Trade Talk (Part 17): Early Offseason Planning

[Slim Tubby]

Sometimes I wonder where LaMelo would be today, if CHA had put him in a winning environment, like Connelly did for Ant?

LaMelo came into the league more interested in what the NBA could do for him rather than what he could do for the NBA.

He's a player I will never cheer for even in a Wolves uniform. He's a selfish player and not remotely interested in winning basketball.

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[Domejandro]

Sometimes I wonder where LaMelo would be today, if CHA had put him in a winning environment, like Connelly did for Ant?

LaMelo came into the league more interested in what the NBA could do for him rather than what he could do for the NBA.

He's a player I will never cheer for even in a Wolves uniform. He's a selfish player and not remotely interested in winning basketball.

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Respectfully, this is completely vibes based analysis. The situation handed to him in Charlotte has been completely unwinnable. Zero quality veteran leadership, barely any talent, no supplementary defenders, and a collection of knuckleheads on the roster. I think that it is entirely possible that being on Charlotte has had an incredibly negative impact on his development (similar to how Karl-Anthony Towns' key developmental years were squandered), but LaMelo Ball has a tremendous amount of talent.

Personally, I would love to gamble on his development and health, if the cost was as low as Julius Randle, Rob Dillingham, Leonard Miller, and bad draft compensation. That said, I don't see Charlotte considering that, even if a third team entered the mix to send value for Julius Randle. Charlotte has nothing going on, and LaMelo Ball sells tickets and is consistently top-15 in jersey sales.

Editing in the roster costruction...

LaMelo Ball / Mike Conley
Anthony Edwards / Donte DiVincenzo / Jaylen Clark
Jaden McDaniels / Terrence Shannon Jr.
Naz Reid / Joe Ingles /
Rudy Gobert / Joan Beringer / Rocco Zikarsky (2WP)

I would feel much more comfortable with it if Minnesota could follow-up with signing someone like Kyle Anderson (if he gets bought out), or even someone like Ben Simmons or Chris Boucher, but I think it makes sense from a roster construction standpoint. To reiterate though, it's pretty clear that Minnesota is moving forward with their current roster.

[Krapinsky]

Dilly and Donte for Andrew Nembard. Who says no?

[KGdaBom]

Dilly and Donte for Andrew Nembard. Who says no?

Me. I think we are way underrating DDV here due to a poor playoffs. Next year we will get the real DDV.

[Norseman79]

Dilly and Donte for Andrew Nembard. Who says no?

Inidana

[Norseman79]

Dilly and Donte for Andrew Nembard. Who says no?

Donte, Dilly and a 1rst maybe, maybe if the expect Hali back sooner rather than later.

Realistically, Donte, TSJ and Dilly plus a pick is probably more accurate.

[Neeva]

This board OVERATES Nembhard so hard, he’s the new Aaron Gordon for this board except Gordon was way better and a top 2 player on his team for every season he was in Orlando. Nembhard barely averages 10 points as a starting and undersized shooting guard and plays questionable defense.Nembhard and McConnell work in Indiana mostly because of their head coach and his system. I think on diffetent teams they will be pretty mediocre.

[Klomp]

This board OVERATES Nembhard so hard, he’s the new Aaron Gordon for this board except Gordon was way better and a top 2 player on his team for every season he was in Orlando. Nembhard barely averages 10 points as a starting and undersized shooting guard and plays questionable defense.Nembhard and McConnell work in Indiana mostly because of their head coach and his system. I think on diffetent teams they will be pretty mediocre.

I think that's actually an interesting comparison.

[Slim Tubby]

Sometimes I wonder where LaMelo would be today, if CHA had put him in a winning environment, like Connelly did for Ant?

LaMelo came into the league more interested in what the NBA could do for him rather than what he could do for the NBA.

He's a player I will never cheer for even in a Wolves uniform. He's a selfish player and not remotely interested in winning basketball.

Sent from my N152DL using RealGM Forums mobile app

Respectfully, this is completely vibes based analysis. The situation handed to him in Charlotte has been completely unwinnable. Zero quality veteran leadership, barely any talent, no supplementary defenders, and a collection of knuckleheads on the roster. I think that it is entirely possible that being on Charlotte has had an incredibly negative impact on his development (similar to how Karl-Anthony Towns' key developmental years were squandered), but LaMelo Ball has a tremendous amount of talent.

Personally, I would love to gamble on his development and health, if the cost was as low as Julius Randle, Rob Dillingham, Leonard Miller, and bad draft compensation. That said, I don't see Charlotte considering that, even if a third team entered the mix to send value for Julius Randle. Charlotte has nothing going on, and LaMelo Ball sells tickets and is consistently top-15 in jersey sales.

Editing in the roster costruction...

