Rumors, Random Thoughts, and Non-threadworthy Posts The 19th Hole

[Godaddycurse]

A random bad idea.. If Miami called about Giddey offering Jaku/Terry.. How much more is needed? JJJ? Jovic?

You can bridge Terry’s contract down with a third team (say Nurkic, giving Utah a second or two) or just play around BYC using TPE/MLE, would be pretty easily done adding one of Chicago’s smaller contracts.

I think Miami needs to add talent to their current group and was just trying to find some for them that doesn’t involve distant picks..

think chicago would ask for a future 1st on top of jaku/terry. Dont think jovic/JJJ holds much appeal for them when they already have Matas/Noa to develop.

[Devilanche]

And now all of a sudden, he's in the best shape of his life, after losing out on some money. Shows his true motivation IMO

Or was the motivation being traded away without him knowing ?

[Devilanche]

A random bad idea.. If Miami called about Giddey offering Jaku/Terry.. How much more is needed? JJJ? Jovic?

You can bridge Terry’s contract down with a third team (say Nurkic, giving Utah a second or two) or just play around BYC using TPE/MLE, would be pretty easily done adding one of Chicago’s smaller contracts.

I think Miami needs to add talent to their current group and was just trying to find some for them that doesn’t involve distant picks..

Just what amount are both Chicago and Giddey willing to settle at ?

Chicago probably rather have giddey than Jaku if I want to be somewhat competitive next season and not sure what immediate help they can offer that can bridge the gap.

[SkyHook]

2 2nds.

Bjax, Sky, would you mind sharing your thoughts on George? What are his strengths? Weaknesses? Is there potential upside still left? What frustrates you about him?

I think Skyhook will have more to say about him than I will. I was really excited about him in the draft, he had shown some great ability to create individual offense. Since transitioning into the NBA some of that is apparent, but he has really poor shot selection that absolutely craters his percentages. If you believe in his ability to cut some of that out of his shot diet his upside is relatively decent as a scorer. His passing has been a pleasant surprise when he is in the role of a secondary playmaker, but playing him at point guard can be ugly. He gets a reasonable amount of assists, but ball movement also dies when he is on the court. His major strengths are getting to the line and hitting transition threes - if he gets more off-ball reps he will look better. Defensively he is a mess - I think it is a lack of awareness, not a lack of effort.

I still think he can become a good microwave scorer off the bench as a median outcome, somewhere in the Cole Anthony to D'Lo spectrum. BUT, that archetype really isn't valuable. I would move him just to create opportunities for someone else with a more valuable skillset to develop, but if you told me he shoots something like 43/37/82 next year and is a valuable piece that would not surprise me (for reference, he shot 39/34/82 last year, but his TS was higher than you would expect at 53.9% - which is bad - because he is really good at drawing fouls).

This sums him up nicely (as expected). I'll add that focus is a major issue for him as is his tendency to sulk and pout when things don't go his way. I was high on him following his first summer league, but much less so before he was halfway through his first season in large part due to the petulance issue. I called it out on Twitter, as did several local and national media members (KOC & Tony Jones in particular) and his own Grandma.

If he matures, improves his shot selection, and elevates his ability to read and react defensively, then he could be a solid spark plug off the bench; that's a big ask. Until then, caveat emptor.

[daoneandonly]

Bjax, Sky, would you mind sharing your thoughts on George? What are his strengths? Weaknesses? Is there potential upside still left? What frustrates you about him?

I think Skyhook will have more to say about him than I will. I was really excited about him in the draft, he had shown some great ability to create individual offense. Since transitioning into the NBA some of that is apparent, but he has really poor shot selection that absolutely craters his percentages. If you believe in his ability to cut some of that out of his shot diet his upside is relatively decent as a scorer. His passing has been a pleasant surprise when he is in the role of a secondary playmaker, but playing him at point guard can be ugly. He gets a reasonable amount of assists, but ball movement also dies when he is on the court. His major strengths are getting to the line and hitting transition threes - if he gets more off-ball reps he will look better. Defensively he is a mess - I think it is a lack of awareness, not a lack of effort.

I still think he can become a good microwave scorer off the bench as a median outcome, somewhere in the Cole Anthony to D'Lo spectrum. BUT, that archetype really isn't valuable. I would move him just to create opportunities for someone else with a more valuable skillset to develop, but if you told me he shoots something like 43/37/82 next year and is a valuable piece that would not surprise me (for reference, he shot 39/34/82 last year, but his TS was higher than you would expect at 53.9% - which is bad - because he is really good at drawing fouls).

