2020 Preseason Speculation - Lineup battles underway

[lilfishi22]

Been fairly quiet enjoying my weekend and had some time to see what we did in free agency and let is sink in.

My post-hype evaluation can be summed up as: not sexy but solid.

The Draft
(C) - The Jalen Smith pick was a bit of reach in the eyes of most NBA writers and Twitter but it wasn't the reach that Cam was. There's a lot to like about him but also one has to wonder if the plan was to draft a back up big behind Ayton or was it to eventually play him along side Ayton? It wasn't a sexy pick, nor a high potential pick but he could be a solid stretch big that could defend the paint which still has value in today's NBA. Maybe it's a bit unfair to look backwards but given the signings of guys like Damion Jones, would it have made more sense to pick a player like Haliburton or Vassell given quality wings and guards are harder to find?

(C) - Honestly don't know much about the undrafted prospect Alexander but just a brief look into is abilities, he seems to fit what we need from a depth standpoint. The CJ McCollum comparisons is nice but I'll comeback to reevaluate later.

Free Agency
(A) - The Chris Paul trade was great for a number of reasons which I've covered in previous posts but ultimately what I like most about the trade is simply that we gave up VERY little for 2 year gamble that could potentially have us fighting for home court. If someone told me there's a single trade out there which could catapult us to a top 4 seed in the West without having to give up a core piece, I'd tell them to go back to NBA 2K. But not only did we get a HOF PG who's still putting in work but he's also motivated and has the ability to help Booker and Ayton reach their potential. That's worth the 2yr gamble.

(A) - The Jae Crowder signing is as mentioned, not sexy but solid. I love his focus on defense and his unselfishness on offense. He's a perfect team player. The fact that he joined us for less money than what he could've got says a lot about how far we've come from a team image standpoint. Unlike the Ariza signing from a coupe of seasons ago, this one just feels like a genuine move to help the team rather than collect a paycheck. I love this pick up, I love the contract and I just love that we added another dog to the team.

(A) - Carter being resigned to me, is an incredibly important decision and I am super happy we brought him back. Seen as a throw-in the JJ dump, he's been such a good team player for us. I love his attitude and he's a guy that has the ability to change the momentum of games with his defense and ability to get hot from the 3. I'm happy with this move because I really thought he's a guy on the fringes that most teams could've just let go or brought back for one more year so for us to bring him back for a 3 year deal just goes to show that Jones truly value tough players with good characters that know their role.

(B) - Guaranteeing Cam Payne's contract made sense given how he played in the bubble and how cheap it is. The only reason I'm giving it a B is because I'm not super confident with Payne as CP3's replacement, especially if we have top 4 seed aspirations in the playoffs. So retaining Payne makes total sense, it's just whether we should've/could've gotten someone else with more high level experience.

(C) - Bringing in Moore is a decent move to add more depth. He shoots the 3ball fairly well and he's been in the league for a while so he's got good experience. He also has some playoff experience and was an important piece for the Pels a couple of years ago when they went to the 2nd round and put up double digit scoring efforts in 5 games against the eventual title winners.

(C) - Adding Damion Jones to shore up depth up front is another move that makes sense although I'm not entirely sure where Jalen Smith comes in because he'll likely not get much PT unless there's an injury. Either way, I like that Damion has championship experience even though he didn't play a massive role but just being in that Warrior locker room and understanding what real championship level players operate would be valuable for our team.

TBA - Dario is still an RFA as far as I know but I don't think we can do much wrong with bringing him back as long as it's not a massive overpay given what we've seen in free agency so far.

TBA - Seems Baynes is gone and I honestly would've loved to have kept him since he is a vet and his skill set fit our needs but I also understand that he's likely looking for a decent sized deal. I would like us to do a S&T for another piece.

(A) - Letting Frank the Tank go again makes sense. He has some great games but also completely disappeared for long stretches. Given how much he'll cost to bring back, it not a surprise to see us decline his TO.

[Frank Lee]

There we go... got a big . Dude wasn’t even listed on a couple FA charts, and yet he started multiple games? Jones stealthy as ever. Thumbs up on Moore as well. Off season shaping up nicely if the roster can mesh. DA, DJones, and CP are about the only non multi position players.

