Offseason plan

[jakebernat]

While it's obvious that Greg Monroe's situation is our most critical of the offseason, and I'm of the opinion that we need to keep him at all costs, our next biggest move will be upgrading our wings on both ends of the court. Caron Butler is a shell of his former self, and Kyle Singler is a spot up shooting backup at best.

Stanley Johnson would be an ideal draft target, but he will likely be off the board by the time we pick, as I expect us to make a serious push for the playoffs and pick in the 14-20 range. This seriously hinders our ability to select an impact player complimentary to our roster, but being a deep draft, there are still plenty of solid options who can improve the roster both now and in the future.

One player I feel we should be targeting is UVA'S Justin Anderson. While not as tantalizing a prospect as Mudiay, Okafor, or Johnson, he's still a tremendous athlete with impressive length that fits the 3&D mold that we desparatey need out of our SF's. His success this season spearheading one of college basketball's top defenses shows his ability to play winning team basketball. This is also evidenced by his efficiency and surprising playmaking ability on the other end of the court. I feel like he is an SVG player through & through, and he would undoubtedly utilize his talents to the fullest extent. Also, if the deal is there, we may even be able to trade down to get in, allowing us to acquire even more assets.

Next up for our mini-roster overhaul would be free agency. As I stated before, keeping moose should be our number 1 priority. I know some people think we need another max level player on the perimeter to be competitive, but I disagree. What we really need is a few complimentary pieces to shore up some of our weaknesses on the wing.

One guy we absolutely must go after is Khris Middleton. This guy has exceeded all expectations for himself and then some. His limitless range and lightening quick release make him an obvious fit offensively, but he's expanded his game beyond just floor-spacing. He now has the ability to put the ball on the floor and knockdown pull-up jumpers from midrange, take it all the way to the basket, or make plays for others. His play on the other end has improved greatly as well as he is using his length, quickness, and positioning to disrupt whoever he's guarding. He could step in and start from day 1, leaving Anderson to be eased into the rotation as a backup. I really believe that he could have an effect on our team similar to the effect Korver has had in Atlanta.

Regarding our other impending free agents, I'd keep Tolliver as I believe he has a team option, and I'd try to keep Jerebko as long as his price is right (and he's still on the roster,) but if it doesn't work out, Kyle O'Quinn would be a very interesting target seeing as how the Magic will have a bevy of their own roster modifications to ponder. We could swoop in and steal away one of their more productive rotational pieces. Joel Anthony would be a good depth signing to retain at the minimum.

Everyone else: Butler, Singler, and Datome, should go. We would be set at every position and have a deep bench as well. Our lineup would look like this:

PG: Jennings, Augustin, Dinwiddie
SG: KCP, Meeks, Middleton, Dinwiddie
SF: Middleton, Anderson, Martin, KCP
PF: Monroe, Tolliver, Jerebko/O'Quinn
C: Drummond, Monroe, Anthony

We would also have our 2nd rounder from the draft to further improve our depth. This would be my ideal offseason. What do you guys think?

[jakebernat]

Also, Andre Iguodala could be a trade target in the offseason as the Dubs will assuredly look to shed salary once they resign Draymond.

[DocRI]

Responding to this one first 'cuz it's shorter —

Also, Andre Iguodala could be a trade target in the offseason as the Dubs will assuredly look to shed salary once they resign Draymond.

I think Iggy's more or less done. I'd actually still love him on DET in the exact same veteran bench role he plays on GSW, but no way at his current price tag.

As for the rest of your plan, what can I say? It's solid and realistic. I wouldn't call it "ideal" just because it's so reasonable; I mean, c'mon man, can't you have us winning the lottery or snagging a bigger-name SF somehow?

My only criticisms —

1) How much are you willing to pay Middleton as an RFA to get MIL not to match? I'll be happy to sign him back at a reasonable number, but RFA's usually require overpaying and I don't want to spend ~$10M on Middleton.

2) I haven't watched enough of O'Quinn, but I think Tolliver's success off our bench shows that our bigs behind Dre and Moose should be stretch guys.

3) I think this season has shown that Jerebko doesn't have a place in SVG's long term plans.

Otherwise, again, solid job!

[The Penguin]

1) give a max to Butler/Leonard/Tobias Harris/or Draymond Green

2) resign Greg & Singler

3) draft BPA

Drummond
Monroe
FA SF / Singler
KCP / Meeks
Jennings

[sfballa13]

Singler-Tolliver-Anthony could and should be resigned for cheap

[jakebernat]

Responding to this one first 'cuz it's shorter —

Also, Andre Iguodala could be a trade target in the offseason as the Dubs will assuredly look to shed salary once they resign Draymond.

I think Iggy's more or less done. I'd actually still love him on DET in the exact same veteran bench role he plays on GSW, but no way at his current price tag.

As for the rest of your plan, what can I say? It's solid and realistic. I wouldn't call it "ideal" just because it's so reasonable; I mean, c'mon man, can't you have us winning the lottery or snagging a bigger-name SF somehow?

My only criticisms —

1) How much are you willing to pay Middleton as an RFA to get MIL not to match? I'll be happy to sign him back at a reasonable number, but RFA's usually require overpaying and I don't want to spend ~$10M on Middleton.