This sums him up nicely (as expected). I'll add that focus is a major issue for him as is his tendency to sulk and pout when things don't go his way. I was high on him following his first summer league, but much less so before he was halfway through his first season in large part due to the petulance issue. I called it out on Twitter, as did several local and national media members (KOC & Tony Jones in particular) and his own Grandma.

If he matures, improves his shot selection, and elevates his ability to read and react defensively, then he could be a solid spark plug off the bench; that's a big ask. Until then, caveat emptor.

Okay, Im no longer interested

[enzino]

another random trade idea:

BOS out: A. Simins, BOS top 8 protected future FRP
BOS in: Kel'El Ware, 23 MUSD cap relief

MIL out. K. Kuzma
MIL in: A. Simons

CHI out: Z. Collins
CHI in: K. Kuzma

CHA out: G. Williams
CHA in: Z. Collins

MIA out: Kel'El Ware
MIA in: BOS top 8 protected future FRP, G. Williams (into TPE)

[tester551]

another random trade idea:

BOS out: A. Simins, BOS top 8 protected future FRP
BOS in: Kel'El Ware, 23 MUSD cap relief

MIL out. K. Kuzma
MIL in: A. Simons

CHI out: Z. Collins
CHI in: K. Kuzma

CHA out: G. Williams
CHA in: Z. Collins

MIA out: Kel'El Ware
MIA in: BOS top 8 protected future FRP, G. Williams (into TPE)

Boston says yes.
Bucks say yes.

Bulls need a LOT more incentive here. Expiring Collins has more value than Kuzma on 2 yr contract.

Hornets... not sure here. I'm guessing they say no.

Heat - need a LOT more incentive here.

[jayjaysee]

A random bad idea.. If Miami called about Giddey offering Jaku/Terry.. How much more is needed? JJJ? Jovic?

You can bridge Terry’s contract down with a third team (say Nurkic, giving Utah a second or two) or just play around BYC using TPE/MLE, would be pretty easily done adding one of Chicago’s smaller contracts.

I think Miami needs to add talent to their current group and was just trying to find some for them that doesn’t involve distant picks..

Just what amount are both Chicago and Giddey willing to settle at ?

Chicago probably rather have giddey than Jaku if I want to be somewhat competitive next season and not sure what immediate help they can offer that can bridge the gap.

With Chicago having their MLE and a big TPE, seems like you could play around with it pretty easy.

Giddey at 26 first year?

Giddey+(one of Carter/Terry) for Rozier+(JJJ+Jaku into TPE/MLE)

Chicago should just pay Giddey. But Joku and JJJ feel better than Giddey on the QO.

[SkyHook]

another random trade idea:

BOS out: A. Simins, BOS top 8 protected future FRP
BOS in: Kel'El Ware, 23 MUSD cap relief

MIL out. K. Kuzma
MIL in: A. Simons

CHI out: Z. Collins
CHI in: K. Kuzma

CHA out: G. Williams
CHA in: Z. Collins

MIA out: Kel'El Ware
MIA in: BOS top 8 protected future FRP, G. Williams (into TPE)

As good as Ware has looked and for as much money as BOS is saving here, that would have to be the 2026 FRP unprotected to get any interest from Miami, imo.

[jayjaysee]

another random trade idea:

BOS out: A. Simins, BOS top 8 protected future FRP
BOS in: Kel'El Ware, 23 MUSD cap relief

MIL out. K. Kuzma
MIL in: A. Simons

CHI out: Z. Collins
CHI in: K. Kuzma

CHA out: G. Williams
CHA in: Z. Collins

MIA out: Kel'El Ware
MIA in: BOS top 8 protected future FRP, G. Williams (into TPE)

As good as Ware has looked and for as much money as BOS is saving here, that would have to be the 2026 FRP unprotected to get any interest from Miami, imo.

I don’t think Miami does it for an unprotected first..

And Charlotte is getting too good a deal, but they’d have no interest in paying for the swap imo.

[Scoot McGroot]

another random trade idea:

BOS out: A. Simins, BOS top 8 protected future FRP
BOS in: Kel'El Ware, 23 MUSD cap relief

MIL out. K. Kuzma
MIL in: A. Simons

CHI out: Z. Collins
CHI in: K. Kuzma

CHA out: G. Williams
CHA in: Z. Collins

MIA out: Kel'El Ware
MIA in: BOS top 8 protected future FRP, G. Williams (into TPE)

Sorry mate, but Miami isn’t coming close to considering that.

