Whar do the WARRIORS need to become legit contenders?

[Ell Curry]

I am a big Poeltl fan but I don't think we would have much interest in acquiring him unless it was at a steep discount. We haven't played a big true C in basically the entire post-KD era (outside of the time the FO leaned on Kerr to force-feed Wiseman minutes)

He's smart on O and a team player, I think he might fit in nicely in Golden State. He's comfy doing handoffs and setting picks and playmaking.

[gswhoops]

I am a big Poeltl fan but I don't think we would have much interest in acquiring him unless it was at a steep discount. We haven't played a big true C in basically the entire post-KD era (outside of the time the FO leaned on Kerr to force-feed Wiseman minutes)

He's smart on O and a team player, I think he might fit in nicely in Golden State. He's comfy doing handoffs and setting picks and playmaking.

I'm more concerned about his fit on D, to be honest. From what I've seen (which admittedly isn't a ton, so open to correction here), he's going to have to play drop coverage rather than switching, which means reworking our defensive system.

[Godaddycurse]

I am a big Poeltl fan but I don't think we would have much interest in acquiring him unless it was at a steep discount. We haven't played a big true C in basically the entire post-KD era (outside of the time the FO leaned on Kerr to force-feed Wiseman minutes)

He's smart on O and a team player, I think he might fit in nicely in Golden State. He's comfy doing handoffs and setting picks and playmaking.

I'm more concerned about his fit on D, to be honest. From what I've seen (which admittedly isn't a ton, so open to correction here), he's going to have to play drop coverage rather than switching, which means reworking our defensive system.

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may not be exactly what you're looking for but i dont think he's limited to drop coverage only

[Ell Curry]

I am a big Poeltl fan but I don't think we would have much interest in acquiring him unless it was at a steep discount. We haven't played a big true C in basically the entire post-KD era (outside of the time the FO leaned on Kerr to force-feed Wiseman minutes)

He's smart on O and a team player, I think he might fit in nicely in Golden State. He's comfy doing handoffs and setting picks and playmaking.

I'm more concerned about his fit on D, to be honest. From what I've seen (which admittedly isn't a ton, so open to correction here), he's going to have to play drop coverage rather than switching, which means reworking our defensive system.

He's a strange defender to describe. Not great at the rim, but good size. Not as slow footed as the centers who really are hampered by that (Valancianus, Lopez) but not quick laterally. He's kinda okay at everything.

Does feel like he'd provide something different than the smaller GSW centers by having actual center size, but on the other hand I feel like's been pretty bad against Jokic+AD, but might help against Chet or Sabonis if those series happen, though tough to see a Warriors/Kings first round matchup .

[gswhoops]

Good context here. I guess I'd be more open to the idea of trading for him than I initially thought. Not really sure what we can offer that Toronto would want though?

From a $ perspective we'd probably have to base the deal on Wiggins, and I'm not sure trading Wiggins + assets for Poeltl really moves the needle for us. GP2 + Looney + a vet min guy works in a vacuum but wouldn't leave us enough space under the apron to backfill two open roster spots. And I don't see us offering Kuminga or Podziemski value-wise.

[NW]

I think the Warriors would sooner look at Olynk or Boucher if they’re looking at bigs from Toronto.

There was interest in Poetl back when the Spurs traded him back to Toronto, but I think might have been about their interest in Siakam

[Coxy]

I feel like he is the big version of Klay Thompson. Both are/were elite off ball players. Both helped their team win games. Both were/are worth a ton in a trade. Not because either is a game changing go-to scorer, but because are/were elite floor spacers and secondary scorers.

Guys don't have to be elite go-to scorers to be worth a ton. Guys like Mikal Bridges demand a ton in trades due to filling other roles at an elite level.

Plus you are just selling Markannen short. Look up his advanced stats and you'll see his impact is excellent. He would have been a perfect fit for you as well.

I appreciate different folks have different opinions on players, but I think you have taken your opinion quit a bit past what the evidence shows.

I haven't looked into the advanced metrics with him at all, so I'll take your word for it on that side.

Still, I am yet to be impressed with anything about him being anything more that a tall shooter, leaning more towards a Channing Frye type than a Dirk Nowitzki type. I get that I could be wrong on this, but my eyeball test is showing me someone that is very different to what others see, and that includes Danny Ainge.

He isn’t Dirk or Frye. He is more similar to Klay Thompson than either of those guys. Considering his height he should be able to continue to produce for a long time. If the Jazz can get a stretch PF and C they could play five out with a very tall group leaving Lauri at SF. And then IF Cody Williams can develop they could play him (or someone else they get in this draft) at SG and have a huge starting lineup.

Lauri Markkanen is about as similar to Klay Thompson as a Springbok is to a Giraffe. The only players you can say are ‘similar’ to Klay are those that play a shooting guards role and guard smalls and wings, whilst constantly running around screens on offence. LM is not that, and I honestly don’t understand the comparison whatsoever.

[Ell Curry]

I think the Warriors would sooner look at Olynk or Boucher if they’re looking at bigs from Toronto.

