We already have a very young core, especially if you add Ingram or Simmons this summer. You have players at 4 positions playing heavy minutes who are kids. Even if you go full reboot and build around the kids, you need guys who have been there and have experienced what the NBA can and will throw at you. Otherwise you're in for a cluster f*** like the 70Centers, where the kids run a muck. You need some leadership and some vets on the roster. It's better to have that being a starter or someone playing 30+ minutes a night, their voice is more respected than someone's who is at the end of the bench and rarely sees the court. We are going to have a big void to fill in that regard with losing Kobe. Horford couldn't replace him, but is a good start as a leader and role model for the kids. Horford's game ages extremely well because he doesn't rely on athleticism. I don't expect much of a drop off from now - 35
I get what you're saying....but I feel that guys like Ezeli and Barnes have also "been there" but they're still on the rise because they're still young. I don't mind Horford but to sink 20M or more into him for 4 years seems like a lot for an aging all star (and he's barely been an all star in the past). I would rather pay a little bit less for someone who is younger and has experience but can still get better and can defend the paint way better than Horford, and he's a better fit next to a Randle (or Simmons if we get #1 pick). I would be pretty happy with the following lineup: Ezeli Simmons Barnes Clarkson Russell Bench: Nance Randle Brown Lou I still hope we cast Lou off somewhere and we get a future first round pick either this year or next.... Or heck...maybe if we don't get the #1 pick and say we get the #3 pick...maybe we can try to trade for Horford instead? Ezeli Horford Barnes Clarkson Russell Bench: Nance Randle Brown Lou Either scenario is good with me. ONly way I keep the pick is if it's #1 or #2. If it's 3rd pick, i consider trading it.
In fairness the Sixers don't have much of a young core. It's Okafor and Noel and that's pretty much it. Unless Embid can ever get on the court which looks unlikely at best right now.
Randle and Russell will start playing well at the same time at some point. They seem to take turns playing well.
He was 9/16 from the field. I don't care how wild the shot looks as long as it goes in. In fact, while some of those shots seemed high, he was doing it on purpose to nullify DeAndre Jordan's impact. At times he puts too much english on the ball, so I was happy to see him take tough shots that weren't completely out of control. 23/14/1 with a steal in 34 minutes. THAT is the dream for him. THAT is what we need out of him and what I expect fairly regularly with 30+ minutes a game. The only real issue was his 6 turnovers. He has to improve taking care of the ball.
23/14/1 with a steal in 34 minutes. THAT is the dream for him. THAT is what we need out of him and what I expect fairly regularly with 30+ minutes a game. The only real issue was his 6 turnovers. He has to improve taking care of the ball.[/QUOTE] Yeah, 23 and 14 on over 50% shooting is pretty amazing. Not sure why the nitpick is going on for Randle other than the turnovers as you pointed out which he needs to clean up. Not sure why people aren't celebrating him that much here. I love this kid.
20/10 games this season for players under 22 years old? 1. KAT 12 - starter, plays 29.5 per night 2. Okafor 6 - starter, plays 30.8 per night 3. Porzingis 6 - starter, plays 28.1 a night 4. Antetokounmpo 3 - starter, plays 34.5 a night 5. Randle 3 - in and of starting lineup, plays 26.9 a night Fewest starts and fewest MPG of anyone on that list.
23/14 and people still complain? I'd like to say I'm shocked, but I'm really not. This was big because this season Julius has struggled whenever up against length and size. Tonight and really the fast five games he's been excellent. It was encouraging last night to see him be able to switch to his right hand and he's starting to hit more jump shots. Really gotta love his progress.
Great game from the kid. It's these types of games that, if any of the other rookies had it, there'd be hours of coverage on ESPN.
@Battle Tested20 said that Byron wants to go back to starting Nance over Randle when he's healthy. Byron has absolutely no 'feel' for the game. Absolutely none. Julius is going through a really nice stretch right now and everything is trending back up.
I borderline hate Byron. And I despise everyone in the FO that would let that happen. I can't wait to read the tweets of the FO selling FA on the idea of the young prospects. My first response as a FA would be, "You mean the lottery picks that couldn't get off the bench and start for a 9 win squad?" Good luck with that. There's enough incompetence this year to set us back 10 years.
Especially ones who come off the bench and only get 20 to 25 minutes per game. Remember, Byron just said Larry Nance is going to start again soon.
