Monroe is a clear-cut center. Didn't work next to Dre in Detroit, wouldn't work here. Cuz needs a low usage defensive-minded sidekick. And Cuz absolutely is an anchor - he can guard centers, and that allows him to stay closer to the basket. WCS is a weakside defender - works further out, but is still able to rotate inside.
2015 Offseason To-Dos
- Thread starter twslam07
- Start date
K
It never had a chance, they had scrubs and little to no shooting for the majority of the time those 2 played together and they had Josh Smith @SF and Jennings @PG. Monroe is actually a really skilled passer from both the high and low post him and Cousins could work I think but obviously it's impossible to say since we simply don't know.
I don't think Drummond/Monroe under the circumstances they had to play with is a good example of playing 2 big''s together not working.
I don't think Drummond/Monroe under the circumstances they had to play with is a good example of playing 2 big''s together not working.
Dre+Monroe w/o Josh (more than enough spacing) in 13/14: Monroe - .436TS%, 1.098 PPP against
Monroe+Josh w/o Dre in 13/14: Monroe - .554TS%, 1.054 PPP against, though Josh was still horrible offensively.
So if Knicks can find a good defensive PF to put between Greg and Melo, they can actually have a good team.
As for Dre/Greg/Josh lineups their biggest problem was by far defense as Greg is not good at guarding PFs and Smith is not good at guarding SFs at this point, though offense being average at best didn't help either.
Monroe+Josh w/o Dre in 13/14: Monroe - .554TS%, 1.054 PPP against, though Josh was still horrible offensively.
So if Knicks can find a good defensive PF to put between Greg and Melo, they can actually have a good team.
As for Dre/Greg/Josh lineups their biggest problem was by far defense as Greg is not good at guarding PFs and Smith is not good at guarding SFs at this point, though offense being average at best didn't help either.
K
I can see defensively Monroe/Cousins being a issue but at the same time frontlines of the opposition are going to be exhausted from being smashed and pushed around inside by those 2 which can offset the bad D by Monroe. Cousins by himself exhausts and fouls out entire frontlines and now we are adding a guy with good hands (which no big aside from Cousins on the squad has), good passing instincts and can also post and toast. I think they could feed each other on the high low all day, JT who on offense is not 1/2 the player that Monroe is did a excellent job this year on the high low and he's no where near Monroe in terms of passing ability.
While a defensive shotblocker/dunker would be great next to Cousins I don't think it's the only option we should look at,. I guess we still don't know what style we are going to be playing so it''s hard to say what the FO is going to do.
While a defensive shotblocker/dunker would be great next to Cousins I don't think it's the only option we should look at,. I guess we still don't know what style we are going to be playing so it''s hard to say what the FO is going to do.
Cousins/Monroe/Gay as a unit becomes a huge problem offensively though. Monroe is expecting to get a max from Knicks, so this probably belongs in the "Dream" thread anyway.
P.S. The idea of pairing Monroe and Cousins and pound the teams, defense be damned, gives out "run and gun" vibe. "Pound to kill first"?
P.S. The idea of pairing Monroe and Cousins and pound the teams, defense be damned, gives out "run and gun" vibe. "Pound to kill first"?
Given that there are not many options available for starting PF and the fact, that this player should probably fit a list of certain criteria (low-usage, good defender and rebounder, a reasonable threat from outside, not a lot of interest from other teams), Amir Johnson has to be heavily considered.
1. Well, he fits all the criteria:
3. Not many teams need a role-playing starting PF. Amir made $7 million this year, so Kings' can likely lock him in with available cap space, if they promised a place in the starting lineup.
