(11-28-2023, 09:56 AM)Mike lorenzo Wrote: If this was a transition season...why the hell hire and extend KI...if next year we will have more picks to use,maybe some young guys take a step etc...but also KI is a year older,Maxi will be (even) more unplayable, add a year to players in decline Powell/Curry and the result is +- being at the same point going around in circles.. We have a historically good backcourt, you would have to dig hard to find a more talented one (if there is one) they don't need to accumulate to get a 3 star, only solid complementary players, who can defend themselves... Use unprotected FRP 27, yes It's a real help (if a Caruso type) get a big backer and see where it takes us...this summer we will have 2 more available, we just need good role players (as an example the trades from White to Boston/Gordon to Demver for an FRP )..Caruso is a no brainer, we need him and he is a game changer..don't worry about a little overpayment... By the way, what do you think of Curry for Achiuwa? Achiuwa has been pretty bad, but he is in a terrible role...and he is a very good PF defender, he can rebound...it would be a marginal change, but an interesting bet
Transition year? I don't think I would define it that way. I would be really surprised if this team is able to add talent or build internally and become a real contender this year. That is ok. My focus is to be a regular NBA team again that is competitive and plays in high pressure games for future growth. If you have Luka and Kyrie at peak ability, you have a chance against anyone. Probably not enough to win a series against the better teams, but enough to cause a lot of unease with those team.
The focus of this season is building cohesion and internal development. They need to be ready to contend once they make their big(ish) trade in the next year. So building depth and internal development will be really important over the next year.
By next season, if we could have development of the below it would be a great sigh:
Lively-One of our top 3 players. Before the season I was thinking top 4-5 in a year from now. He may already be there.
OMAX- Be one of the top 6-7 players on the roster
Josh- Be a consistent, reliable high minute rotation player. Prior to the season I would have said consistent, reliable starter. I just don't think the team sees him in that role though.
Hardy- Can he be an every game rotation player
Last year was the one year you could sort of tell Luka is wasn't about winning. I don't think you get another chance to do that.