Post#1046 » by RastaBull » Tue Apr 30, 2024 8:45 pm
I've seen a lot discussed about these thriving playoff teams and their very young stars. Namely: SGA, Hali, Edwards.
I think some take this and flip it to a team like the Bulls (and others) to say they need to offload assets and aim to find a star in the draft.
But it is worth noting that neither SGA nor Hali were drafted by their respective teams. Edwards was obviously a #1. Yes, OKC did otherwise build that roster through the draft, but lets be real, it's clear they would not even sniff the current success without SGA. Same for Indy and Hali. So I'm still very against tanking in order to hope for a draft pick that will produce a star.
But this does bring up, is there a way to similarly grab a very fresh prospect that hasn't exploded onto scene yet, but is clearly talented and has a higher ceiling (ala SGA when OKC traded George to Clips). Lavine is clearly no George in terms of value; so we aren't going to get a great prospect like SGA+5 first round picks. BUT, maybe there's a team out there we can get a SGA-like prospect plus some filler for Lavine
And by SGA-like, remember SGA was the #11 pick, and in his rookie year (only year with Clips) averaged 26 minutes, 10 ppg, 47%/36%. Good, talented obviously, but it is all about potential.
My thought on someone that fits that bill: Shaedon Sharpe. 7th pick. 10ppg on 22 mpg rookie year, bumped up to 16ppg on 33mpg this year. Anfernee is their star. Scoot is their #2 pick. Maybe Sharpe is their means to get a star scorer. (Also, I wouldn't mind Scoot as a target, just figure less likely as their #2).
Zach Lavine+Port pick for Sharpe (obviously doesn't work salary wise ... maybe a bad contract back ... maybe Ayton? ... maybe third team somehow ... I don't really want to take back Grant because it's so long)
Lavine+Vuc+Portland pick for Sharpe+Ayton+Brogdon works.
Any other lotto picks from last two years that you think could be the "SGA" to target? Jaden Ivy is a decent suggestion. Keegan Murray (but he's probably showed out too much). Anthony Black (do we want to risk being embarrassed by Magic in trade again?)
Doctor Drain wrote:Can a butterfly sing?