4. Averaged 75 games over last 6 seasons, often playing despite minor injuries.
5. Amir is from California.
1. Well, he fits all the criteria:
- wasn't above 17% usage rate for years,
- since 2012 in 6708 minutes with him on the floor Raptors have 1.060 PPP against, 26.8OReb%, 74.3Dreb%
- in 5585 minutes without him Raptors have 1.092PPP against, 25.3Oreb%, 73.5 Dreb%
- over the last two years he's .462 from mid-range (173 shots) and .348 from 3pt range(112 shots) - doesn't shoot much, but makes opponents pay, if left open - very good fit as a role player. His eFG% of .631 on shots with 0 dribbles this year (no stats available for previous seasons) further proofs this point.
- Toronto considers moving away from their current roster, so renouncing rights to their FAs is their best bet to sign an impact player via FA, plus they want another post presence, since Casey doesn't trust Valanciunas come crunch time, and Raptors had to rely on chucking of their guards at that point. Plus there's a few high profile PFs available this summer, so Johnson shouldn't generate a lot of interest at the start of FA process.
3. Not many teams need a role-playing starting PF. Amir made $7 million this year, so Kings' can likely lock him in with available cap space, if they promised a place in the starting lineup.
4. Averaged 75 games over last 6 seasons, often playing despite minor injuries.
5. Amir is from California.
Last edited:
Why should we go after a low usage rate PF? Why not tune down Cousins usage rate and add another offensive threat? Of course this would take away from DMC's individual achievements, but this doesn't mean it's a bad thing, if the team manages to win more games like this.
Of course adding a defensive minded, low usage rate role player is one path to move this team forward. But like KingMilz said, there may be different options available.
The Grizzlies are mentioned as a blueprint for our team time and time again and they managed to beat GS in Game 3 by exploiting the matchup with Draymond Green in the post, while Bogut was pulled out of the paint by his man. They can only play like this, cause both big man need to be guarded inside and outside, are capable of putting the ball on the floor and can manhandle smaller guys 1vs1.
Having another shotblocking presence on this team, would be great. But maybe we draft WCS or have already found our defensive minded roleplayer in Moreland? In this case it might be possible to persue a different kind of player to mix up our big man rotation.
David Lee was already mentioned here. Dmo may be the odd man out in Houston. Sullinger might be worth a closer look. Or maybe a guy like Markieff Morris? Just to name a few...
I think Cousins is so versatile, that you can pair him with a lot of PF's and be successful. I'm really curious, how Vlade, Karl and PDA solve this task.
Of course adding a defensive minded, low usage rate role player is one path to move this team forward. But like KingMilz said, there may be different options available.
The Grizzlies are mentioned as a blueprint for our team time and time again and they managed to beat GS in Game 3 by exploiting the matchup with Draymond Green in the post, while Bogut was pulled out of the paint by his man. They can only play like this, cause both big man need to be guarded inside and outside, are capable of putting the ball on the floor and can manhandle smaller guys 1vs1.
Having another shotblocking presence on this team, would be great. But maybe we draft WCS or have already found our defensive minded roleplayer in Moreland? In this case it might be possible to persue a different kind of player to mix up our big man rotation.
David Lee was already mentioned here. Dmo may be the odd man out in Houston. Sullinger might be worth a closer look. Or maybe a guy like Markieff Morris? Just to name a few...
I think Cousins is so versatile, that you can pair him with a lot of PF's and be successful. I'm really curious, how Vlade, Karl and PDA solve this task.
I love Cousins, but he's the 5th overall player in usage rate at 31.8. I'd like to see him lower it to Griffin's which is at 27. His playoff is at 27.8.
I think Griffin is a better playmaker than Cousins, so I think Cousins usage should be around 25-27?
Cousins really needs to work on his turnovers next season. I honestly don't think Cousins is a very good playmaker, he's just a very good passer.
Here's a realistic stat line I'd like to see from Cousins next year:
21.5pts 11rebs 2blks 4asts 2stls 3tos 3.5 fouls. FG% 49 FT% .81
I think Griffin is a better playmaker than Cousins, so I think Cousins usage should be around 25-27?
