2015 NBA Offseason Thread

[Groundhog]

So somehow the Lakers think they can get DMC and still pick in the top 5 this draft? lol

[Groundhog]

...................although having said that, Sac is a frontoffice that wants to explore a 5-on-4 defense.............

[stevew]

Fucking assholes should have traded cousins to the Cavs instead last year. Don't know what the Lakers have, and a starting point is Randall and #2 at the minium I'd think.

[MrBug708]

Need Vlade to do us a solid

[King of New York]

Vlade Divac might be the Manchurian Vice President of Basketball Operations. All Kobe has to do is say "Trade Boogie," and Vlade will be powerless to disobey.

[korme]

Originally Posted by nol

Yeah, that was a pure salary dump for Milwaukee. I don't know what they're gonna do with the cap room beyond re-signing Middleton

If Wade opts out, expect a major offer from Milwaukee.

[Brian Swartz]

Originally Posted by RainMaker

I don't get what the Kings are doing.

That's ok, you've got company. It's becoming increasingly obvious that they don't know either. Karl should be fired immediately, and others might have to go as well. There's a reason why many players want to play where there's a decent organization in place.

[Chief Rum]

Originally Posted by King of New York

Vlade Divac might be the Manchurian Vice President of Basketball Operations. All Kobe has to do is say "Trade Boogie," and Vlade will be powerless to disobey.

Like McHale in Minnesota.

[miami_fan]

Originally Posted by Brian Swartz

That's ok, you've got company. It's becoming increasingly obvious that they don't know either. Karl should be fired immediately, and others might have to go as well. There's a reason why many players want to play where there's a decent organization in place.

There had to be some discussion about the relationship between Karl and Cousins, right? I can't see how Kings management OR George Karl could agree on Karl becoming head coach without a clear plan on how Karl and Cousins would work together and a clear exit strategy for if (when?) it went wrong.

[whomario]

I think the Chaos in the kings Organisation last season is giving headline hungry journalists a sort of “free play“ for ludicrous rumours in the sense that its hard to call bs in light of past events ...

[whomario]

I was kinda surprised to learn that there have only been 10 true international players (drafted from there, not going the college route like Bogut) drafted in the Top10.

I also find it bizarre that this whole "woa, the mysterious foreigner rises up in the rankings due to 1:0 workouts" is still a thing.

You can be sure that literally every NBA team had scouts out for Porzingis or Hezonja multiple times over the season and have had the large chunk of games available on "tape". They are not playing in Lithuania ca 1997 or the Greek 2nd division but in the ACB and Eurocup in 2015. The thing is that certain things are hard to judge with the professional (and fairly restricted) environment, which is where the workouts come in. Just like for players from teams like Kentucky, where they simply can only be observed in their "role" rather than as complete players.
Good for Porzingis that he is very active in steering clear of that perception. Nothing Hezonja can do about it, since he is still playing for his club team in the spanish league finals.

I have my doubts with Porzingis personally, but being able to shoot the ball is definitely a big thing for a guy like him (and he is not a pure spot up shooter either, can shoot off a drible and coming off screens). Which a guy like Veseley unfortunately could not (where i maintain that he could be a rotation player if you play to his strength, he is a terrific defensive player)

I think a lot will depend on the mindset of the team drafting him. He´s not a guy you can slot into a specific role early on and he´ll struggle with that for a while. On offense he needs oportunities to make mistakes early on if you bank on him taking a feature role there at some point. And defensively he will have an adjustment period, just like all international players do, especially Front Court Players with the different spacing in the NBA game.

Hezonja to me is destined to be a 6th man type of player where you need to take the good with the bad. Not a guy to park in the corner skillset-wise, unlikely to be a guy who is good enough that you let him dictate your offense for a whole game.

I think the Knicks are the big Wild Card in the Top 10, along with the Kings. I am pretty sure the Knicks will trade the pick, imo it would be smart to do it. (which might exclude the possibility ).

Everybody in this draft except maybe Towns seems to be a "system player" in that they need some adjustments for their style to work (Okafor comes to mind first) or guys that are role players you look at team fit again.

[nol]

Originally Posted by whomario

I think a lot will depend on the mindset of the team drafting him. He´s not a guy you can slot into a specific role early on and he´ll struggle with that for a while. On offense he needs oportunities to make mistakes early on if you bank on him taking a feature role there at some point. And defensively he will have an adjustment period, just like all international players do, especially Front Court Players with the different spacing in the NBA game.

Yeah, he will need a good environment more than most because there's not going to be one thing he does particularly well from the start that ingratiates him with a less patient coach.

