Post#869 » by Skybox » Thu Apr 25, 2024 11:37 am
Murray is my number one target because he'd improve our guard defense as well as offense...and he IS a PG, not a "maybe could be a starting PG", like the rest of the names we're bouncing around. I also like the idea that we'd send out some salary (not necessarily 1:1) to get him, so we'd still have quite a bit of cap space to fill out the roster with guys that can play. Plus, I like the Seattle connection with Paolo (the "beef" is nothing, they're homeboys) and I love the dark, fierce edge he brings (compared to the sweet smiley crap we've grown to enjoy with Kelle, Cole, etc)...He's got more of a Jimmy Butler killer vibe...maybe get AJ Griffin thrown in. Remember, he was Paolo's sharpshooting wingman at Duke and he's been out of the rotation in ATL.
Simons number 2...I understand the concerns, but they've gotten wildly inflated. This is a guy who shoots from long-range like Hield, Kennard, etc but has so much more to his offensive game. This guy doesn't need "per 36" or other tricky stats to show what he can do because he's been a full-time starter since Dame/CJ fell apart and often when one or the other was out. He's on a different level than Monk. He's still very young despite his years of doing it on a high level in the NBA. He's put up numbers on bad teams but he put up BIG numbers - not the same as Cole scoring 18ppg on an awful Magic team a few seasons ago. Guys that AVERAGE 20+ ppg and put up 9 3pt attempts per game are not common. He's scored more than Paolo or Franz consistently. People are dismissing his degree of scoring way too easily. Just throwing him out because "defense" is pretending you haven't seen what the present team looks like. Mose has a lot of growing to do as a coach, but he's shown he can get defense out of guys and scheme for his defensive aces to cover a lot of ground. POR is in dire financial position, taking back salary would be a big plus for a team that's behind us in their rebuild but near the top of payroll numbers. If Robert Williams' medical prognosis isn't TOO dire, taking back his salary (and sending one less pick or asset?) could be an exciting bet. He'll expire in a couple of years, so, even if he doesn't play again, it's not too dire...but if he does come back strong...he's an awesome defender, who has delivered in big moments (in BOS) at C to platoon with Isaac, WCJ...whoever is in that role...just another angle to lower the price.
Monk number 3...similar to Simons, but not as high a level a scorer and certainly not as a shooter and not for as long. Monk was an ineffective player for years and has rehabbed his career in a bench role on SAC..."Why isn't he starting on mediocre teams if he's so valuable?" is not a wiseass question. I'd be excited to get him, but he's a good candidate to be a let down in a bigger role (vs the others, imo). He played in LAL for a min salary just a few years ago. Very gettable, you'd have to think, and not giving up assets is a comparable plus but I think ORL FO has been too focused (so far) on good deals more than getting the right players. Simons is a much better version of Monk but Monk would be a painless signing. Is his defense SO much better than Simons that it's not a factor?
Others:
Herro (don't know his availability) he'd be nice but only available, imo, if MIA is aiming higher and needs assets (like prev Dame)
Quickley...TOR will match...we should have grabbed him first. Can't imagine he's gettable without huge overpay. Don't
Coby White (likely unavailable unless CHI implodes)...great fit, but same as Monk, largely mediocre until recently. A good bet.
Caleb Martin - two way MIA mindset guy. PO this summer...maybe he's the guy to bet on. Never avg more than 10ppg but has delivered in big games
Brogdon - a really nice fit skill-wise, but injury concerns are an issue. Is he any kind of long-term solution.
Claxton - secondary concern after backcourt scoring but he'd be a great fit if he could be had without overpaying
Lots of others that would be nice upgrades but hardly advance the team...Sexton, Kennard, GTJ, Burks, Beasley, etc
Hartenstein - not sure why this is exciting to others, but I'm willing to listen, assuming WCJ is part of a guard trade