fishmike wrote:I have been critical of RJ but he's very young. Randle's shown he's coachable and willing to make adjustments every year. Both of these guys have big question marks but they are affordable, always play and in general are very productive.

To me the path and upside is in the rest of the roster. We got a win vs. Cle with Obi finishing over Randle. We saw Hart finish over RJ. The key is options and to keep improving these guys.

Brunson is 26. We build the team around his scoring ability to break down the defense.

RJ/Randle are productive wrecking balls at F, can their play improve?
Grimes/IQ/Obi all need to level up and surely showed that's possible
Is there a path to McBride's minutes? I still like him alot and his future here
Resign Josh Hart
get more on offense from our centers

keep the picks in case a key piece shakes loose we can pounce on.

I like the whole roster, the coaching staff and the FO's approach to team building, the draft and singing players.

Have a great summer everyone

Are you saying RJ is 22?

In general, I agree with you (as I do most of the time). But I wouldn't shy away from making a move if we can find someone with some cojones that can play under pressure.
Also, if we can find a center that can do something outside of 8 ft, I wouldn't mind adding the wrinkle where we have iHart playing PF and a scoring center in for spells. It could be a completely different look for us.

Panos wrote:

fishmike wrote:I have been critical of RJ but he's very young. Randle's shown he's coachable and willing to make adjustments every year. Both of these guys have big question marks but they are affordable, always play and in general are very productive.

To me the path and upside is in the rest of the roster. We got a win vs. Cle with Obi finishing over Randle. We saw Hart finish over RJ. The key is options and to keep improving these guys.

Brunson is 26. We build the team around his scoring ability to break down the defense.

RJ/Randle are productive wrecking balls at F, can their play improve?
Grimes/IQ/Obi all need to level up and surely showed that's possible
Is there a path to McBride's minutes? I still like him alot and his future here
Resign Josh Hart
get more on offense from our centers

keep the picks in case a key piece shakes loose we can pounce on.

I like the whole roster, the coaching staff and the FO's approach to team building, the draft and singing players.

Have a great summer everyone

Are you saying RJ is 22?

In general, I agree with you (as I do most of the time). But I wouldn't shy away from making a move if we can find someone with some cojones that can play under pressure.
Also, if we can find a center that can do something outside of 8 ft, I wouldn't mind adding the wrinkle where we have iHart playing PF and a scoring center in for spells. It could be a completely different look for us.

Why would I not make a move? Even if we won a chip there’s always room for improvement short term and long-term. So if this FO comes across a good trade you do it. Otherwise you don’t. It’s not that complicated. Still need a plan for improvement. And maybe keeping this chemistry together is more important and a better path moving forward, why not.

The point is simple. There’s no wrong answer knick fans. We all agree we need to improve over all if we want to advance in the playoffs any further.

Truth is this was the best year to win in the playoffs. Our path was set up nice. Next year we can improve the entire roster and still not meet expectations because everybody (regarding other teams) will be better and possibly healthier.

Chandler wrote:if Deuce could play backup pg that lets IQ play more off ball where i think he's a more effective shooter

We need shooting, no question

putting aside whatever frustrations, we're in pretty good position at 1 and 4 -- especially given their contracts.

If we're trying to upgrade it should be 2 or 3 and that guy needs to shoot and hopefully be a secondary facilitator

i love our centers but that's another opportunity to upgrade. it will come at emotional cost because Mitch and iHart are great but we could use some more offense out of that position

With you here 100%. Deuce isn't Frank. I hope he gets some burn and pairing w/ Quickley in the second unit to free up Quickley to thrive in his more natural role sounds like icing to me.

Panos wrote:

blkexec wrote:

Panos wrote:

fishmike wrote:I have been critical of RJ but he's very young. Randle's shown he's coachable and willing to make adjustments every year. Both of these guys have big question marks but they are affordable, always play and in general are very productive.

To me the path and upside is in the rest of the roster. We got a win vs. Cle with Obi finishing over Randle. We saw Hart finish over RJ. The key is options and to keep improving these guys.

Brunson is 26. We build the team around his scoring ability to break down the defense.