Cousins really needs to work on his turnovers next season. I honestly don't think Cousins is a very good playmaker, he's just a very good passer.
Here's a realistic stat line I'd like to see from Cousins next year:
21.5pts 11rebs 2blks 4asts 2stls 3tos 3.5 fouls. FG% 49 FT% .81
We don't need to emulate ourselves after anyone in the NBA right now. Our two main scoring options are at C and SF. There is no other playoff team (other than Brooklyn) that can say that right now. It doesn't mean we can't win with this setup, it just goes to show how rare of a combination we have.
With Cousins and Gay on the team, we don't need another major scoring option. We have a 25 PPG player and 20 PPG player in the starting lineup already. What you ideally would like to have (as far as offense goes is have your remaining three guys average between 10-16 PPG. Well we have Collison already who averages 16 PPG while shooting 47% from the floor.If you add an off-ball, sharp shooting scorer at SG and a hustle scoring/midrange shooting big man at PF, you have yourself a very balanced offense.
If McLemore reaches his potential, he fills that SG role very well, and we easily have 25-30 PPG coming from our starting backcourt (not elite but respectable). If you trade for a guy like Gibson, he's giving you 10-15 a night on put-backs, alley oops, midrange jumpers, etc.
We really don't need to find another low post scoring option especially when we have a guy like Cousins. You have to understand that Cousins is only going to get better and better in the post. He's going to continue to refine his post skills, footwork, and ability to draw fouls. There's going to come a time in his tenure where teams with elite big men defenders won't even dare to play him straight up.
We don't need to add another low post presence to take advantage of the weaker defensive matchup because, soon enough, everyone will be considered a weak matchup for Cousins.
With Cousins and Gay on the team, we don't need another major scoring option. We have a 25 PPG player and 20 PPG player in the starting lineup already. What you ideally would like to have (as far as offense goes is have your remaining three guys average between 10-16 PPG. Well we have Collison already who averages 16 PPG while shooting 47% from the floor.If you add an off-ball, sharp shooting scorer at SG and a hustle scoring/midrange shooting big man at PF, you have yourself a very balanced offense.
If McLemore reaches his potential, he fills that SG role very well, and we easily have 25-30 PPG coming from our starting backcourt (not elite but respectable). If you trade for a guy like Gibson, he's giving you 10-15 a night on put-backs, alley oops, midrange jumpers, etc.
We really don't need to find another low post scoring option especially when we have a guy like Cousins. You have to understand that Cousins is only going to get better and better in the post. He's going to continue to refine his post skills, footwork, and ability to draw fouls. There's going to come a time in his tenure where teams with elite big men defenders won't even dare to play him straight up.
We don't need to add another low post presence to take advantage of the weaker defensive matchup because, soon enough, everyone will be considered a weak matchup for Cousins.
Been on the Amir hype train for years. One of the rare guys in the NBA who can contribute a lot on the court without scoring the ball. And when he does shoot, he's efficient at it. Very good defender and a very good screener, which is a great skill to have. And I think he fits our price-point of having somewhere in the ball-park of $5-$7 mil to spend this off-season once we renounce D-Will.
I'd very much be in favor of grabbing Johnson and backing that up with someone like Kaminsky in the draft, who's a floor spacer and more of an offensive threat. Maybe trade down for him, but Amir-Cuz-Kaminsky is a hell of a nice improvement to what we've been trotting out the last few years and compliments each other well. This is assuming we don't win a top pick of course
I'd very much be in favor of grabbing Johnson and backing that up with someone like Kaminsky in the draft, who's a floor spacer and more of an offensive threat. Maybe trade down for him, but Amir-Cuz-Kaminsky is a hell of a nice improvement to what we've been trotting out the last few years and compliments each other well. This is assuming we don't win a top pick of course
I'm not against Gibson.
And i didn't mean we absolutely need another low post presence. I meant it should be considered as an option to add another skilled big man. Adding a defensive presence without much of an offensive game is just one way to make this team better.