I swore I read Oko was gone? Kind of looks that way now. ... starting to feel bad for bigbeard

[Ghost of Kleine]

[quote="Ghost

Shaquille Harrison
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.forbes.com/sites/jasonpatt/2020/07/21/chicago-bulls-face-decision-defensive-dynamo-shaquille-harrison-offseason/amp/



https://www.nbcsports.com/chicago/bulls/season-review-shaq-harrison-shows-his-value-elite-defensive-production


- I get that he's got a long way to go on the offensive end of the floor. But last season's 38% from three and 76% from the free throw line would indicate improvement there. But his primary calling card will be his near ALL NBA level defensive abilities. Now if you can get that in a young 6'7 guard, AND only at a minimum cost, That's great value for a 3rd string 2 guard. And if he maintains last seasons efficiency, Then you have a potential two way star. Plus he's already familiar with our team, and a fan favorite! Again for the veterans' minimum.

Man...I love Harrison but no, he can’t shoot and he damn sure ain’t no 6’7” unless he’s grown a bunch in the last couple years lol

https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/h/harrish01.html

Shaquille Harrison

Shaquille Harrison ▪ Twitter: ShaqHarrison_3

Position: Point Guard and Shooting Guard ▪ Shoots: Left

6-7, 190lb (201cm, 86kg)

https://www.nba.com/player/1627885/shaquille_harrison

6'7" | 190lb | 27 years
Player Details

ProfileStatsBioVideos

bulls.

https://www.rotowire.com/basketball/player.php?id=4082

Shaquille Harrison

27-Year-Old F

 Free Agent    

Unlock Our Projections

Height 6'7"

Weight 190

https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/2991274/shaquille-harrison

SHAQUILLE HARRISON

Bulls#3PG

HT/WT

6' 7", 190 lbs

DOB

10/6/1993 (27)

COLLEGE

Tulsa

I of course apologize if all of these are wrong! But I just went off of the information available from most professional Basketball sports sites. And I'm aware of his poor offensive history. But for my part, I am greatly encouraged by his percentages this last season. I could be wrong, But to me, It indicates a solid improvement, And IF sustained, Then he'll be an absolute steal for some lucky team. Especially on a minimum contract. In the meanwhile, His perimeter defense is still elite. And provides solid value in of itself.

[bigfoot]

Is this our depth chart???

PG: Paul, Carter, Payne
SG: Booker, Moore, Okobo
SF: Bridges, Johnson, Nader
PF: Crowder, Saric, Smith
C: Ayton, Saric, Smith, Jones

There is a lot of flexibility with this team.

[bigfoot]

Man...I love Harrison but no, he can’t shoot and he damn sure ain’t no 6’7” unless he’s grown a bunch in the last couple years lol

https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/h/harrish01.html

Shaquille Harrison

Shaquille Harrison ▪ Twitter: ShaqHarrison_3

Position: Point Guard and Shooting Guard ▪ Shoots: Left

6-7, 190lb (201cm, 86kg)

https://www.nba.com/player/1627885/shaquille_harrison

6'7" | 190lb | 27 years
Player Details

ProfileStatsBioVideos

bulls.

https://www.rotowire.com/basketball/player.php?id=4082

Shaquille Harrison

27-Year-Old F

 Free Agent    

Unlock Our Projections

Height 6'7"

Weight 190

https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/2991274/shaquille-harrison

SHAQUILLE HARRISON

Bulls#3PG

HT/WT

6' 7", 190 lbs

DOB

10/6/1993 (27)

COLLEGE

Tulsa

I of course apologize if all of these are wrong! But I just went off of the information available from most professional Basketball sports sites. And I'm aware of his poor offensive history. But for my part, I am greatly encouraged by his percentages this last season. I could be wrong, But to me, It indicates a solid improvement, And IF sustained, Then he'll be an absolute steal for some lucky team. Especially on a minimum contract. In the meanwhile, His perimeter defense is still elite. And provides solid value in of itself.

I would still take Shaquille Harrison over Okobo.

[suns12345]

Is this our depth chart???

PG: Paul, Carter, Payne
SG: Booker, Moore, Okobo
SF: Bridges, Johnson, Nader
PF: Crowder, Saric, Smith
C: Ayton, Saric, Smith, Jones

There is a lot of flexibility with this team.

Yep, I like it.

I think of the third stringers you have there, Payne, Smith and maybe Nader will get some burn semi-regularly.

[sasquatchBob]

It seems like resigning Saric is the last major move left. On paper we're a better team than last year and that's all you can ask. I don't know about you guys but I'm happy with this offseason and can't wait for the new season to start. The depression era is over. We made it through!

