2010 wrote:dakomish23 wrote:2010 wrote:
I think (no, I know) he is definitely talking about Willy and Tim in addition to KP.
He gave Tim that contract for a reason. He views him as entering the all star team conversation at some point during the life of the deal (next 4 years). Mills never wanted Tim to leave. He has always viewed him as a potential starter and star player if he developed right. That is why he brought him back after the man who was responsible for trading him was dismissed.
And he is the one who was the believer in WHG and brought him to Phil's attention. He loves WHG and his development signifies Mills basketball eye for talent. Which is why it is laughable when I see all these WHG trade proposals. People not understanding WHG is his crown jewel moment in personnel decisions. He will wait however long it takes for that flower to fully bloom. Because he planted the seed.
KP, Tim, WHG are the "rising stars" Mills has referenced.
Well, let's hope he's right. I don't see it right now but like I said that could change.
Tank 2018/19/20 should produce some more core pieces.
Tbh I think this should be our last year of obvious tanking. After the 2017-18 season I feel like we should play to win and play to develop our kids. They need to learn how to win and take small progressive lumps until they get over the hump. At some point good habits need to be fostered. Tank in 17-18 for Doncic/Porter Jr. then after that let the chips fall where they may. We already have some dope young pieces (KP, WHG, Tim, Frank, Dotson, [whoever a Melo trade nets], and our 2018 pick). That is enough. Try to win after that and let these guys develop and learn by fighting and taking their lumps. Lets do it organically.
I'm fine with trying to win games because of the output of the youngsters. They won't win many for the next few seasons though. THJ probably adds 2-3 wins more. Wins we don't need when we're going to be bad.
I want us to think long term and think championships. This group of youngsters is far from a contending core IMO. Maybe peak as a treadmill level team.
Get a great pick this year. Get a great pick next year. Get a great pick the year after that unless multiple guys take a huge leap. They may not all be ringers but they will be assets, even if they look like bustz that first year. See KLove & Butler deals.
Use your cap space to gain assets (another reason I didn't like the THJ deal) so you can draft guys to add to them to the team or use them in needle moving trades down the line.
Sell high on your guys. Thanks goodness we have a GM who seems to appreciate that.
We could've done so much more and I'm not settling for less.
