REALISTIC:
Most likely we go forward with our strong upper rotation and add some cheapest possible options. Sasha's ability to spend minutes at point and Lamar's ability at PF gives us plenty of flexibility with our upper lineup. Not Ideal, but plenty good enough. Here's were I think we go:
Coby Karl 711K - Definitely proved his worth imo. Athletic, can shoot and plays hard defense he could be Sasha's equal very quickly and potentially could be better. He's worth a roster spot for sure.
Elton Brown 700Kish - http://www.hoopsworld.com/Story.asp?story_id=9585 I present to you our best option at backup PF. Super cheap, likely available at the min, he is the perfect guy for a few mins a game. Young and very motivated. I love guys like this, works very hard to prove himself and get in the league and has been successful everywhere he has been. Plus his best attribute is rebounding. He's tough as well and could prove a perfect replacement for Ronny. Could be a Brandon Bass like signing.
Mbenga 800kish - Makes the most sense. He knows the system, is super cheap, and is tough and defends as well as he can. I thought he showed a nice little bit of improvement at the end of the season and I was kind of pissed Phil put Mihm on the finals roster. I thought he could have given a few nice mins against Boston. I think he still has some potential and I think with his story he has enough motivation to work hard.
Sun Yue 700k? - Depending on how he shows in the Olympics he could be one more possible piece to round it out.
There you go, a full roster without spending much more money. Our bench is what it should be, young, tough and motivated. Please no 2 million dollar contracts for washed up vets that have little motivation. NO Horry or Finely dear god...
DEALS THAT MAKE SENSE:
Vlad for Reggie Evans - I know everyone hates Vlad right now, but his O is actually quite valuable (our offense was at its best with him in the game) BUT if we are putting our money on LO and Ariza, theres just no mins for him anymore and Reggie would be a nice fit. Plus it would save us a few mill. Philly might do this for his shooting.
DEALS THAT ARE NICE BUT UNLIKELY:
Vlad for Fry and Webster: Would fill more spots, dunno why Portland would do it though
Vlad for any 2 2.5-3mil a year players. Pick your fillers, gives us depth, dunno if we can do it though.
LO for a good PG/SF and a filler or two. Similarly we could get more depth and a legit piece that might fit better the LO and save a little money too. There are some great deals out there but just don't see any of them happening anytime soon. I think it unlikely Lamar actually moves until later in the year. If Sac changes to like Artest and Moore, then possibly and that would work, but I have my doubts we end up getting Ron.
at any rate, I think our best bet is Min contracts to guys that are still trying to earn their way, keep one roster spot open for a vet down the road if one becomes available that we might need. I'd rather get some hungry guys then vets that don't need it honestly. Look at Brandon Bass, Eddie House, Carl Landry, Ramon Sessions, Ronny, etc as examples at what young motivated guys can do. Also like Mikey Moore, who had a good season for NJ. We just don't have to give them big deals after their year of usefullness
What do you guys think? Spend a bit more on Vets? Elson or Skinner? Push for trades?
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