Philc1 wrote:

Clean wrote:I don't think Derozan fits our needs at all. We need a scorer who can shoot. In a perfect world our realistic offseason pickups would be Ball as a FA and Zach LeVine in a forced trade. I am hoping things go poorly in Chicago.

We need Devin Booker. Maybe Randle and the four first round picks we have next two years gets it done

Jeez, that is not rooted in reality. Suns have a window with CP3 for two years and they are legit for now. Book is on a new deal and Ayton has still has some upside. They are perhaps thinking “How do we keep up and exceed the rest of the west going forward. Do a little homework, like look at the standings, contracts, etc. Then with 4 picks gone, Randle gone, how good is RJ and Booker as the one two punch? We in Beal-Westbrook territory with fewer picks and a sort of not so good team around them?
Book is the real deal and I would very much love to have him on this team. But there is a chess game to be played an you can’t just go after one piece without looking ahead at the rest of the board.

Philc1 wrote:

Clean wrote:I don't think Derozan fits our needs at all. We need a scorer who can shoot. In a perfect world our realistic offseason pickups would be Ball as a FA and Zach LeVine in a forced trade. I am hoping things go poorly in Chicago.

We need Devin Booker. Maybe Randle and the four first round picks we have next two years gets it done

The Melo trade wants to be topped for its level of setting a franchise back and I think you’ve done it

EwingsGlass wrote:

NYStateOfMind wrote:If he opts out, I prefer Kawhi & Lonzo. Where would that put the Knicks then?

This is the ideal offseason without unlocking an unpredictable trade market.

I think Ball is a realistic option but for his RFA status. The threat of matching may result in us giving up assets.

Kawhi would be awesome, but you gotta question why he would leave LA for NY. We know he loves D, but if he leaves, why wouldn’t he play in Miami with Butler and Bam?

I dunno. My belief in FA is a bit shot. Especially since we couldn’t sign players when we were the only team that had money to sign players... that broke me.

Agree with this. Maybe one of those overpay situations for Lonzo. I like his game but question how much of a difference he will make. If you look at the Pels they are more talented than we are (Ingram, Zion, Bledsoe, Adams) and yet have underachieved. Always question a player that fans claim will make such a difference but has yet to do so on the teams he has played on.

Some are also forgetting that we will need money going towards keeping Burks, Bullock, Rose, and backup centers. Do not see Lonzo worth taking up a big portion of that free cap. Would rather pick up some vet shooters, move up in the draft with some of our assets and wait for a true difference maker.

smackeddog wrote:

ramtour420 wrote:Steven Adams is a player I would very much like to have on our team. If we end up doing a sign and trade for Lonzo I want to take on that contract in order to pay less for Lonzo.

He’s been really bad for the Pelicans. I wouldn’t of minded him as a Taj Gibson type contract/role, but not at 2 years $17mil per after this season

Yeah he dosen't protect the rim like that anymore and gets killed on switches. Would still be better offfensively then most of our bigs but not worth it.

HoustonSprewell84 wrote:I’d rather try to trade for Deangelo Russell or Russell Westbrook in the offseason.

I can see how they fit, easier than Ball who I’m not sold on. And we have to have to give him a long contract.

Deangelo and Westbrook only have two years left on their contract after this season.

You aren’t sold on Ball but would like to bring two PGs that don’t really pass? Yeah, they get some assists, but are they the PGs this team needs?

I’m intrigued about a guy like Ball with this team, but it isn’t a delusion of him being a superstar. He does look like more of a floor general and more likely to expand the level of the team we have than those two above.

GustavBahler wrote:

EwingsGlass wrote:

NYStateOfMind wrote:If he opts out, I prefer Kawhi & Lonzo. Where would that put the Knicks then?

This is the ideal offseason without unlocking an unpredictable trade market.

I think Ball is a realistic option but for his RFA status. The threat of matching may result in us giving up assets.

Kawhi would be awesome, but you gotta question why he would leave LA for NY. We know he loves D, but if he leaves, why wouldn’t he play in Miami with Butler and Bam?

I dunno. My belief in FA is a bit shot. Especially since we couldn’t sign players when we were the only team that had money to sign players... that broke me.

The way Randle is playing. Not so sure Kawhi would be a better option at this point. Randle is a better passer as well. Probably cheaper to retain. Makes it easier to make a competitive offer for Lonzo, and leave more cap room, to maybe sign another difference maker.

A great situation would be signing Ball, and drafting a SF (By luck or trade up) with a high pick. Ready to start at some time during his rookie season and not have to invest in another expenive FA. Have no idea if there is a player like that in this year's draft who fits the bill.

