Masai’s plan moving forward

[Mr_NC]

His plan? Continuing to evaluate

[Brinbe]

I'm with others that see Masai as opportunistic and content to let things play out otherwise. This is about a 40ish win team as is and due to the parity around the league, especially in the East, that will keep them in a playoff/play-in spot without doing much extra work.

But we know Scottie is the guy now and that was telegraphed from the offseason. Think they'll bring OG back if he wants to be here and he's an ideal 3rd/4th guy on a great team. and most likely look to move Siakam if the right trade comes along. We know Gradey will probably be here for the next while, same with Yak and Dennis. Otto has been good when he's played but who knows if he'll be back next year and beyond.

Otherwise, there's a whole bunch of underperforming players and spots up for grabs in the future. Siakam is probably on us way out. Probably Boucher too. The swing guys are probably Precious and Gary right now and their own play will determine their future here. Not sure about Flynn either. You'd think he won't be back but they keep giving him opportunities so maybe they see a future for him here as a cheap backup.

They seemingly got the hard part out of the way having a young budding superstar in-house with Barnes. And now the imperative imo is finding him a running mate if/when they intend to really compete for a title. Basically another high-quality star-level scorer for him to play off of and getting a variety of 3+D guys around them. They already have one in OG, thankfully, but there's lots of work still to do with this roster. Getting a good stretch big is still a real need imo.

In theory, Siakam could be that #2 guy but I don't know if it's gonna work out, so they're probably better off utilizing Siakam to get that player, but unfortunately I'm not sure if his trade value is all that high at this point. But on the brightside, Scottie is only 22-years-old, they have a bit of runway left to go find that player and do the work to build this roster around his strengths.

[ontnut]

Not even really trying to hot take here, but is there any evidence that Masai has a plan?

I think there's a vague idea of staying "competitive" (re: not tanking) while stockpiling assets and accumulating value (even certain trades everyone hates are usually reasonable "value"), but I don't know what the next step is.

I have a feeling the Pascal trade will be one of those weird ones where the guys involved are kind of surprising. An old school player for player swap, not one of these star for cap space and picks deals. Something like the Sabonis for Haliburton/Hield deal.

Every FO in professional sports has a plan.

The evidence is MLSE signing him to (presumably) the largest exec deal in the NBA at $75m/5y
You think he got that deal by going to the board and putting his hand out?

[Pointgod]

I'd honestly look to get Trae Young for Siakam and can add piece if needed. Which other guards are out there we can use or even grow into a star?

Theoretically we should have enough defence to cover up for Trae’s weaknesses and this lifts us into a whole new level offensively. The question is can you win in the playoffs with Trae Young?

The other thing is that the Siakim to Atlanta dream is dead. I don’t see how they need him with Jaylen Johnson stepping up, the Dejounte Murray extension and then starting off pretty well despite Trae’s **** play.

[James_Raptors]

Maintaining flexibility.

Pulled a Sam Malone reading this.
I'm not in good shape

...but yes, Fairview Mall is absolutely correct.

[ontnut]

S&T Siakam + Koloko to OKC for Bertans + Giddey + Poku, Jaylin Williams, and 2 1st rounders was floated.

Giddey is nice, and the 1sts are nice too, but feels like a bad fit with Scottie.

Or would people be interested in something like Siakam for Simmons + 3 1st rounders ('27 BKN swap with HOU, '29 DAL, '30 BKN)?

[ontnut]

I'd honestly look to get Trae Young for Siakam and can add piece if needed. Which other guards are out there we can use or even grow into a star?

Theoretically we should have enough defence to cover up for Trae’s weaknesses and this lifts us into a whole new level offensively. The question is can you win in the playoffs with Trae Young?

The other thing is that the Siakim to Atlanta dream is dead. I don’t see how they need him with Jaylen Johnson stepping up, the Dejounte Murray extension and then starting off pretty well despite Trae’s **** play.

I think...watching what's going on in Milwaukee with Dame + Giannis, might give you an idea of how Trae + Scottie might work out. Which is to say, it might not.

[ontnut]

I'd honestly look to get Trae Young for Siakam and can add piece if needed. Which other guards are out there we can use or even grow into a star?

Theoretically we should have enough defence to cover up for Trae’s weaknesses and this lifts us into a whole new level offensively. The question is can you win in the playoffs with Trae Young?

