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

[SunsRback4Good]

does anyone else notice that Anthony davis has an abnormally small head?

Now I do thanks for spoiling my lunch bud.

[Barkley6]

We just watched a series where the Lakers best option was basically saying **** playing all their traditional C's and people are still obsessing about back up Cs. I don't get it.

Not saying adding a guy for depth isn't something they should do but I certainly don't consider it a priority. Especially since it's really not too much to ask that the guy they drafted 11 this past year give them something in year two. Guys to get better.

Oh and the clippers STARTED Batum at C today.

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I agree in today's game we dont need backup centers just a starting C and a few back up pfs should work. I love Olynyk he played with Crowder in the finals and would be a perfect fit for us.

Olynyk is my first choice as a backup big. He can play the 4 and 5, and can play with a guy like Saric or Frank.

But I am doubtful we can afford him.

[Barkley6]

does anyone else notice that Anthony davis has an abnormally small head?

Now I do thanks for spoiling my lunch bud.

Whenever Anthony Davis shoots FTs, I think of this ancient Sumerian statue. I can't unsee it.

[wheezy]

Along with #13 (LeVert?) and 27 or 28 (Dejounte Murray?)

No, Georgios Papagiannis and Skal Labissiere. It wasn't a good trade, but it wasn't an epically bad one.

Or are you saying we could have gotten those guys at those spots?

But since we're in this draft, imagine if we had picked Malcolm Brogdon instead of Tyler Ulis?

Imagine if we had drafted Sabonis, LeVert and Brogdon instead of Bender, Chriss and Ulis.

Coincidentally, 3 Pacers or 3 guys out of the league.

[Saberestar]

We just watched a series where the Lakers best option was basically saying **** playing all their traditional C's and people are still obsessing about back up Cs. I don't get it.

Not saying adding a guy for depth isn't something they should do but I certainly don't consider it a priority. Especially since it's really not too much to ask that the guy they drafted 11 this past year give them something in year two. Guys to get better.

Oh and the clippers STARTED Batum at C today.

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I have been saying the same for a while, teams nowadays does not need traditional backup Cs.

We are successful because our roster is very well constructed. We have everything we need in our 15 man roster, some teams made a mistake of trading or signing big guys just to stay on the bench forever.

No worries because James Jones is aware of that, we are set at every position for the next couple of seasons.

[bwgood77]

We just watched a series where the Lakers best option was basically saying **** playing all their traditional C's and people are still obsessing about back up Cs. I don't get it.

Not saying adding a guy for depth isn't something they should do but I certainly don't consider it a priority. Especially since it's really not too much to ask that the guy they drafted 11 this past year give them something in year two. Guys to get better.

Oh and the clippers STARTED Batum at C today.

Sent from my SM-G986U using RealGM mobile app

Because we get battered on the glass when Ayton sits. I'm not saying we need a traditional lumbering 5 man. I'm saying we need someone above 6'10'' who can jump over a dime, and will fight for rebounds, OR shoot the ball more consistently than Frank or Saric have this season.

We're talking about a minimum salary guy here most likely. But it's also our weakest position, so if we went and spent on it, it wouldn't be a terrible call. Where else do you see us needing to improve? Sure, I'd like to get a backup 2 guard that can spell Book a little better than what we had this year, but aside from maybe Bryn Forbes, there aren't a lot of guys out there that are cheap and a marked improvement. I also think since we are competing now, we draft a guard that may be able to contribute right away, rather than a big, as we've seen bigs take time to develop. So offseason plan is sign a big, draft a G.

Unless you want to sign another wing? But with Bridges, Johnson, Crowder....Craig likely to return. Where can we fit another guy in?

Really depends who returns in FA, I'm not as certain guys like Craig or Payne will be back especially if CP3 extends. Plus I could see a trade or two also. Even with good teams some roster shuffle is needed year to year. So replacements for guys who have rotation spots now is probably the focus.

If I could pick one kind of guy to get it would be a forward who can create their own offense. It would be great if they were like 6'9 or above too because guarding the big dynamic forwards is kind of a defensive problem too but the type of guy I'm describing doesn't exactly grow on trees. But in general I do want another guy where if you're playing a tough d you can throw them the ball and they bail you out. Right now only Booker, Paul, and Payne can really effectively get their own shot. Cam Johnson probably has the best shot of improvement and being able to do thats still not really his game.

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I'll be surprised if Payne isn't back. Craig I wouldn't be surprised but if he can be had for the minimum like this past year I think he would be back too. Nader I don't know but again if at the minimum, I think he'd be back too.

Galloway is the FA I think is most likely to be gone, given his age compared to Moore. We probably only need one of those guys with Ty-Shon.

[bwgood77]

We just watched a series where the Lakers best option was basically saying **** playing all their traditional C's and people are still obsessing about back up Cs. I don't get it.