GustavBahler wrote:

TPercy wrote:

GustavBahler wrote:

EwingsGlass wrote:

NYStateOfMind wrote:If he opts out, I prefer Kawhi & Lonzo. Where would that put the Knicks then?

This is the ideal offseason without unlocking an unpredictable trade market.

I think Ball is a realistic option but for his RFA status. The threat of matching may result in us giving up assets.

Kawhi would be awesome, but you gotta question why he would leave LA for NY. We know he loves D, but if he leaves, why wouldn’t he play in Miami with Butler and Bam?

I dunno. My belief in FA is a bit shot. Especially since we couldn’t sign players when we were the only team that had money to sign players... that broke me.

The way Randle is playing. Not so sure Kawhi would be a better option at this point. Randle is a better passer as well. Probably cheaper to retain. Makes it easier to make a competitive offer for Lonzo, and leave more cap room, to maybe sign another difference maker.

A great situation would be signing Ball, and drafting a SF (By luck or trade up) with a high pick. Ready to start at some time during his rookie season and not have to invest in another expenive FA. Have no idea if there is a player like that in this year's draft who fits the bill.

Make no mistake: Kawhi is still a tier above Randle. He's a much better shot creator who we could rely on to close out games while being an all NBA defender. 100% chance he dosen't come here tho.

I get that, but Randle's D isnt a drawback. Randle's shot creation this season (until the minutes started catching up) has been elite. I give the edge to Randle in setting up teammates. I think we would be paying a premium for Kawhi's services that we really dont need to, with Randle on the team.

Hear anything about this kid? Looking at mock drafts, almost none play the 3 as their natural position. Not sure how many SFs usually get drafted in a given year, to be honest.

From CBS...

Josh Giddey SF

AUSTRALIA • 6'8" / 205 LBS

PROJECTED TEAML.A. LakersPROSPECT RNK28thPOSITION RNK2nd

PPG11.1RPG6.9APG6.63P%31.8%

One of the fastest rising international prospects in this draft, Giddey is breaking out in the NBL Australia for Adelaide as a modern-day guard/wing who can create, score and rebound. Reminds me a bit of what was so appealing about Deni Avdija as a prospect last draft because of the size and handles. Can do a little of everything on offense and the shot appears to be improving.

On Giddey he definitely isn't a natural 3 and will likely be a PG in the league, but there are so decent 3s in this draft. Kispert and Wagner come to mind. Kuminga and Ziare are also more options but 1 isn't attainable and the other one kinda sucks imo. Also, with RJ's ability to play 2-3, Burks and Bullock hopefully coming back, and Knox possibly figuring things out I don't think we are that pressed for one.

TPercy wrote:

GustavBahler wrote:

TPercy wrote:

GustavBahler wrote:

EwingsGlass wrote:

NYStateOfMind wrote:If he opts out, I prefer Kawhi & Lonzo. Where would that put the Knicks then?

This is the ideal offseason without unlocking an unpredictable trade market.

I think Ball is a realistic option but for his RFA status. The threat of matching may result in us giving up assets.

Kawhi would be awesome, but you gotta question why he would leave LA for NY. We know he loves D, but if he leaves, why wouldn’t he play in Miami with Butler and Bam?

I dunno. My belief in FA is a bit shot. Especially since we couldn’t sign players when we were the only team that had money to sign players... that broke me.

The way Randle is playing. Not so sure Kawhi would be a better option at this point. Randle is a better passer as well. Probably cheaper to retain. Makes it easier to make a competitive offer for Lonzo, and leave more cap room, to maybe sign another difference maker.

A great situation would be signing Ball, and drafting a SF (By luck or trade up) with a high pick. Ready to start at some time during his rookie season and not have to invest in another expenive FA. Have no idea if there is a player like that in this year's draft who fits the bill.

Make no mistake: Kawhi is still a tier above Randle. He's a much better shot creator who we could rely on to close out games while being an all NBA defender. 100% chance he dosen't come here tho.

I get that, but Randle's D isnt a drawback. Randle's shot creation this season (until the minutes started catching up) has been elite. I give the edge to Randle in setting up teammates. I think we would be paying a premium for Kawhi's services that we really dont need to, with Randle on the team.

Hear anything about this kid? Looking at mock drafts, almost none play the 3 as their natural position. Not sure how many SFs usually get drafted in a given year, to be honest.

From CBS...