Originally Posted by whomario

I also find it bizarre that this whole "woa, the mysterious foreigner rises up in the rankings due to 1:0 workouts" is still a thing.

That's exactly what happened though. He declared last year, was scouted pretty heavily this year and was in the 5-10 range for pretty much the entire season. Then he had a workout and people were talking about him as the best prospect in the draft.

[Subby]

ESPN sources say Cavs forward Kevin Love has opted out of the final year of his contract and will be a free agent July 1

— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) June 24, 2015

[Kodos]

Watch out. Love bites.

[whomario]

This is no indication on his leanings regarding Free Agency though. Might simply sign a short new deal that actually makes him more money this season. Its pretty rare that players of his caliber not opt out of their deals i would guess.

In the "human interest" department: Steph Curry sending a finals jersey to Drazen Petrovic Mom (who babysat him during the 1992 3point contest) for the museum dedicated to Drazen.

[Groundhog]

Yeah, I think everyone surely expected Love to opt out? I still think it's a good chance he stays, but who knows. He was frustrating enough to watch last season that I wouldn't exactly be heartbroken if he left.

[BishopMVP]

Celtics are going to woo Kevin Love (meh) with a potential package of Paul Pierce (yay) and Robin Lopez (oh god no)??? If it was anyone other than Woj reporting it is dismiss it, but the man is connected. Go for DeAndre if you want, try to steal Middleton or Tobias Harris, don't let SA/Chicago/GS get discounts on their Kawhi/Butler/Draymond, do not overpay for a 2nd/3rd tier big guy.

[Groundhog]

Blazers maybe trading Batum to Hornets for Gerald Henderson/Noah Vonleh? Interesting if true... Vonleh didn't do a lot last year, but he's young and it was a crowded frontcourt in Charlotte. I think he was the guy Orlando should've grabbed over Gordon.

[stevew]

Love will likely sign 1+1 with anyone. I suppose he could be kinda scared after the shoulder. But I doubt he signs for 4 or 5.

Blazers must see Henderson as a reasonably priced Matthews replacement

[stevew]

Dola

I do want Love back but only if we're seriously going to limit LeBron's minutes.

[Young Drachma]

Kings owner not letting Karl trade Cousins.

[Groundhog]

My final random thoughts pre-draft...

Guys that would scare me if my team were picking in the top 4: Porzingis, Mudiay, Hezonja.

Justise Winslow and Stanley Johnson both have those Draymond Green-esque "small-ball 4" builds that have me intrigued.

I'd take WCS over Kaminsky any day of the week. I think I'd take Dekker over Kaminsky, too.

Kelly Oubre looks like the prototypical underachieving Jayhawk who will be out of the league in 3-4 years.

I didn't see anything out of Tyrus Jones at Duke that cried out "NBA PG". He got hot in the tourney, but I wouldn't pick him over Jerian Grant or Delon Wright.

I have a feeling that the Spurs are going to end up drafting one out of Kevon Looney, Delon Wright, or Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and craft them into the perfect rotation player.

[Groundhog]

Originally Posted by stevew

Love will likely sign 1+1 with anyone. I suppose he could be kinda scared after the shoulder. But I doubt he signs for 4 or 5.

I think this will be the new norm for star players, until they hit that "one last big contract" phase of their career.

Blazers must see Henderson as a reasonably priced Matthews replacement

I like Gerald Henderson as a backup SG, but not so much as a starter. A bit inconsistent offensively, and a mediocre three point shooter (although he's gotten better the last couple of years).

TBH I can't imagine this trade would make Portland a more attractive place for Aldridge.

[Groundhog]

Jeremy Lamb to the Hornets for some sort of deal involving Matt Barnes, but he won't be going to OKC. That's two good deals for the Hornets addressing their biggest needs.... what the hell is going on?!

[murrayyyyy]

Originally Posted by Groundhog

Blazers maybe trading Batum to Hornets for Gerald Henderson/Noah Vonleh? Interesting if true... Vonleh didn't do a lot last year, but he's young and it was a crowded frontcourt in Charlotte. I think he was the guy Orlando should've grabbed over Gordon.

I would suspect this mean Charlotte goes with Lyles @ 9.

I'm shocked as Rashad Vaughn is shooting up draft boards but heard lots of people say he was the best shooter at workouts.

[nol]

Originally Posted by Groundhog

I think this will be the new norm for star players, until they hit that "one last big contract" phase of their career.



I like Gerald Henderson as a backup SG, but not so much as a starter. A bit inconsistent offensively, and a mediocre three point shooter (although he's gotten better the last couple of years).

