2021 Playoff and Offseason Speculation - the playoffs. PLAYOFFS????

[ImNotMcDiSwear]

I think Lonzo would help our team a fair amount and I’d happily trade Smith for him. Smith could become a serviceable rotation big in the next couple of years, but I think it more likely he has no value by the end of next year. We know Lonzo is a rotation guard for sure right now - not our PG of the future, perhaps, but a nice depth piece who can run an offense and play very good defense. Upgrade over any other bench guard we have IMO. I’d pay him around 4 years 50 million in RFA. Not really sure what his trade value is but it seems like the Pels don’t want to pay him next year. Maybe Carter, Smith, 2nd round pick gets it done?

Another thing to consider, we have very few avenues of improvement over the next year and a half, so trading for a RFA that we can sign over the salary cap makes sense. If not Lonzo, perhaps another player in a similar situation. We’re going to make the most of this roster while CP3 is here so I would expect a subtle shakeup at some point.

I don't think this comment will age well. I'm extremely high on Smith and would not include him in any realistic trade proposal. His combination of shooting and athleticism is very rare. Once he figures out how to play NBA basketball and puts on another 10-15 lbs, he'll be a beast. Barring injury or character issues I have him pegged as our future 4. Haven't seen enough of him yet to put a ceiling on his potential, but there are just too many aspects of his game that have me stoked to be willing to put his name in a trade. In time I worry we'd look like enormous fools.

I've watched a decent amount of Smith's highlights and see a bit of Pascal Siakam in his overall game. Do you believe in a few years he can become a mini Siakam or possibly another player comparison?

Siakam's probably the single best comparison, but I expect Smith to have a better career 3FG%. I would guess he blocks more shots and gets more rebounds as well. He might even have a higher career PPG.

For these reasons, I'm not sure what Smith's ceiling is yet. In a couple years (or less), I don't think defenses will be able to leave Jalen alone from 3 - ever. And he can put it on the floor and finish. What is that? What's a better Siakam?

As for his floor, I put the probability that he never improves from this day forward is essentially ZERO so no, I'm not really sure of his floor, either. I think it's also quite high.

Not for trade, my bros. NFT.

[dremill24]

Smith being better than an All Star and All League level player in Siakam is quite the optimist approach lol

[lilfishi22]

I think Lonzo would help our team a fair amount and I’d happily trade Smith for him. Smith could become a serviceable rotation big in the next couple of years, but I think it more likely he has no value by the end of next year. We know Lonzo is a rotation guard for sure right now - not our PG of the future, perhaps, but a nice depth piece who can run an offense and play very good defense. Upgrade over any other bench guard we have IMO. I’d pay him around 4 years 50 million in RFA. Not really sure what his trade value is but it seems like the Pels don’t want to pay him next year. Maybe Carter, Smith, 2nd round pick gets it done?

Another thing to consider, we have very few avenues of improvement over the next year and a half, so trading for a RFA that we can sign over the salary cap makes sense. If not Lonzo, perhaps another player in a similar situation. We’re going to make the most of this roster while CP3 is here so I would expect a subtle shakeup at some point.

I don't think this comment will age well. I'm extremely high on Smith and would not include him in any realistic trade proposal. His combination of shooting and athleticism is very rare. Once he figures out how to play NBA basketball and puts on another 10-15 lbs, he'll be a beast. Barring injury or character issues I have him pegged as our future 4. Haven't seen enough of him yet to put a ceiling on his potential, but there are just too many aspects of his game that have me stoked to be willing to put his name in a trade. In time I worry we'd look like enormous fools.

Even if you weren't super high on Smith, trading him after one season wouldn't be a good look for Jones. Especially when Haliburton was available and trading for a PG is admitting to a pretty significant mistake. I would prefer to give Smith a real opportunity to develop and play before calling it a night on him. Also I would give Lonzo a chance if he could be had for cheap in FA but I wouldn't give up anything for him.

