I’m looking at all the playoff teams and wonder, what if Grant and Ayton had returned healthy by mid-January?
In this scenario (and having a crystal ball) I would have pushed trading Grant and Williams III. And I would have added a vet PF and a vet PG (a traditional playmaker type). With Feb / Mar and first half of April to gel, we would have made the playoffs and may have got out of the first round. Clippers, OKC and with #77, you have to include the Lakers….but we may have done well. With this prediction, I would venture we would be discussing Scoot, Ant, Ayton and others like Walker, Rupert, Murray, Reath - not too different from what is being discussed today.
In conclusion, minus the second half injuries, we very well may have finished at 6-8th position.
wonder how we will look after getting rid of Ayton, Ant, Grant, Williams III, Rupert, and bringing back Sabonis? perhaps Jackson, Jr.? perhaps Zion? I’m very doubtful we’d be better.
And then there is Giannis. From what I hear, he has several businesses in New York, so Brooklyn would work for him….but you think he would love living and playing in Portland, OR over a major market? Not happening.
We should have truly tanked and took aim for Flagg. Instead, we find ourselves in nba pergatory.