Josh Giddey SF

AUSTRALIA • 6'8" / 205 LBS

PROJECTED TEAML.A. LakersPROSPECT RNK28thPOSITION RNK2nd

PPG11.1RPG6.9APG6.63P%31.8%

One of the fastest rising international prospects in this draft, Giddey is breaking out in the NBL Australia for Adelaide as a modern-day guard/wing who can create, score and rebound. Reminds me a bit of what was so appealing about Deni Avdija as a prospect last draft because of the size and handles. Can do a little of everything on offense and the shot appears to be improving.

I mean we do need another superstar(or multiple all stars) to reach contender status and Kawhi is a proven champion as a #1 option. Randle is probably the more willing passer but I think Kawhi is more comfortable handling double teams than Randle is. But I'm in no rush to add him.

On Giddey he definitely isn't a natural 3 and will likely be a PG in the league, but there are so decent 3s in this draft. Kispert and Wagner come to mind. Kuminga and Ziare are also more options but 1 isn't attainable and the other one kinda sucks imo. Also, with RJ's ability to play 2-3, Burks and Bullock hopefully coming back, and Knox possibly figuring things out I don't think we are that pressed for one.

Giddey at 6'8 looks more like a 3 than a 2 (from a brief look) Too wiry to play the 4. Randle has been much better passing out of double teams. I know Kawhi would be an upgrade, but Id rather see it done at the 3. Bring Burks and/or Bullock off the bench.

A quick look at Giddey's game, I see a pass first wing, who would mesh with a pass first PG like Ball. That would be a squad that would push the tempo. Would love to steal Boston's pick, if they are in fact interested.

GustavBahler wrote:

GustavBahler wrote:

TPercy wrote:

GustavBahler wrote:

EwingsGlass wrote:

NYStateOfMind wrote:If he opts out, I prefer Kawhi & Lonzo. Where would that put the Knicks then?

This is the ideal offseason without unlocking an unpredictable trade market.

I think Ball is a realistic option but for his RFA status. The threat of matching may result in us giving up assets.

Kawhi would be awesome, but you gotta question why he would leave LA for NY. We know he loves D, but if he leaves, why wouldn’t he play in Miami with Butler and Bam?

I dunno. My belief in FA is a bit shot. Especially since we couldn’t sign players when we were the only team that had money to sign players... that broke me.

The way Randle is playing. Not so sure Kawhi would be a better option at this point. Randle is a better passer as well. Probably cheaper to retain. Makes it easier to make a competitive offer for Lonzo, and leave more cap room, to maybe sign another difference maker.

A great situation would be signing Ball, and drafting a SF (By luck or trade up) with a high pick. Ready to start at some time during his rookie season and not have to invest in another expenive FA. Have no idea if there is a player like that in this year's draft who fits the bill.

Make no mistake: Kawhi is still a tier above Randle. He's a much better shot creator who we could rely on to close out games while being an all NBA defender. 100% chance he dosen't come here tho.

I get that, but Randle's D isnt a drawback. Randle's shot creation this season (until the minutes started catching up) has been elite. I give the edge to Randle in setting up teammates. I think we would be paying a premium for Kawhi's services that we really dont need to, with Randle on the team.

Hear anything about this kid? Looking at mock drafts, almost none play the 3 as their natural position. Not sure how many SFs usually get drafted in a given year, to be honest.

From CBS...

Josh Giddey SF

AUSTRALIA • 6'8" / 205 LBS

PROJECTED TEAML.A. LakersPROSPECT RNK28thPOSITION RNK2nd

PPG11.1RPG6.9APG6.63P%31.8%

One of the fastest rising international prospects in this draft, Giddey is breaking out in the NBL Australia for Adelaide as a modern-day guard/wing who can create, score and rebound. Reminds me a bit of what was so appealing about Deni Avdija as a prospect last draft because of the size and handles. Can do a little of everything on offense and the shot appears to be improving.

Looks like Boston sees Giddey as a Lukaesque player. I see that, not the outside touch though. Maybe like Quickley someone we might want to draft higher than expected. Not a very high pick though. Unless his draft stock puts him there.

I think CBS's board is a bit off. ESPN has him at 13 on their big board and Wasserman has him at 9. He could very easily fall to late teens but it is highly unlikely that he drops past 20. His passing is the best in the draft and could easily help many teams if he is actually given the keys and you don't pull the nonsense Washington is doing with Avija right now. I see his ceiling as a better shooting/less defensive Ben Simmons and a floor of Satoransky. He's definitely someone I'm willing to take a chance on. Only thing with him is that with Lonzo(fingers crossed) and Rose likely coming back he'll be hard pressed for mins and will likely need sometime during season in G League.

