06-26-2025, 06:09 PM
(06-26-2025, 05:00 PM)omahen Wrote: I just can't understand how NO allowed this kind of thing. There is one thing about believing in a prospect like Portland and reaching for him at #16 (might be they were affraid BKN will reach with one of their picks). Its not very likely you will get more than a rotation player with #16. Worst case they blew the #16 pick on a prospect who didn't make it. Happens more often than not. Of course GM will be judged by his selection, but it is not a team destroying move.
Team destroying move is what NO did. Of course they believe in their guy and if he turns out to be ROTY at least, they could be redeamed. But he is #13 for a reason and if they thought so highly of him, they could pick him with #7. So, best case for them is similar to Portland. The guy turns out to be great and everyone is happy. The problem is the worst case. They gave up an unprotected FRP. A pick that has more chance of ending in a lottery than not (decent chance both NOLA and Milwaukee suck next season). And as soon as it is in the lottery, it may become a #1 pick. Or top 5. Mavs could tell a nice story about that. NOLA got to pick Zion from place #6 in the lottery, if I remember correctly.
Well, at least one thing we know with this move. No tanking for NOLA
btw, wasn't weaver a terrible GM in Detroit?
After the Luka trade someone asked Nico what happens if the worst case scenario happens. He gave some answer that he was a positive person and didn’t think about the worst case scenario. That’s the job of the GM. You always need to factor in worst case. Same thing with Dumars.
New Orleans has some talented players. In some cases, very talented. When I look at them though, I don’t see a team. I see a bunch of guys or individuals. I also don’t see many guy who are galvanizing guys who will pull everyone together. In the tough west that is not a good sign. Added to this their training staff does not have a great reputation..