I see you tried to hide a GENEROUS RETURN to Boston by spreading it across 4 other teams, but that doesn’t work in real life.

[brackdan70]

another random trade idea:

BOS out: A. Simins, BOS top 8 protected future FRP
BOS in: Kel'El Ware, 23 MUSD cap relief

MIL out. K. Kuzma
MIL in: A. Simons

CHI out: Z. Collins
CHI in: K. Kuzma

CHA out: G. Williams
CHA in: Z. Collins

MIA out: Kel'El Ware
MIA in: BOS top 8 protected future FRP, G. Williams (into TPE)

Seems Bucks owe something to Chicago here.
I am guessing Miami might balk, though it’s probably fair value.
Edit: If this is the 2026 pick probably fair value. 2027 pick wouldn’t be enough.

[ReggiesKnicks]

another random trade idea:

BOS out: A. Simins, BOS top 8 protected future FRP
BOS in: Kel'El Ware, 23 MUSD cap relief

MIL out. K. Kuzma
MIL in: A. Simons

CHI out: Z. Collins
CHI in: K. Kuzma

CHA out: G. Williams
CHA in: Z. Collins

MIA out: Kel'El Ware
MIA in: BOS top 8 protected future FRP, G. Williams (into TPE)

Seems Bucks owe something to Chicago here.
I am guessing Miami might balk, though it’s probably fair value.

This is brutal for Miami.

Ware is a player who after his first year in the NBA you say "He is likely going to be a Top 10-12 player from this draft and could even approach High-End starter level". To trade him after the rookie season he had for a Top 8 protected 1st, a 1st with little to no upside, is bad. There is a 100% chance they balk, and not because they are overrating their prospect, but because the value and expected outcome of their return for Ware isn't even more attractive than Ware the player or propsect.

Ask yourself this, would you do Simons for Kuzma?

The whole trade is flawed. It is a Boston fan posting a trade where Boston trades players/assets to a team who wants some of the assets (Simons) and then adding a 3rd teams young, promising prospect and Boston taking that prospect.

Work out a deal for Kuzma/Simons, perfect. Add a promising 2nd year player for a Top 8 protected 1st? Seems unobjective.

[brackdan70]

another random trade idea:

BOS out: A. Simins, BOS top 8 protected future FRP
BOS in: Kel'El Ware, 23 MUSD cap relief

MIL out. K. Kuzma
MIL in: A. Simons

CHI out: Z. Collins
CHI in: K. Kuzma

CHA out: G. Williams
CHA in: Z. Collins

MIA out: Kel'El Ware
MIA in: BOS top 8 protected future FRP, G. Williams (into TPE)

Seems Bucks owe something to Chicago here.
I am guessing Miami might balk, though it’s probably fair value.

This is brutal for Miami.

Ware is a player who after his first year in the NBA you say "He is likely going to be a Top 10-12 player from this draft and could even approach High-End starter level". To trade him after the rookie season he had for a Top 8 protected 1st, a 1st with little to no upside, is bad. There is a 100% chance they balk, and not because they are overrating their prospect, but because the value and expected outcome of their return for Ware isn't even more attractive than Ware the player or propsect.

Ask yourself this, would you do Simons for Kuzma?

The whole trade is flawed. It is a Boston fan posting a trade where Boston trades players/assets to a team who wants some of the assets (Simons) and then adding a 3rd teams young, promising prospect and Boston taking that prospect.

Work out a deal for Kuzma/Simons, perfect. Add a promising 2nd year player for a Top 8 protected 1st? Seems unobjective.

Yeah I edited my response of the 2026 pick it probably close. Probably lighter protection too maybe top5.

And no I wouldn’t trade for Kuzma.

[Devilanche]

This sums him up nicely (as expected). I'll add that focus is a major issue for him as is his tendency to sulk and pout when things don't go his way. I was high on him following his first summer league, but much less so before he was halfway through his first season in large part due to the petulance issue. I called it out on Twitter, as did several local and national media members (KOC & Tony Jones in particular) and his own Grandma.

If he matures, improves his shot selection, and elevates his ability to read and react defensively, then he could be a solid spark plug off the bench; that's a big ask. Until then, caveat emptor.

