I think it's too soon to write them off. (as been the case for like 5 years now) They would have beaten the Clippers, and probably made it to the conference finals, if it wasn't for Parker's injury. Put Aldridge on that roster and it's the Cavs and Spurs in the 2016 Finals.
I don't think that's true. I think last year was Golden State's year. They felt like a team of destiny all season long and they came through in the end too. Parker, Manu, and Duncan just looked really really old and their role players weren't there anymore for them. You can blame Parker's injury, but he was banged up all year long and at his age that will become a trend. I totally agree that adding LaMarcus means prolonging them another year or two though. If they get him I think they've got a half window for about a year, maybe two considering the cap will increase and they can add another piece or two next summer as well. But in terms of whose future looks brighter? It's ours no question. Once everyone retires over there you're looking at Kawhi and a bunch of system guys. I have faith that the Spurs will find a way to stay relatively competitive, but they're going to go through a real rough patch towards the end of Aldridge's contract there. Meanwhile we'll be competitive with him on the roster next year and every year after that we'll get MORE competitive and by the end of his contract we should at the very least be in the 2nd-3rd round of the playoffs while the Spurs go through a rebuild process. There's certainly reasons to pick LA over SA this summer if you're Aldridge. If you want to compete for a ring RIGHT NOW then sure go with the Spurs. They're far more ready than we are. If you want to set yourself up a couple years down the line and cash in on being a Laker for a while, take our deal.
@therealdeal I definitely think the Lakers have a better long-term future, but I'm just making a case for Aldridge choosing the Spurs over us. He is turning 30 with his last big contract for 4 years. It's a matter of competing for the first 2 years with the Spurs or the 3rd-4th years with the Lakers, but with hopes that a 21 year old Okafor and 22 year old Randle would be ready to contend by then. I think he would choose the Spurs if they can work out the salaries. He doesn't like much exposure anyway, so LA is not a ideal environment for him. He said himself that he's a private person.
There's definitely reasons to pick SA over LA, but there's just as many vice versa. Stein says the Lakers have moved up his list, but we're still not first. I think if he moves he goes to SA, but a full court blitz from the Lakers almost changed Carmelo's mind once upon a time and he initially didn't even really want to come here. I think if there's a max guy who is interested, Mitch can make a great case for us.
We can just hope that the Spurs cap out. Aldridge is exactly the PF we need. He shoots and defends. Perfect frontcourt with Okafor.
It's starting to look like Aldridge will be our center with Randle as our pf, Kobe at the 3 and Russell and Clarkson playing dual combo guards. Kobe retires, Durant slides in at the 3. Boom. Contenders. Or Kobe comes back at a huge discount and Clarkson becomes our deluxe 6th man.
I'm more like 60% sure, and I think they will pursue LMA before Gasol. Gasol isn't leaving. Everyone knows that. LMA is likely leaving. Love...not sure he fits at all at this point with the group we are constructing.
Adrian Wojnarowski ✔ @WojYahooNBA Interesting factor that negates Atlanta's hometown financial advantage on DeMarre Carroll in free agency:
Dont mind russell but I'd hope that means we have a big in our back pocket ready to sign. If we pass on okafor philly or nyk will get a steal the guy would put up huge. #'s on those ****** teams
Anderson has a better shot. Hollis-Jefferson's range is projected now from 10-20 or so. Anderson is viewed as a little more of a project with no elite skill. His range is more like 18-28 so we've got a shot at him. We'll see how it all falls though. I still have a feeling the Lakers trade that #27 even if there's a decent prospect available...
I swear I saw one mock draft having us take RHJ at 27 but then again who really knows. Interestingly enough, Draft Express has us taking Kevon Looney now.
Yeah the earlier mocks had RHJ much lower, but his draft workouts put him in higher and higher demand over time. Anderson's meanwhile had him slide. Looney's had him dive apparently according to DE. I'd much prefer Anderson to Looney. I see talent in Looney, but nobody knows what kind of pro he'll be. Where does he fit in? He's got all this versatility but no strong attributes one way or another...