Not saying adding a guy for depth isn't something they should do but I certainly don't consider it a priority. Especially since it's really not too much to ask that the guy they drafted 11 this past year give them something in year two. Guys to get better.

Oh and the clippers STARTED Batum at C today.

Sent from my SM-G986U using RealGM mobile app

I have been saying the same for a while, teams nowadays does not need traditional backup Cs.

We are successful because our roster is very well constructed. We have everything we need in our 15 man roster, some teams made a mistake of trading or signing big guys just to stay on the bench forever.

No worries because James Jones is aware of that, we are set at every position for the next couple of seasons.

He obviously wanted a backup big which is why an early signing was Damian Jones who played a bit to start the season until they realized that was not a good signing.

Otherwise I kind of agree with you during the regular season until the Saric slump, but I don't think Monty felt too comfortable giving Dario or Frank minutes in this past series. We will see if that changes in this one, but I kind of doubt it unless Ayton gets hurt or in foul trouble.

[SunsRback4Good]

Because we get battered on the glass when Ayton sits. I'm not saying we need a traditional lumbering 5 man. I'm saying we need someone above 6'10'' who can jump over a dime, and will fight for rebounds, OR shoot the ball more consistently than Frank or Saric have this season.

We're talking about a minimum salary guy here most likely. But it's also our weakest position, so if we went and spent on it, it wouldn't be a terrible call. Where else do you see us needing to improve? Sure, I'd like to get a backup 2 guard that can spell Book a little better than what we had this year, but aside from maybe Bryn Forbes, there aren't a lot of guys out there that are cheap and a marked improvement. I also think since we are competing now, we draft a guard that may be able to contribute right away, rather than a big, as we've seen bigs take time to develop. So offseason plan is sign a big, draft a G.

Unless you want to sign another wing? But with Bridges, Johnson, Crowder....Craig likely to return. Where can we fit another guy in?

Really depends who returns in FA, I'm not as certain guys like Craig or Payne will be back especially if CP3 extends. Plus I could see a trade or two also. Even with good teams some roster shuffle is needed year to year. So replacements for guys who have rotation spots now is probably the focus.

If I could pick one kind of guy to get it would be a forward who can create their own offense. It would be great if they were like 6'9 or above too because guarding the big dynamic forwards is kind of a defensive problem too but the type of guy I'm describing doesn't exactly grow on trees. But in general I do want another guy where if you're playing a tough d you can throw them the ball and they bail you out. Right now only Booker, Paul, and Payne can really effectively get their own shot. Cam Johnson probably has the best shot of improvement and being able to do thats still not really his game.

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I'll be surprised if Payne isn't back. Craig I wouldn't be surprised but if he can be had for the minimum like this past year I think he would be back too. Nader I don't know but again if at the minimum, I think he'd be back too.

Galloway is the FA I think is most likely to be gone, given his age compared to Moore. We probably only need one of those guys with Ty-Shon.

Will the trio of Frank, Saric and Carter be here next year?

[Barkley6]

Because we get battered on the glass when Ayton sits. I'm not saying we need a traditional lumbering 5 man. I'm saying we need someone above 6'10'' who can jump over a dime, and will fight for rebounds, OR shoot the ball more consistently than Frank or Saric have this season.

We're talking about a minimum salary guy here most likely. But it's also our weakest position, so if we went and spent on it, it wouldn't be a terrible call. Where else do you see us needing to improve? Sure, I'd like to get a backup 2 guard that can spell Book a little better than what we had this year, but aside from maybe Bryn Forbes, there aren't a lot of guys out there that are cheap and a marked improvement. I also think since we are competing now, we draft a guard that may be able to contribute right away, rather than a big, as we've seen bigs take time to develop. So offseason plan is sign a big, draft a G.

Unless you want to sign another wing? But with Bridges, Johnson, Crowder....Craig likely to return. Where can we fit another guy in?

Really depends who returns in FA, I'm not as certain guys like Craig or Payne will be back especially if CP3 extends. Plus I could see a trade or two also. Even with good teams some roster shuffle is needed year to year. So replacements for guys who have rotation spots now is probably the focus.

If I could pick one kind of guy to get it would be a forward who can create their own offense. It would be great if they were like 6'9 or above too because guarding the big dynamic forwards is kind of a defensive problem too but the type of guy I'm describing doesn't exactly grow on trees. But in general I do want another guy where if you're playing a tough d you can throw them the ball and they bail you out. Right now only Booker, Paul, and Payne can really effectively get their own shot. Cam Johnson probably has the best shot of improvement and being able to do thats still not really his game.

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I'll be surprised if Payne isn't back. Craig I wouldn't be surprised but if he can be had for the minimum like this past year I think he would be back too. Nader I don't know but again if at the minimum, I think he'd be back too.

