HartfordWhalers wrote:HW's Chicago Offseason ReviewKey Losses:Robin Lopez
I went back and forth on what to say about Robin Lopez. Losing the 57th best center by RPM, and a guy who should be declining at this point, doesn't feel like much of a key loss. And worth noting, Markkanen shot considerably better from deep when Lopez sat, which makes sense as he is more likely to be able to get a mismatch that doesn't chase him on the perimeter. (Sure, the team was horrifically worse, but let us assume that was because all the other starters were benched too? Or just a coincidence and not an indictment on Carter at this early juncture).
Granted, Lopez was one of the players keeping the team from falling apart, and it isn't clear Wendel Clark can step in and full time hold down those minutes in addition to his minutes from last year. And therefore we get to see Felicio a bunch? Yes, it is a loss for a team with some win now aspirations, but it was the right and only call even before the idea of bad blood gets involved.
Losses:Another year
Draft:Coby White makes tons of sense as the pick. This pick is going to be why I give them a D and not an F. Lots of upside, scoring combo guard who is young and has a high ceiling. Perfect pick, although the scouting report sounds eerily similar to LaVine.
Gafford looks like a solid flier; 538 had him the 24th best prospect for instance. I liked this draft for Chicago.
Trades:Chicago gave up a swap of the 2020 Memphis 2nd with Washington's, as well as a 2023 2nd free and clear. The swap shouldn't be too bad, and a 2nd 3 years out is an expendable asset. And Satoransky has the last year just partially guaranteed (5m). And you can sell me on Satoransky being the perfect caretaker for a pair of young bigs that need some system to play in. But, I am not a fan. Maybe if it was 2 years and the 2nd 5m guaranteed. 3 years is too long, and I like what Arcidiacono has shown. Even if Dunn is dead money, you have just drafted Coby White, LaVine struggles with his sleight size defending 2's (and 1's), and did you really need to invest 25m in a perfectly so so player at pg? I don't get it, and to the extent it means 3 more wins I don't view it as a positive.
Free Agency:Thad having his last year fully unguaranteed was a surprise. Does it change my position? It does some... I suddenly have visions of Chicago flipping Thad to a team in need of some decent players. But what could they get? More likely 2 2nds than a 1st. And then I'm looking at Iguodala, at Crabbe, and saying what would have been better is taking the bad salary now. And i actually like both of their fits (on expiring deals!) better than Thad's on a 2 year deal when what Chicago has is a pf.
Satoransky I dislike as a place to spend money. And the length. And a 5m gtd on 10m is a bit steep. At that point it isn't easy to dump and in for 5m already, surely you find 5m more in value to keep the player? I would have liked the deal elsewhere... as in Orlando. But the Chicago offseason signings scream a team trying to win 38 games instead of 23, and only getting to 28. The Charlotte special? I give two thumbs down.
Current Depth Chart: (taken from realgm with reason added in)Denzel Valentine is still on the team. Seems like the perfect guy to be traded in one of those, I wasn't going to extend him, you weren't going to extend your guy, lets swap em deals.
Needs:New owner
New gm
New coach
New players
Maybe even a new arena while we are at it
Additional Thoughts:If this were me, I would be flipping everything not named Coby/Markkanen/Wendel. That includes Otto Porter. And I would be listening on LaVine, even if trying to ride his upside.
But the trade I will throw out is: Satoransky for Orlando pg/Khem Birch/ 2 2nds. Get a young big, a pair of 2nds, and out of the last 1.5 years of Satoransky's deal. Orlando pg is either an expiring Augustin, or it is
Oh, and thinking far enough ahead, next draft I try to get 2020 1st from Dallas (and maybe a 2027 pick?) to swap LaVine for Tim Hardaway Jr.
Projected Win/Loss: 27 winsThey will be bad. But Porter/Thad/Satoransky should keep them out of the cellar. Not sold that is good, but it is what it is. They are one of the teams that has a chance to have every bounce go right and look like an almost playoff team -- like Sacramento did this past year. If so, that is a worst case outcome long term, but it feels like the goal.
Off-Season Grade: D+ Might be a touch harsh, especially considering I liked how they drafted. But the rest I disliked and just taking the guy expected to go 7th at 7th doesn't win you that many points with me.