Gay and Cousins are capable of scoring 25 and 20 every night. But it's not a bad thing to get guys, that can step up, when our main scoring options are having an off night or the opposing team manages to shut them down, or that get you the ability to follow different gameplans.
Like you pointet out - it's about having a balanced offense, where every member of our starting 5 needs to be guarded in multiple positions on the floor.
Having a guy, that can be ignored most of the time on offense in the starting 5 just hurts every team no matter how great you Nr.1 scoring option is.
Look at the Cavs giving Noah free reigns, basically ignoring him, cause they know he won't beat them.
And i didn't mean we absolutely need another low post presence. I meant it should be considered as an option to add another skilled big man. Adding a defensive presence without much of an offensive game is just one way to make this team better.
Gay and Cousins are capable of scoring 25 and 20 every night. But it's not a bad thing to get guys, that can step up, when our main scoring options are having an off night or the opposing team manages to shut them down, or that get you the ability to follow different gameplans.
Like you pointet out - it's about having a balanced offense, where every member of our starting 5 needs to be guarded in multiple positions on the floor.
Having a guy, that can be ignored most of the time on offense in the starting 5 just hurts every team no matter how great you Nr.1 scoring option is.
Look at the Cavs giving Noah free reigns, basically ignoring him, cause they know he won't beat them.
Kings should build around Cousins and who he is, not marginalize him using his versatility to ease fitting of other players. Cousins-Gay-IT with two zeros (as far as ball demand goes) next to them still couldn't figure it out, so Kings replaced IT with low-key 3rd option in Darren, who was willing to turn into a role player, when they were all together on the floor. Looking for strong offensive presence to put at starting PF slot makes absolutely no sense, given the team development over the last couple of years.
That's why "meh" guy should start for Kings at PF. If he can shoot well from outside the paint and has different outlook defensively than JT, so you can play matchup game, that would be perfect. Amir offers that with good ability to defend both P&R and stretch bigs.
32-year old Avid Lee? Makes no sense to put another post presence next to Boogie and Rudy, while amplifying defensive problems.
D-Mo can't stay healthy. He played well next to Dwight this season, but it was mostly as a part of the starting lineup, and even though it's obviously good, that this group was impressive defensively, it featured two very good perimeter defenders, so it's not clear, how well did he affect the result as Rockets defense dropped really steep without Ariza. As far as shooting goes D-Mo shot 3s at .368 clip, while avoiding attempts from mid-range due to Rockets' system. So D-Mo is an interesting option, but he's still cheap and a pretty good player already, so Houston will likely ask for #6 as the main piece.
Sully can't stay healthy as well, but he also struggles to control his weight. People got annoyed, when JT was losing contact with perimeter-oriented PFs. Can't imagine anyone being pleased watching Sully trying to chase those. Plus while he's a good mid-range shooter, Sully is not there from long range, which doesn't stop him from hoisting (and missing) a lot of shots from beyond the arc.
First, no one touches Morrii, until their legal problems are resolved. At the very minimum it will be a massive distraction. Second, they are kinda package deal together with Marcus. And third, Markieff moved into high-volume/no rebounding direction this past season - not exactly what Kings need.
There's a big difference between "ignored most of the time" and left completely on his own as Noah is during the series, since he can't finish inside, even when guards rotate to contest.
That's why "meh" guy should start for Kings at PF. If he can shoot well from outside the paint and has different outlook defensively than JT, so you can play matchup game, that would be perfect. Amir offers that with good ability to defend both P&R and stretch bigs.
32-year old Avid Lee? Makes no sense to put another post presence next to Boogie and Rudy, while amplifying defensive problems.
