The Bench

[blue9]

If the Nets continue to crumble think we can get JET? Is he any good now? Maybe we can trade 'em...who's our current G.Wallace?...for JET and a draft pick!? Ah heck - just offer 'em Leonard!

 

[blue9]

If the Nets continue to crumble think we can get JET? Is he any good now?

I just looked and it appears he's fallen off a cliff.

 

[Mediocre Man]

I just looked and it appears he's fallen off a cliff.

Since the team is in win now mode, I would really rather this team grab a big.

Playoff proven, defensive minded vet 4/5

Any ideas?

I was looking at teams tanking and couldn't really find a good fit. Maybe Jason Thompson or Chuck Hayes?

 

[Boob-No-More]

Also I can't stand Myers. It's like having a guy modeling blazer gear on side line. He looks like a fucking pretty boy swimmer...

Which makes him perfect for his role on this team: head towel waver.

BNM

 

[Boob-No-More]

Some posters give Mo shit about shooting too much, but he's averaging 4.5 apg in only 25 minutes and has the highest AST% on the team. Yes, he's a streaky shooter, but his passing is a big reason for our improved bench. If you follow the links I posted earlier in this thread, you'll see apg is one of the few areas our bench outperforms our opponents.

Our bench averages 6.8 apg in only 67.3 minutes compared to 6.2 apg in 86.9 minutes for our opponents.

BNM

 

[Rastapopoulos]

Since the team is in win now mode, I would really rather this team grab a big.
Playoff proven, defensive minded vet 4/5
Any ideas?
I was looking at teams tanking and couldn't really find a good fit. Maybe Jason Thompson or Chuck Hayes?

Dunno about "playoff proven". Is Jason Thompson a defender? I've never thought of him like that. Chuck Hayes appears to have crashed and burned.
I'm still in favor of Ekpe Udoh or maybe Zaza Pachulia.

 

[blue9]

Since the team is in win now mode, I would really rather this team grab a big.

Playoff proven, defensive minded vet 4/5

Any ideas?

I was looking at teams tanking and couldn't really find a good fit. Maybe Jason Thompson or Chuck Hayes?

Not really. It sounds like you're thinking more realistically. The only thing that's been stuck in my head is trying to deal CJ/Leonard for Noah.
But others are talking about needing a more consistent scoring punch off the bench - that's where my thought about Terry came in.
Personally I think I agree with the scoring punch off the bench. I'm good with Lopez/LMA/Freeland/Robinson. If we can upgrade Lopez I'd be for it, but just a small upgrade to a small role doesn't seem worth it - Freeland is holding his own and Robinson will develop into a good player. Giving up on Robinson for Thompson/Hayes would be a big mistake, IMO.

 

[PtldPlatypus]

Since the team is in win now mode, I would really rather this team grab a big.

Playoff proven, defensive minded vet 4/5

Any ideas?

I was looking at teams tanking and couldn't really find a good fit. Maybe Jason Thompson or Chuck Hayes?

Outside of the "playoff-proven" aspect, you're looking at lot of the same people we talked about this summer. Chandler, Dalembert, Koufos, Pachulia. Not a ton of options fitting those criteria.

 

[Boob-No-More]

Giving up on Robinson for Thompson/Hayes would be a big mistake, IMO.

Which is exactly what Sacramento did. Not the franchise we want to model ourselves after.

BNM

 

[Mediocre Man]

Outside of the "playoff-proven" aspect, you're looking at lot of the same people we talked about this summer. Chandler, Dalembert, Koufos, Pachulia. Not a ton of options fitting those criteria.

Ya

Maybe Hawes fits that a bit as well....Minus the playoff proven

It's just my opinion though. Not sure anyone else really feels the need for a quality big off the bench like I do

 

[Boob-No-More]

Outside of the "playoff-proven" aspect, you're looking at lot of the same people we talked about this summer. Chandler, Dalembert, Koufos, Pachulia. Not a ton of options fitting those criteria.

Chandler is injured, and with Marc Gasol injured, Koufas is staring for Memphis. So, I doubt he's available (although that may change if Memphis continues to struggle after Gasol and Randolph come back). There just aren't many good options out there.

