Reading between the lines

[SportsTicker]

Alexis Ajinca is moving up draft boards rapidly followed closely behind by Roy Hibbert. Ajinca has a wingspan of 7'8" and a jumpshot. Why is anyone surprised at either his or Hibbert's rise?

Kosta Koufos outplayed Kevin Love in a workout. How much does that mean when Love's real value is in an up tempto style?

JaVale McGee is dropping like a stone and DeAndre Jordan isn't exactly buoyant. Dangerous upside assessments.

Darrell Arthur looks like a head case, while teammate Brandon Rush looks like the real deal...and won't be around at #21.

J.J. Hickson signed with an agent between his two Nets' workouts. Is that significant? This kid is 19, has a Georgia drawl, but if you listen closely, you can hear some real smarts.

Knicks source told ESPN that Danilo Gallinari has "a little Dirk Nowitzki in him". Everything you need to know about Gallinari's ego can be found on his website, that makes VC's official site look like Mother Theresa's. In particular, take a look at his GQ shoot. He fancies himself a sex symbol. I love this game.

Courtney Lee has looked very good. Gary Forbes has not. Nets have scouted Lee extensively.

Check out what Polinsky said about Jaycee Carroll. Carroll is borderline second round, but an incredible shooter. (Mormon missionary commitment put him in Chile for two years, so he's oldest player in the draft.)

Casspi thought he was going to get a first round guarantee. Is he nuts?

 

[Universe]

I thought Ajinca would fall after saying he'd stay in Europe a year but people are liking his shooting touch like you stated.

With all the bigs dropping and some big named gaurds going back to school, maybe we should look for a big in the second round rather than at 10 and 21.

 

[SportsTicker]

I think this is the least predictable draft in a while...which means a lot of teams would be willing to trade up and down the draft.

 

[Dumpy]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Universe @ Jun 16 2008, 09:44 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>I thought Ajinca would fall after saying he'd stay in Europe a year but people are liking his shooting touch like you stated.

With all the bigs dropping and some big named gaurds going back to school, maybe we should look for a big in the second round rather than at 10 and 21.</div>

The chance of selecting an offensively capable big outside the top-ten picks is approximately zero.

 

[pegs]

Haha, I like the comments from the GQ shoot. Seems like he has many fans...of the female type. DO IT THRON!! Help me get wit an Italian chick!

I'm starting to think we should trade the 10th and 40th for 2 later 1st round picks, and pick up Hibbert, Lee, and someone else real good. Somehow.

About Love - HA. That's comical.

I have no clue who Ajinca is. But this surprises me:<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Ford)</div><div class='quotemain'>He also played very well at the Golden State workout, prompting one GM to say that if Ajinca had been a college player, he'd be a lock for the lottery right now.</div>
Why?
And this:<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Ford)</div><div class='quotemain'>A number of teams -- including a few in the lottery, such as the Clippers, Bobcats, Nets and Raptors -- are taking a close look at him. We've been projecting him as a late first-round pick, but given the positive feedback recently, he'll be moving up considerably in our next mock draft.</div>

Now, where's this coming from that DA is a headcase? That's news to me...

 

[Universe]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Dumpy @ Jun 16 2008, 09:47 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Universe @ Jun 16 2008, 09:44 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>I thought Ajinca would fall after saying he'd stay in Europe a year but people are liking his shooting touch like you stated.

With all the bigs dropping and some big named gaurds going back to school, maybe we should look for a big in the second round rather than at 10 and 21.</div>

The chance of selecting an offensively capable big outside the top-ten picks is approximately zero.
</div>
A college player maybe but someone from Europe?

This draft blows! Haha.

 

[Dumpy]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (NetIncome @ Jun 16 2008, 09:45 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>I think this is the least predictable draft in a while...which means a lot of teams would be willing to trade up and down the draft.</div>

I think that, in five years, this draft will look a lot like the 2005 and 2006 drafts. A couple of diamonds in a field of coal. I just hope that the Nets choose wisely, because this draft will be very, very important for the next three or four years.

 

[Dumpy]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Universe @ Jun 16 2008, 09:51 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Dumpy @ Jun 16 2008, 09:47 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Universe @ Jun 16 2008, 09:44 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>I thought Ajinca would fall after saying he'd stay in Europe a year but people are liking his shooting touch like you stated.

