Bassman wrote:I like Cody but we could really use an offensive upgrade there as long as he also plays strong D (yes I want it all). That’s my target with the lotto pick, unless Mark’s back is questionable…then target need #2 at Center. With Mann and Martin we are in a good position. Mann might prove he’s a starter next to Melo, and Martin is a good complimentary glue guy defender and contributor on offense. This amazing trade deadline reset has us dealing from strength for once. But, one more star next to Miller, Melo, Miles and Mark gets us over the hump. That could also come from a veteran but not sure we’re in a position to acquire that level of player.
I don't go by record. I go by whether we are stuck after trading a lottery pick for a win-now player.
I look at the starting lineup and determine how much room there is to upgrade a starting 5 including the 4 you mention (LaMelo, Miller, Miles, Mark) with the 5th starter being an acquisition from the 2024 lottery pick, like Trey Murphy III.
For example could the Hornets significantly upgrade a starting 5 of Melo - Murphy - Miller - Miles - Mark?
I don't think we'd be reaching if we were to trade a high lottery pick for an established wing defender alongside LaMelo who can also space and score.
The bench with that starting 5:
Micic - Mann - Martin - Grant - Richards
End of bench:
S. Curry - NSJ.
Are we stuck with that roster?
No, we get control of all our own picks at the end of next season. And that roster is one of the younger ones in the NBA. And we don't have any bad contracts nor major cap issues if we want to add.
The starters and bench are all movable contracts if we want to attach picks and shuffle the deck, but they're young enough where we'd probably improve internally without making any major moves.
Absolutely we don't have to make this draft pick like we're the Detroit Pistons.
It has been written...