Post#1982 » by Skybox » Fri Apr 8, 2022 12:24 pm
I'm just going to try to box up this season with an observation...
-It's really hard to assess a player's trajectory in such a garbage dysfunctional situation...NO legit PG leadership on the floor, NO player hierarchy at all (nobody has authority or earned respect-just a bunch of kids having fun), and a very clear tanking message. I'm just not ready to be too critical of Suggs yet. Franz excelled in this mess, but that also doesn't guarantee equivalent success in a good situation (although all indications are he might be even better on a good, unselfish team-perhaps even star-level). WCJ looked great most of the season but there has to be fair assessment of his projected continued improvement - I've come around on him but I'd still consider moving him if our (likely) PF draft pick made a less-than perfect fit with WCJ (factor Isaac in to that too-if he's going to be a factor). Right now, RJ, IMO, should come back as our 12th man- I'd even consider Carter-Williams as an upgrade in that role if the coaching staff doesn't know better-he, in particular, seems like a guy who needs a vet to show him how to harness his gifts-but I think his ceiling is no longer high.
I really hope the FO is taking a real hard, more urgent & definitive look this offseason. I think there needs to be some addition by subtraction based on the effect some players have on the team (might include off court too). Obviously, I'm assuming they have a better understanding of Isaac's likelihood of full recovery -than any of us. I don't think sitting him out is necessarily an indication that he couldn't play limited minutes - might've just been "why?". Mission accomplished, we should have a very high pick and a couple of high seconds. We also have the CHI and DEN picks, TRoss' expiring deal, and a lot of cap space to work with.
First, I think they'll aggressively work on re-signing Bamba to a team-friendly deal. If he or his agent are delusional, let him test the market and, if necessary wave goodbye. He's shown enough to contend for, at least, an important role, even if off the bench. Next, I'd turn my attention to Cole...and move him for the best available return. I don't want to see him here post-tank. They must have some vision of what their PG of the near future is - Suggs or Fultz? I'd bring back Gary Harris on a 2yr or less deal, but ONLY if we can't utilize the cap space as part of a bigger deal that lands us a younger better SG. We draft the best player at our slot, regardless of position and then hit the trade market to re-form around the guys determined to be "core"...I think at that point the idea of tanking AGAIN would be foolish, so making trades for guys as old as 27 or 28 shouldn't be unthinkable, if they are the right guys for the team. We'll need that leadership and talent infusion to take that next step. BBIQ, mindset, and chemistry should guide every evaluation (and talent, of course). I think the 2nds should really be spent on snipers to fill out the roster. The more shooting on the roster, the better, but particularly among the "filler" of the roster. Maybe we uncover the next Duncan Robinson, Steve Novak, or Dell Curry...those specialists are rarely found at the top of the draft.
Pull the trigger WeHam, I want to assume there's been some sort of vision for this team and coaching staff...you can't deny that they have many options in front of them this offseason. It's also an offseason where few other teams have so much flexibility, so we can be a part of any big deals that happen among teams with different timelines, etc and quietly assemble something with great potential to make a jump...look at PHO just a couple of years ago...great picks, great vets, great coaching = a huge jump.
A great scenario would be trade our '23 as a very high value pick...knowing that we're about to make another move that will likely keep us out of the lottery for the foreseeable future.