TBH I can't imagine this trade would make Portland a more attractive place for Aldridge.

this trade and Ellis opting out yesterday makes it seem like there's a pretty good chance Aldridge goes to Dallas.

[Groundhog]

Originally Posted by murrayyyyy

I would suspect this mean Charlotte goes with Lyles @ 9.

No chance - I suspect that after 2 good value trades, they'll now revert back to the Hornets we know and love and draft Kaminsky here.

[Galaril]

Originally Posted by RainMaker

I just can't see the Kings trading him for anything less than the 2nd pick in the draft. He's a really good player on a really good deal.

I don't get what the Kings are doing.

Broussard has been reporting for days the Nuggets are offering Lawson and Fahreed for Cousins. But sounds like the Kings are wanting the #7 pick in the draft . From all word around town it seems extremely likely the two nuggets get traded to some one so they can get a second first rounder in the 5-14 range. I am fine with that but not also with the #7 pick.

[Groundhog]

If the Kings are all-in on trading Cousins for whatever reason - I personally would be firing Karl over trading Cousins - Lawson+Faried+7th pick is pretty intriguing. Not without the pick though.

[RainMaker]

Originally Posted by Galaril

Broussard has been reporting for days the Nuggets are offering Lawson and Fahreed for Cousins. But sounds like the Kings are wanting the #7 pick in the draft . From all word around town it seems extremely likely the two nuggets get traded to some one so they can get a second first rounder in the 5-14 range. I am fine with that but not also with the #7 pick.

I'd throw in the 7 pick. Cousins is a legit top-10 player in the league who is under contract for a long time that is well under what his value is. Lawson is an above average PG on a fair deal while Faried is limited a great deal at PF and on a bad contract.

It's incredibly rare for a player at that age, with that much talent, and with that good of a contract to come on the market.

[RainMaker]

The Wolves should offer the #1 pick in the draft for Cousins.

[nol]

Originally Posted by RainMaker

The Wolves should offer the #1 pick in the draft for Cousins.

I think Towns is a little bit too good of a prospect, but the main problem would be that the Wolves would have to give back at least $14M worth of players, which would make it much less attractive for the Kings.

[RainMaker]

They could send back Bennett and Buddinger. Both are technically expiring deals and it gives the Kings a flyer on Bennett.

[MrBug708]

Originally Posted by Groundhog

Blazers maybe trading Batum to Hornets for Gerald Henderson/Noah Vonleh? Interesting if true... Vonleh didn't do a lot last year, but he's young and it was a crowded frontcourt in Charlotte. I think he was the guy Orlando should've grabbed over Gordon.

Blazers tried to trade for him in the draft

[nol]

Originally Posted by RainMaker

They could send back Bennett and Buddinger. Both are technically expiring deals and it gives the Kings a flyer on Bennett.

I wouldn't even trade Towns for Cousins straight up though. Towns can be a top 10 player as well and will be on an even better deal.

[RainMaker]

Towns can be a top 10 player but Cousins already is one. I'd rather have the sure thing.

[Galaril]

Originally Posted by Groundhog

If the Kings are all-in on trading Cousins for whatever reason - I personally would be firing Karl over trading Cousins - Lawson+Faried+7th pick is pretty intriguing. Not without the pick though.

So, the Kings get the 6th and 7th picks in the first along with Lawson and Ken Freheed for Cousins. That would mean likely on the Kings roster at least four starters for one? Um no thanks unless at the very least the Kings throw him Collison or at least a PG prospect like McCallum.

[Zinto]

Sources: Lakers, Kings exchange framework of trade centered on DeMarcus Cousins today, discussions could intensify Thursday. Story soon.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) June 25, 2015

[Zinto]

I am not sure how any team in the league doesn't inquire about what the Kings want for DeMarcus. I would love to see the Pistons trade Drummond, the 8th pick, and whatever it takes salary wise to get him. He is an elite player.

[Groundhog]

Originally Posted by Galaril

So, the Kings get the 6th and 7th picks in the first along with Lawson and Ken Freheed for Cousins. That would mean likely on the Kings roster at least four starters for one? Um no thanks unless at the very least the Kings throw him Collison or at least a PG prospect like McCallum.

The Kings would probably happily throw in Collison or McCallum (or both). If I were running the Nuggets (or Kings) I still don't know if I would make the deal, but Cousins is really the only super value piece in the whole trade - 6th and 7th picks in a draft which has a clear 2 or 3 top-tier prospects and an average/above-average starting PG and one-dimensional PF. Collison is a serviceable rotation player, and McCallum is a prospect.