With all the bigs dropping and some big named gaurds going back to school, maybe we should look for a big in the second round rather than at 10 and 21.</div>

The chance of selecting an offensively capable big outside the top-ten picks is approximately zero.
</div>
A college player maybe but someone from Europe?

This draft blows! Haha.
</div>

Eurpean bigs have a better chance of becoming contributors--see, for instance, Krstic and Okur. However, they also have a bigger chance of being totally worthless within 18 months.

 

[Netted]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (pegs @ Jun 16 2008, 10:47 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>I'm starting to think we should trade the 10th and 40th for 2 later 1st round picks, and pick up Hibbert, Lee, and someone else real good. Somehow.</div>
No one has 2 picks later in the draft. If Phoenix didn't send their pick to Seattle they would've had #15 and #24. Would've given you #15, #21, and #24. Oh well.

Lawson pulling out of the draft just gave Marcus more value. Maybe Marcus and #40 to Denver for #20? Maybe Stefanski would want his prized pick in Philly?

 

[GMJ]

haha everytime I look at this kid he reminds me more and more of Boki; first it was his game, now this.

 

[Lavalamp]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Dumpy @ Jun 16 2008, 10:55 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Eurpean bigs have a better chance of becoming contributors--see, for instance, Krstic and Okur. However, they also have a bigger chance of being totally worthless within 18 months.</div>

The only reason why you might say that is that they aren`t as well scouted sometimes than American bigs. I don`t think you can argue that Okur or Krstic would be more valuable than Dwight, Bynum, Okafor, Horford, whoever.

 

[pegs]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Netted @ Jun 16 2008, 11:00 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (pegs @ Jun 16 2008, 10:47 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>I'm starting to think we should trade the 10th and 40th for 2 later 1st round picks, and pick up Hibbert, Lee, and someone else real good. Somehow.</div>
No one has 2 picks later in the draft. If Phoenix didn't send their pick to Seattle they would've had #15 and #24. Would've given you #15, #21, and #24. Oh well.

Lawson pulling out of the draft just gave Marcus more value. Maybe Marcus and #40 to Denver for #20? Maybe Stefanski would want his prized pick in Philly?

</div>

I think we should aim for Portland's picks. They're probably looking to move theirs the most. Maybe get Przbilla off their hands for an expiring, along with 1 of or both of their 2nd round picks...Idk, try to work something out.

 

[Dumpy]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Lavalamp @ Jun 16 2008, 10:09 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Dumpy @ Jun 16 2008, 10:55 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Eurpean bigs have a better chance of becoming contributors--see, for instance, Krstic and Okur. However, they also have a bigger chance of being totally worthless within 18 months.</div>

The only reason why you might say that is that they aren`t as well scouted sometimes than American bigs. I don`t think you can argue that Okur or Krstic would be more valuable than Dwight, Bynum, Okafor, Horford, whoever.
</div>

whoops--sorry if I'm not clear. I'm still just talking about bigs taken outside the top ten or lottery. Over the past ten years, bigs taken after that point have a terrible track record--so bad, in fact, that Boone is probably in the upper third of non-lottery successes among PFs and centers.

 

[pegs]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Dumpy @ Jun 16 2008, 10:47 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Universe @ Jun 16 2008, 09:44 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>I thought Ajinca would fall after saying he'd stay in Europe a year but people are liking his shooting touch like you stated.

With all the bigs dropping and some big named gaurds going back to school, maybe we should look for a big in the second round rather than at 10 and 21.</div>

The chance of selecting an offensively capable big outside the top-ten picks is approximately zero.



</div>

Not necessarily zero. There was David West and Al Jefferson, to name a couple off the top of my head. Improves chances a little bit.

 

[Dumpy]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (pegs @ Jun 16 2008, 10:10 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Netted @ Jun 16 2008, 11:00 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (pegs @ Jun 16 2008, 10:47 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>I'm starting to think we should trade the 10th and 40th for 2 later 1st round picks, and pick up Hibbert, Lee, and someone else real good. Somehow.</div>
No one has 2 picks later in the draft. If Phoenix didn't send their pick to Seattle they would've had #15 and #24. Would've given you #15, #21, and #24. Oh well.

Lawson pulling out of the draft just gave Marcus more value. Maybe Marcus and #40 to Denver for #20? Maybe Stefanski would want his prized pick in Philly?

