Wonder if Radmonovich has any game left. Or Sasha. Jeezus ... what happens to these guys when they put on the P&G?
Hell no on trading KCP + Kuz unless we get an all star back. These guys go as our stars go and our stars did not play like stars so I don't blame these dependable guys. These two are pros with good veteran championship experience WITH our stars. Its invaluable, I would not replace that familiarity unless we get a better talented fit in return
It goes without saying that we are exploring trades in order to improve - or, as you said, get more talented fit in return.
What familiarity? How many more chances does Kuz need? He had three games with AD being absent to step up. Feels like Kuzma is always getting a free get out of jail card when he has been horrendous.
I think the main argument against trading Kuz right now is that his value is at its lowest point. If he can be a key piece in a deal that moves the needle, then go ahead and make it. I'm just skeptical that would be the case at the moment and our best bet may be to see if he can improve his value in the first half of next season.
Kuz is pretty much at his ceiling, it would best to trade him now, before everyone else figures that out.
The way I see it, everyone sucked this playoffs, so it’s not making much sense to put this on Kuz. The whole team was tired, worn out and injured with no practice or play time to get in sync. Nobody was playing with any kind of rhythm, or confidence. As LeBron and AD’s health went, the confidence of the team dropped as well. Kuz doesn’t deserve any more blame than anyone else that was healthy. I also don’t agree that he sucked last playoffs too. He was a rotation player and in fact one of the first players off the bench in last year’s championship season. His defensive versatility, being able to competently guard 1-5 on mismatches was one of the reasons why they won the trophy. And this year, he actually had a pretty good season. Shot his best 3pt percentage since his rookie year. I feel like people just want to trade him to make a move without realizing, he has a very specific value with size and speed defensively that will be hard to replace. Even though he’s very inconsistent offensively, the random 25-30 pts, or 10+ rebounds he’ll give helps win an extra 10 games or so over the season. Part of that is Vogel treating Kuz like a Swiss Army knife, asking him to fill in whatever the team needs. I’m convinced that’s what that stretch of rebounding was about before we got Drummond and afterwards Kuz was no longer in those same positions to crash the board. It’s probably true that he’s one of the only assets we might be willing to trade, but I’d be fine with keeping him at this point. You don’t just trade someone because you’re sick of their inconsistency and want to make a move. You’ve got to consider the whole situation. Kuz+KCP is giving up too much offensively in KCP’s 40% shooting, and waaaayyy too much defensively for the pair. I doubt we actually get equal value in a trade for that package.
Yeah run it all back, we will be fine with a healthy Lebron and AD. No problem...we won't win a chip next season either.
bold prediction. we weren't going to win it in 2020, though, either. not enough shooting. weak spot at center that had to be filled with journeymen. no guard that could break down the defense. just doomed.
When most if not all forums agree with basketball twitter and really smart basketball people who have been patient with Kuz say it's time to go, it's probably time to go. Usually, there is a balance; it isn't with Kuz people. And according to reports, we've already tried to trade him, and we'll probably try again. I think we just ALL want it to be the right deal.
what's the reasoning for it "being time to go"? i have yet to see a good argument. he's ironically coming off his best year as a pro and is performing in line with his contract. i don't think "staleness" is a valid reason. and i don't think "not being a star" is a valid reason. nobody has ever argued against moving him in an upgrade. people are arguing against the idea that he absolutely must be moved. that's actually kinda nuts.
Kuz had a very good year in more than one way. He significantly improved his 3 ball to 36%. He significantly improved as a defender to the point where he was not a weak spot to be exploited anymore. He was a willing passer rather than a chucker. The only issue is that he had a really bad playoff series shooting the ball. But, for his salary, he remains a great bench contributor. He works hard on his game. I think he will continue to make improvements. I'm in the keep Kuz camp UNLESS Rob is able to swing some amazing deal and needs Kuz's contract.
I’d actually think running it back might work out, although I doubt that’s what we do. To me the biggest problems this season were fatigue, injuries, and no practice time. If we have a full and normal off season and a normal regular season with practices, I think we still are the best team in the NBA, as the start of the season indicated. I don’t think Kuz is the problem. He fulfills his role. I’m not so sure about Schroeder and the center rotation. The centers being disgruntled for half the season was a bigger problem IMO.
It has nothing to do with those reasons. We have two superstars. I think we can find a better fit and a more consistent option coming off the bench. I wouldn't even mind waiting for the right deal to come along. And while he has improved in every area, the scoring, the inconsistent three-point shooting, the disappearance during these last playoffs. I'm fine with moving him. Just don't give me a Zubac type deal for him.