It's fairer than the rumoured Lakers deal though, unless they included their #2 pick.

[JPhillips]

Originally Posted by Zinto

Sources: Lakers, Kings exchange framework of trade centered on DeMarcus Cousins today, discussions could intensify Thursday. Story soon.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) June 25, 2015

I hope the Lakers somehow keep the #2 and pick Russell, not because I like the Lakers, but because I'd love to see Philly grab another center. Hinkie could roll with a four C one PG lineup.

[stevew]

Towns has 2 (what look to be) morbidly obese parents. Not a super big deal but gave me a slight pause.

Also saw some cool vid on how Carl Banks kept sending him shoes as he was going thru massive growth spurts.

[RainMaker]

The only way the Lakers deal makes sense is if the Kings are piling on the shitty contracts like Landry too.

[murrayyyyy]

Originally Posted by Groundhog

No chance - I suspect that after 2 good value trades, they'll now revert back to the Hornets we know and love and draft Kaminsky here.

More likely that Jordan panics when Lyles is gone and takes Stein for his "offense"

[nol]

Originally Posted by RainMaker

Towns can be a top 10 player but Cousins already is one. I'd rather have the sure thing.

Maybe a 3-team deal where Bennett and some other Minnesota salary dump goes to the Celtics, Gerald Wallace and no. 1 go to Sacramento, and the T-wolves get Cousins with some fringe players and picks to even things out. Even then, if I were Minnesota I wouldn't want to be dealing with a guy whose agent is making a big stink about getting him to play in Los Angeles (and the agent doesn't want to be dealing with Minnesota either, I'm sure). Also looking ahead to next year's draft, Towns will likely be the youngest, best player on a rookie scale deal before the cap goes up; he'll be on the Wolves for at least 2 years after Boogie's current deal expires.

[murrayyyyy]

Originally Posted by Zinto

Sources: Lakers, Kings exchange framework of trade centered on DeMarcus Cousins today, discussions could intensify Thursday. Story soon.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) June 25, 2015

Vlade is to the Lakers as McHale was for the Celtics...

[Galaril]

Originally Posted by Groundhog

The Kings would probably happily throw in Collison or McCallum (or both). If I were running the Nuggets (or Kings) I still don't know if I would make the deal, but Cousins is really the only super value piece in the whole trade - 6th and 7th picks in a draft which has a clear 2 or 3 top-tier prospects and an average/above-average starting PG and one-dimensional PF. Collison is a serviceable rotation player, and McCallum is a prospect.

It's fairer than the rumoured Lakers deal though, unless they included their #2 pick.

Good points but Collison was the starting point guard thru the first 45 games of the Kings season and McCallum as a rookie started at Pg for the last 35 games so think either could likely start for the Nuggets with Cousin down low. It want happen and fine with that. If the Nuggets keep the 7th and can get the MOuday kid or so how Winslow I think that is better and then maybe they can trade off Lawson and our Fraheed for a mid round 1st. The draft is not the 1984 draft but it is deep enough through lottery picks.

[RainMaker]

If this is his agent wanting to go to LA, that's a different story. But what I'm reading is that Karl doesn't want him and went to some teammates trying to talk them into the trade. Remember that Karl has a really bad reputation with this kind of stuff.

Cousins coming out with that snake in the grass tweet was telling. And he's said that he likes Sacramento and wants to stay.

A brief history of NBA stars calling George Karl a snake - SBNation.com

[stevew]

Basically the Kings are that GM that joins your MP league, screws up everything and upsets the balance of power. By the time the Kings figure this out it could be 2020. And the Kings still owe the Bulls a first via Cleveland that may turn into a 2nd cause they're just that awful.

[nol]

Originally Posted by RainMaker

If this is his agent wanting to go to LA, that's a different story. But what I'm reading is that Karl doesn't want him and went to some teammates trying to talk them into the trade. Remember that Karl has a really bad reputation with this kind of stuff.

Cousins coming out with that snake in the grass tweet was telling. And he's said that he likes Sacramento and wants to stay.

A brief history of NBA stars calling George Karl a snake - SBNation.com

Right, I was kind of beating around the bush there - the Wolves don't have the players or coach (the Nick Young/Javale McGee/Andray Blatche Wizards mutinied on Saunders) in place to handle Cousins. Much simpler to just go forward with the two best prospects of the last tow years on rookie deals. A good comparison for Towns is a slightly bigger version of Rasheed Wallace with a good attitude, and that's pretty damn scary.