</div>

I think we should aim for Portland's picks. They're probably looking to move theirs the most. Maybe get Przbilla off their hands for an expiring, along with 1 of or both of their 2nd round picks...Idk, try to work something out.
</div>

Cpaw, who claims to know someone in Portland's front office, states that is a pipe dream.

Seattle may be interested in ditching #24 and #42, even if for no other reason than they seem to be intent on pissing off their fan base.

 

[Dumpy]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (pegs @ Jun 16 2008, 10:16 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Dumpy @ Jun 16 2008, 10:47 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Universe @ Jun 16 2008, 09:44 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>I thought Ajinca would fall after saying he'd stay in Europe a year but people are liking his shooting touch like you stated.

With all the bigs dropping and some big named gaurds going back to school, maybe we should look for a big in the second round rather than at 10 and 21.</div>

The chance of selecting an offensively capable big outside the top-ten picks is approximately zero.



</div>

Not necessarily zero. There was David West and Al Jefferson, to name a couple off the top of my head. Improves chances a little bit.
</div>

Boozer, too. There are a few, but it is like planning on winning the lottery.

 

[Lavalamp]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Dumpy @ Jun 16 2008, 11:13 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Lavalamp @ Jun 16 2008, 10:09 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Dumpy @ Jun 16 2008, 10:55 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Eurpean bigs have a better chance of becoming contributors--see, for instance, Krstic and Okur. However, they also have a bigger chance of being totally worthless within 18 months.</div>

The only reason why you might say that is that they aren`t as well scouted sometimes than American bigs. I don`t think you can argue that Okur or Krstic would be more valuable than Dwight, Bynum, Okafor, Horford, whoever.
</div>

whoops--sorry if I'm not clear. I'm still just talking about bigs taken outside the top ten or lottery. Over the past ten years, bigs taken after that point have a terrible track record--so bad, in fact, that Boone is probably in the upper third of non-lottery successes among PFs and centers.
</div>
oh ok. Under that context it makers more sense.

 

[cpawfan]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Dumpy @ Jun 16 2008, 11:16 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (pegs @ Jun 16 2008, 10:10 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Netted @ Jun 16 2008, 11:00 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (pegs @ Jun 16 2008, 10:47 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>I'm starting to think we should trade the 10th and 40th for 2 later 1st round picks, and pick up Hibbert, Lee, and someone else real good. Somehow.</div>
No one has 2 picks later in the draft. If Phoenix didn't send their pick to Seattle they would've had #15 and #24. Would've given you #15, #21, and #24. Oh well.

Lawson pulling out of the draft just gave Marcus more value. Maybe Marcus and #40 to Denver for #20? Maybe Stefanski would want his prized pick in Philly?

</div>

I think we should aim for Portland's picks. They're probably looking to move theirs the most. Maybe get Przbilla off their hands for an expiring, along with 1 of or both of their 2nd round picks...Idk, try to work something out.
</div>

Cpaw, who claims to know someone in Portland's front office, states that is a pipe dream.

Seattle may be interested in ditching #24 and #42, even if for no other reason than they seem to be intent on pissing off their fan base.
</div>

What exactly are you claiming that I said? Also, I never said I know someone in the Portland Front Office. I always said my information is indirect.

 

[gambitnut]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (pegs @ Jun 16 2008, 08:10 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Netted @ Jun 16 2008, 11:00 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (pegs @ Jun 16 2008, 10:47 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>I'm starting to think we should trade the 10th and 40th for 2 later 1st round picks, and pick up Hibbert, Lee, and someone else real good. Somehow.</div>
No one has 2 picks later in the draft. If Phoenix didn't send their pick to Seattle they would've had #15 and #24. Would've given you #15, #21, and #24. Oh well.

Lawson pulling out of the draft just gave Marcus more value. Maybe Marcus and #40 to Denver for #20? Maybe Stefanski would want his prized pick in Philly?

</div>

I think we should aim for Portland's picks. They're probably looking to move theirs the most. Maybe get Przbilla off their hands for an expiring, along with 1 of or both of their 2nd round picks...Idk, try to work something out.
</div>

Who are your expiring contracts? I'd go for a trade based on Przybilla for Collins if you still had him.

 

[User01]

Swift has one for 6.2M. I think we can move KVH for no cost for the other team at something like 4.5, but I never really understood that.