D-Mo can't stay healthy. He played well next to Dwight this season, but it was mostly as a part of the starting lineup, and even though it's obviously good, that this group was impressive defensively, it featured two very good perimeter defenders, so it's not clear, how well did he affect the result as Rockets defense dropped really steep without Ariza. As far as shooting goes D-Mo shot 3s at .368 clip, while avoiding attempts from mid-range due to Rockets' system. So D-Mo is an interesting option, but he's still cheap and a pretty good player already, so Houston will likely ask for #6 as the main piece.
Sully can't stay healthy as well, but he also struggles to control his weight. People got annoyed, when JT was losing contact with perimeter-oriented PFs. Can't imagine anyone being pleased watching Sully trying to chase those. Plus while he's a good mid-range shooter, Sully is not there from long range, which doesn't stop him from hoisting (and missing) a lot of shots from beyond the arc.
First, no one touches Morrii, until their legal problems are resolved. At the very minimum it will be a massive distraction. Second, they are kinda package deal together with Marcus. And third, Markieff moved into high-volume/no rebounding direction this past season - not exactly what Kings need.
There's a big difference between "ignored most of the time" and left completely on his own as Noah is during the series, since he can't finish inside, even when guards rotate to contest.
Last edited:
Getting a more balanced offense is not marginalizing DMC. Cousins-Gay-IT didn't work, because 2 out of 3 guys play "me-first--basketball" and not because there were too many offensive options.
Lebron, Wade, Bosh, Allen, Chalmers did work. KG, Pierce, Allen, Rondo did work. Now Gasol, Zbo, Allen, Lee, Conley works.
Of course having a balanced offense takes away from the individual player, but these teams find ways to win games, even if their first option is not working efficiently. The thing is, that nearly every player is able to step up.
Bosh could still score in isolation if needed, even when his main role was hitting jumpshots off the penetration of James or Wade.
More offense, while still keeping a defensive mindset, is never a bad thing, as long as the players understand, that there is no I in team.
Lebron, Wade, Bosh, Allen, Chalmers did work. KG, Pierce, Allen, Rondo did work. Now Gasol, Zbo, Allen, Lee, Conley works.
Of course having a balanced offense takes away from the individual player, but these teams find ways to win games, even if their first option is not working efficiently. The thing is, that nearly every player is able to step up.
Bosh could still score in isolation if needed, even when his main role was hitting jumpshots off the penetration of James or Wade.
More offense, while still keeping a defensive mindset, is never a bad thing, as long as the players understand, that there is no I in team.
You know, that you listed perfect examples to help me make my case, right?
- Bosh was relegated to being a jumpshooting defensive anchor with some playmaking in Miami with Allen and Mclemore doing exactly the same and Chalmers being their JT - having two elite playmakers at wing spots allowed Heat to go for defensive role player at PG. Bosh is obviously a (much) better scorer than Collison, but that team also went to 4 straight Finals and with rather putrid supporting cast, which Kings can surpass in strength.
- Boston was Rondo's show almost from the start with Pierce taking over in crunch time. While KG and Ray got their shots, they were mostly finishers by that time. BTW their offense was middle of the road, since they propped much worse offensive player than JT as their fifth starter.
- Grizzlies field Lee as their Mclemore and Allen is their version of JT. I would argue, that Boogie/Rudy pair is superior enough offensively compared to Marc/Z-Bo to offset a dropoff at PG, which Kings didn't fail to prove this season.
Problem is that you don't understand my case either because my english is not good enough or simply because you want to disagree.
I give it another try:
A skilled offensive player may get reduced to a certain role, if he is playing in a balanced offensive team, but he can step into a bigger role if necessary. So from my point of view it doesn't matter, if Bosh was mostly in the same role like Mclemore or if Chalmers was like JT. If necessary those guys could step up, hit big shots, make plays on offense. JT won't do that for our team.
The standpoint, that all we need is a defensive roleplayer doesn't show the whole picture. A player that defends at a high level AND is able to step up on offense when needed would be a better fit.
