The Great OKC Power Forward Sweepstakes

[bondom34]

Dion: OK, let Reggie blow up the locker room, good deal. Lamb is again being salary dumped by Charlotte who doesn't play him. I have zero interest in Lin.

And both are better than Dion. Not having Dion is better than Dion. One hot streak from 3 apparently made you forget everything we've seen.

Kanter: I'd rather him than Lopez.

You preferring the worse player doesn't change that Lopez is better.

Singler: Agree there
Foye: No, he actually wasn't. Memphis wanted cap space/expirings and a big, OKC didn't have that.

Mitch, Morrow, and seconds.

Perk: They had zero money but the vet min, and they needed someone to take his contract (which when signed was a bargain)

Perkins was never a bargain. And we had the amnesty and the mini-mid.

Fisher: Was actually good

No he wasn't. He was good in relation to these other guys but he was still bad and Reggie was already better.

Caron: Off and on was better than Lamb

But mostly was just a worse player.

1. No, I remember bad Dion. But I'd rather bad Dion than a guy kill the locker room. And again, Lamb can't even get on the court.

2. And you preferring Lopez doesn't make him better.

3. They wanted a big who could play, that wasn't Mitch.

4. http://bkref.com/tiny/vrS1A

If you're arguing 2014, they were at least debatable.

5. No, not really.

[spearsy23]

Dion: OK, let Reggie blow up the locker room, good deal. Lamb is again being salary dumped by Charlotte who doesn't play him. I have zero interest in Lin.

And both are better than Dion. Not having Dion is better than Dion. One hot streak from 3 apparently made you forget everything we've seen.

Kanter: I'd rather him than Lopez.

You preferring the worse player doesn't change that Lopez is better.

Singler: Agree there
Foye: No, he actually wasn't. Memphis wanted cap space/expirings and a big, OKC didn't have that.

Mitch, Morrow, and seconds.

Perk: They had zero money but the vet min, and they needed someone to take his contract (which when signed was a bargain)

Perkins was never a bargain. And we had the amnesty and the mini-mid.

Fisher: Was actually good

No he wasn't. He was good in relation to these other guys but he was still bad and Reggie was already better.

Caron: Off and on was better than Lamb

But mostly was just a worse player.

1. No, I remember bad Dion. But I'd rather bad Dion than a guy kill the locker room. And again, Lamb can't even get on the court.

2. And you preferring Lopez doesn't make him better.

3. They wanted a big who could play, that wasn't Mitch.

4. http://bkref.com/tiny/vrS1A

If you're arguing 2014, they were at least debatable.

5. No, not really.

First off, guys are pros supposedly, if they can't play with guys they don't like then that's an issue. But beyond that the options weren't 'kill the locker room or trade for Dion.' There were many other options. Dumping Reggie for nothing is better than paying and playing Dion. Lamb, who can't get on the court is better than Dion. You're suddenly using the argument that you vehemently argued against all last year, a player getting playing time doesn't make him better than one that isn't.

Lopez being better makes him better. I don't know what argument you have for Kanter being better.

The team that got Lee didn't provide the big that could play either. It was Hairston, Roberts, and 2nds.

Comparable meaning Reggie beats Fisher in literally every per-36 category except 3 point percentage

Yeah, pretty much.

[Bugaloo]

I think it's easier to evaluate needs if we step away from positional labels. KD and Roberson can play minutes at PF, so it's not just a PF hole.

You can break Ibaka's value to OKC into two components: 1) he was a floor-spacing big who could defend space and switch screens, even if it wasn't the most comfortable defensive role, thus making him a good complement to Adams on both ends; 2) Ibaka's ability to be the defensive anchor with Adams on the bench allowed OKC to have at least one really mobile, rim-protecting big on the floor for 48 minutes, if necessary.

There are very few players in the league who bring all of that to the table, and OKC isn't getting one of them. At best, you get two players who each give you one of those components. More realistically, you prioritize those components and get a guy who fills the most pressing need.

My biggest concern post-Ibaka trade is that we don't have a big who can anchor the defense in those 10-15 minutes that Adams is on the bench. OKC can roll out Kanter or McGary at C for those minutes and win 55 games, but it's a major vulnerability that's bound to be exposed in the playoffs.

With that in mind, Taj Gibson is an attractive, realistic trade target. Offensively, he's not a good fit with Adams, to the extent that you may not be able to play Roberson in the limited minutes of an Adams-Gibson pairing against a team like Golden State. Nonetheless, Gibson is a very good all-around defensive big who can mitigate Kanter's shortcomings when Adams is on the bench. Alternatives may be some other attainable C/PFs along those lines.