2) I haven't watched enough of O'Quinn, but I think Tolliver's success off our bench shows that our bigs behind Dre and Moose should be stretch guys.

3) I think this season has shown that Jerebko doesn't have a place in SVG's long term plans.

Otherwise, again, solid job!

I think Iggy's still got a little time to contribute at a high level. He's not worth his current price tag, but at the very least, he can still defend the perimeter better than most players, he's a consummate team player (he only takes 6 shots a game,) and he's a very serviceable playmaker from the wing. Since he's so overpriced, it's possible that we would be able to gain assets such as draft picks just for taking on his salary.

As for Middleton, the numbers I had in my head were 6-8 million a year over 3-4 years. That seems a bit pricey, but as you already said, he's a RFA, so the home team has the leverage in negotiations. We have to offer something they'd be unwilling to match. My thought process is that with the Greek Freak and Jabari already slated to be the team's starting forwards and with Mayo, Dudley, and Ilyasova set to take up most of the teams bench minutes at the 2, 3, & 4 respectively, it's hard to imagine that the bucks would be willing to keep Middleton at that price.

O'Quinn has pretty good range for a big man, and he's a solid rim protector. Those are two characteristics that none of our current bigs possess. I would just rather not have redundant skill sets on our team, but that's just me. There's probably some stretch bigs in the draft that we could target in the 2nd round.

And like I said, I'd keep Jerebko as long as his price was right and there was mutual interest. To me, he's more of a hustler/fighter than he is an everyday rotational player, but he was giving us solid production when he was receiving extended playing time.

[jakebernat]

Singler-Tolliver-Anthony could and should be resigned for cheap

If Singler would resign for close to the minimum, then I'd love to keep him around, but something tells me he's going to look to cash in a little more than that after having started for 3 different coaches over the last few years.

[RexRyan]

.......

[RexRyan]

O'Quinn is shooting 28% from three. I can't see SVG wanting that. Iggy shooting 33% with a huge price tag. Golden State would have to really sweeten a deal to send him our way (Barnes if Monroe leaves?).

One thing to keep in mind is that the cap is going to shoot up a bunch in the very near future. So a big offer to a guy like Middleton might seem dumb now, but very realistic in two years. For the reasons mentioned above (quick release, range, good defender) someone like him makes sense. I would throw huge money at Harris/Butler/Leonard first, then someone like Middleton.

[mercury]

I'm not feeling Middleton as much... not that he isn't a solid offensive option ... and his defense is decent... what I don't care for is his selfish nature... similar to KCP he is reluctant to find the open man... it's all about getting his shots up.

[sc8581]

I'm not feeling Middleton as much... not that he isn't a solid offensive option ... and his defense is decent... what I don't care for is his selfish nature... similar to KCP he is reluctant to find the open man... it's all about getting his shots up.

2.5 assist per 36 minutes isn't that bad, about the same as Monroe I would think with a lower usage and a lot of spot up shots probably. Middleton didn't impress me last year he was too one dimensional but this year I see him as an ideal free agent target this summer.

[mercury]

I'm not feeling Middleton as much... not that he isn't a solid offensive option ... and his defense is decent... what I don't care for is his selfish nature... similar to KCP he is reluctant to find the open man... it's all about getting his shots up.

2.5 assist per 36 minutes isn't that bad, about the same as Monroe I would think with a lower usage and a lot of spot up shots probably. Middleton didn't impress me last year he was too one dimensional but this year I see him as an ideal free agent target this summer.

I'm more interested in court awareness than assist... if a team knows you're a chucker you'll get more attention and be forced to give it up... if you are a willing passer the ball will find you again (instead of forget that black hole)... I'm not saying Kris isn't a good player for the right price... but be careful what you ask for in salary,... there has to be a good balance... Middleton is not the type to feed his high % post men first.... def not liking KCP paired with him

[sc8581]

I'm not feeling Middleton as much... not that he isn't a solid offensive option ... and his defense is decent... what I don't care for is his selfish nature... similar to KCP he is reluctant to find the open man... it's all about getting his shots up.

2.5 assist per 36 minutes isn't that bad, about the same as Monroe I would think with a lower usage and a lot of spot up shots probably. Middleton didn't impress me last year he was too one dimensional but this year I see him as an ideal free agent target this summer.

I'm more interested in court awareness than assist... if a team knows you're a chucker you'll get more attention and be forced to give it up... if you are a willing passer the ball will find you again (instead of forget that black hole)... I'm not saying Kris isn't a good player for the right price... but be careful what you ask for in salary,... there has to be a good balance... Middleton is not the type to feed his high % post men first.... def not liking KCP paired with him

Once he gets paid he may play less selfish, he was a 2nd rounder so he hasn't made any money yet.

[vic]

While it's obvious that Greg Monroe's situation is our most critical of the offseason, and I'm of the opinion that we need to keep him at all costs, our next biggest move will be upgrading our wings on both ends of the court. Caron Butler is a shell of his former self, and Kyle Singler is a spot up shooting backup at best.

