(05-13-2025, 12:59 PM)KillerLeft Wrote: Either way, AD is GOING to play more 5 than he did last year because they are for sure not going to keep both Gafford and Lively after this.
If they want to compete right away, which I think is a mistake, they'd be better off keeping them all. AD is going to miss a good chunk of games. Ditto for Lively. Gafford, who everyone believes is the likely man out, is an ironman by comparison. And that doesn't even factor in that AD when "healthy" doesn't always look like the elite player he once was/can be at times. You'd need Flagg in the mix just to keep a healthy rotation at 4/5 spots.
That's why I think the often kicked around Ball idea one the board is a little insane unless you can get him for virtually free.
Rebuilding just seems so obvious while the western conference weathers the OKC juggernaut for a few years and maybe you build something that will compete with the Spurs and Houston. I'd trade anyone not named Flagg for future assets and take bad contracts for more future assets. And that includes Lively, as much as I love the person and player, I just don't trust his health. Develop Flagg and see what you need around him instead of trying to shortcut "the process" like with did with Luka/KP. Add healthy dose of draft luck/hits along the way.