RJ/Randle are productive wrecking balls at F, can their play improve?
Grimes/IQ/Obi all need to level up and surely showed that's possible
Is there a path to McBride's minutes? I still like him alot and his future here
Resign Josh Hart
get more on offense from our centers

keep the picks in case a key piece shakes loose we can pounce on.

I like the whole roster, the coaching staff and the FO's approach to team building, the draft and singing players.

Have a great summer everyone

Are you saying RJ is 22?

In general, I agree with you (as I do most of the time). But I wouldn't shy away from making a move if we can find someone with some cojones that can play under pressure.
Also, if we can find a center that can do something outside of 8 ft, I wouldn't mind adding the wrinkle where we have iHart playing PF and a scoring center in for spells. It could be a completely different look for us.

Why would I not make a move? Even if we won a chip there’s always room for improvement short term and long-term. So if this FO comes across a good trade you do it. Otherwise you don’t. It’s not that complicated. Still need a plan for improvement. And maybe keeping this chemistry together is more important and a better path moving forward, why not.

The point is simple. There’s no wrong answer knick fans. We all agree we need to improve over all if we want to advance in the playoffs any further.

Truth is this was the best year to win in the playoffs. Our path was set up nice. Next year we can improve the entire roster and still not meet expectations because everybody (regarding other teams) will be better and possibly healthier.

Unfortunately, I can't disagree with the bold. The fact that we got to go through the 8-seed instead of the 1-seed in the second round was a gift.

fishmike wrote:

Panos wrote:

blkexec wrote:

Panos wrote:

fishmike wrote:I have been critical of RJ but he's very young. Randle's shown he's coachable and willing to make adjustments every year. Both of these guys have big question marks but they are affordable, always play and in general are very productive.

To me the path and upside is in the rest of the roster. We got a win vs. Cle with Obi finishing over Randle. We saw Hart finish over RJ. The key is options and to keep improving these guys.

Brunson is 26. We build the team around his scoring ability to break down the defense.

RJ/Randle are productive wrecking balls at F, can their play improve?
Grimes/IQ/Obi all need to level up and surely showed that's possible
Is there a path to McBride's minutes? I still like him alot and his future here
Resign Josh Hart
get more on offense from our centers

keep the picks in case a key piece shakes loose we can pounce on.

I like the whole roster, the coaching staff and the FO's approach to team building, the draft and singing players.

Have a great summer everyone

Are you saying RJ is 22?

In general, I agree with you (as I do most of the time). But I wouldn't shy away from making a move if we can find someone with some cojones that can play under pressure.
Also, if we can find a center that can do something outside of 8 ft, I wouldn't mind adding the wrinkle where we have iHart playing PF and a scoring center in for spells. It could be a completely different look for us.

Why would I not make a move? Even if we won a chip there;s always room for improvement short term and long-term. So if this FO comes across a good trade you do it. Otherwise you don;t. I;s not that complicated. Still need a plan for improvement. And maybe keeping this chemistry together is more important and a better path moving forward, why not.

The point is simple. There;s no wrong answer knick fans. We all agree we need to improve over all if we want to advance in the playoffs any further.

Truth is this was the best year to win in the playoffs. Our path was set up nice. Next year we can improve the entire roster and still not meet expectations because everybody (regarding other teams) will be better and possibly healthier.

Unfortunately, I can't disagree with the bold. The fact that we got to go through the 8-seed instead of the 1-seed in the second round was a gift.

was it? That 8th seed has been in the conference finals 3 of the last 4 years.

I'd rather try to go through Jimmy than Giannis everyday of the week and twice on Sundays.

blkexec wrote:

Panos wrote:

fishmike wrote:

Panos wrote:

blkexec wrote:

Panos wrote:

fishmike wrote:I have been critical of RJ but he's very young. Randle's shown he's coachable and willing to make adjustments every year. Both of these guys have big question marks but they are affordable, always play and in general are very productive.

To me the path and upside is in the rest of the roster. We got a win vs. Cle with Obi finishing over Randle. We saw Hart finish over RJ. The key is options and to keep improving these guys.