Problem is, if such a player is available for the Kings. But when we draft a defensive roleplayer or Moreland shows some improvement, we would be in a position to mix it up with a capable offensive PF and adjust our strategy to the opponent.
I give it another try:
A skilled offensive player may get reduced to a certain role, if he is playing in a balanced offensive team, but he can step into a bigger role if necessary. So from my point of view it doesn't matter, if Bosh was mostly in the same role like Mclemore or if Chalmers was like JT. If necessary those guys could step up, hit big shots, make plays on offense. JT won't do that for our team.
The standpoint, that all we need is a defensive roleplayer doesn't show the whole picture. A player that defends at a high level AND is able to step up on offense when needed would be a better fit.
Problem is, if such a player is available for the Kings. But when we draft a defensive roleplayer or Moreland shows some improvement, we would be in a position to mix it up with a capable offensive PF and adjust our strategy to the opponent.
If cousins is only at 21ppg his assists better be at 5. I know you're trying to get his usage down but for a player like him he can't be under 22ppg. If we are able to get guys around that can shoot and have to be respected his stats should stay the same and efficiency sky rocket.
24-12-4 is what he should be at of we get good players around him.
24-12-4 is what he should be at of we get good players around him.
Problem is that you don't understand my case either because my english is not good enough or simply because you want to disagree.
I give it another try:
A skilled offensive player may get reduced to a certain role, if he is playing in a balanced offensive team, but he can step into a bigger role if necessary. So from my point of view it doesn't matter, if Bosh was mostly in the same role like Mclemore or if Chalmers was like JT. If necessary those guys could step up, hit big shots, make plays on offense. JT won't do that for our team.
The standpoint, that all we need is a defensive roleplayer doesn't show the whole picture. A player that defends at a high level AND is able to step up on offense when needed would be a better fit.
Problem is, if such a player is available for the Kings. But when we draft a defensive roleplayer or Moreland shows some improvement, we would be in a position to mix it up with a capable offensive PF and adjust our strategy to the opponent.
I give it another try:
A skilled offensive player may get reduced to a certain role, if he is playing in a balanced offensive team, but he can step into a bigger role if necessary. So from my point of view it doesn't matter, if Bosh was mostly in the same role like Mclemore or if Chalmers was like JT. If necessary those guys could step up, hit big shots, make plays on offense. JT won't do that for our team.
The standpoint, that all we need is a defensive roleplayer doesn't show the whole picture. A player that defends at a high level AND is able to step up on offense when needed would be a better fit.
Problem is, if such a player is available for the Kings. But when we draft a defensive roleplayer or Moreland shows some improvement, we would be in a position to mix it up with a capable offensive PF and adjust our strategy to the opponent.
Perkins and Tony Allen certainly lack shot-making ability. Let's call them JT for their respective teams.
The bolded part of your post actually is the whole picture, Kings management should focus on this off-season due to limited asset pool. With some money to spend in summer 2016, and framework of hopefully PO team by then already in place, Kings could look to upgrade certain areas.
Kings biggest needs are another defensive-minded PF, who doesn't impede Boogie/Rudy on offense, and is able to guard perimeter effectively, since that's JT's main weakness, and a guard off the bench, who can create his own offense, but also doesn't affect spacing (at least average defense, if possible).
An array of rather obvious qualities for the new starting PF, I mentioned above, is a necessity, that maximizes this team's ability for the same amount of assets spent. Get worse defensive player with better offense, and you are actually costing Kings production, since offense barely sees any improvement, mostly redistribution of shots, but you worsened defense - you are decreasing peak ability in exchange for redundancy. Bigger offensive ability coupled with unselfishness (notice, that your more capable offensive player must be willing to play in a diminished role) and similar defensive play is a luxury, that Kings don't have assets for this off-season (I would like to hear names of such players though). At the same time minimal offensive competence is also a necessity, which means defensive guys, who has no game outside the paint, i.e. impede Cuz/Rudy offensively, better be NBA defensive team material.