[Slim Charless]

I think Jalen Smith’s ceiling is Myles Turner and his floor is what he looks like now.

I'm hoping for young Bosh-if young Bosh could've shot 3s like older Bosh could. In other words a perfect modern 4. I definitely want to keep him around.

[Slim Charless]

I think Lonzo would help our team a fair amount and I’d happily trade Smith for him. Smith could become a serviceable rotation big in the next couple of years, but I think it more likely he has no value by the end of next year. We know Lonzo is a rotation guard for sure right now - not our PG of the future, perhaps, but a nice depth piece who can run an offense and play very good defense. Upgrade over any other bench guard we have IMO. I’d pay him around 4 years 50 million in RFA. Not really sure what his trade value is but it seems like the Pels don’t want to pay him next year. Maybe Carter, Smith, 2nd round pick gets it done?

Another thing to consider, we have very few avenues of improvement over the next year and a half, so trading for a RFA that we can sign over the salary cap makes sense. If not Lonzo, perhaps another player in a similar situation. We’re going to make the most of this roster while CP3 is here so I would expect a subtle shakeup at some point.

I don't think this comment will age well. I'm extremely high on Smith and would not include him in any realistic trade proposal. His combination of shooting and athleticism is very rare. Once he figures out how to play NBA basketball and puts on another 10-15 lbs, he'll be a beast. Barring injury or character issues I have him pegged as our future 4. Haven't seen enough of him yet to put a ceiling on his potential, but there are just too many aspects of his game that have me stoked to be willing to put his name in a trade. In time I worry we'd look like enormous fools.

Even if you weren't super high on Smith, trading him after one season wouldn't be a good look for Jones. Especially when Haliburton was available and trading for a PG is admitting to a pretty significant mistake. I would prefer to give Smith a real opportunity to develop and play before calling it a night on him. Also I would give Lonzo a chance if he could be had for cheap in FA but I wouldn't give up anything for him.

This. I think there's a chance we can sign him. His pops seems to have wanted him here in the past and this as close as he can get to LA without being there.

Not sure when he's up for UFA but that'd be perfect if he hits it the same time that CP3 is up....

[Revived]

Yeah, cause we have this **** under control. Terrible idea!

If their only letting in fans that are vaccinated (kinda like how the NFL is doing for the super bowl) then it’s not a bad idea.

Going forward we’re gonna have to start letting those who are vaccinated go back to their lives. As much as some may enjoy this current lifestyle, can’t go on forever living like this.

That's what I was thinking...proof of vaccination and still social distance families in seats and require masks, I don't see a big risk.

Yeah I think proof of vaccination should allow people to get back to their daily routines whether it’s going to games, or traveling or eating indoors etc.

That should hopefully be enough incentive for those who hesitate about the vaccine to get it when it’s available for them.

[bwgood77]

If their only letting in fans that are vaccinated (kinda like how the NFL is doing for the super bowl) then it’s not a bad idea.

Going forward we’re gonna have to start letting those who are vaccinated go back to their lives. As much as some may enjoy this current lifestyle, can’t go on forever living like this.

That's what I was thinking...proof of vaccination and still social distance families in seats and require masks, I don't see a big risk.

Yeah I think proof of vaccination should allow people to get back to their daily routines whether it’s going to games, or traveling or eating indoors etc.

That should hopefully be enough incentive for those who hesitate about the vaccine to get it when it’s available for them.

Should have tied stimulus payments to them.

[Wilber85]

Mikal Bridges offensive game has been MIA. Dude looks horrible on the offensive end

[Frank Lee]

But yet he can get that little 7-8 footer in the paint whenever he wants it seems.

[cberry78]

After being asked to defend Luka, Luka, and Zion in the last 3 games, I'm sure he was just a bit more focused on his Defense instead of his Offense. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[Barkley6]

I think Jalen Smith’s ceiling is Myles Turner and his floor is what he looks like now.