LaMelo Ball / Mike Conley
Anthony Edwards / Donte DiVincenzo / Jaylen Clark
Jaden McDaniels / Terrence Shannon Jr.
Naz Reid / Joe Ingles /
Rudy Gobert / Joan Beringer / Rocco Zikarsky (2WP)

I would feel much more comfortable with it if Minnesota could follow-up with signing someone like Kyle Anderson (if he gets bought out), or even someone like Ben Simmons or Chris Boucher, but I think it makes sense from a roster construction standpoint. To reiterate though, it's pretty clear that Minnesota is moving forward with their current roster.

If I believed for a second that CHA's asking price for LaMelo would be nothing more than Randle, Dillingham, Miller and bad draft compensation, sure...that's worth the risk.

But let's not pretend that's realistic or that LaMelo's selfishness as a basketball player would be any different with a change of scenery.

I respect your opinion but I'm not buying it for a second. LaMelo is a polished turd.

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[minimus]

This board OVERATES Nembhard so hard, he’s the new Aaron Gordon for this board except Gordon was way better and a top 2 player on his team for every season he was in Orlando. Nembhard barely averages 10 points as a starting and undersized shooting guard and plays questionable defense.Nembhard and McConnell work in Indiana mostly because of their head coach and his system. I think on different teams they will be pretty mediocre.

Bingo! Nembhard plays next to Haliburton, which is not the same as Nembhard next to Edwards at least in offense. It means that MIN wont become IND after we trade Rob, DDV and 1st for Nembhard. Moreover, I think MIN can have more balanced offense if we trade DDV for McConnell.

The only thing that might be a reason to trade Rob, DDV and 1st for Nembhard is the belief that Nembhard a better offensive version of NAW, hence our defense will be again the best in NBA.

[Norseman79]

1. Nembhard is not a shooting guard, he plays out of position next to Haliburton, he is actually a very good point guard.

https://www.nbadraft.net/players/andrew-nembhard/

https://nbadraftroom.com/p/andrew-nembhard/

Here is a couple of scouting reports for you.

2. He is an Aaron Gordon type...but only at PG...the same Gordon who was a fringe all star and helped the nuggets wing a ring??

3. Yes he is excellent on defense, typically shoots around 35-36% from 3 (dipped this year), and is very good with the ball. Also, he plays with a bit of edge/attitude.

4. He is better than DDV except shooting, he is way more proven, better defensively and bigger than Dillingham, 1rst round picks are typically lotto tickets

5. The difference between Nembhard and NAW is Nembhard is an actual 6'4 PG who takes care of the ball and plays great defense. NAW played great defense and could get hot from three.

https://www.nba.com/news/andrew-nembhard-takes-on-challenge-2025-nba-finals

At minimum he is a good combo guard who compliments Ant in the backcourt better than anyone else we have.

Doesn't matter, wouldn't happen. Indiana wouldn't give him up with Haliburton injury, especially for an inconsistent DDV and a likely bust in Dilly, it's picks or guys like TSJ that would get it done. Sexton is more likely.

[minimus]

Nembhard is not a shooting guard, he plays out of position next to Haliburton, he is actually a very good point guard.

Yes, he is not a SG. He is a comboguard.

He is an Aaron Gordon type...but only at PG...the same Gordon who was a fringe all star and helped the nuggets wing a ring??

Here is a problem, I remember very well Aaron Gordon before DEN. He always had all athletic tools, passing skills, defense etc. But it is safe to say, that Jokic made him ASG level of player. That said, in my opinion Haliburton has similar effect to his teammates, because of perfect fit and chemistry. In this sense new Turner contract 109/4 has a lot to do with Haliburton

Read on Twitter

[Norseman79]

Nembhard is not a shooting guard, he plays out of position next to Haliburton, he is actually a very good point guard.

Yes, he is not a SG. He is a comboguard.

He is an Aaron Gordon type...but only at PG...the same Gordon who was a fringe all star and helped the nuggets wing a ring??

Here is a problem, I remember very well Aaron Gordon before DEN. He always had all athletic tools, passing skills, defense etc. But it is safe to say, that Jokic made him ASG level of player. That said, in my opinion Haliburton has similar effect to his teammates, because of perfect fit and chemistry. In this sense new Turner contract 109/4 has a lot to do with Haliburton

Read on Twitter

He is a combo guard in the sense that he can play on or off ball, his best skill set is that of a point guard. Read scouting reports. I believe he has a 15 assist game. Not arguing if he plays a combo guard role, more if he would actually be better in a PG role.

Elite players maximize those around them. If Ant is better than Haliburton (which I believe he is) then he could further boost Nembhard. In fairness, the Magic were awful and Gordon had his best seasons there. Give him the supporting cast he had in Denver he was able to be the Swiss Army knife he is best used as.

Easy question, would Nembhard be the best PG on the Wolves? Again, not that it matters, pacers won't trade him.

[minimus]

He is a combo guard in the sense that he can play on or off ball, his best skill set is that of a point guard. Read scouting reports. I believe he has a 15 assist game. Not arguing if he plays a combo guard role, more if he would actually be better in a PG role.