Moreland is irrelevant at this point. He's 23 already, still basically a rookie, still rather small and had same shoulder injury twice already. If you get anything out of him, maybe it's Pollard-level big in 2-3 years.
As for the guard Kings will most likely have to ask Miller to keep playing and return for another year. I don't think, Nik is ready to go in November, so Kings need a guard to work with Miller in backcourt (need good shooting for that). At the same time team does need some redundancy of guard play and in case Andre is unavailable Kings would need some playmaking as Ray may function as a defensive PG in the starting lineup, but can't create wel enough for bench unit. That's why I mention Stuckey repeatedly - he's one of the few, who has passable defense and is a fit offensively as he can reasonably well both off and on the ball.
I honestly don't know if 5assist is realistic for Cousins unless he's the primary ball pounder. I see him generating assists by finding cutters and passing out of the paint. I think him passing out of the paint will initiate the offense to find open shooters or start ball movement.
I went off 21.5 ppg because I think it'll be what he'll average with that type of usage and that type of fg%. He doesn't have to score just 21pts a game, he can explode when we need him to and score 35. Or if we don't need his offense much in games(fingers crossed), he'll only have to score 17pts. Admittedly, I looked up a lot of dominant big's stats and they were all around there. Griffin surprisingly averaged around 7.6rebs this season and it's mostly due to DeAndre Jordan crashing the boards. I predict that if we draft WCS and start him, Cuz won't have to work on the boards as much.
I expect our starting SG to average 14pts a game next season and 16-18pts from our starting PG. I predict that we have a strong draft and we have a good offseason.
24-12-4 will result in at least 5-7tos a game sadly.
I went off 21.5 ppg because I think it'll be what he'll average with that type of usage and that type of fg%. He doesn't have to score just 21pts a game, he can explode when we need him to and score 35. Or if we don't need his offense much in games(fingers crossed), he'll only have to score 17pts. Admittedly, I looked up a lot of dominant big's stats and they were all around there. Griffin surprisingly averaged around 7.6rebs this season and it's mostly due to DeAndre Jordan crashing the boards. I predict that if we draft WCS and start him, Cuz won't have to work on the boards as much.
I expect our starting SG to average 14pts a game next season and 16-18pts from our starting PG. I predict that we have a strong draft and we have a good offseason.
24-12-4 will result in at least 5-7tos a game sadly.
Here's honestly an overlooked thing that Ray Allen provided. Floor spacing. He's a well enough respected 3pt shooter to the point where most teams didn't leave him wide open.(they did a few times, but not a lot of the times). I'm not saying we need Ray Allen, but we need Ben to consistently hit the 3pter so teams won't even bother to cover him when triple teaming Cuz. I hope Ben gets his 3pt % near .400 this year.
For me option 1 if the Kings are picking 6th and he's still on the board is to take Cauley-Stein. But if the Kings jump up to #2 or #3 and Towns is off the board or if they are picking 6th or 7th and WCS is off the board then the plan obviously changes. At #2 or #3 (assuming they don't trade the pick outright or trade back for WCS) obviously you're looking primarily at Russell or Mudiay. Or at 6 or 7 with WCS off the board you're looking at Winslow, Porzingis, Hezonja etc. In either case a starting PF is still a need. In those cases I'd certainly look at going after Johnson.
But if the Kings end up with WCS (or possibly even Towns) then obviously I think you are looking to spend free agent money on an impact wing or PG, ideally one that adds shooting.
But if the Kings end up with WCS (or possibly even Towns) then obviously I think you are looking to spend free agent money on an impact wing or PG, ideally one that adds shooting.
I agree he needs to cut down on his turnovers. He's a very good passer, but try's the impossible pass from time to time, along with the occasional careless pass. Most teams don't look for their big man to be a playmaker. However, I think the system that Karl is trying to establish will open up more doors for Cousin to shine with his passing. Toward the end of the season, when he put up two triple doubles back to back, I think we started to see what the future could look like.
