2020-2021 ROSTER TALK: Archived

[BasketballJones41]

I am of the opinion that in order to be a true contender we need to have a top 10 defense.  If we are building around Luka and KP, that means at least one quality perimeter defender and most importantly a really good defensive 4.  This is why I have generally been out on guys like Collins/Markkanen as I don't think either paired with KP makes a good enough defensive frontcourt to truly complete.

To my mind, if there is something we really need offensively, its somebody to take some of the pressure off of Luka.  Preferably a two way player than can play make and create a little for themselves.  That is the missing piece to make this team a contender.  Spending all of our assets/cap space on a player that does not meet this need is a misallocation of resources.

As for JRich, he has been disappointing.  I think some of it is luck (shooting) and some of it is due to the Covid mess.  We have the rest of the season (and hopefully some playoffs) to get a more complete assessment.  I'm anticipating that he will regress to his average as the year goes on, and he has already shown on occasion that he can bring a defensive intensity we will desperately need come playoff time.

I don’t necessarily disagree with anything you said. I completely see the need for a secondary ball handler that can take a share of the load off of Luka. That’s why I also like Devonte’ Graham, and Lonzo. Maybe Brunson is growing into that guy right in front of us? As far as defense goes I think it’s more important for us to upgrade our wing defense. And that’s one of my biggest problems with Richardson. Even if he gets his shooting back up to his career averages, he just hasn’t been that good defensively. Nothing close to as advertised. And I really believe Markkanen would be a good defender here so I don’t think signing him would be a step in the wrong direction there. If we let Hardaway and Richardson walk we can have about 34 million in Space I believe. With that we could sign Markkanen  and a wing upgrade. Plus have the MLE. So I don’t believe my plan and your plan are mutually exclusive.