BNM

 

[Mediocre Man]

Not really. It sounds like you're thinking more realistically. The only thing that's been stuck in my head is trying to deal CJ/Leonard for Noah.
But others are talking about needing a more consistent scoring punch off the bench - that's where my thought about Terry came in.
Personally I think I agree with the scoring punch off the bench. I'm good with Lopez/LMA/Freeland/Robinson. If we can upgrade Lopez I'd be for it, but just a small upgrade to a small role doesn't seem worth it - Freeland is holding his own and Robinson will develop into a good player. Giving up on Robinson for Thompson/Hayes would be a big mistake, IMO.

Realistic is how I am looking at it. Chicago would laugh it' sass off if we offered Leonar_ and McCollum for Noah
Scoring off the bench is a tough one for me because mo Chuck and Wright can both do that, as well as probably McCollum
I'm not talking about upgrading Lopez. I am talking about upgrading Freeland and Robinson this year, by giving up Leonar_ and another bench guy to a tanking team
Never suggested Robinson for Hayes and Thompson. No idea where you got that from

 

[Boob-No-More]

It's too bad Larry Sanders is injured and an idiot. Same for Javale McGee. Milwaukee and Denver seemed to be the two teams with a surplus of bigs, but with their shot blocking starting centers out, they suddenly have a lot less depth up front.

And no, I DON'T want Javale McGee, even if healthy. Just saying that if he wasn't injured (and Denver doing surprisingly well), someone like Mosgov may have been available.

BNM

 

[Mediocre Man]

It's too bad Larry Sanders is injured and an idiot. Same for Javale McGee. Milwaukee and Denver seemed to be the two teams with a surplus of bigs, but with their shot blocking starting centers out, they suddenly have a lot less depth up front.

And no, I DON'T want Javale McGee, even if healthy. Just saying that if he wasn't injured (and Denver doing surprisingly well), someone like Mosgov may have been available.

BNM

the whole playoff proven part doesn't apply, and there is virtually no way to get him, but John Henson would be the perfect guy for us off the bench

 

[blue9]

I'm not talking about upgrading Lopez. I am talking about upgrading Freeland and Robinson this year, by giving up Leonar_ and another bench guy to a tanking team
Never suggested Robinson for Hayes and Thompson. No idea where you got that from

I wasn't saying you suggested it - I'm just saying I wouldn't give up on Robinson for that level of player. Just to reiterate - I'm good with Freeland/Robinson as our backups. If we upgrade our front court I'd only be interested in upgrading Lopez, which in turn would upgrade the backups by making Lopez one (unless he's included in the trade) - double-whammy!
And just to get back on the topic of Freeland - I've always hated but admired Nick Collison. The fact that Freeland has emulated his game is awesome - it's something we need and I don't think you can really improve on what he's doing, outside of getting Collison...who might be getting old and ready for a dive?

 

[Boob-No-More]

the whole playoff proven part doesn't apply, and there is virtually no way to get him, but John Henson would be the perfect guy for us off the bench

If Milwaukee is rebuilding, as they seem to be, he's the LAST guy they'd be willing to trade - unless someone had a lottery pick to offer them. We don't. Might be able to get Zaza from them after Sanders comes back. During the summer, I didn't want him, because I didn't see how he'd fit in with this team - especially for what Milwaukee is paying him. But, at this point, I'm not even looking for someone to be part of the rotation. I'd be happy adding a big body with a pulse for insurance in case one of our bigs gets injured we need a temporary replacement. Pachulia would fill that role (but he's still overpaid and for too long).

BNM

 

[KingSpeed]

When is CJ coming back?

Next month

Jordan Crawford is 6'5, Mo is 6'1. One has the size to be a shooting guard, the other does not. I don't like playing Mo and Dame in the backcourt at the same time.



Boy, that's too bad.... Neil has been calling me regularly asking for my opinions on personnel. Like Crawford and Smith, Mo takes a lot of ill-advised shots.... UNLIKE those two players, he doesn't completely go unconscious and burn a team for 30. That's what I think we need. A player that can just go off and completely destroy another team. Mo is not that guy.



