I've been talking about him for days on other forums, wanted to share my thoughts here. Cut by Memphis at the end of Dec, he resurfaced shortly thereafter in the DL and has been ripping that league apart ever since. Just named player of the week in the DL. Fresh off a 30 point/18 assist game...I really like this kid, always have. Is he perfect? Of course not but when you look at all the needs surrounding this team/what may be holding us back: dire need to upgrade at the point, need for some more scoring punch, some more talent/excitement and another transition player--all while facing limited avenues to improve at this time (I see 10-day contracts and possibly a minor trade with our limited resources) -- I think this kid would be perfect. Look at all the positives: he's shown nothing but improvement along the way (junior yr to senior yr at Louisville, then in NBA Summer League, now in the DL), lightning quick, fast in transition, dynamite handle, breakdown/blow-by ability we're sorely lacking, he's a criminally underrated passer, he's always been a terrific scorer and he's actually quite the ballhawk defensively. Another huge plus--we can go out and get this guy for nothing right now, just need to create some room.
We opted to sign Thanasis with our open spot. A curious move but I'm OK with it because I believe in the player. Probably in the minority here but I'm actually a fan of Thanasis'--just makes adding Russ Smith a little harder now.
The way I see it they need to part ways with Sasha Vujacic. Well aware he's Phil's guy but there needs to come a point when even he has to question whether he's living in the past with him and whether his roster spot could be put to better use. There's no question it could be and should be. I really don't understand why he's still here--he can't help this team and there's no way he's brought back beyond this season. He needs to be bought out or simply waived.
How's this retool on the fly to try and salvage the season:
- We called up Thanasis--find time for him. Let's see what he can do. I think he could have an impact. He needs some work but his athleticism, energy, motor and desire to play defense are all huge pluses. I also don't think he's that far off offensively--he can slash and finish, finish in transition and I don't think his jumper's all that broken.
- Waive Vujacic. Immediately sign Russ Smith.
- Look into a 2 for 1 trade. KOQ/Grant for Darren Collison? Comparable to Jeff Teague imo, makes only $5mm compared to Teague's $8mm next yr. We get the vet PG upgrade we may be looking for and it would give us $3mm more to use in FA as opposed to dealing for Teague (Steve Mills has supposedly had his eye on DC for awhile now). Or a better trade imo--call up Detroit and see what's up with Spencer Dinwiddie. Supposedly told he'll be playing in the DL for the rest of the year. I read he took the news in stride but you know he can't be happy about that. DET acts like they don't know what to do with this kid. 6'6" combo guard with a ton of versatility. I see something very close to Alexey Shved with Dinwiddie. I'd be open to dealing any of our assets to get Dinwiddie--Grant, Seraphin, KOQ, Galloway, Early, any combination of 2.
- If we succeed in pulling off a 2 for 1 trade, sign Elliot Williams to a contract. Very athletic and talented. Imagine the firepower/transition potential we could feature on a 2nd unit that featured some combination of Russ Smith, Thanasis, Elliot Williams, Spencer Dinwiddie and his versatility to go along with Derrick Williams and the much improved Lance Thomas. Wow...
- If he's still around after all this tinkering, find some more time for Kevin Seraphin. I like his post offense and he can protect the rim a little bit. After seeing Seraphin and KOQ up close, I'd rather see more Seraphin when we need an extra big man.
No pie in the sky ideas here. All plausible. Doable..
2/2/2016 8:56 PM