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

With AD's injury history, I really was hoping we could have improved our depth at the 5. I'm not saying we should create a roster specifically to beat Denver but I think our loss to Denver showed me 3 weaknesses: 3 point shooting, size at the wing position, and someone who could help AD grab rebounds and protect the paint. We gave up too many offensive rebounds and layups. We think we are solid at the wing position. 3 point shooting is hard to predict. Russell's shooting will be key, and I think Vanderbilt needs to improve because his offensive struggle made him almost unplayable vs Denver. But the last weakness we still have not improved. I guess we'll sign someone like Thompson and maybe upgrade before the trade deadline if needed.

 

It's raining cash

 

We've done really well this offseason but I'm still anxiously awaiting to see another big signed.

 

(Next update I see with the exceptions left, I'll put that up too)

There's still money out there for players to grab. We're not done, but it doesn't benefit any of these remaining vets to act prematurely.

No one else is signing Tristan. So whether he's our guy or our plan B, he's going to be there.

Larsuel said on his live show tonight that he doesn't think we'll see any action until the music stops and there's no chairs left. He anticipates we'll be in good position with any names left at that point, but this is only day 2 of free agency. There's a lot of mid level money left and even some BAEs. Just gotta wait it out.

 

Is Hachimura going to start?

 

Salary implications would suggest as much.

Buha's piece tonight echoes that.

And here's what Buha had to say about that 14th spot and what big could fill it

 

Does he have the lateral quicks to be the main wing defender? Lebron has long since dropped that gig.

 

No he doesn’t, he also does his best work in isolation. So even though we’ve paid him well, I still think he is best suited as our 6th man currently with Prince or Vando starting at the 3.

 

I would still start Vando, to have that scoring kick when Rui comes in. He would still close most games and play starter minutes (around 25)

 

I’d prefer we continue to start Vando. Vando was ineffective in the WCF because D-Lo missed shots. It was impossible to survive that series with AR as our only perimeter threat. It sucks that D-Lo was cold because I think Vando would’ve gave Murray problems over the course of an extended 6/7 game series.

 

I’m fine with Vando starting in the regular season, his defense and energy are a big help through the grind of 82 games. Just as long as the LeBron/AD/Rui and LeBron/AD/Prince lineups get consistent minutes as well since Vando will probably always see his role diminish in the playoffs.

 

Good for Clarkson and good for Utah to want to keep probably the most “ghetto” person that team or state has ever seen.

Joking, but still……good for Clarkson.

 

Also, I think I’d still be down for Christian Wood, but between him and Bamba I wouldn’t care.

 

Nah fam. Hit up a side alley in Salt Lake, say the name Harpring, and see what goes down.

 

I know we were planning on going with just one more roster spot on a big, but I think if we had gone the minimum route than we could have filled both remaining spots while still maintaining flexibility.

(Also had read something about how we’re not actually eligible for 3 two-way spots unless we fill up all 15 roster spots)

I know there was a lot of hate for Gordon as a MLE target, but man it would have been incredible value to get him for the minimum. While another big is most important, I do think for maximum depth and optionality we could use another three point sniper as well.



Phoenix has had a very solid summer and IMO mitiaged a lot of those depth concerns. They’ll certainly be tough to deal with. Think us, Phoenix, and Denver will be fighting for the #1 seed