It's just how we end up tanking that will be interesting and important to some of us that want to fully move on to the next iteration of this team.
Who is saying playing Scoot and Shae out of position? I think that you start them both as well. I was just saying if Scoot came off the bench he would still get his minutes. You don't like Ant and that is fine but to say he is not a good fit is confusing to me. His shooting off the bench would fit very well next to Shae and a "point forward" like Deni.
The scary thing about last year is we had to fake injuries to keep from winning too much. I fear the same will have to happen this year. We have real talent on this team. We just have to make sure to throttle it appropriately.
Can someone confirm my lousy research? It appears the only pick we may have in the first round is the one we owe Chicago if we're not in the lottery. We also have a second round pick that is protected 41-59 for Atlanta. Can that be right?
This was always going to happen after trading Dame. That's why I wanted to avoid it as long as possible. But if you're tearing down you have about an 80% chance of not drafting an all star in the lotto. So you need to plan on being high lotto 5 years in a row, minimum. It took the Lakers 6 seasons to get out of the lotto. It'll probably take us more. I don't want to tear it down again for a long time. We're already over halfway through a good rebuild. Let's do it right.
I do like Ant but I like him surrounded by size and elite defenders and hopefully another guy who can be the primary playmaker on the majority of plays. That's not this team. I also think the fact that Joe point blank said this team is being built around Scoot and Shae and didn't say a damn word about Ant after a year of saying that Ant is our best player likely means that one or more likely multiple seeds that Joe said had been planted that day will have Ant on a different team soon. Oh and I don't like Ant nearly as much as I like Scoot or Shae... I know that Ant has more realized value but I like the character of both younger guys and what that means for their potential. I do not like how Ant's game has fit with Scoot's or Shae's or projects to fit with them.
Team building takes time. We are arguably entering our 2nd or 3rd year of the rebuild. Some of the players with the most potential are still rookies and will take 4-5 years to reach their potential. Whether we intentionally tank or not for the next year or two is anyone's guest but regardless - we will not have a contender for several more years and that is IF these rookies actually reach their full potential. Adding young players through trades can speed up the process but unless we luck into a trade or two that brings us real star power I wouldn't be surprised if it takes us several more years before we even make the play ins. All things being equal - I just hope that we see some progress each year going forward until we finally have a contender - basketball gods willing!
If we believe that our roster contains the top-end talent necessary to contend (whether developing or not), then no, we should not be tanking. If we do not believe that our roster contains the top-end talent necessary to contend (whether developing or not), then yes, we should be tanking. It is as simple as that.
What Joe said is fine with me. Although I don't think it was as calculated as some think. But he should build around Scoot and Shae. I just fail to see what that has to do with Simons since I have advocated for him to come off the bench. I do agree with you that he needs to play next to tall and good defenders. "Elite" may be a little extreme since very few teams have multiple elite defenders. But I would not say "That's not this team" when we are not done building this team. Shae, Deni, Clingan, Camara, and even Rupert all have the potential to be good defenders. It is rare though that good defenders are also very good shooters, so someone like Ant will always be needed.
Scoot getting minutes is not my concern. Get rid of the "win now" vets who dominate the ball. We need the ball in Scoot and Shae's hands to start possessions as much as possible. We need those guys defending the best guards on opposing teams as much as possible. We'll lose games, even while trying to win. And they'll be getting so much more experience handling the situations they'll need to handle once we are back in the playoff picture in a few years.
I hate tanking. I don't want to be in this position again for as long as possible. We'll need to lose for a couple more seasons to have the best chance if that. And it will more likely make the time in between more fun as well. This was the best path as soon aw ee traded Dame.
Tank for what? Who is it y'all want to replace before having any clue of the growth and chemistry? In terms of the players they have now, who have room to improve while being competitive now, we have a very good core. The greatest mystery is Sharpe, but he seems to have the tools to become a player similar to Anthony Edwards. Say what you want. The surrounding pieces as they stand individually and their potential for improvement? Center-- is looking great. SF-- is suddenly looking great. SG is looking great. PF-- we have a very good play in Grant, and an interesting backup with 21 year old Walker. PG-- We have a guy who showed signs of figuring things out in his first season, and we should all be excited about moving forward. I just don't see the need to tear it all down before having any clue as to what it could be. To each their own. Excited for the season!
Cronin is playing 4D chess. He's going to tank for three more years by strategic "injuries" to all key players. We're talking about no one playing close to a full season. He will re-sign these guys as the years go on because they will all be in on it, understanding the bigger picture. After he's collected a roster of lottery pick stars the chains will be removed, and he'll release the Kraken on the NBA. Our dynasty will begin in 2027 and will last over a decade. Genius!
Are the Spurs considered a well-run organization? They've had 5 straight losing seasons. The last two seasons a combined 44 wins. What is the outlook for that team for 2024-25?