I think there is a place for stretch 4, PF/SF-type of versatile defender as well. I'd like someone like Tucker or Dudley (I think he's going to be way out of OKC's price range) to slot between Adams and KD on the front line, but I think the bigger priority is finding a defensive big.

[bondom34]

First off, guys are pros supposedly, if they can't play with guys they don't like then that's an issue. But beyond that the options weren't 'kill the locker room or trade for Dion.' There were many other options. Dumping Reggie for nothing is better than paying and playing Dion. Lamb, who can't get on the court is better than Dion. You're suddenly using the argument that you vehemently argued against all last year, a player getting playing time doesn't make him better than one that isn't.

Lopez being better makes him better. I don't know what argument you have for Kanter being better.

The team that got Lee didn't provide the big that could play either. It was Hairston, Roberts, and 2nds.

Comparable meaning Reggie beats Fisher in literally every per-36 category except 3 point percentage

Yeah, pretty much.

"Guys are pros", yeah, we saw Reggie was a real pro. I'd argue with you on Lamb but I'd rather Dion for at least giving some sort of effort over Reggie who flat quit.

And Kanter being younger and performing in the postseason while improving defensively put him as a solidly better deal.

Comparable meaning their advanced numbers are a wash and if you're talking 2013 Fisher being better.

Yeah, pretty much.

Edit: and not playing Lamb was on Brooks, not Presti.

[oken]

I don't exactly know how NBA to Euroleague and back to NBA procedure works but for SF and partly PF positions this guy was the difference maker for Fenerbahce reaching the Euroleague finals with his 3-pt shooting:
http://www.celticsblog.com/2015/6/4/8723065/luigi-datome-the-man-the-myth-the-legend

He played for Celtics before and they remember him with good memories with Celtics FO deciding to play James Young and not re-signing him. They are parting ways with James Young this year and the other guy lost Euroleague cup in overtime, so I guess it was a bit of short-sighted decision and OKC may have use for a backup SF/PF like him.

[Marcus50]

Summer league started this morning and Mitch has a make or break summer. He was still imitating a headless chicken this morning. From his first year I have always argued that if they could slow him down and use his speed off the mark in bursts he would be really effective. I am sure the coaching staff are trying but he doesn't seem to get it. Slowing Mitch down would also reduce times he gets gassed. Doesn't look like he has lost any weight either so far which makes me worry about his fitness. Man I hope he truns a corner this summer because he has some real talent, good passing and can handle the ball.

[Old Man Game]

Summer league started this morning and Mitch has a make or break summer. He was still imitating a headless chicken this morning. From his first year I have always argued that if they could slow him down and use his speed off the mark in bursts he would be really effective. I am sure the coaching staff are trying but he doesn't seem to get it. Slowing Mitch down would also reduce times he gets gassed. Doesn't look like he has lost any weight either so far which makes me worry about his fitness. Man I hope he truns a corner this summer because he has some real talent, good passing and can handle the ball.

I'm not sure how much you can take from his game looking somewhat helter skelter in summer league. What I did like was once again seeing how mobile he is. The broke jumper is holding him back quite a bit though.

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[hollasin]

Summer league started this morning and Mitch has a make or break summer. He was still imitating a headless chicken this morning. From his first year I have always argued that if they could slow him down and use his speed off the mark in bursts he would be really effective. I am sure the coaching staff are trying but he doesn't seem to get it. Slowing Mitch down would also reduce times he gets gassed. Doesn't look like he has lost any weight either so far which makes me worry about his fitness. Man I hope he truns a corner this summer because he has some real talent, good passing and can handle the ball.

Mitch played well in the game. He plays hard and hustles which is all you can really ask for. He'll probably never before a starter which is ok, he can rebound, pass, score a little, and never quits. Let him Play 5-8 minute spurts and get tired, as part of a 4 man rotation that's perfect

[Pillendreher]

Let's regroup. These PFs are still out there as FAs:

Spoiler:

Dirk
Pau Gasol
Motiejunas
David West
Miles Plumlee
Brandon Bass
Derrick Williams
Terrence Jones
Jare Sullinger
Nene
Dwight Powell
Jordan Hill
Andrew Nicholson
Jason Smith
Amare
Luis Scola
Humphries
JJ Hickson
Villenueva
David Lee
Josh Smith
Lance Thomas
Willie Reed
Carlos Boozer
Epke Udoh
Tarik Black
James McAdoo
Christian Wood
Quincy Acy
Big Baby Davis

I don't know if any of those guys would be a real upgrade compared to what we got now. It really is frustrating to see that list tbh.