I didn't say I wanted JR Smith. I said I wanted a player like JR Smith. Sixth man of the year kind of player. We don't have one right now (unless CJ is as good as we hope he is.)

Who is this magical guy you speak of? Does he exist? Furthermore, how do we have minutes for this guy yet have no minutes for CJ?

 

[Nikolokolus]

Pachulia is on the right track even if he's not the right player in this particular situation. That caliber is about the best your'e going to get mid-season with the assets we have to offer.

 

[Boob-No-More]

Pachulia is on the right track even if he's not the right player in this particular situation. That caliber is about the best your'e going to get mid-season with the assets we have to offer.

Yep, a big body with a pulse who can fill in if someone gets injured. The only problem I have with Zaza is that ridiculous contract. What we really need a is a CHEAP big body with a pulse. I can't believe Milwaukee gave Zaza 2.6 times as much for 3 times as long ($5.2 million a year for 3 years) as Golden State gave Jermaine (one year at $2 million).

BNM

 

[Draco]

Boy, that's too bad.... Neil has been calling me regularly asking for my opinions on personnel. Like Crawford and Smith, Mo takes a lot of ill-advised shots.... UNLIKE those two players, he doesn't completely go unconscious and burn a team for 30. That's what I think we need. A player that can just go off and completely destroy another team. Mo is not that guy.

Mo shoots 13.0 shots per 36 minutes. Crawford shoots 17.1, more than Lillard and nearly as much as Aldridge. I’m glad we don’t have a ball hog like Crawford on the team. Do you remember when he wouldn’t pass the ball to an open Batum? It wasn’t one game it was most of a season. Mo will make those passes, his shots are within the flow of the offense. Mo shoots when the defense is giving him room and an opening, or he shoots if the shot clock is winding down. Mo had 5 straight games he was in double figures for us. This team doesn’t need a streaky ball hog bench players to get 30 in a game.

 

[HailBlazers]

Mo shoots 13.0 shots per 36 minutes. Crawford shoots 17.1, more than Lillard and nearly as much as Aldridge. I’m glad we don’t have a ball hog like Crawford on the team. Do you remember when he wouldn’t pass the ball to an open Batum? It wasn’t one game it was most of a season. Mo will make those passes, his shots are within the flow of the offense. Mo shoots when the defense is giving him room and an opening, or he shoots if the shot clock is winding down. Mo had 5 straight games he was in double figures for us. This team doesn’t need a streaky ball hog bench players to get 30 in a game.

Truth. Thank You.

 

[Boob-No-More]

So, in your opinion BNM, what is our biggest weakness on the bench? What position would you target for an upgrade?

I'm not so much looking for an upgrade as I am insurance. With our starters playing as well as they are, I'm satisfied with our bench.

I am perfectly fine with Freeland and Robinson as our backup bigs. Although I won't pull a PapaG or MM and bump an old thread, I was the ONLY poster who picked Joel Freeland as my Cult Hero before the season started (I'll just pat myself on the back instead). His improvement was obvious (to me) during the preseason and he's truly embraced his inner Nick Collison. Robinson is inconsistent, but does more good than bad and I love his energy and attitude. He also has a shit load of upside.

However, if one of Lopez or Aldridge gets injured and needs to miss a significant number of games, I'd not be comfortable with Joel Freeland or Thomas Robinson starting. That's where I'd like to add a cheap veteran big. Not sure who we could get, but it's unfortunate Golden State beat us to Jermaine O'Neal for $2 million over 1 year.

In the backcourt, before the season, many posters were saying we had too many bodies and should trade one of our guards (usually Wesley) for a big. Good thing we didn't. We've already had one significant injury, and when CJ comes back, I view him as our insurance in the backcourt. If not, in an emergency, we have Barton. So, unless CJ has a major set back, or we suffer another injury before he comes back, I'm fine with our backcourt.

So yeah, cheap veteran big man with a pulse who can fill in in case of injury would be my priority.

