See, I just think we haven't given anyone outside of Olshey a chance to build a contender around Dame and while father time is undefeated you have examples of guys who are much like Dame taking care of themselves and having their impact remain at an all star level late into their thirties. So, I just don't see why we would trade him unless that's what he is asking for before we see what another lead executive can do around him.
As far as the #1 pick is concerned if Dame and Joe want to do everything in their power (Lillard on the court and Cronin off) then we can have a team that is in position and able to compete come playoff time. Due to the fact that I think trades that could be made this season before the deadline would only be a first step in establishing a contender around Dame, I don't think we could build an immediate contender through trades right now but I can't even be sure of that until I see what Cronin does and how what he does impacts what we see on the court.
All I am saying is give Dame a chance... without Olshey here fucking it up.
That being said, if your preference is that we get the best package(s) of young players and picks for Dame, CJ, Norm, Larry, Nurk and RoCo and start a ground up rebuild... I can't tell you that your position has no logic behind it. I can see how it would be attractive to expect nothing out of our team and just be excited for a bunch of guys who have just as much of a chance at leaving our team uncompetitive in five years from now as a team built around Dame that could actually win something during those five years. I get the appeal of when you are frustrated with what's currently going on (which we all are) to completely hit reset because for a few years that eliminates the potential of frustration because it makes it so you have no expectation. I get it.
I just don't think that's the way to go when you have the greatest player in franchise history still in his prime and a bunch of trade chips (max level salary attached to a productive player, a mid level long term/team friendly contract attached to a very good two way player, a mid level contract with a year beyond this one attached to a really good role player and two expiring mid level contracts attached to two role players... all of these players could easily contribute to championship contention now and going forward. Not to mention access to trading any of our picks starting two years after the Bulls pick is conveyed).
I can say this, none of this matters because none of us has control over what our team does. I think Cronin has to swing for the fences and I'd imagine that he can get the Vulcans to go along with anything besides trading Dame. That being said there are only two logical ways to proceed: you either swing for the fences trying to transform the roster you have around Dame into one that is far more competitive right now and especially going into next season or you completely hit reset which I don't know if anyone even has the power to do right now.