I am not sure whether 20 mil Nembhard is an ideal PG for MIN (his 3PT shooting is inconsistent). I wonder how much IND 0.5 offense gives him advantage that NAW did not have in MIN. Either way we will find out it soon, when he plays full season without Haliburton. Also I can see NAW looking better next to Young in offense than MIN.

[KGdaBom]

The Nembhard love is IMO over the top and the dissing of DDV and Dilly is a shame. Prove them wrong DDV and Dilly.

[Norseman79]

He is a combo guard in the sense that he can play on or off ball, his best skill set is that of a point guard. Read scouting reports. I believe he has a 15 assist game. Not arguing if he plays a combo guard role, more if he would actually be better in a PG role.

I am not sure whether 20 mil Nembhard is an ideal PG for MIN (his 3PT shooting is inconsistent). I wonder how much IND 0.5 offense gives him advantage that NAW did not have in MIN. Either way we will find out it soon, when he plays full season without Haliburton. Also I can see NAW looking better next to Young in offense than MIN.

Nembhard was 35%, 35%, then 29% this last year. Agreed on we will find some stuff out this year. Honestly, I am more worried about ball control and defense, a long with a respectable 3pt shot than I am getting a gunner who turns it over and is a sieve on defense. That's me though.

[Norseman79]

The Nembhard love is IMO over the top and the dissing of DDV and Dilly is a shame. Prove them wrong DDV and Dilly.

DDV isn't a point guard, if he had those skills I wouldn't trade him. Dilly hasn't shown anything yet and he is quite diminutive. His offensive game will have to be extraordinary to offset his other shortcomings. I had high hopes when they drafted Dilly as I had read he was 6'3 and would likely fill out, most young guys do. Seeing him at 6'1 about 170 I wouldn't have been as optimistic, in addition his athleticism was also overblown. I think he could be a great sparkplug type of guy off the bench, that is my hopes for him from what I have seen so far, I do not see any type of starter on a playoff team.

[Norseman79]

The Nembhard love is IMO over the top and the dissing of DDV and Dilly is a shame. Prove them wrong DDV and Dilly.

Realistically -

Young no chance, Morant no chance, Haliburton no chance, Murray no chance, Maxey no chance, Ball no chance, Brunson no chance, Kyrie no chance, FVV no chance, SGA no chance, Garland no chance, Cunningham no chance and I am sure I am forgetting a few. (Arguably top 12 pgs in league)

Nembhard, maybe. White, maybe. Sexton, maybe. Murray, maybe. Quickly, maybe (big money icky).

Who else actually moves the needle? I would say our starting PG is arguably bottom 5 in league right now,. certainly bottom 10.

[KGdaBom]

The Nembhard love is IMO over the top and the dissing of DDV and Dilly is a shame. Prove them wrong DDV and Dilly.

DDV isn't a point guard, if he had those skills I wouldn't trade him. Dilly hasn't shown anything yet and he is quite diminutive. His offensive game will have to be extraordinary to offset his other shortcomings. I had high hopes when they drafted Dilly as I had read he was 6'3 and would likely fill out, most young guys do. Seeing him at 6'1 about 170 I wouldn't have been as optimistic, in addition his athleticism was also overblown. I think he could be a great sparkplug type of guy off the bench, that is my hopes for him from what I have seen so far, I do not see any type of starter on a playoff team.

I'm the one who has explicitly said DDV isn't a point guard. That doesn't mean we should be giving him away for less than optimum value. Dilly is a PG who given the chance IMO will prove his doubters wrong. Time will tell.

[Norseman79]

The Nembhard love is IMO over the top and the dissing of DDV and Dilly is a shame. Prove them wrong DDV and Dilly.

DDV isn't a point guard, if he had those skills I wouldn't trade him. Dilly hasn't shown anything yet and he is quite diminutive. His offensive game will have to be extraordinary to offset his other shortcomings. I had high hopes when they drafted Dilly as I had read he was 6'3 and would likely fill out, most young guys do. Seeing him at 6'1 about 170 I wouldn't have been as optimistic, in addition his athleticism was also overblown. I think he could be a great sparkplug type of guy off the bench, that is my hopes for him from what I have seen so far, I do not see any type of starter on a playoff team.

I'm the one who has explicitly said DDV isn't a point guard. That doesn't mean we should be giving him away for less than optimum value. Dilly is a PG who given the chance IMO will prove his doubters wrong. Time will tell.

My point was not that you thought DDV was a point guard, it's that positional value matters. Nembhard's value due to his ability to play point guard is higher than DDVs. Therefore, it would not be less than optimum value. In addition, Nembhard is a better player all around, also better value. Finally, he is a far bigger need for us than DDV. Dilly could prove people wrong, you are right. He had last year and this summer and fall to prove he deserves minutes. The longer we hold on, the further his value drops if he isn't panning out. I like to sell high rather than gamble if I am netting a profit.