Brunson is 26. We build the team around his scoring ability to break down the defense.

RJ/Randle are productive wrecking balls at F, can their play improve?
Grimes/IQ/Obi all need to level up and surely showed that's possible
Is there a path to McBride's minutes? I still like him alot and his future here
Resign Josh Hart
get more on offense from our centers

keep the picks in case a key piece shakes loose we can pounce on.

I like the whole roster, the coaching staff and the FO's approach to team building, the draft and singing players.

Have a great summer everyone

Are you saying RJ is 22?

In general, I agree with you (as I do most of the time). But I wouldn't shy away from making a move if we can find someone with some cojones that can play under pressure.
Also, if we can find a center that can do something outside of 8 ft, I wouldn't mind adding the wrinkle where we have iHart playing PF and a scoring center in for spells. It could be a completely different look for us.

Why would I not make a move? Even if we won a chip there;s always room for improvement short term and long-term. So if this FO comes across a good trade you do it. Otherwise you don;t. I;s not that complicated. Still need a plan for improvement. And maybe keeping this chemistry together is more important and a better path moving forward, why not.

The point is simple. There;s no wrong answer knick fans. We all agree we need to improve over all if we want to advance in the playoffs any further.

Truth is this was the best year to win in the playoffs. Our path was set up nice. Next year we can improve the entire roster and still not meet expectations because everybody (regarding other teams) will be better and possibly healthier.

Unfortunately, I can't disagree with the bold. The fact that we got to go through the 8-seed instead of the 1-seed in the second round was a gift.

was it? That 8th seed has been in the conference finals 3 of the last 4 years.

I'd rather try to go through Jimmy than Giannis everyday of the week and twice on Sundays.

Agree Panos. This was our best chance to advance past the 2nd round. But it’s also a test of what we have as a team. And now the FO should have a clear picture who we are and which direction we need to go to improve. Plus the yoots and others got a real taste of the playoffs (2nd round experience) and will be hungry for more next season but with better results.

Brunson is a legit star. He's Lilliard.

RJ/Randle are good, generally productive physical guys. Neither are dependable enough to be a legit #2 option. Both bring alot and are keepers at this price point.

I still believe in Grimes/IQ/Obi as all having levels to go up and will. I think IQ's poor playoffs will only fuel him more. Grimes 48 minute winner vs. the Heat was a breakout game IMO in terms of what he can be. His shot is Allan Houston like. He just needs to experience and when the game slows a bit he's gonna be a monster. I just see no reason to not keep Obi for his last under his rookie deal if nothing else for that value.

Mitch and IHart both showed great ups and great downs. Also both at great price points and young and coachable. Even if they dont make great strides in their skills time/chemistry alone can help us hear, especially with high IQ players like Brunson/IQ and a team of guys who take it to the hole. They are good fits.

McBride is needed. I knows its crowded back there but I hope he comes back with some offensive tricks and an improved handle. I would love to see a path for him to get minutes

Bring back Josh at a reasonable price point.

I am not saying this a championship caliber roster and just needs time, but I do think we get better with time and chemistry/culture count as we see with the success and failure of the Josh Hart and Cam Reddish trades

fishmike wrote:

blkexec wrote:

Panos wrote:

fishmike wrote:

Panos wrote:

blkexec wrote:

Panos wrote:

fishmike wrote:I have been critical of RJ but he's very young. Randle's shown he's coachable and willing to make adjustments every year. Both of these guys have big question marks but they are affordable, always play and in general are very productive.

To me the path and upside is in the rest of the roster. We got a win vs. Cle with Obi finishing over Randle. We saw Hart finish over RJ. The key is options and to keep improving these guys.

Brunson is 26. We build the team around his scoring ability to break down the defense.

RJ/Randle are productive wrecking balls at F, can their play improve?
Grimes/IQ/Obi all need to level up and surely showed that's possible
Is there a path to McBride's minutes? I still like him alot and his future here
Resign Josh Hart
get more on offense from our centers

keep the picks in case a key piece shakes loose we can pounce on.

I like the whole roster, the coaching staff and the FO's approach to team building, the draft and singing players.

