2023-24 Team Developments: Trades / Free Agents / News / Rumors / Ideas

DLo did put in more effort this year, but for the most part I’d consider him and Trae a wash defensively. And as mediocre as our starting backcourt defense may have been, I didn’t see that as anywhere near the top issue with this team. I felt we were able to mask DLo on defense pretty well. We didn’t lose to Denver because of his defense.

We lost IMO due to coaching, timely defensive breakdowns and mental lapses from the entire team (which I see as related to coaching), stagnation on offense, lack of big man depth, and being out our best defender.

But on the flip side I think Trae significantly raises both the floor and ceiling of our offensive production compared to DLo.

 

I'd give DLo the edge defensively solely because he has decent size for the position. Trae is the worst combination of small, undisciplined and uninterested defensively. Offensively, though, he's quite a bit better than DLo.

 

If you thought the Russ thread was epic, just wait until we have a Trae one on here

 

I’m really hoping it doesn’t happen. I can’t stand zero effort on defense

 

this. and again, my plan A does not involve trae young. it's just not westbrook bad.

true. and dlo did work this year. maybe trae works when he feels like something's at stake, too. one thing i don't doubt about young is his competitive fire. his limitations are mostly physical, imo.

lol, yeah, this would be epic.

again, i need to see it. is there no effort or ability issues? young is small and weak. that's not changing. teams (including versions of his) have found ways to work around that in the past (see: nash, steve or thomas, isaiah). one way to work around that is employing guys like AD and vando.

anyway, i'm now sounding like a trae young fanboy, and i'm most certainly not. i don't want us to move that way. i just know that because he's klutch and seems to want out and is coming off his worst season, we might have a shot. so i'm trying to talk myself into it.

 

Even if he gave effort he’s a 165lb midget that can be hunted incessantly … my gawd if they think they want to hunt AR who’s 6’6” almost with a good base and “occasionally” already gives best scoring PGs fits like SGA and Murray somewhat and others I’m forgetting.

 

it's an issue that won't go away. could your offense with him and lebron and your defense with AD and vando be enough to balance it? reaves is the middle-ground two-way glue here. is that better than what we had this year?

i truly don't know. because a) ham and b) injuries to vando and gabe.

 

Nope, she is still a stripper. But ONLY one, or two, guys get to watch. As far as we know.

 

I honestly would just like a team that matches the strengths of the coach we bring in.

 

I hate Boston getting the easy out this year in the East but I do love seeing Doc lose. That never gets old.

 

If they could get a Issac and Murray combo I would be happy

 

Isn't Issac kind of on the skinny side, or did he bulk up? If hes skinny, then idk if he would be a good fit.

 

1 of Mikal Bridges or Cam Thomas.

I don't know why he mentioned Cam; he's on a rookie scaled contract. Why would they move him?

Tried to go back and find his posts and I couldn't.

Sorry.

 

I remember the AD Trade, and some saying we couldn't get rid of all of the youth. LOL.

As a good friend of mine said, "it takes quality to get quality," and if the trade could make us better, I'm all for it. Anybody can go besides AD/LBJ.

That said, I've been giving it some thought and think we need to go after multiple pieces instead of a 3rd star.

I really like DeJounte Murray and more importantly, I like the contract he's on. I don't know how real the 3-point shooting was last year, but he could get downhill, put some pressure on the rim, and might if motivated play some defense.

I would like a Murray/Reaves backcourt; although, ATL is going to want Reaves, and I don't think he's worth it. Maybe we figure another package out.

I also like Colin Sexton (Also a Klutch Client. He's making 18 million for the next 2 years, so he's cost controlled.

 

@ElginTheGreat also mentioned Murray, Myles Turner, and OG.

 

He is .Also an active 7ft guy who’s known for his defense

 

That would be the worst defensive starting five in the League.
No thanks.
AD would literally have to guard everyone.

 

Wish we could have kept Josh Hart- dude has turned himself into an excellent role player who gives maximum effort.

 

perfect thibs guy