Contrary to the popular opinion, I'd prefer to hold onto Meyers Leonard, if we can. I couldn't believe how much hatred and teeth gnashing was directed at him during the preseason. There was even talk of cutting him outright (that would be stupid). We knew then (at least I did) that he was going to be our 3rd string center buried deep on the bench. Through 18 games he's appeared in 3 games for a total of 21 minutes - and over half of those minutes were head-to-head against Dwight Howard, yet his advanced stats aren't horrible (small sample size, of course). Yeah, he's raw and I'd hate to rely on him to start more than a game, or two (which is why cheap veteran big man with a pulse is my highest priority), but I'm not ready to give up on him long term. I knew he was very young and very raw when we drafted him. I figured it would be at least four years before he'd be a decent NBA player. We're only about 1/3 of the way through those 4 years and his trade value will never be lower. So, moving him now makes no sense. Of course, if someone offers us proven talent in return, I wouldn't hesitate to trade him. I just don't want to give him away at fire sale prices.

BNM

 

[Nikolokolus]

Yep, a big body with a pulse who can fill in if someone gets injured. The only problem I have with Zaza is that ridiculous contract. What we really need a is a CHEAP big body with a pulse. I can't believe Milwaukee gave Zaza 2.6 times as much for 3 times as long ($5.2 million a year for 3 years) as Golden State gave Jermaine (one year at $2 million).

BNM

Age

 

[Natebishop3]

Mo shoots 13.0 shots per 36 minutes. Crawford shoots 17.1, more than Lillard and nearly as much as Aldridge. I’m glad we don’t have a ball hog like Crawford on the team. Do you remember when he wouldn’t pass the ball to an open Batum? It wasn’t one game it was most of a season. Mo will make those passes, his shots are within the flow of the offense. Mo shoots when the defense is giving him room and an opening, or he shoots if the shot clock is winding down. Mo had 5 straight games he was in double figures for us. This team doesn’t need a streaky ball hog bench players to get 30 in a game.

The shot clock is running down because he dribbles for 20 seconds. I disagree that his shots are within the flow of the offense.

 

[Boob-No-More]

Age

Which is exactly why I thought MIL was nuts for throwing over $15 million and 3 years at Zaza. They clearly aren't in win now mode. So, why tie up that much money, for that long, for a guy that old who wasn't even expected to start? Granted, he's not Jermaine O'Neal old, but he's not the kind of guy you lock up for 3 years when you're rebuilding.

BNM

 

[Nikolokolus]

Which is exactly why I thought MIL was nuts for throwing over $15 million and 3 years at Zaza. They clearly aren't in win now mode. So, why tie up that much money, for that long, for a guy that old who wasn't even expected to start? Granted, he's not Jermaine O'Neal old, but he's not the kind of guy you lock up for 3 years when you're rebuilding.

BNM

Well they've got to spend the money on somebody and Pachulia is easily moved if/when they decide to do so.

 

[Boob-No-More]

Well they've got to spend the money on somebody and Pachulia is easily moved if/when they decide to do so.

Actually, with that contract, I think he'll be difficult to move anytime soon - maybe as an expiring contract at the trade deadline in February 2016.

BNM

 

[Nikolokolus]

5 million a year for a decent(ish) big is pretty much bog standard in the NBA.

 

[Fez Hammersticks]

Mirza Teletovic -- underused big who can really shoot. A bit like Frye.

I. Thomas - instant offense who is a capable floor general. Will be an UFA this coming summer.

Larkin - coming off injury, similar skillset to Thomas.

 

[blazerboy30]

His point Mags, is the Blazers haven't done anything because tomorrow is promised to no one. Everything exists as potential until it comes to pass or fails to materialize.

All we have right now is a trend. If Neil Olshey believes that the trend is more signal than noise, then he should probably make a move to reinforce their chances of "contending" (if he believes that have that kind of potential) and that usually means acquiring "proven" veteran help and sacrificing young players with "potential" to shore up areas of weakness. It's not always true, but youth is usually not served in the playoffs.

That might be his point, but if so, he's wrong.

It isn't a difficult exercise to show that the probability of an approximately 0.400 team winning 12 in a row and sitting at 15-3 is absurdly low, and provides a high confidence level that we aren't a 0.400 team this year. Which means that there is an extremely high probability we are a much, much better team this year than last.