There was interest in Poetl back when the Spurs traded him back to Toronto, but I think might have been about their interest in Siakam

For Boucher, I don't see it, unless he's traded somewhere and cut. What money do the Warriors want to send out? They're playing all those guys, and are way better with Payton Jr on the court than Moody. Kyle Anderson? I'm not sure any of those players are worth moving for Boucher (who I think would make sense as like a 4M veteran signing next summer, though he could probably get a little more money (or another guaranteed year) and playing time in some team with no frontcourt depth that is desperate like Denver, Chicago, the Clippers or Sacramento.

Olynyk hasn't played yet, but he'd fit nicely. He could definitely be more useful in a specific playoff series than one of Payton or Anderson if you need shooting and want 15-20 minutes a night of him as a stretch big paired with Draymond, or maybe at the 4 with TJD as the more mobile big defender?

[Ell Curry]

Melton's injury probably makes a trade more likely, particularly if he's out for the season. 12M expiring, that makes a lot of trades with tanking teams a lot easier.

[NW]

Melton's injury probably makes a trade more likely, particularly if he's out for the season. 12M expiring, that makes a lot of trades with tanking teams a lot easier.

Depends on the prognosis. Melton showed to be an excellent compliment in the backcourt to Steph in the few games he's played. Kind of guy you keep long term if the prospects for a full recovery is there.

[Daddy 801]

I haven't looked into the advanced metrics with him at all, so I'll take your word for it on that side.

Still, I am yet to be impressed with anything about him being anything more that a tall shooter, leaning more towards a Channing Frye type than a Dirk Nowitzki type. I get that I could be wrong on this, but my eyeball test is showing me someone that is very different to what others see, and that includes Danny Ainge.

He isn’t Dirk or Frye. He is more similar to Klay Thompson than either of those guys. Considering his height he should be able to continue to produce for a long time. If the Jazz can get a stretch PF and C they could play five out with a very tall group leaving Lauri at SF. And then IF Cody Williams can develop they could play him (or someone else they get in this draft) at SG and have a huge starting lineup.

Lauri Markkanen is about as similar to Klay Thompson as a Springbok is to a Giraffe. The only players you can say are ‘similar’ to Klay are those that play a shooting guards role and guard smalls and wings, whilst constantly running around screens on offence. LM is not that, and I honestly don’t understand the comparison whatsoever.

Look up the stats on how Klay and Lauri get their offense. It is created by others and high efficiency three point shooting. Something like 70-80% of Lauri’s offense is coming from other players and predominantly it’s three point shooting that gets him his points. Lauri is a very good three point shooter coming off screens. Lauri is not a back to the basket big man.

The Jazz are purposely trying to give him more touches in the post and elbow this season in hopes he develops that to his game. It’s not working well. But his three point shooting is still elite. They will go back to primarily three point shooting eventually.

He is an off ball elite three point shooter who can guard his/multiple positions. And since he is tall he gets rebounds and can play adequately in the paint when needed. He’s just a big ass shooting guard whose primarily role on defense is to guard SF-C to his size. The Jazz were the first team to play him like that when he arrived and it resulted in his all star selection.

Steph and him would have killed other teams because Lauri would have slotted in just great to Klays role.

[Coxy]

He isn’t Dirk or Frye. He is more similar to Klay Thompson than either of those guys. Considering his height he should be able to continue to produce for a long time. If the Jazz can get a stretch PF and C they could play five out with a very tall group leaving Lauri at SF. And then IF Cody Williams can develop they could play him (or someone else they get in this draft) at SG and have a huge starting lineup.

Lauri Markkanen is about as similar to Klay Thompson as a Springbok is to a Giraffe. The only players you can say are ‘similar’ to Klay are those that play a shooting guards role and guard smalls and wings, whilst constantly running around screens on offence. LM is not that, and I honestly don’t understand the comparison whatsoever.

Look up the stats on how Klay and Lauri get their offense. It is created by others and high efficiency three point shooting. Something like 70-80% of Lauri’s offense is coming from other players and predominantly it’s three point shooting that gets him his points. Lauri is a very good three point shooter coming off screens. Lauri is not a back to the basket big man.

The Jazz are purposely trying to give him more touches in the post and elbow this season in hopes he develops that to his game. It’s not working well. But his three point shooting is still elite. They will go back to primarily three point shooting eventually.

He is an off ball elite three point shooter who can guard his/multiple positions. And since he is tall he gets rebounds and can play adequately in the paint when needed. He’s just a big ass shooting guard whose primarily role on defense is to guard SF-C to his size. The Jazz were the first team to play him like that when he arrived and it resulted in his all star selection.

Steph and him would have killed other teams because Lauri would have slotted in just great to Klays role.

I get that analysis, I really do, I just don't think his impact is anywhere near what Klay's was in his prime.

Anyone playing with Curry get's better, especially if you're unselfish and a shooter. I have no doubt he'd be good on the Warriors, however the cost to acquire and pay him is over the top and I don't think opposing teams think highly of him enpugh to warrant giving up the haul that Ainge wants.

It's kind of like that guy that tries to sell his own house for huge money thinking it's the best house in the area, but the market doesn't think so, so the house just sits there forever and never sells.