TPercy wrote:

GustavBahler wrote:

GustavBahler wrote:

TPercy wrote:

GustavBahler wrote:

EwingsGlass wrote:

NYStateOfMind wrote:If he opts out, I prefer Kawhi & Lonzo. Where would that put the Knicks then?

This is the ideal offseason without unlocking an unpredictable trade market.

I think Ball is a realistic option but for his RFA status. The threat of matching may result in us giving up assets.

Kawhi would be awesome, but you gotta question why he would leave LA for NY. We know he loves D, but if he leaves, why wouldn’t he play in Miami with Butler and Bam?

I dunno. My belief in FA is a bit shot. Especially since we couldn’t sign players when we were the only team that had money to sign players... that broke me.

The way Randle is playing. Not so sure Kawhi would be a better option at this point. Randle is a better passer as well. Probably cheaper to retain. Makes it easier to make a competitive offer for Lonzo, and leave more cap room, to maybe sign another difference maker.

A great situation would be signing Ball, and drafting a SF (By luck or trade up) with a high pick. Ready to start at some time during his rookie season and not have to invest in another expenive FA. Have no idea if there is a player like that in this year's draft who fits the bill.

Make no mistake: Kawhi is still a tier above Randle. He's a much better shot creator who we could rely on to close out games while being an all NBA defender. 100% chance he dosen't come here tho.

I get that, but Randle's D isnt a drawback. Randle's shot creation this season (until the minutes started catching up) has been elite. I give the edge to Randle in setting up teammates. I think we would be paying a premium for Kawhi's services that we really dont need to, with Randle on the team.

Hear anything about this kid? Looking at mock drafts, almost none play the 3 as their natural position. Not sure how many SFs usually get drafted in a given year, to be honest.

From CBS...

Josh Giddey SF

AUSTRALIA • 6'8" / 205 LBS

PROJECTED TEAML.A. LakersPROSPECT RNK28thPOSITION RNK2nd

PPG11.1RPG6.9APG6.63P%31.8%

One of the fastest rising international prospects in this draft, Giddey is breaking out in the NBL Australia for Adelaide as a modern-day guard/wing who can create, score and rebound. Reminds me a bit of what was so appealing about Deni Avdija as a prospect last draft because of the size and handles. Can do a little of everything on offense and the shot appears to be improving.

Looks like Boston sees Giddey as a Lukaesque player. I see that, not the outside touch though. Maybe like Quickley someone we might want to draft higher than expected. Not a very high pick though. Unless his draft stock puts him there.

I think CBS's board is a bit off. ESPN has him at 13 on their big board and Wasserman has him at 9. He could very easily fall to late teens but it is highly unlikely that he drops past 20. His passing is the best in the draft and could easily help many teams if he is actually given the keys and you don't pull the nonsense Washington is doing with Avija right now. I see his ceiling as a better shooting/less defensive Ben Simmons and a floor of Satoransky. He's definitely someone I'm willing to take a chance on. Only thing with him is that with Lonzo(fingers crossed) and Rose likely coming back he'll be hard pressed for mins and will likely need sometime during season in G League.

Whereever Giddey'a slotted. Wouldnt mind if we drafted him either. Agree, 20s seemed low. Nice thing is that Giddey is a realistic option with the draft picks we have stockpiled. Can draft him, and maybe a high pick as well. Room to bargain these days.

martin wrote:

GustavBahler wrote:

martin wrote:Kawhi is a SF

Giddy plays PG for his team

I know. I see a chemistry problem, their games are so similar. If we got Kawhi, Randle would not be the right option at PF IMO. We would need a big who doesnt touch the ball as much. Obi (if he keeps progressing) would be a better fit. With Lonzo's ability to find cutting teammates.

Think we could better use the cap space to keep most of the rotation we have.

As I said about Giddey, it was a quick look. I see more of a point forward (in a pinch) in the NBA.

Use cap space on Kawhi or keep the rotation players we have right now would not have been the turning point I would have imagined the thread to reach.

Wouldnt have imagined this conversation taking such a douchey turn Martin. WTF?

Randle is 3 years younger, more durable, better orchestrator. All Star. How did the Clips do last playoffs? Did Kawhi put them over the top? The rotation we have, with the addition of Ball, and another difference maker, might be good enough to challenge a Nets squad that has a lot of trouble staying on the court for very long.

Maxing out Kawhi when he's pushing 30 is not a good idea. Doubt he will come to NY for just a couple of years, at 30. Might be his last big payday.

Melo wasnt on Kawhi's level. But that near max re-up, and the injuries, cost us. Dont want to see it happen again.