I also think with a more structured and efficient offensive system Cuz will cut down on turnovers and raise his assist totals. One of the biggest improvements Blake Griffin has made is to be more dangerous/effective as a passer but part of that is experience in a system and familiarity with teammates which you see especially with passes to open shooters and alley oops & dropoffs to DeAndre Jordan.
If we pick 7th and both WCS and Winslow are gone, we won't be in too bad of a position. We can always trade down with Boston or another team. At 7th, the doors would be wide open for Hezonja, Porzingis, Johnson, Kaminsky, Oubre, Lyles, and etc.
If we drop in the lottery, I might trade with Boston for all of their picks..
If we drop in the lottery, I might trade with Boston for all of their picks..
For those, who wants Lowry:
http://www.tsn.ca/radio/toronto-1050/lawrence-raps-assistant-coaches-may-want-out-1.283191
http://www.tsn.ca/radio/toronto-1050/lawrence-raps-assistant-coaches-may-want-out-1.283191
Last edited:
Bucks fans a talking about us in trade scenarios basing off previous interest and rumors.
Some trade thrown out:
Henson/Mayo/17 for JT/Landry/6
Ersan/Henson/17 for JT/Nik/6
All of them said the 2nd trade would be denied by us which I agree.
I know a lot of you are high on WCS but is do the 1st trade in a heart beat. We would get a defensive big as well as a vet SG who can shoot also by giving up both JT/Landry we get more cap space about 14mill available. We can use that money on A.Johnson putting Henson as the 1st big off the bench. A front court of
DMC/Johnson/Henson is elite and we have 3 defensive minded bigs also. With Mayo it removes pressure off of Nik/Ben to perform at a high level for us to become a playoff team.
Collison/ray
Ben/Mayo/Nik
Gay/Cassipi
Johnson
Cousins/Henson
Some trade thrown out:
Henson/Mayo/17 for JT/Landry/6
Ersan/Henson/17 for JT/Nik/6
All of them said the 2nd trade would be denied by us which I agree.
I know a lot of you are high on WCS but is do the 1st trade in a heart beat. We would get a defensive big as well as a vet SG who can shoot also by giving up both JT/Landry we get more cap space about 14mill available. We can use that money on A.Johnson putting Henson as the 1st big off the bench. A front court of
DMC/Johnson/Henson is elite and we have 3 defensive minded bigs also. With Mayo it removes pressure off of Nik/Ben to perform at a high level for us to become a playoff team.
Collison/ray
Ben/Mayo/Nik
Gay/Cassipi
Johnson
Cousins/Henson
WCS is high on Indiana's radar. And Roy Hibbert is on the way out.
http://probasketballtalk.nbcsports....in-i-think-youre-a-100-million-dollar-player/
Would you pull the trigger on a trade of pick #6 WCS/ Landry and JT for Indiana's #11 pick (Lyles/ Turner/ Kaminsky/ Point Guard), Indiana's second round pick (or another future 1st) and Roy Hibbert?
Kings would get an instant defensive anchor and still get a good player at #11 and get rid of Landry's contract?
PF DMC/ #11 Pick
SF: Gay / Casspi
C: Hibbert / FA
SG: McClemore / Stauskas
PG: Collison / Miller
http://probasketballtalk.nbcsports....in-i-think-youre-a-100-million-dollar-player/
Would you pull the trigger on a trade of pick #6 WCS/ Landry and JT for Indiana's #11 pick (Lyles/ Turner/ Kaminsky/ Point Guard), Indiana's second round pick (or another future 1st) and Roy Hibbert?
Kings would get an instant defensive anchor and still get a good player at #11 and get rid of Landry's contract?
PF DMC/ #11 Pick
SF: Gay / Casspi
C: Hibbert / FA
SG: McClemore / Stauskas
PG: Collison / Miller