[Daddy 801]

Lauri Markkanen is about as similar to Klay Thompson as a Springbok is to a Giraffe. The only players you can say are ‘similar’ to Klay are those that play a shooting guards role and guard smalls and wings, whilst constantly running around screens on offence. LM is not that, and I honestly don’t understand the comparison whatsoever.

Look up the stats on how Klay and Lauri get their offense. It is created by others and high efficiency three point shooting. Something like 70-80% of Lauri’s offense is coming from other players and predominantly it’s three point shooting that gets him his points. Lauri is a very good three point shooter coming off screens. Lauri is not a back to the basket big man.

The Jazz are purposely trying to give him more touches in the post and elbow this season in hopes he develops that to his game. It’s not working well. But his three point shooting is still elite. They will go back to primarily three point shooting eventually.

He is an off ball elite three point shooter who can guard his/multiple positions. And since he is tall he gets rebounds and can play adequately in the paint when needed. He’s just a big ass shooting guard whose primarily role on defense is to guard SF-C to his size. The Jazz were the first team to play him like that when he arrived and it resulted in his all star selection.

Steph and him would have killed other teams because Lauri would have slotted in just great to Klays role.

I get that analysis, I really do, I just don't think his impact is anywhere near what Klay's was in his prime.

Anyone playing with Curry get's better, especially if you're unselfish and a shooter. I have no doubt he'd be good on the Warriors, however the cost to acquire and pay him is over the top and I don't think opposing teams think highly of him enpugh to warrant giving up the haul that Ainge wants.

It's kind of like that guy that tries to sell his own house for huge money thinking it's the best house in the area, but the market doesn't think so, so the house just sits there forever and never sells.

I’m not debating what the Warriors should or shouldn’t have paid. I don’t watch enough Warriors games to know how good the young players are they were willing to give up. I know I wouldn’t want Wiggins on the Jazz which I believe was one of the pieces the Warriors wanted to trade. And if I was Ainge wouldn’t be inclined to trade Lauri to the Warriors for anything less than multiple unprotected picks that are down the road in 3-5 years because Lauri is worth more than a couple late FRP’s. And as long as Steph is there they aren’t going to be terrible so FRP’s the next couple years aren’t worth much.

I’m just pointing out Lauri’s playing style. It’s easy to see why most people wouldn’t know that is who he has become because it’s only been a few seasons since he came to the Jazz he’s been utilized that way. And let’s be honest…not many people watch Jazz games.

It is a tip of the hat to the Jazz coaching staff they figured out his game. It’s hard to just start using a seven foot PF like a SG, but the Jazz did and it works really well. Lauri will most likely never be the last minute of the game get the ball and get a bucket top tier player. But once the Jazz get a primary ball handling top tier player he will fit in perfectly just like Klay is the perfect fit next to Steph and/or Luka.

As far as impact goes I believe Lauri is better than Klay now. And looking at Lauri’s best season vs Klays it’s not clear to me which player had a better season. Klays defense back then was elite so 99% of people would give it to Klay. But offensively they had similar stats ppg wise. Lauri is having a down season stats wise for the reason I mentioned above. The Jazz are purposely playing him in a new role…which isn’t working but makes sense to try and develop his game so in 2-3 years when the Jazz are actually competitive he hopefully has a skillset he doesn’t have now. And if they try and develop a new aspect of his game and it doesn’t work it’s also a success because it just means more losing games which the Jazz obviously want.

My only point is Lauri’s game isn’t what people think. He is not a traditional big man and I suspect he never will be. He is most efficient playing off ball and jacking up 3’s just like Klay was/is. My hope is Lauri can do that for another 5-8 seasons because he is so tall and only 27. He doesn’t need athleticism to get his shot off so there is every reason to believe he could be efficient into his mid thirties assuming his health is ok.

[Coxy]

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I'm still confused to the value. You state his best game is to run off screens and jack 3's as a tall SG, but Utah aren't using him in that way now, for whatever reason, leading him to having a sub-par season so far, yet he's worth multiple 1st round picks in the future? Lauri has played 7 seasons in the NBA, and consistently only plays between 50-65 games per season through various injuries, and has only played 1 season that ended in a winning record with every other season he has played where he is showcased as 1 of the teams best players, ends in a losing record. If teams need to change up their offense to accomodate a tall SG to get the best out of him, and they never win, how is this guy worth multiple 1st round picks? It's certainly not because of his all world defence, that's for sure.

I have no doubt that he'd be more successful on a better team that could fit him in, but it's a strange sell from people in his corner, like Ainge, and the fans. The whole "We are using him wrong, and he'd kick ass on your team, so he's worth a huge haul in trade, even if nothing shows he's worth that currently" just doesn't fly with me, especially when I watch the guy and the eye ball test leaves me seriously unimpressed, every time.

[e83pw2oa9hl5f]

LM took a huge contract in a new market with the CBA. He is a tank commander now. No way he ends up on the warriors, he is staying where he is. Or going to a loser looking for a name with huge contract and no substance. Guy should not be in the convo at this point. Fantasy land talk.