 

[GMJ]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (User01 @ Jun 17 2008, 12:24 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Swift has one for 6.2M. I think we can move KVH for no cost for the other team at something like 4.5, but I never really understood that.</div>

Due to the non-guaranteed contract KVH has (it's built on team-options), it becomes a pretty nifty de facto trade exception. The nice loophole it allows is that it can be packaged with other players, while (correct me if I'm wrong) a TE cannot. So rather than have two separate expiring contracts that can't be combined, you can get ~11 million in expirings.

 

[Kid Chocolate]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (GMJigga @ Jun 17 2008, 12:33 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (User01 @ Jun 17 2008, 12:24 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Swift has one for 6.2M. I think we can move KVH for no cost for the other team at something like 4.5, but I never really understood that.</div>

Due to the non-guaranteed contract KVH has (it's built on team-options), it becomes a pretty nifty de facto trade exception. The nice loophole it allows is that it can be packaged with other players, while (correct me if I'm wrong) a TE cannot. So rather than have two separate expiring contracts that can't be combined, you can get ~11 million in expirings.
</div>

You are correct about the TE.

 

[Netted]

What's everyone's feeling on Pryzbilla? Swift + #40 for Pryzbilla and #13? Portland gets an expiring.

If we can't keep Diop, Pryzbilla can be a decent big in the rotation. He fills one Thornkiki need and that's "protect the rim".

Does he take many charges?

Contract has a good chunk of change left on it.

Sean, Boone, Krstic, Pryzbilla. Throw in another rookie and it's a start.

Nets can take Westbrook, Hickson and either Rush or CDR.

 

[cpawfan]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Netted @ Jun 17 2008, 11:02 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>What's everyone's feeling on Pryzbilla? Swift + #40 for Pryzbilla and #13? Portland gets an expiring.</div>

The Portland FO likes Joel and sees him as a valuable backup to Oden who will have to deal with foul trouble as a rookie. Not that they wouldn't trade him, but it would have to a part of a favorable deal for them.

That proposal is ridiculous. Joel is far, far better than Stro, so that trade makes zero sense for Portland.

There has been plenty of message board talk about Portland having cap space in 2009 (I know Gambitnut is a fan of this), but when Storyteller ran the numbers, there are a lot of conditions that have to happen in order for that to come to fruition.

 

[Netted]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (cpawfan @ Jun 17 2008, 11:39 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Netted @ Jun 17 2008, 11:02 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>What's everyone's feeling on Pryzbilla? Swift + #40 for Pryzbilla and #13? Portland gets an expiring.</div>

The Portland FO likes Joel and sees him as a valuable backup to Oden who will have to deal with foul trouble as a rookie. Not that they wouldn't trade him, but it would have to a part of a favorable deal for them.

That proposal is ridiculous. Joel is far, far better than Stro, so that trade makes zero sense for Portland.

There has been plenty of message board talk about Portland having cap space in 2009 (I know Gambitnut is a fan of this), but when Storyteller ran the numbers, there are a lot of conditions that have to happen in order for that to come to fruition.
</div>
I thought their motivation was to get the contract off the books and clear space to re-up Roy and Aldridge down the road and maybe get some veteran help.

If they value Joel and aren't in need of payroll savings then of course Swift (basically an expiring) is a joke of an offer.

 

[cpawfan]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Netted @ Jun 17 2008, 11:43 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (cpawfan @ Jun 17 2008, 11:39 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Netted @ Jun 17 2008, 11:02 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>What's everyone's feeling on Pryzbilla? Swift + #40 for Pryzbilla and #13? Portland gets an expiring.</div>

The Portland FO likes Joel and sees him as a valuable backup to Oden who will have to deal with foul trouble as a rookie. Not that they wouldn't trade him, but it would have to a part of a favorable deal for them.

That proposal is ridiculous. Joel is far, far better than Stro, so that trade makes zero sense for Portland.

There has been plenty of message board talk about Portland having cap space in 2009 (I know Gambitnut is a fan of this), but when Storyteller ran the numbers, there are a lot of conditions that have to happen in order for that to come to fruition.
</div>
I thought their motivation was to get the contract off the books and clear space to re-up Roy and Aldridge down the road and maybe get some veteran help.