Stanley Johnson would be an ideal draft target, but he will likely be off the board by the time we pick, as I expect us to make a serious push for the playoffs and pick in the 14-20 range. This seriously hinders our ability to select an impact player complimentary to our roster, but being a deep draft, there are still plenty of solid options who can improve the roster both now and in the future.

One player I feel we should be targeting is UVA'S Justin Anderson. While not as tantalizing a prospect as Mudiay, Okafor, or Johnson, he's still a tremendous athlete with impressive length that fits the 3&D mold that we desparatey need out of our SF's. His success this season spearheading one of college basketball's top defenses shows his ability to play winning team basketball. This is also evidenced by his efficiency and surprising playmaking ability on the other end of the court. I feel like he is an SVG player through & through, and he would undoubtedly utilize his talents to the fullest extent. Also, if the deal is there, we may even be able to trade down to get in, allowing us to acquire even more assets.

Next up for our mini-roster overhaul would be free agency. As I stated before, keeping moose should be our number 1 priority. I know some people think we need another max level player on the perimeter to be competitive, but I disagree. What we really need is a few complimentary pieces to shore up some of our weaknesses on the wing.

One guy we absolutely must go after is Khris Middleton. This guy has exceeded all expectations for himself and then some. His limitless range and lightening quick release make him an obvious fit offensively, but he's expanded his game beyond just floor-spacing. He now has the ability to put the ball on the floor and knockdown pull-up jumpers from midrange, take it all the way to the basket, or make plays for others. His play on the other end has improved greatly as well as he is using his length, quickness, and positioning to disrupt whoever he's guarding. He could step in and start from day 1, leaving Anderson to be eased into the rotation as a backup. I really believe that he could have an effect on our team similar to the effect Korver has had in Atlanta.

Regarding our other impending free agents, I'd keep Tolliver as I believe he has a team option, and I'd try to keep Jerebko as long as his price is right (and he's still on the roster,) but if it doesn't work out, Kyle O'Quinn would be a very interesting target seeing as how the Magic will have a bevy of their own roster modifications to ponder. We could swoop in and steal away one of their more productive rotational pieces. Joel Anthony would be a good depth signing to retain at the minimum.

Everyone else: Butler, Singler, and Datome, should go. We would be set at every position and have a deep bench as well. Our lineup would look like this:

PG: Jennings, Augustin, Dinwiddie
SG: KCP, Meeks, Middleton, Dinwiddie
SF: Middleton, Anderson, Martin, KCP
PF: Monroe, Tolliver, Jerebko/O'Quinn
C: Drummond, Monroe, Anthony

We would also have our 2nd rounder from the draft to further improve our depth. This would be my ideal offseason. What do you guys think?

Everthing you said is pretty much spot on... except I'm a little more pessimistic about this season and optimistic about the draft.

I actually think the bigs will rise and the Pistons will have their choice of Stanley Johnson or Kelly Oubre.
If they do make the playoffs I totally agree that Justin Anderson should be the pick.

I'm totally about Middleton too. I think he's more 2-way than Tobias and he doesn't need to dominate the ball. I'm totally fine with bringing him on, I think he's a high IQ player that knows scoring is how you stay in the league and get paid. He will be a great 6th man or starter on the wing, or stretch 4.

Not feeling O'quinn at all though... he's a center.

Only if they lose Monroe should they go all out for Tobias Harris. Hopefully it will play out like last year where the bigger dominoes fall first. If Monroe get scooped up I'm all about Tobias... but I just can't get with Tobias solely as a 3. His defense is not elite enough to be a winning SF. But as a 4 I definitely will take Tobias.

Jennings/Augustin/Dinwiddie
KCP/Meeks/Middleton
Johnson(Oubre)/Middleton/Singler
Monroe(Tobias)/Tolliver/Jerebko
Drummond/Monroe/Anthony

[pistonsbball]

I doubt Augustin will stay as backup if he continues to play well as a starter. Would be a decent trade chip even if it puts a lot of faith in Jennings getting back.

[BadMofoPimp]

Augustin ain't going nowhere anytime soon. If anything, he won't be considered trade bait until the trade deadline next year. Waste of time talking about trading him. He is has too much value at his cost.

[treefi]

Add Wesley Matthews and Stanley Johnson.

[theBigLip]

Good logical plan. A few comments...

1. I doubt the draft helps us this next season unless we don't make the playoffs and get lucky in the lottery. Otherwise it will be a mid first round pick, and realistically, that doesn't bring us an immediate starter (but hopefully a future one). Still, I'm glad we're not trading it.

2. Free agency is going to get WEIRD this summer. Of course we try and retain Monroe. But with the cap going up in 2016 from $60M to a whopping $90M in one season, many, many signings are going to look like huge overpays. If you are a free agent this summer, you probably don't want a long term deal unless it is in 2016 type of money, so maybe there are overpays, or maybe there are a lot of 1 year deals. With this perspective, I'd normally say trading for someone like Iggy is a bad idea, but his contract is going to look pretty normal in 2016, so that shouldn't scare us. Whether or not he is declining is the bigger question. But we should throw money around rather wildly this summer - cap space doesn't mean crap until 2017.