If even your own grandma call you out .

[Devilanche]

A random bad idea.. If Miami called about Giddey offering Jaku/Terry.. How much more is needed? JJJ? Jovic?

You can bridge Terry’s contract down with a third team (say Nurkic, giving Utah a second or two) or just play around BYC using TPE/MLE, would be pretty easily done adding one of Chicago’s smaller contracts.

I think Miami needs to add talent to their current group and was just trying to find some for them that doesn’t involve distant picks..

Just what amount are both Chicago and Giddey willing to settle at ?

Chicago probably rather have giddey than Jaku if I want to be somewhat competitive next season and not sure what immediate help they can offer that can bridge the gap.

With Chicago having their MLE and a big TPE, seems like you could play around with it pretty easy.

Giddey at 26 first year?

Giddey+(one of Carter/Terry) for Rozier+(JJJ+Jaku into TPE/MLE)

Chicago should just pay Giddey. But Joku and JJJ feel better than Giddey on the QO.

If Chicago not keen on whatever amount that giddey wants at a minimum , your offer plus fillers whatever it might be is always better than QO.

But if Chicago is ok to pay the amount to be on the treadmill. Giddey probably have a tad more value . Even if that amount is an instant bad contract to most of us.

[Texas Chuck]

And now all of a sudden, he's in the best shape of his life, after losing out on some money. Shows his true motivation IMO

Or was the motivation being traded away without him knowing ?

While publicly trashing him mind you. While claiming that AD of all players is more reliable than him.

This idea that Luka Doncic wasn't committed to winning as a Dallas Maverick is a false re-writing of history. I know that's popular in this country right now among some, but we really shouldn't just make stuff up to rail against. Luka was overweight at times. Luka also was among league leaders in minutes every year and dominated in the playoffs every year. To think he's just in it for money is laughable.

[GoBobs]

What do people see PJ getting on an extension? 4/90 seems reasonable..? What would be to much for his next contract if you needed to trade him down the road?

[daoneandonly]

And now all of a sudden, he's in the best shape of his life, after losing out on some money. Shows his true motivation IMO

Or was the motivation being traded away without him knowing ?

While publicly trashing him mind you. While claiming that AD of all players is more reliable than him.

This idea that Luka Doncic wasn't committed to winning as a Dallas Maverick is a false re-writing of history. I know that's popular in this country right now among some, but we really shouldn't just make stuff up to rail against. Luka was overweight at times. Luka also was among league leaders in minutes every year and dominated in the playoffs every year. To think he's just in it for money is laughable.

Why do you have to take political shots to make your point? Not necessary in this discussion IMO

You are 100% right that Nico claiming AD is more reliable is not only laughable, it's ridiculous, asinine, and shows he's not a competent GM. Luka was out of shape time after time, and it led to injuries in addition to his heavy minutes. Not to mention you could set your watch to him whining and barking at refs instead of getting back on D. My favorite Luka moment was when John Collins blew past him for a game winning shot and Luka barked and yelled at his teammate for it.

The public trashing was about as unprofessional and immature as it gets, but you dont think these convos were had with him throughout his tenure there? And he still came in out of shape? I didnt say he's only in it for the money, but its surely hsi main motivation. You think for a second he would have taken a discount deal like Brunson did for NY? No chance. If he wasnt willing to sacrifice certain foods and drinks and allot more gym time, doubt he'd give up a penny. But again, yeah, now he's Mr. Work Ethic, then and now

Copious amounts of money can buy being in shape and well-conditioned, with much less sacrifice than most of us have to do.

[jbk1234]

another random trade idea:

BOS out: A. Simins, BOS top 8 protected future FRP
BOS in: Kel'El Ware, 23 MUSD cap relief

MIL out. K. Kuzma
MIL in: A. Simons

CHI out: Z. Collins
CHI in: K. Kuzma

CHA out: G. Williams
CHA in: Z. Collins

MIA out: Kel'El Ware
MIA in: BOS top 8 protected future FRP, G. Williams (into TPE)

As good as Ware has looked and for as much money as BOS is saving here, that would have to be the 2026 FRP unprotected to get any interest from Miami, imo.

Or at least top 3 protected to get the conversation started, but the Heat and Bulls probably aren't all that interested in fixing the Celtics and Bucks. There will be a surcharge for helping with that before the season starts, and this is just the opposite.