Galloway is the FA I think is most likely to be gone, given his age compared to Moore. We probably only need one of those guys with Ty-Shon.

I see Craig as a perfect BAE candidate, and probably a big reason we didn't use it to sign a big in the buyout spree (as many on here wanted us to) was so that we'd have it available to use on him this summer.

Payne should be back. We have his Early Bird Rights, which means we can pay him up to $10m. I don't think any other team is paying that much for a backup PG (look at the contracts handed out to backup PGs not named Jordan Clarkson in the last couple years, most are right around $7m/season). So unless someone wants him to be their starter, I think it's pretty safe he comes back.

I'd love Nader back on a minimum deal. He's a great backup wing in case of an injury to one of our rotation guys, he's plenty athletic and brings great energy and can play some solid defense.

[Barkley6]

Really depends who returns in FA, I'm not as certain guys like Craig or Payne will be back especially if CP3 extends. Plus I could see a trade or two also. Even with good teams some roster shuffle is needed year to year. So replacements for guys who have rotation spots now is probably the focus.

If I could pick one kind of guy to get it would be a forward who can create their own offense. It would be great if they were like 6'9 or above too because guarding the big dynamic forwards is kind of a defensive problem too but the type of guy I'm describing doesn't exactly grow on trees. But in general I do want another guy where if you're playing a tough d you can throw them the ball and they bail you out. Right now only Booker, Paul, and Payne can really effectively get their own shot. Cam Johnson probably has the best shot of improvement and being able to do thats still not really his game.

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I'll be surprised if Payne isn't back. Craig I wouldn't be surprised but if he can be had for the minimum like this past year I think he would be back too. Nader I don't know but again if at the minimum, I think he'd be back too.

Galloway is the FA I think is most likely to be gone, given his age compared to Moore. We probably only need one of those guys with Ty-Shon.

Will the trio of Frank, Saric and Carter be here next year?

Frank back on a minimum deal is a no brainer for both sides. Saric and Carter are under contract for next season. I could see Carter being moved because he doesn't play consistently enough to warrant what he's being paid, but finding a taker might be difficult. I think we give Saric another chance, he had a tough season with COVID and injury. I think a fresh slate is warranted, but wouldn't be surprised to see him moved at the deadline if he continues to play as he has in the last 2 months.

[Ghost of Kleine]

Now I will say that in talking with a fair majority of sixer fans, They do have interest in trying to bring Holmes back for his modicum of floor spacing ability in contrast to Howard. Which might then push Howard out to us perhaps??? But otherwise, I don't expect either to be available for us under normal circumstances.

As for Kanter, He'd add rebounding, But nothing much at all defensively, Which again is what we'd need most! He's also every bit as slow and unathletic as Saric, So that would ultimately be redundant and ineffective for us. And Robin Lopez, Of course the wizards are hardcapped, And they'll likely be losing one or two of their rotation players. And to be clear, I actually like Lopez for his feisty and tenacious rim protection and front court defense. He'd be a solid get for us! But considering his defensive improvement, I don't see him taking less than around 5-7 million to sign with us. There'll be plenty of other teams with more cap flexibility than us who'll be looking for a backup center.

Lastly, I again don't see Howard choosing to leave Philly, whose a top contender, In a much easier eastern conference. And given Embiids' repetitive injury issues, I could fully see them prioritizing resigning him for much needed frontcourt depth.

I do absolutely agree with you though that we're likely to at least get one though! And again, for the cost, IF we do look to a vet as a backup center option, I think our most realistic impactful defensive options at the veteran's minimum would be one of Whiteside or Cousins for that price range. Anyone else of the 8 centers in free agency not mentioned don't excite me at all. As they're not really upgrades to what we already have in Saric and Kaminsky. And none really offer tangible and consistent rim protection and front court defense compared to the intrinsic value of the 2nd round centers that I mentioned. If it were possible to do a side by side comparison based upon statistics alone, These prospects would still offer greater overall value/ long term upside for the contractual cost.

[Ghost of Kleine]

He is my favourite player to backup Ayton.

I'd probably go for Nerlens Noel if you could get him on a minimum. Or even for part of the MLE...maybe a 1 year deal similar to what he got this year. ($5 million I think).

My issue with Noel is he is very one dimensional. He is a great rim protector, but he doesn't offer much else. I either want someone who can shoot and move the ball well (an Olynyk type) or someone who can rebound the ball well (a Dwight Howard type).

I don't see Noel doing much of either of those things.

I agree with you that he's primarily a " one trick pony" so to speak! But Ideally, I'd look to replace Kaminsky with Noel. And then maybe flip Saric for a 3 and D big that can shoot. I mean I did propose a trade with Dallas:
Saric and the 29th pick for Kleber and Tyrell Terry. And I was even willing to add a future 2nd as a sweetener! But they weren't having it! They already asserted that Kleber was the much better value player.