Have a great summer everyone

Are you saying RJ is 22?

In general, I agree with you (as I do most of the time). But I wouldn't shy away from making a move if we can find someone with some cojones that can play under pressure.
Also, if we can find a center that can do something outside of 8 ft, I wouldn't mind adding the wrinkle where we have iHart playing PF and a scoring center in for spells. It could be a completely different look for us.

Why would I not make a move? Even if we won a chip there;s always room for improvement short term and long-term. So if this FO comes across a good trade you do it. Otherwise you don;t. I;s not that complicated. Still need a plan for improvement. And maybe keeping this chemistry together is more important and a better path moving forward, why not.

The point is simple. There;s no wrong answer knick fans. We all agree we need to improve over all if we want to advance in the playoffs any further.

Truth is this was the best year to win in the playoffs. Our path was set up nice. Next year we can improve the entire roster and still not meet expectations because everybody (regarding other teams) will be better and possibly healthier.

Unfortunately, I can't disagree with the bold. The fact that we got to go through the 8-seed instead of the 1-seed in the second round was a gift.

was it? That 8th seed has been in the conference finals 3 of the last 4 years.

I'd rather try to go through Jimmy than Giannis everyday of the week and twice on Sundays.

Agree Panos. This was our best chance to advance past the 2nd round. But it’s also a test of what we have as a team. And now the FO should have a clear picture who we are and which direction we need to go to improve. Plus the yoots and others got a real taste of the playoffs (2nd round experience) and will be hungry for more next season but with better results.

totally agree with both of you and we learned as much in 11 games as we did 82. Alot of it we mostly knew or suspected but I think this was a super valuable experience despite the heartache at the end.

Brunson is a legit star. He's Lilliard.

RJ/Randle are good, generally productive physical guys. Neither are dependable enough to be a legit #2 option. Both bring alot and are keepers at this price point.

I still believe in Grimes/IQ/Obi as all having levels to go up and will. I think IQ's poor playoffs will only fuel him more. Grimes 48 minute winner vs. the Heat was a breakout game IMO in terms of what he can be. His shot is Allan Houston like. He just needs to experience and when the game slows a bit he's gonna be a monster. I just see no reason to not keep Obi for his last under his rookie deal if nothing else for that value.

Mitch and IHart both showed great ups and great downs. Also both at great price points and young and coachable. Even if they dont make great strides in their skills time/chemistry alone can help us hear, especially with high IQ players like Brunson/IQ and a team of guys who take it to the hole. They are good fits.

McBride is needed. I knows its crowded back there but I hope he comes back with some offensive tricks and an improved handle. I would love to see a path for him to get minutes

Bring back Josh at a reasonable price point.

I am not saying this a championship caliber roster and just needs time, but I do think we get better with time and chemistry/culture count as we see with the success and failure of the Josh Hart and Cam Reddish trades

Good takes!
If Grimes can hit his shots he’ll be so valuable and he’ll get more touches. When the ball does not reach Mitch and Grimes the offense stagnated. Grimes can blow by most defenders but if he is not shooting they back down a bit and his confidence wanes. The ceiling is still high for him. Very Klay Thompson like. Not sure he ever reaches that level but he should get better.

Mitch and IQ are assets that can be used. Mitch offense is a liablity that needs to be measured vs his defense. Thats beyond my analytic skill and eye test is variable. IQ agent will sniff around and see if any team will want him to start and pay him next year. Pehraps we keep him another year off the bench. That blocks Deuce of course and Rokas across the ocean unless his rights are traded.

VDesai wrote:I also would like to see this team stay together and re-sign Hart. We do have the Fournier expiring to work with here and could opt in Rose's deal for salary matching. I feel like this team is young and the best play is still yet to come from these guys as a group.

In terms of a move would you consider Mitch Rob, Fournier and no.1 pick for Ayton? Not sure that gets it done, but one way to upgrade the offense from center without giving up rebounding is make a move for Ayton. He is a bit of a softy/head case, but maybe with Thibs coaching could be more effective on the defensive end.

I think my biggest motive for running it back is I just dont see a lot of good fits that help us.