[starbosa10]

We have one more spot right (if saric re-signs)? Guessing we'll use it for our 2 way guys?

[Barkley6]

It seems like resigning Saric is the last major move left. On paper we're a better team than last year and that's all you can ask. I don't know about you guys but I'm happy with this offseason and can't wait for the new season to start. The depression era is over. We made it through!

Can't say that yet. We're one CP3 injury from being possibly worse than last year. I HOPE that's not the case, but we can't get too comfy just yet. We also have to make sure that these guys can gel together in a fairly short window. I'm excited too, but I don't think we can definitively say the depression era is over.

[Barkley6]

We have one more spot right (if saric re-signs)? Guessing we'll use it for our 2 way guys?

Think you can carry 2 2-way guys in addition to the 15 man roster.

[bwgood77]

I'm guessing Saric is asking for like 3/$40 or something. Maybe 4 years.

Anyway, we don't have a lot of cap space left once we sign him before the tax.

Suns: Damian Jones signed a two-year deal with the Suns to be (hopefully) their third center and not a rotation player. Jones really struggled in Atlanta last season and I’m surprised he got another NBA deal. Phoenix has $13 million left below the tax line to re-sign restricted free agent Dario Saric and use its biannual exception on another wing (they should have gone after Bazemore). This deal suggests to me that veteran center Arron Baynes won’t be back.

https://theathletic.com/2211044/2020/11/22/nba-free-agency-rumors-what-john-hollinger-is-hearing/

[dremill24]

Spoiler:

Man...I love Harrison but no, he can’t shoot and he damn sure ain’t no 6’7” unless he’s grown a bunch in the last couple years lol

https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/h/harrish01.html

Shaquille Harrison

Shaquille Harrison ▪ Twitter: ShaqHarrison_3

Position: Point Guard and Shooting Guard ▪ Shoots: Left

6-7, 190lb (201cm, 86kg)

https://www.nba.com/player/1627885/shaquille_harrison

6'7" | 190lb | 27 years
Player Details

ProfileStatsBioVideos

bulls.

https://www.rotowire.com/basketball/player.php?id=4082

Shaquille Harrison

27-Year-Old F

 Free Agent    

Unlock Our Projections

Height 6'7"

Weight 190

https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/2991274/shaquille-harrison

SHAQUILLE HARRISON

Bulls#3PG

HT/WT

6' 7", 190 lbs

DOB

10/6/1993 (27)

COLLEGE

Tulsa

I of course apologize if all of these are wrong! But I just went off of the information available from most professional Basketball sports sites. And I'm aware of his poor offensive history. But for my part, I am greatly encouraged by his percentages this last season. I could be wrong, But to me, It indicates a solid improvement, And IF sustained, Then he'll be an absolute steal for some lucky team. Especially on a minimum contract. In the meanwhile, His perimeter defense is still elite. And provides solid value in of itself.

It’s a typo man, he’s 6’4”, Shaq confirmed it. Somebody with the Bulls let their finger slip and then all the other sites just pulled from there. Honestly he’d probly be in higher demand if he was that tall lol.

Anyway, not overly important. I’m a huge fan, you’re right he’s a great defender. I’ll always enjoy watching him but I feel like that ship sailed when we re-signed Carter.

[bwgood77]

Read on Twitter

[Ghost of Kleine]

Don't they need a legit C though?

Thing with Charlotte is that they already have Cody Zeller/ Bismack Biyombo/ Vernon Carey, Nik Richards, And also Ray Spaulding too. So that's around 4 centers. Also they're not looking to be competitive. However gor whatever bizarre reason, IF they were to have interest, I'd love to do something around Baynes for Riller and Nik Richards! Definitely still have strong interest in Riller for sure. And Richards has similar length, vertical pop and fluidity as Anthony Davis himself. So that could be an awesome trade for us honestly!

This is why I used the qualifier "legit"

Of course you're right, That none of those centers compare competitively to Baynes. But then it's also important to remember the context of their situation too. Wherein I mentioned that they're not looking to be competitive. So if they're rebuilding, And not really looking to compete, Then what real use would they have for Baynes?
That being said, I still really think that Toronto is our best option. Or perhaps Minnesota or even perhaps Chicago? ( If Chicago's new management is looking to be competitive)???

