Non-Davis Pelican players available

[JDC]

Well I guess we just have a different definition of "above average". There are 30 teams so even if I expanded it out to the top 40 PF's he'd be right in the middle to slightly below average in those categories for a starting PF or a 6th or 7th man type. I don't see that as being safely above average.

Well, if we are talking about starters now I can see the argument from him being slightly below average. But outside of Green, Siakam, Gainnis and Millsap the line between an average and above average defensive PF becomes pretty thin imo.

Think his unique combination of size, agility and spacing he provides offensively becomes even more valuable in a playoff setting vs good teams as well.

And I find your post defense concerns a bit odd. Big reason we failed against the Pels in the playoffs was our bigs inability to punish Mirotic in the post. Even Nurk had a tough time with him.

 

[JDC]

An underrated benefit of acquiring Mirotic would be how his skill level offensively would give Stotts the ability to play Aminu some at the 3.

Would be nice insurance in case Moe isn't healthy come playoff time.

 

[oldmangrouch]

There is no doubt in my mind Mirotic would be an upgrade. To me, it comes down to 2 questions. What would it cost to acquire him; what would it cost to retain him.

The first point is important because we don't have a surplus of trade assets. The second is important because I am not a fan of leaving the team with no future flexibility. We did that in 2016 and it hasn't worked out for us.

 

[oldmangrouch]

This discussion appears to be heading (one might say it already has) to a dead end so i will bow out.

That's ironic - I logged on to say "let's just agree to disagree and move on!"

 

[Jade Falcon]

Full disclosure: I know next to nothing about Mirotic. He's on a team that I never follow, nor have I followed his career.

However, I've heard that his health is a big X-factor. Is this true, and how bad is his injury history?

 

[hoopsjock]

Well, if we are talking about starters now I can see the argument from him being slightly below average. But outside of Green, Siakam, Gainnis and Millsap the line between an average and above average defensive PF becomes pretty thin imo.

Think his unique combination of size, agility and spacing he provides offensively becomes even more valuable in a playoff setting vs good teams as well.

And I find your post defense concerns a bit odd. Big reason we failed against the Pels in the playoffs was our bigs inability to punish Mirotic in the post. Even Nurk had a tough time with him.

Did you not watch game 4? Nurk absolutely abused Mirotic in the 2nd half of that game. They had to start sending a double team (usually Davis). The rest of the series we chose not to even try to expose Mirotic inside so I don't know how that is any indication of his post defense as it is more an indictment on our poor game plan of constantly running PnR against one of the top PnR defensive teams.

 

[JDC]

Did you not watch game 4? Nurk absolutely abused Mirotic in the 2nd half of that game. They had to start sending a double team (usually Davis). The rest of the series we chose not to even try to expose Mirotic inside so I don't know how that is any indication of his post defense as it is more an indictment on our poor game plan of constantly running PnR against one of the top PnR defensive teams.

Yeah he definitely got the best of him that game.

4-14 against him the other 3 games though.

 

[hoopsjock]

Yeah he definitely got the best of him that game.

4-14 against him the other 3 games though.

Sweet, just ignore the stupid game plans to only get Nurk 14 shots in 3 games.

 

[JDC]

Sweet, just ignore the stupid game plans to only get Nurk 14 shots in 3 games.

Those were only the shots where Mirotic was the direct matchup.

 

[illmatic99]

Here's a proposal from a Pelicans' site: https://www.thebirdwrites.com/2019/...ns-anthony-davis-jrue-holiday-houston-rockets

Pelicans get: Evan Turner, Meyers Leonard and Blazers lottery protect 2019 first round pick

Blazers get: Nikola Mirotic and Solomon Hill

The Blazers are short on draft capital, so the Pelicans will have to help by removing luxury tax concerns in this deal. The Pelicans will take on $29 million in salary in 2019-20, but will send off $12 million of their own, bringing the sum of the total to an additional $17 million in 2019-20, giving the Blazers more than enough room to re-sign Mirotic or bolster other positions of need with their over the cap exceptions.

The Blazers get a definitive upgrade over Aminu and Harkless and someone who pairs nicely with Dame, CJ and Nurkic. Losing Turner off the bench hurts, as he is an apt defender, and a creator off the bench, but ridding themselves of his salary in addition to Leonard’s is too good of an opportunity to pass up, and Hill can provide the Blazers with an end of the bench defender who can give six good fouls against the Paul Georges and Kawhi Leonards. Plus, his $12 million expiring is a more palatable moving piece then Turner or Leonard’s inflated rates this coming summer.

In addition to draft capital, the Pelicans’ unite former teammates and close friends in Turner and Holiday, who played together on the 2012 Philadelphia 76ers’ team that was broken apart by Sam Hinkie. The two remain close as Turner was featured prominently in Zach Lowe’s latest piece on Holiday:

“And having Evan (Turner) there to share that day -- my brother from another mother -- that was comforting.” - Jrue Holiday reflecting on the day of his daughter’s birth.

Get a pick and appease Jrue Holiday? Check, please!

 

[hoopsjock]

Here's a proposal from a Pelicans' site: https://www.thebirdwrites.com/2019/...ns-anthony-davis-jrue-holiday-houston-rockets

Do you have people blocked?

 

[illmatic99]

Do you have people blocked?

Just one. Was this posted earlier? Must have missed it. I know people were talking about Holiday-Turner last night.

 

[hoopsjock]

Just one. Was this posted earlier? Must have missed it. I know people were talking about Holiday-Turner last night.

Yeah, that's the trade people were referring to. It's easy to miss with all the different threads going on right now.

 

[Scalma]

Woj confirms that Mirotic and Randle have been made available for picks

https://es.pn/2G3FGv8

Starting last Friday -- when Davis made his request to the Pelicans -- several teams told ESPN that Demps had made forwards Nikola Mirotic, Julius Randle, and guard E'Twaun Moore available in trade talks. The Pelicans are continuing to explore the market value of those players, sources said.

New Orleans is 13th in the West, 5.5 games out of the playoffs with 30 games remaining.

One trade those talks could take: trading those players to recover draft picks as part of a more complete post-Davis rebuild.

 

[CupWizier]

Sweet, just ignore the stupid game plans to only get Nurk 14 shots in 3 games.

I don't think that was the game plan though. Sometimes it's easier said than done as you have to tip your hat to the execution of the game plan by the opponent.

 

[TBpup]

Woj confirms that Mirotic and Randle have been made available for picks

https://es.pn/2G3FGv8

Starting last Friday -- when Davis made his request to the Pelicans -- several teams told ESPN that Demps had made forwards Nikola Mirotic, Julius Randle, and guard E'Twaun Moore available in trade talks. The Pelicans are continuing to explore the market value of those players, sources said.

This is much more likely where I think Portland will make a move if at all. Maybe not necessarily these players but pieces like that.