Catledge wrote:I think we have a lot of a lot of possible internal improvements to hope for next season:
-- Vooch elevates his 3-pt attempts, allowing him to push his ppg up a notch on good efficiency.
-- AG makes slight improvements to his finishing and spot-up shooting, making him a slightly more effective form of the same player.
-- Fournier returns to his career average shooting percentages.
-- Bamba's game takes a step similar to the one Isaac took last year.
-- Isaac's game takes another step similar to the one he took last year.
-- Iwundu becomes a consistent 3 and D guy.
-- Fultz is healthy and plays well.
I don't know if any of those things will happen, but it will be fun to watch a decent team while I hope for continued development.
All very reasonable possibilities and a lot to be optimistic about. Trades and injuries aside, the possible pitfalls are...
--resign Ross and his flame throwing fizzles back to career #'s (I don't see WeHam overpaying either way)
--Fournier's 2018-19 performance is a function of Cliff's system and he's not getting back on track or trade-able at career low performance.
--DJ regresses back to prior years and everyone (again) goes back to saying his $7m is an overpayment
--Fultz clearly has no interest in playing or retiring
--Isaac and AG, in their quest for stardom, get crazy and try to force things, setting our efficiency (and winning back)
--Bamba isn't better or bigger
Don't mean to be a downer, I truly believe we are on a very positive and flexible trajectory. Hopefully, the good improvements way outweigh the possible regressions. I expect Ross back, on a reasonable deal, and won't be mad if he slips a bit. I expect Vuc's numbers to dip a bit, while our young ones grow in their offensive roles while still embracing a fierce, chaotic defensive Clifford identity. Fultz and Bamba, to me, are the X factors to put us in Eastern conference contention or just out of the playoffs. I'm liking our position and upside.
If we are financially strapped anyway, I'd like to see our trade exception utilized for a 2 year deal for an offensive wing like Lamb, Rivers, etc.who could kick in random flame-throwing on nights when Ross, Evan aren't on. Like MIA used to do with their bench snipers-who's hitting tonight?