Re: Road to a Championship start here, 2022 Draft.
Posted: Wed Mar 2, 2022 8:00 pm
Duke4life831 wrote:I dont think that is the easiest next 3 for the Lakers. Clippers are a team that plays hard and that alone gives them a significant edge over this Lakers team that is reeling. Spurs is a young team that still is kind of fighting for that final play in spot. GS hasnt had Klay the last couple games and he should be back and they can flip a switch any game really. Plus ya the Lakers are just playing some really bad basketball, they can lose to anyone at the moment.
It's not so much that I think LA will have an easy go of it. Problem is, I don't see any easy time for the teams trying to catch either.
Duke4life831 wrote:Not the biggest fan of Davis in NO because his lack of shooting. I mean if somehow the Pels end up being able to grab one of Griffin or Mathurin with the Lakers pick, talk about just the ideal scenario. Those two seem to be the dream scenario for the Pels. 6'6-6'7 athletic wings who can really shoot the ball. Basically exactly what this team needs. Those two would be the top tier in my opinion for the Pels, then Davis on the next tier. Because ya Davis is still a big guard that can defend and while not being a good shooter, should be a solid scorer.
Unfortunately, NBA draft net has projected Griffin going 4th & Mathurin 6th, which would put them out of reach. Unless of course NO's add incentive which I wouldn't be apposed too as there's only 5 starting spots, with 4 potentially filled already.. where at some point, those picks will need to be consolidated into something better.. why not a high upside 2 way wing that fits on rookie scale !! with NO's pick cache, a possible venture.
Duke4life831 wrote:The question to me is, say the Pels get the Lakers pick and its say 9 or 10 and those 3 guards are gone. Keegan Murray has been good this year, especially with his improved 3pt shot. He is a 6'8 wing with solid mobility and a good defender. Another guy to keep an eye on is Shaedon Sharpe. Fantastic athlete, real good shooting form. I can see if the 3 guards from college go in front of him, he could maybe slip to that 9-10 spot. That would be a nice pickup.
Depends, I'd first & foremost look to use that pick to trade up. Consolidate some of those future picks into good use. I mean if it was up to me, I'd walk out this draft with 2 top 3 picks even if it meant trading Zion to do it. Besides the benefit of their rookie scale over maxing an injury riddled Zion who's body type is projected poorly for the future
Trading Zion for a top 3 pick does several positive things for NO's
- reset the clock on his extension, with 2 max players already on roster for better cap health while still adding potential.
- With BI & CJ being sub defenders, it allows NO's to insert a better defensive option/fit than ZIon who remains a ?
- Stabilize the situation & security on a situation that could go as wrong as it could go right, eliminating a huge risk factor.
- None would blame NO's for taking front & trading such a talent, considering what has already transpired.
Zion traded to NY for the potential of Chet/Smith +
Lakers pick if it lands (9-10) used to trade up for the best 2 way SG they can get.
Chet/Smith (rookie scale) / Jonas
Herb (rookie scale) / Hayes
2 way SG/SF (rookie scale / Snell - Murphy
BI (Max) / Naji - Graham
CJ (Max) / Alvarado - Graham
It's possible ZIon could net a top 3 pick +++. It balances the teams defensive fit, balances the teams cap situation & while none being drafted might be the generational talent that ZIon is..., that would be a well balanced team with a ton of potential, quality depth & high ceiling. Where one injury is not going to send them sideways & into a tail spin.
In trading up, I'd try to Keep either the Lakers RTS 23 or the unprotected 24 to land an eventual replacement PG for CJ to mentor. Pelicans will be good next yr with no question on whether their best player will be available or not...