I'm hoping for young Bosh-if young Bosh could've shot 3s like older Bosh could. In other words a perfect modern 4. I definitely want to keep him around.

I don't have sky high expectations for Smith. I think he's going to be serviceable, but I don't think he'll be the all star caliber player some of you seem to think he can be.

I see him as a Suns era Cliff Robinson clone (RIP Uncle Cliffy). Tall, long, lanky. Can shoot the ball well, works hard. Decent defender. To me, that would be a great outcome for him.

[Saberestar]

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[bwgood77]

I think Jalen Smith’s ceiling is Myles Turner and his floor is what he looks like now.

I'm hoping for young Bosh-if young Bosh could've shot 3s like older Bosh could. In other words a perfect modern 4. I definitely want to keep him around.

I don't have sky high expectations for Smith. I think he's going to be serviceable, but I don't think he'll be the all star caliber player some of you seem to think he can be.

I see him as a Suns era Cliff Robinson clone (RIP Uncle Cliffy). Tall, long, lanky. Can shoot the ball well, works hard. Decent defender. To me, that would be a great outcome for him.

I don't think the expectations for any draft picks should be to make the playoffs outside of a few dominant players at the top of the draft...but even then..given you have about 10-12 draft classes and some older stars like LeBron, Paul, etc.

Even Durant is in his 14th year and Harden in his 12th.

But with 24 all stars that's about an average of 2 people per draft class...but given you have a few guys past 12 years, it averages less than that. Though I guess it's rare that rookies make it. But second year guys sometimes do like Trae and Doncic last year.

It's probably more like an average of 1 per draft class for the last 3 years (3), and then draft classes from 4-12 years is like an average of 2 (18) and then a few guys with more than 12 years. (3)

[Blonde]

I’d like to see Crowder back in the starting lineup and closing games once he gets over his foot injury. Starting unit makes more sense with him in it, and bench looks better with Cam. Not sure what prompted the switch from Monty but both players have performed worse since their positions were swapped.

[grumpysaddle]

That's what I was thinking...proof of vaccination and still social distance families in seats and require masks, I don't see a big risk.

Yeah I think proof of vaccination should allow people to get back to their daily routines whether it’s going to games, or traveling or eating indoors etc.

That should hopefully be enough incentive for those who hesitate about the vaccine to get it when it’s available for them.

Should have tied stimulus payments to them.

I just got the first dose of the Pfizer vaccine like 6 hours ago. Gonna keep doing like I have been until a week or so after the second dose and then start easing back into doing every day life things I used to do (still wearing a mask and socially distancing and all, just not having the fear of dying from this jerk of a virus in the back of my head). Arms a little sore at the injection site, but nothing else yet. Feels good to have a tiny bit of piece of mind after a year of being nervous about everything.

[Bogyo]

I’d like to see Crowder back in the starting lineup and closing games once he gets over his foot injury. Starting unit makes more sense with him in it, and bench looks better with Cam. Not sure what prompted the switch from Monty but both players have performed worse since their positions were swapped.

Never really understood that change. I felt it was a bit of doing something for the sake of doing something, while the problem was never there. It was back when CP/Ayton sucked.
But the team was overall better (especially better balanced) with Crowder starting and D-ing up on the first units of opposing teams starters, and Cam putting the pain on O on the second units of other teams. Not a huuuuge difference alltogether, but a better fit/feel. But again, in basketball terms I don't think there is a 5 point swing between the 2 solutions, all other things unchanged.

[ImNotMcDiSwear]

I think Jalen Smith’s ceiling is Myles Turner and his floor is what he looks like now.

I'm hoping for young Bosh-if young Bosh could've shot 3s like older Bosh could. In other words a perfect modern 4. I definitely want to keep him around.

I don't have sky high expectations for Smith. I think he's going to be serviceable, but I don't think he'll be the all star caliber player some of you seem to think he can be.

