PhilBlackson wrote:OakleyDokely wrote:PhilBlackson wrote:
I would trade him for Murphy + LAL 23' pick and wouldn't think twice about it.
A lockdown defender is wonderful once you have your start scoring duo but we have one of the best 2nd option scorers in Pascal & Scottie by nature is more a playmaker than a (self) shot-creator. I like Murphy's scoring upside more than OG's, he's not quite the level of OG defensively but he's sure as hell still good enough to hold his own & keep the defence strong. However again he gives the team a higher upside offensively especially as a shooter which is THE greatest need of the roster.
I doubt you're getting your scoring duo with Murphy or LAL 23 though. Unless LAL ends up in the top 2.
It would be AND (not or) & it's still likely to get you a helluva lot closer than OG on his own.Not to mention sure the top 2 ENSURES you would but I certainly wouldn't write off that it could be found. Heck for example, I'd take my chances that say Trey Murphy & Brandon Miller long term can provide a TON more scoring than OG ever could alone. Even if neither became true stars but just ELITE shooting wings especially with Scottie, I think they could be lights out & completely change the flow and dynamics of this stagnant offence.
But as I've said before I don't think Murphy is even featured enough & if you watch Miller, there's definitely glimpses of nice ballhandling to go with his GREAT shooting touch that I wouldn't rule out he could be a star wing long term. Then there's still guys like Whitmore, Ausar etc that would be better off the dribble...either way --- I like that upside a lot more than just OG. I think Murphy could prove to be comparable to OG in value as a standalone player within a couple of years or so if a team allowed him to take on a greater role within the offence then the pick would be gravy although even the pick as a standalone player could end up being just as good or better as well. Would be an EASY trade for me.
I couldn't agree more. I don't think anyone is untouchable, beyond Scottie. The only reason Scottie is untouchable is his upside - which is to become a top 5 player in the league. Is he 100% likely to hit that peak, maybe not for a few seasons, or he maxes out as top 15, but a top 5 player is the most important piece of your team and the rarest (by definition).
OG is rare, in that he's an elite defender and a good 3pt shooter, but not so rare that you can't consider trading him. He's still a role player afterall. Let's say Trey Murphy III reaches his potential as a wing with good defense and with better offensive upside than OG, AND you're adding someone like Dyson Daniels (or a pick) who also reaches their potential as a good defender with offensive upside equal or better than OG. Now you've potentially downgraded from a defensive matchup POV, but are dealing from a position of strength with Barnes and Siakam, who you can throw at the Donovan Mitchell's of the world, and your team defense has maybe improved by being younger and more athletic overall... so maybe you're coming out ahead in the trade now.
Not every winning team has an OG, he's not a requirement to winning basketball. He sure helps, and on his contract right now he's a massive steal, but he's not a necessary piece. Scottie might be. Siakam in the right environment could be paired with another 1B to form a duo, so I can see why you'd potentially keep him, but I don't think he's untouchable either. If someone offers a star package that fits your timeline better and has enough upside, you take it. He's not Durant. In general, team building has to be viewed holistically IMHO, it's not so defined as 'we'll be looking for an OG if we trade an OG.'
*INGRAM*ALLSTARSEASON* Wemby is HIM