Also, Philly was quite interested in trading for Saric back, In interest of more floor spacing! The most consistent proposal was something along the lines of Saric for Mike Scott and
either shake Milton or the 28th pick. Now I do like Milton. However I'm leaning towards the 28th pick and maybe Howard resigned at around 6 million per ( 2 yrs)! And then I'd look to draft a quality guard at 28, IF we couldn't package them to move up for Butler or Cooper? And then at 29, add either Sandro Mukashavili ( a much better version of Saric anyways) or elite shooting at 6"8 in Sam Hauser! Or 6'9 Trey Murphy 3rd ( 50/40/90 season! ) versatile college wing. This also affords us cap flexibility as Paul comes off of the books, And our extensions come due!

[Flying Colors]

SMH, Mavs had it in their hands then they lost it

[King4Day]

SMH, Mavs had it in their hands then they lost it

They sorta did. Late 3rd they let it go. So a full quarter plus the Clips outplayed them.

[Ghost of Kleine]

We just watched a series where the Lakers best option was basically saying **** playing all their traditional C's and people are still obsessing about back up Cs. I don't get it.

Not saying adding a guy for depth isn't something they should do but I certainly don't consider it a priority. Especially since it's really not too much to ask that the guy they drafted 11 this past year give them something in year two. Guys to get better.

Oh and the clippers STARTED Batum at C today.

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We won that series predominantly though by pushing the pace and playing back to our strengths as a fast break team, which allowed us to prevent them from getting their defense set. Which negated their size in the post really. It also allowed us to get in a better rythym, As we were finally able to get to the rim for higher percentage shots and gained confidence as the defenses were forced to collapse! Providing more space for our shooters to get comfortable. They're older, bigger lumbering centers again, Just couldn't keep pace!

This is how we should play honestly! It's to our benefit. Now to be fair, IF we had maintained a half court game strategy, We would have likely gotten destroyed in the frontcourt by their size. Throughout the series, And even at times during the season, Aside from Ayton, Saric and Kaminsky proved to be wildly inconsistent, and detrimental to our frontcourt defense. So with respect to that, The obsession over backup center depth is based upon the concerns over lack of tangible depth in the potential event of Ayton getting injured or fouling out.

If Saric and Kaminsky had proven to even be remotely consistent and/ or capable of holding down that position, Then it wouldn't be a point of emphasis for us! It's really on them to prove their value in that position. But until they do, We'll likely still carry heavy concerns over our frontcourt depth issues. As far as Smith goes, whom they drafted with the 10th pick, I still really believe that he'll really show something to our team next season. But unless he adds significant weight this offseason, Then he'll most likely be manning the backup 4 position for us, As he just doesn't have the size to battle the majority of bigger, stronger NBA 5s'. And for his size and mobility, That's a more beneficial position until he gets stronger anyways.

We need the depth positionally for those unique situations in which opposing teams may have significant size mismatches against us! Especially if Ayton is out for whatever reason?

As for the Clippers, When you have both Kwahi and George, You can afford to try different strategies either with the knowledge that they're backing you up! It'll be really interesting to see if how effective it is for them!

By the way, Just out of curiosity, Which position if any do you consider a priority this offseason? Any value options that pique your interest?

[Ghost of Kleine]

Why did we give up Bogdan again i remember it being a legitimate reason.

Traded his rights to get..........Marquese Chriss.

Along with #13 (LeVert?) and 27 or 28 (Dejounte Murray?)

Ouch!

[King4Day]

Traded his rights to get..........Marquese Chriss.

Along with #13 (LeVert?) and 27 or 28 (Dejounte Murray?)

Ouch!

I think we might have taken Murray late but LaVert probably wasn't going that early. Injuries sunk his draft stock.

[jcsunsfan]

Traded his rights to get..........Marquese Chriss.

Along with #13 (LeVert?) and 27 or 28 (Dejounte Murray?)

Ouch!

Its not like we would have taken those guys

Or ever got him to play for us for that matter.

[AtheJ415]

I wonder if we could afford Josh Richardson if he opts out.

[bwgood77]

I wonder if we could afford Josh Richardson if he opts out.

I doubt it. But funny you mention. I started to write a post about maybe trading Saric for him, possibly in a 3 way if he opted in. He seems like a guy that might need a new situation but would have to be a guard off the bench. He can handle and has been a decent shooter in the past.

I don't know why he hasn't played as well since Miami though. I thought of Payne though and how our 3 guard rotation is pretty solid so I don't know if we need him unless we were to see injury to one of our 3 guards, or if Payne left for whatever reason.