The other thing is that the Siakim to Atlanta dream is dead. I don’t see how they need him with Jaylen Johnson stepping up, the Dejounte Murray extension and then starting off pretty well despite Trae’s **** play.

I think...watching what's going on in Milwaukee with Dame + Giannis, might give you an idea of how Trae + Scottie might work out. Which is to say, it might not.

[DreamTeam09]

Resign everyone (Pascal, OG, maybe even Trent and stay under the tax & maintain some continuity for our bidding star. Then in 2025, when we have access to all our picks moving fwd, maybe look for a young star or disgruntled star who's team will have to shed to get out of luxury tax he'll that a few of teams will be in moving fwd.

[MiamiSPX]

The plan should be to have someone getting in SGA's ear from now.

[JB7]

I have high confidence in Gradey. He has nice size, basketball IQ and a super wet shot. He seems to already be willing to do more than just shoot. Although I doubt he'll ever be someone who is "that guy" type of sniper, who can lead a team in scoring.

I could see him being the primary shooter. He won’t be the guy, that will be Barnes, but I can see Barnes searching out options to get Gradey open shots first, and then OG benefiting as the secondary option, getting open looks from the gravity created by Gradey’s shooting. If both of those options are not open, then I would see Barnes making something happen by himself.

[brownbobcat]

Not even really trying to hot take here, but is there any evidence that Masai has a plan?

I think there's a vague idea of staying "competitive" (re: not tanking) while stockpiling assets and accumulating value (even certain trades everyone hates are usually reasonable "value"), but I don't know what the next step is.

I have a feeling the Pascal trade will be one of those weird ones where the guys involved are kind of surprising. An old school player for player swap, not one of these star for cap space and picks deals. Something like the Sabonis for Haliburton/Hield deal.

He's been far too reactive for far too long. At some point, the evaluation has to stop and you have to jump ahead of the curve. I completely understand the rationale for being patient between the bubble season and the start of last season. But by the deadline, the writing on the wall was so stark and clear that I just don't know what the hell they're waiting for anymore.

All the rumours about trading away OG, to then be followed up by trading away picks for Poeltl and then going in on Dame? They are obviously directionless, schizophrenic and delusional. Because of their track record, I didn't care to criticize errors of execution. What can't be forgiven are the multiple errors of strategy. They cannot afford to be this wrong about what the team is and which path to take.

[C_Money]

I'd honestly look to get Trae Young for Siakam and can add piece if needed. Which other guards are out there we can use or even grow into a star?

Theoretically we should have enough defence to cover up for Trae’s weaknesses and this lifts us into a whole new level offensively. The question is can you win in the playoffs with Trae Young?

The other thing is that the Siakim to Atlanta dream is dead. I don’t see how they need him with Jaylen Johnson stepping up, the Dejounte Murray extension and then starting off pretty well despite Trae’s **** play.

Thank god we didn’t pull that off. The 2 players everybody wanted in that trade are racking up DNPs.

[Fairview4Life]

Not even really trying to hot take here, but is there any evidence that Masai has a plan?

I think there's a vague idea of staying "competitive" (re: not tanking) while stockpiling assets and accumulating value (even certain trades everyone hates are usually reasonable "value"), but I don't know what the next step is.

I have a feeling the Pascal trade will be one of those weird ones where the guys involved are kind of surprising. An old school player for player swap, not one of these star for cap space and picks deals. Something like the Sabonis for Haliburton/Hield deal.

He's been far too reactive for far too long. At some point, the evaluation has to stop and you have to jump ahead of the curve. I completely understand the rationale for being patient between the bubble season and the start of last season. But by the deadline, the writing on the wall was so stark and clear that I just don't know what the hell they're waiting for anymore.

All the rumours about trading away OG, to then be followed up by trading away picks for Poeltl and then going in on Dame? They are obviously directionless, schizophrenic and delusional. Because of their track record, I didn't care to criticize errors of execution. What can't be forgiven are the multiple errors of strategy. They cannot afford to be this wrong about what the team is and which path to take.

I mean, they "went in" on Dame by offering GTJ and Precious and probably a pick. Feels a bit like everyone would make that trade, no?

[Brinbe]

Trae Young types aren't the way forward. That archetype isn't a winning formula in the playoffs. Steph is one of one, was surrounded by incredible defenders and can hold his own on the defensive end.

