly an excellent front office headlined by Riley, and they likely would have been able to piece together a good team around him while moving on from Wade and Bosh that could have allowed him to contend for many more years there. Granted, the return to Cleveland and that epic championship wouldn't have happened, but what happens if he stayed? Could he have had more overall team success than the 2 titles he won afterwards?

It's been 10 years since he left, and the Heat made the Finals twice in that period WITHOUT him, in fact they even lost to him once.

I think if he stays it is absolutely likely that they retool on the fly and create a new dynasty in the latter half of the decade.

That being said, I don't know if his legacy is perceived as being greater than IRL. In this timeline he likely won't make 8 straight Finals and he doesn't have the iconic 2016 ring.

Frankly, if it hadn't been for Durant signing with GSW, his legacy would have been unimpeachable to anyone IRL anyway. Still makes 8 straight and good shot at a three-peat in Cleveland from 2016-18. No guarantee that a potential still LeBron-led Heat is able to topple Curry/Durant.

[ardee]

They just had miserable luck with both injuries and a certain player thinking more highly of himself than he should have

I don't think Kyrie leaving really mattered much in the long run. Even if he stays I don't think they beat GSW in 2018. And then after that LeBron dipped anyway.

[PistolPeteJR]

They just had miserable luck with both injuries and a certain player thinking more highly of himself than he should have

I don't think Kyrie leaving really mattered much in the long run. Even if he stays I don't think they beat GSW in 2018. And then after that LeBron dipped anyway.

Agreed, but if the PG trade went through with Kyrie going out, then I’m not sure he leaves. You end up with Lue coaching LeBron and prime/peak PG and perhaps Griffin can figure things out from there. Gilbert was the bigger issue.

[nzahir]

Would you guys move Reaves for Naz Reid (and maybe something small?) Saw a post on the T&T

Reid only has 1 year left, while Reaves has 2 and then Naz will wana get paid

I might want something small back

Would also require us to move some of Dlo? (needs to opt in) Vincent, Rui, Vando, Prince, and picks, swaps, and JHS for a guy like DJM, CJ, Lavine

But I can see it making sense

[Colbinii]

Would you guys move Reaves for Naz Reid (and maybe something small?) Saw a post on the T&T

Reid only has 1 year left, while Reaves has 2 and then Naz will wana get paid

I might want something small back

Would also require us to move some of Dlo? (needs to opt in) Vincent, Rui, Vando, Prince, and picks, swaps, and JHS for a guy like DJM, CJ, Lavine

But I can see it making sense

I posted it. As a fan of both team(s), I venture it a success

[ardee]

They just had miserable luck with both injuries and a certain player thinking more highly of himself than he should have

I don't think Kyrie leaving really mattered much in the long run. Even if he stays I don't think they beat GSW in 2018. And then after that LeBron dipped anyway.

Agreed, but if the PG trade went through with Kyrie going out, then I’m not sure he leaves. You end up with Lue coaching LeBron and prime/peak PG and perhaps Griffin can figure things out from there. Gilbert was the bigger issue.

Oh right forgot about that. Could've had Bledsoe-PG-LeBron-Love-center or something like that. Russ probably leaves OKC earlier if that happens then.

[ardee]

Would you guys move Reaves for Naz Reid (and maybe something small?) Saw a post on the T&T

Reid only has 1 year left, while Reaves has 2 and then Naz will wana get paid

I might want something small back

Would also require us to move some of Dlo? (needs to opt in) Vincent, Rui, Vando, Prince, and picks, swaps, and JHS for a guy like DJM, CJ, Lavine

But I can see it making sense

You better get a good guard some other way though because that leaves the backcourt looking REAL thin.

[nzahir]

Would you guys move Reaves for Naz Reid (and maybe something small?) Saw a post on the T&T

Reid only has 1 year left, while Reaves has 2 and then Naz will wana get paid

I might want something small back

Would also require us to move some of Dlo? (needs to opt in) Vincent, Rui, Vando, Prince, and picks, swaps, and JHS for a guy like DJM, CJ, Lavine

But I can see it making sense

You better get a good guard some other way though because that leaves the backcourt looking REAL thin.

Even if Dlo leaves, Lavine for Vincent, Rui, JHS/#17, 1 of Cam, Hayes, or Wood (whoever opts in)

Cp3 for the vet min
Mle for a wing or guard like GTJ, Caleb Martin, Oubre, Naji Marshall, GTJ?, Derrick Jones Jr

Lavine, GTJ?, Vando, Bron, AD
Cp3, Christie, Naz Reid

Really would help if Dlo opts in to get another role guy.

But we still have the 1st or JHS, future picks and swaps, and Christie to move

Not bad