I see him as a Suns era Cliff Robinson clone (RIP Uncle Cliffy). Tall, long, lanky. Can shoot the ball well, works hard. Decent defender. To me, that would be a great outcome for him.

"Some of you" = me, pretty sure. I'm the only one saying he looks like Siakam with a better long ball. Obviously, he has a long way to go.

But THIS I must respond to. The Cliff comparison is great, and I'm glad you thought of it. Cliff Robinson was a borderline All-Star for many years and a one-time all-star. A criminally underrated player, a unicorn before there were unicorns, an All-NBA 2nd team defender who knocked down threes with a high-30s percentage on volume.

So.... does that mean we're in agreement?

[Saberestar]

I'm hoping for young Bosh-if young Bosh could've shot 3s like older Bosh could. In other words a perfect modern 4. I definitely want to keep him around.

I don't have sky high expectations for Smith. I think he's going to be serviceable, but I don't think he'll be the all star caliber player some of you seem to think he can be.

I see him as a Suns era Cliff Robinson clone (RIP Uncle Cliffy). Tall, long, lanky. Can shoot the ball well, works hard. Decent defender. To me, that would be a great outcome for him.

"Some of you" = me, pretty sure. I'm the only one saying he looks like Siakam with a better long ball. Obviously, he has a long way to go.

But THIS I must respond to. The Cliff comparison is great, and I'm glad you thought of it. Cliff Robinson was a borderline All-Star for many years and a one-time all-star. A criminally underrated player, a unicorn before there were unicorns, an All-NBA 2nd team defender who knocked down threes with a high-30s percentage on volume.

So.... does that mean we're in agreement?

With Crowder, Payne, Saric and probably Nader out I hope to see Jalen Smith on the court tonight against the Pistons.

If he is not in the rotation with all these guys out I will be worried. We are 20 games into the season, so he needs to start showing that he belongs to the NBA.

I am OK with him out of the rotation this season when we have the full roster available but with four rotation players out he needs to play at least 10 mpg.

Siakam and Cliff Robinson are/were GREAT PFs, I would love to see Smith to be as good as any of them, but realistically it is a very tall order.

We will see. For now I would be happy with just some positive contribution.

[NapoleonII]

Saric coming back is gonna solve a lot of problems.

Wtf is going on with him?

[bwgood77]

I don't have sky high expectations for Smith. I think he's going to be serviceable, but I don't think he'll be the all star caliber player some of you seem to think he can be.

I see him as a Suns era Cliff Robinson clone (RIP Uncle Cliffy). Tall, long, lanky. Can shoot the ball well, works hard. Decent defender. To me, that would be a great outcome for him.

"Some of you" = me, pretty sure. I'm the only one saying he looks like Siakam with a better long ball. Obviously, he has a long way to go.

But THIS I must respond to. The Cliff comparison is great, and I'm glad you thought of it. Cliff Robinson was a borderline All-Star for many years and a one-time all-star. A criminally underrated player, a unicorn before there were unicorns, an All-NBA 2nd team defender who knocked down threes with a high-30s percentage on volume.

So.... does that mean we're in agreement?

With Crowder, Payne, Saric and probably Nader out I hope to see Jalen Smith on the court tonight against the Pistons.

If he is not in the rotation with all these guys out I will be worried. We are 20 games into the season, so he needs to start showing that he belongs to the NBA.

I am OK with him out of the rotation this season when we have the full roster available but with four rotation players out he needs to play at least 10 mpg.

Siakam and Cliff Robinson are/were GREAT PFs, I would love to see Smith to be as good as any of them, but realistically it is a very tall order.

We will see. For now I would be happy with just some positive contribution.

Yeah, I kind of hate comparing players because each player is unique in their own way. If I had to think of a more current player, a shot blocker and 3 pt shooter, I would have said a skinny Serge Ibaka. But he might be more like a JJJ, who is a better rebounder but not as good as a perimeter defender.