[Kizz Fastfists]

David West would be a solid starter. David Lee would be a solid rotation player, but I wouldn't him as the starter. Dirk, while I don't believe he would leave Dallas, would be ideal. Terrence Jones would be a roll of the dice, but if he's right he could be solid and Houston didn't extend him a QO. Sullinger would be good, assuming he can keep his weight down. Gasol has met with several teams, but nothing about him and OKC has been mentioned. There are still some potential trade options like Gibson or Mike Scott.

[Pillendreher]

Ideally the PF would be able to defend, hit open jumpers, pass the ball and just play solid basketball.

[Old Man Game]

Let's regroup. These PFs are still out there as FAs:

Spoiler:

Dirk
Pau Gasol
Motiejunas
David West
Miles Plumlee
Brandon Bass
Derrick Williams
Terrence Jones
Jare Sullinger
Nene
Dwight Powell
Jordan Hill
Andrew Nicholson
Jason Smith
Amare
Luis Scola
Humphries
JJ Hickson
Villenueva
David Lee
Josh Smith
Lance Thomas
Willie Reed
Carlos Boozer
Epke Udoh
Tarik Black
James McAdoo
Christian Wood
Quincy Acy
Big Baby Davis

I don't know if any of those guys would be a real upgrade compared to what we got now. It really is frustrating to see that list tbh.

Pretty tough list. I think Dwight Powell is probably getting retained by Dallas otherwise I could be interested there. I keep wondering about Terrence Jones. Jones is still only 24 and until last year had a positive box plus minus every prior year in the league. He just fell apart last season along with the rest of the rockets season.

[spearsy23]

We're Signing David lee to complete our white power forward movement.

[Andre Roberstan]

Let's regroup. These PFs are still out there as FAs:

Spoiler:

Dirk
Pau Gasol
Motiejunas
David West
Miles Plumlee
Brandon Bass
Derrick Williams
Terrence Jones
Jare Sullinger
Nene
Dwight Powell
Jordan Hill
Andrew Nicholson
Jason Smith
Amare
Luis Scola
Humphries
JJ Hickson
Villenueva
David Lee
Josh Smith
Lance Thomas
Willie Reed
Carlos Boozer
Epke Udoh
Tarik Black
James McAdoo
Christian Wood
Quincy Acy
Big Baby Davis

I don't know if any of those guys would be a real upgrade compared to what we got now. It really is frustrating to see that list tbh.

Pretty tough list. I think Dwight Powell is probably getting retained by Dallas otherwise I could be interested there. I keep wondering about Terrence Jones. Jones is still only 24 and until last year had a positive box plus minus every prior year in the league. He just fell apart last season along with the rest of the rockets season.

Jones was pretty solid until his back started acting up, then he turned into hot trash. I'd want a really thorough physical.

Still think Lance Thomas needs to be pretty high on the list. We're also reportedly looking at Willie Reed.

Sullinger would be great if I didn't think he was going to dig the grave of his NBA career with a knife and a fork.

[spearsy23]

I really like Lance Thomas but we need a 4 to matchup with true bigs, we already have KD and Robes to play against stretch 4's.

[Marcus50]

If KD goes to GS or Bos it is unlikely we will attract a better big than Enes and despite the fact that he has probably recovering from the metaphorical kick in the nuts reading that he was on the block to get Horford I think that we should stick with him and hope that Illysova, Sabonis and McGary can provide some form of cover. Enes was such a good team guy last year, you wonder whether the trade rumors are going to destabilize him a bit

[Old Man Game]

@ZachLowe_NBA:

Interesting: lots of big man RFAs left, but almost none of the remaining big cap room teams have an urgent need at either PF or C.

[Kizz Fastfists]

Those RFA big men are unlikely to not get matched. Ezeli, Leonard Myers, Miles Plumee, Montiejunas and Sullinger. Ezeli might become a UFA is KD picks the Warriors, but I'd expect every one of them to have their offer sheet matched unless someone does something stupid and offers a max to Leonard, Plumlee or Montiejunas. Would Dallas be that stupid?

[Zagor]

I think they intend to play Kanter as starting PF. Obviously with assistant coach Griffin they believe he could make another step to becoming solid defender.
Also, Kevin(if he stays) will probably play more as PF.

What that all means? It means Presti will try to sign good wing for rotation.

Let we assume this. Starting five Russ-Robes-KD-Kanter-Adams with 6th man Oladipo - Wing - Plumlee/Leonard and Ilyasova. With some minutes for Payne.
If Kevin stays, I believe Presti will go for one big and one wing. What wings are available?