It's incredibly easy to use Golden State as an example, but they were extraordinarily fortunate to be where they are. A massive factor in their ability to come together was Curry's injury history. Had he been healthy all along and gotten a max deal, he wouldn't have been a bargain for years allowing Golden State the flexibility to go get other players they needed and of course culminating in their ability to get Durant in FA. The reason the OKC Thunder failed had little to do with a lack of patience. The reason the Thunder failed is because their owner was unwilling to pay for a winner. Bennett had the opportunity to give Harden a ton of money as an RFA and instead chose Ibaka and Kendrick Perkins for some reason. Harden leaves and the Thunder have no solid replacement for that production. They force Ibaka into that role (third leg) and he's not entirely comfortable with it. They try to trade him and capitalize on his value before it evaporates and that's really when things start to fall apart. Then Durant leaves and now they're screwed. In a panic they overpay for second rate players like Oladipo and to some extent Adams. Your examples are two cases that were incredibly unique and in a lot of ways both of their strengths came through drafting. Better examples of teams that built through the draft are Utah, Milwaukee, Washington, and... that's sort of it. The Clippers I suppose drafted both Griffin and Jordan, but traded for Paul. Houston built almost solely through FA. Cleveland built through FA and trades. Boston built through FA. Spurs built mostly through FA with this team sans Kawhi. Again the Clippers traded for Paul to set themselves apart. The Hawks built through FA. The Raptors built through FA and trades. The Pacers built through FA. The Bulls built through FA. Most of these teams had maybe one good player on that team to attract some attention and then used their assets to go get other players. The Cavs used Wiggins to get Love. The Spurs built really around Pop but lately around Kawhi. Hawks built around strip clubs. Raptors built around DeRozan I suppose and the Pacers had Paul George. But the name of the game really is acquiring assets that you can use to get a real player either in FA or in trades. Almost no teams in the history of the NBA have made it by just drafting kids. If Russell and some other kids nets me Paul George, I'm packing his bags right now. And I know what I'm talking about.
How bout minn? Theyve been drafting in the top 10 for more than a decade....or clev, if lebron never comes back into the picture and they kept wiggins, that team still stinks. Nobody saying trade for the sake of it, its trading for an elite 2 way player, George is no Lebron but he certainly isnt far behind.
Gawdamnnit I want to see what all of the young guys look like come start of pre-season games this year. Especially Russell, Randle and Clarkson. Who stepped up and came strong toward what Magic and the organization are challenging them with? I'm resigned to that won't be possible for all those guys very most likely. But stay the hell away from BI and Shoebox.
This has basically been my position the whole time. I like our young core. I've said that more times than I can count. But certain players you have to pull the trigger on and George is one of them.
Just need to say what I've been thinking: I don't like Rob Pelinka's face. He looks disingenuous to me. AKA a shady POS. That being said I usually don't have thoughts like this, and since he's part of the Laker family now I'll support him. With both eyes open.
yeah, i'll disagree with ox's main premise, too. okc, in particular, traded their guys AFTER they had established their value and got very little in return. that's how NOT to do it. on the other hand, i can appreciate the caution ox is suggesting in trading the youth. gs could have easily defended trading curry early on or trading thompson for kevin love. but they didn't, and it really paid off. i guess this where you have to trust the FO to pick the right players to keep.
I'd add the Spurs to the OKC/GSW model too. There are only a few ways you could screw up the model. By drafting poorly (ie Sixers, Kings), mismanagement (OKC) or misfortune (injuries, ie Blazers with Roy/Oden, and to some degree the Sixers) If we manage to develop our kids properly, and with some luck, I have little doubt we will be contenders in 3-4 years along with the Wolves and Bucks.
He does talk a little strange, but so did Mitch. Personally, I think he's genuine. Players are making more money than ever during this new CBA and he chooses to divest himself from his agency to make less $$ as a GM? He wouldn't be doing this unless he really wanted to.
Great, informative, and detailed article. I also never thought about this as a potential strength working in our favor:
Negotiating with other schrewd GM's in a trade discussion/scenario is different than negotiating a contract for a client. Either way, Pelinka will prove to be a fantastic hire, IMO. Amd great piece Insightful; to say the least.
Sorry the odds are against you. 3-4 yrs lol maybe with LeBron or Kawhi leading them. You are expecting the young guys to all develop into All Star level players.
LeBron will be 35 or 36 in 3-4 years. Lots of other players more likely to be the best player in the NBA by then.