We can see the fall off for the Bucks going from Jrue to Dame. Defense, especially POA defense, is incredibly important.

Sad we missed out on Cason Wallace as he would've been absolutely perfect.

[brownbobcat]

I mean, they "went in" on Dame by offering GTJ and Precious and probably a pick. Feels a bit like everyone would make that trade, no?

We don't know exactly what was on the table, but it's safe to conclude the "biggest offer we've ever made for a player" would include quite a few picks.

Would Lillard improve this team? Of course he would.
Would he improve it to the point of serious contention? No.
Would he want to stick around for a gradual build? Absolutely not.

[Dude-niagara]

It’s still early but based on the results so far the easy answer is to trade Siakam and GTJ and build the team around Scottie. We’re gonna need a starting PG, SG, and bench down the line so might as well start restocking the cupboard now. We aren’t gonna get fair value for Siakam but draft picks and depth pieces will suffice. GTJ won’t go for much but it doesn’t make sense to tie $25m+ a season into an inconsistent player who doesn’t impact winning.

Unless your a Siakam fanboy everyone knows he needs to be traded, these clowns still believe Siakam is some superstar and better then Barnes. They loved it when Barnes was only getting 10 or less shots some nights because the two ball pigs Siakam and his good buddy Fred were playing your turn my turn offence and made sure Barnes never ate. So yes, the plan should be trading Pascal this month and just move ahead with retooling around OG/Barnes.

Ah the Siakam 'fanboys' that post 'somewhere' on 'other' social media sites that allow you to vent about things that don't actually exist.

Not sure what you talking about? other social media sites. Yes there are Siakam fanboys that don't want to let go, no different then Fred. They prefer watching Siakam continue putting up empty stats and the team going no where because they have no bench and depth at the guard position. Yes it makes perfect sense to trade Siakam and use his salary to address those areas of weakness.

[Dude-niagara]

I'm OK with moving Siakam just because from what I've seen, his role on the team doesn't align with the money he probably is looking to make. With Scottie take on more of the offensive load, Pascal's usefulness on that end is limited.

I'd like to see Pascal lean into year 1/2/3 Siakam and be a disruptor on defense and just outrunning everyone all over the place. But even that role probably doesn't justify a $40-50+ million contract.

Exactly, unless he is willing to resign for around 30-35 mllion by 4 seasons then they need to trade him now to help use his cap money to better balance the roster.

[Dude-niagara]

Key part of the plan is what he does with Siakam. Extend or trade?

The top 15 and superstar talk on this board as little as ONE YEAR ago has disappeared. Shall we bring up some bad takes from those threads? Couldn't even admit the guy was playing selfishly chasing stats.

Masai himself pointed the finger at Pascal for playing selfish and chasing stats, it was not just Fred.

[maternal85]

Not even really trying to hot take here, but is there any evidence that Masai has a plan?

I think there's a vague idea of staying "competitive" (re: not tanking) while stockpiling assets and accumulating value (even certain trades everyone hates are usually reasonable "value"), but I don't know what the next step is.

I have a feeling the Pascal trade will be one of those weird ones where the guys involved are kind of surprising. An old school player for player swap, not one of these star for cap space and picks deals. Something like the Sabonis for Haliburton/Hield deal.

He's been far too reactive for far too long. At some point, the evaluation has to stop and you have to jump ahead of the curve. I completely understand the rationale for being patient between the bubble season and the start of last season. But by the deadline, the writing on the wall was so stark and clear that I just don't know what the hell they're waiting for anymore.

All the rumours about trading away OG, to then be followed up by trading away picks for Poeltl and then going in on Dame? They are obviously directionless, schizophrenic and delusional. Because of their track record, I didn't care to criticize errors of execution. What can't be forgiven are the multiple errors of strategy. They cannot afford to be this wrong about what the team is and which path to take.

This is not NBA Live. This is real life. You have to pivot when it makes sense as a GM. Remember, getting KL2 was directionless according to you. KL2 was not on his radar until he demanded a trade. Ujiri and team had to pivot, and offer a package the Spurs would like.

Barnes seems to be living up to expectations. Ujiri and co now have to pivot again. Meaning building around him, and getting players that'd compliment his game. It's not being directionless. It's adapting to your situation, players, and the league as you go. Again this is not NBA live. It's real life.