12-17-2020, 10:02 AM
(12-17-2020, 09:28 AM)DanSchwartzman Wrote: To repeat the theory...we don't have the wherewithal to trade for anyone who is all-star level or higher...giving up THJ and some other asset for a "Solid Starter" is lateral (and also not worth disrupting what appears to be a good locker room). If you pursue someone in free agency, you are also essentially "trading" THJ for him. But, there are some guys in the High End Starter and All Star Candidates classes (and above) who are available. Those include Anunoby (restricted), Collins (Restricted-Schwartz), Gobert (UFA) and Dipo (UFA)
We have to be careful about the "Doncic/Carlisle effect". THJ finished the '18-'19 season as a 4.2 (high-end backup), while never hitting more than 36% from 3-pt in hs 6- years in the league. Starting last season on the bench was terrible, moving him to starter (and getting a bunch of wide-open looks from Luka) was the right choice, bumping him to a 5.2 (low-end starter) hitting 40% from 3-pt. Also, he was our less reliable shooter (besides Maxi) in playoff time (not even going to mention his putrid defense). If we can identify a guy that can become a high-end starter (6.5-7.5) by playing with an MVP caliber point-guard, I wouldn't hesitate to throw THJ there.
Looking at their list, it's very hard to find some REALISTIC names (Markkanen (CHI), Fournier, Gordon (ORL) and Hield (SAC) are the closets trade targets I've found). Don't think ATL will screw up Collins' extension, neither will TOR with Anunoby.