1- Toronto
Toronto is pretty much guaranteed to want Baynes. Especially if they ( very likely) lose Gasol. But what would be a good return? Personally, I'd do EITHER Baynes for Terrence Davis/ Chris Boucher ( sign n' trade) / Matt Thomas. Or Baynes for Malachi Flynn/ Chris Boucher ( sign n' trade), and Matt Thomas?

2- Minnesota
They really need center depth, veteran experience, and actually are trying to compete. So I'd do Baynes for Jordan McLaughlin, Ashton Hagans, and Omari Spellman.

3- Chicago
IF they're trying to compete, I'd do Baynes for Ryan Arcidiacono, Gafford, and Felicio ( expiring contract) but still a big body at 6'10 260 lbs as a backup big.

[Barkley6]

I'm guessing Saric is asking for like 3/$40 or something. Maybe 4 years.

Anyway, we don't have a lot of cap space left once we sign him before the tax.

Suns: Damian Jones signed a two-year deal with the Suns to be (hopefully) their third center and not a rotation player. Jones really struggled in Atlanta last season and I’m surprised he got another NBA deal. Phoenix has $13 million left below the tax line to re-sign restricted free agent Dario Saric and use its biannual exception on another wing (they should have gone after Bazemore). This deal suggests to me that veteran center Arron Baynes won’t be back.

https://theathletic.com/2211044/2020/11/22/nba-free-agency-rumors-what-john-hollinger-is-hearing/

Surprised he thinks we need another wing with the BAE when we have Book, Carter, Bridges, Cam, Nader and Moore at the wing.

We need a ball handling guard. I'd still see if Reggie Jackson would sign for the BAE, or even Brandon Knight. Maybe we're waiting to see if George Hill is bought out, because that could be a sweet pick up.

I just don't get the feeling we're done yet.

[matt131]

Thing with Charlotte is that they already have Cody Zeller/ Bismack Biyombo/ Vernon Carey, Nik Richards, And also Ray Spaulding too. So that's around 4 centers. Also they're not looking to be competitive. However gor whatever bizarre reason, IF they were to have interest, I'd love to do something around Baynes for Riller and Nik Richards! Definitely still have strong interest in Riller for sure. And Richards has similar length, vertical pop and fluidity as Anthony Davis himself. So that could be an awesome trade for us honestly!

This is why I used the qualifier "legit"

Of course you're right, That none of those centers compare competitively to Baynes. But then it's also important to remember the context of their situation too. Wherein I mentioned that they're not looking to be competitive. So if they're rebuilding, And not really looking to compete, Then what real use would they have for Baynes?
That being said, I still really think that Toronto is our best option. Or perhaps Minnesota or even perhaps Chicago? ( If Chicago's new management is looking to be competitive)???

1- Toronto
Toronto is pretty much guaranteed to want Baynes. Especially if they ( very likely) lose Gasol. But what would be a good return? Personally, I'd do EITHER Baynes for Terrence Davis/ Chris Boucher ( sign n' trade) / Matt Thomas. Or Baynes for Malachi Flynn/ Chris Boucher ( sign n' trade), and Matt Thomas?

2- Minnesota
They really need center depth, veteran experience, and actually are trying to compete. So I'd do Baynes for Jordan McLaughlin, Ashton Hagans, and Omari Spellman.

3- Chicago
IF they're trying to compete, I'd do Baynes for Ryan Arcidiacono, Gafford, and Felicio ( expiring contract) but still a big body at 6'10 260 lbs as a backup big.

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[Barkley6]

Read on Twitter

from what I heard, Suns didn't need Nader in the CP3 deal to make salaries work. So they must have asked he be included. Either that means another trade incoming, or that he's on the roster. Can't imagine they'd insist he be included only to waive him.

[Desertfox]

3- Chicago
IF they're trying to compete, I'd do Baynes for Ryan Arcidiacono, Gafford, and Felicio ( expiring contract) but still a big body at 6'10 260 lbs as a backup big.

Why not for TSatoransky? Solid veteran SG/PG backup.

[bigfoot]

So assuming we sign Saric we have ...

1) An open roster spot for one of the 15
2) An open two-way spot

That would fill out our 17 man team. Of course, waving Okobo and Nader are still options but seem doubtful. I imagine we hold onto the last roster spot until we find out what happens with Baynes. If we can work a sign and trade it we could pick up another decent player. Could have news on another two-way player soon.

[matt131]

So Lakers will sign Gasol

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