If they value Joel and aren't in need of payroll savings then of course Swift (basically an expiring) is a joke of an offer.
</div>

The Blazers have an owner that will pay luxury taxes for a winning team and a team that isn't filled with players that make people remember the JailBlazer days. Any space that would be cleared up would be to make a major free agent signing in 2009, but I suspect that the Blazers will make a big move this summer which will get rid of the ability to have cap space that summer. The Blazers front office doesn't have to worry about clearing future space to pay for big contracts for their young players.

 

[Netted]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (cpawfan @ Jun 17 2008, 12:19 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>The Blazers have an owner that will pay luxury taxes for a winning team and a team that isn't filled with players that make people remember the JailBlazer days. Any space that would be cleared up would be to make a major free agent signing in 2009, but I suspect that the Blazers will make a big move this summer which will get rid of the ability to have cap space that summer. The Blazers front office doesn't have to worry about clearing future space to pay for big contracts for their young players.</div>
What about Jefferson, KVH, Swift and #40 for Pryzbilla, LaFrentz, Outlaw (or Webster) and #13?

I would think Jefferson would be worth at least that. Portland gain even more cap space to go get additional help (thanks to KVH buy-out).

 

[Astral]

And why would the Nets do that trade? They give up all of their assets for what? An extra $2.5M (Raef is $12.7M, Swift+KVH are 6.2+4=$10.2M; 12.7-10.2=$2.5M) expiring contract, a backup big man who makes $7M for the next 3 years, an average player and a late lottery pick?

 

[Netted]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Astral @ Jun 17 2008, 01:44 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>And why would the Nets do that trade? They give up all of their assets for what? An extra $2.5M (Raef is $12.7M, Swift+KVH are 6.2+4=$10.2M; 12.7-10.2=$2.5M) expiring contract, a backup big man who makes $7M for the next 3 years, an average player and a late lottery pick?</div>
You have an idea about what they will do with these assets? KVH will be bought out once the season starts so he only has a value for the next 3 months. Getting out of Jefferson's contract and replacing it with Pryzbilla's shorter and cheaper deal, getting #13 (it's a mid 1st round pick... not late), and a young player with upside is not a bad deal.

Hey I'm all open to other ideas, but short of getting Brand which is always the #1 option if it's feasible, I don't see a lot of great options for all these assets.

 

[Astral]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Netted @ Jun 17 2008, 12:57 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Astral @ Jun 17 2008, 01:44 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>And why would the Nets do that trade? They give up all of their assets for what? An extra $2.5M (Raef is $12.7M, Swift+KVH are 6.2+4=$10.2M; 12.7-10.2=$2.5M) expiring contract, a backup big man who makes $7M for the next 3 years, an average player and a late lottery pick?</div>
You have an idea about what they will do with these assets? KVH will be bought out once the season starts so he only has a value for the next 3 months. Getting out of Jefferson's contract and replacing it with Pryzbilla's shorter and cheaper deal, getting #13 (it's a mid 1st round pick... not late), and a young player with upside is not a bad deal.

Hey I'm all open to other ideas, but short of getting Brand which is always the #1 option if it's feasible, I don't see a lot of great options for all these assets.
</div>
For one, we don't have to do anything. There is nothing that says "RJ must be traded before the beginning of the season".
Two, Swift usually plays well in contract year. We can just reap the benefits and let someone else overpay him.
KVH is the tricky one: he is a very nice asset to have, and other teams will want it badly, but you have to make sure there are more positives than negatives.

Do you really see the Nets with 3 rookies next season? I surely don't. If we trade away RJ, KVH and SS, our only chance of dealing the picks may be something like packaging all 3 of them for a #5 or #6.

RJ has sucked this year because he stopped paying attention to defense. There will be plenty of people to tell him so this off-season. If he re-establishes his commitment to defense I'm not against having him. Remember, so far he DID improve every season. He came in as an energetic slasher. Worked into a pretty good defensive player, then worked on his shot, shooting 46%/36%/80% for the season. Those are solid numbers for a small forward. If he combines them with his commitment to defense, he'll be worth his money.

My main problem with your deal is that it just gets rid of RJ for nothing. We don't get a young promising player, we don't get a good pick, and we barely get any expiring contracts back. What's the point of doing the deal? Crowding our front court even more?

P.S. I said "late lottery", which is equivalent to "mid 1st round".