Shot Blockers. We need one.

[ParniValjak]

From listening to both Malone and Vivek, they don't seem to be setting the bar high as far as wins and losses go. They are speaking more to changing how things are done. Both in the front office, and on the floor. So if I'm hearing them properly, they're not expecting to make the playoffs, or make a huge jump in wins. Not that they wouldn't be happy if it happened, but they're more interested in laying down the foundation for the future. If thats true, then I say draft Adams and let him develop. Let him play half the season in the D-League if neccessary. If you can bring in Okafor for a couple of years while he develops, fine!

Of course if they don't bring in Adams for a look see, then thats not likely to happen. So we'll see! As you know, I've never been a big fan of Henson's. My biggest issue with him has always been the same. Lack of bulk and strength. I wouldn't turn him down, but at the same time, I don't want to give up anything I value for him either. I like Udoh, but I do think he's somewhat limited in what he can do. If gotten cheap enough, I'd like to see if there's anything more there. Everyone loves Sanders, but Sanders didn't exactly tear it up when he came into the league. So you never know. Udoh was a good shotblocker at Baylor, and he defended the pick and roll well. He was a decent, but not great rebounder. An area that I think he has the potential to improve.

By the way, in the event that Len drops for some reason, I take him and go home happy.

I think it's more the case of under promising and over delivering. Pretty much a classic strategy that has been used by KJ and Vivek in this whole episode.

If you change the culture both on and off the court, even with the team as it currently is, we will get better simply because a lot of our players have been misused and under utilized and a good coach will not do that.

While I don't think the public goal is to make the play offs, I think internally, they are very much looking and working towards that!

 

[sactownfan]

I want Splitter

if by shot blocker you me... HIS SHOT GETS BLOCKED ALL THE TIME.... then Splitter is your guy... we need the guys that block Splitters weak >>> stuff.

 

[CruzDude]

I want to keep Cole Aldrich. He was amongst the best bench 5's we've ever had. Guards the rim, rotates and covers weak side, alters shots, gets his share of blocks and can score 8-10 off bench. Plus he meets the original criteria: youth, experience, shot blocker and good defender while still being able to score out to 15 ft.

 

[Agent23]

I want to keep Cole Aldrich. He was amongst the best bench 5's we've ever had. Guards the rim, rotates and covers weak side, alters shots, gets his share of blocks and can score 8-10 off bench. Plus he meets the original criteria: youth, experience, shot blocker and good defender while still being able to score out to 15 ft.

I think thats way we should go as well. Also, other than the Chuck Wagon, he sets the best picks on the team. Reke and Zeke Jr. were doing well in the PnR withh Aldrich because of the solid screens he was setting.

 

[Nikolizzle]

I want to keep Cole Aldrich. He was amongst the best bench 5's we've ever had. Guards the rim, rotates and covers weak side, alters shots, gets his share of blocks and can score 8-10 off bench. Plus he meets the original criteria: youth, experience, shot blocker and good defender while still being able to score out to 15 ft.

Agreed.

 

[Hadlowe]

I want to keep Cole Aldrich. He was amongst the best bench 5's we've ever had. Guards the rim, rotates and covers weak side, alters shots, gets his share of blocks and can score 8-10 off bench. Plus he meets the original criteria: youth, experience, shot blocker and good defender while still being able to score out to 15 ft.

As a third big-man, he would be a decent fit, but he is not a starter. Aldrich's per 36 shot blocking and rebounding stats have been decent to good since he entered the league. He has never gotten much play due to positional depth on his teams. I can't help but think of Ostertag when I watch him play. He will have sequences where he makes an amazing defensive stop at one end and then does something bone-jarringly stupid at the other end. If Malone can build an actual offensive system where Aldrich doesn't have to do much other than set hard picks and fight for offensive boards, he can be very valuable. Just don't pass him the ball unless he has a clear dunk.

 

[Chupacabra]

Im an Aldrich club card member as well. I like him as Cousins relief though. We need someone to play heavy minutes next to Cuz who's sole purpose in life is to block shots.

 

[funkykingston]

Im an Aldrich club card member as well. I like him as Cousins relief though. We need someone to play heavy minutes next to Cuz who's sole purpose in life is to block shots.

Agreed. I'm a big fan of bringing back Cole as a 4th big and a backup to DMC but he's not the athletic, shot blocking PF we need as a starter.

 

[Kingster]

From listening to both Malone and Vivek, they don't seem to be setting the bar high as far as wins and losses go. They are speaking more to changing how things are done. Both in the front office, and on the floor. So if I'm hearing them properly, they're not expecting to make the playoffs, or make a huge jump in wins. Not that they wouldn't be happy if it happened, but they're more interested in laying down the foundation for the future. If thats true, then I say draft Adams and let him develop. Let him play half the season in the D-League if neccessary. If you can bring in Okafor for a couple of years while he develops, fine!

Of course if they don't bring in Adams for a look see, then thats not likely to happen. So we'll see! As you know, I've never been a big fan of Henson's. My biggest issue with him has always been the same. Lack of bulk and strength. I wouldn't turn him down, but at the same time, I don't want to give up anything I value for him either. I like Udoh, but I do think he's somewhat limited in what he can do. If gotten cheap enough, I'd like to see if there's anything more there. Everyone loves Sanders, but Sanders didn't exactly tear it up when he came into the league. So you never know. Udoh was a good shotblocker at Baylor, and he defended the pick and roll well. He was a decent, but not great rebounder. An area that I think he has the potential to improve.

By the way, in the event that Len drops for some reason, I take him and go home happy.

Vivek, ADA, and Malone want above all to establish an identity and a culture. Everything else is secondary. The first month of the season is going to be very interesting.

 

[cuad]

I agree with the rest of you who think that Aldrich is the perfect 4th big. I think JT/Patterson are excellent 3rd bigs. Now we just need a #2.

 

[roasthawg]

I agree with the rest of you who think that Aldrich is the perfect 4th big. I think JT/Patterson are excellent 3rd bigs. Now we just need a #2.

Agreed. The state of affairs as I see it is we are currently lacking starting calibur players at the pf, sf, sg, and pg postions. We can solve our problem at one of the guard spots by resigning Tyreke. Hopefully we can address the other guard spot or one of the forward spots via the draft. I'll hold out hope that we can then shore up one of the two remaining spots with a fa signing or a trade... that would be a great offseason personel wise imo.

 

[LPKingsFan]

Agreed. The state of affairs as I see it is we are currently lacking starting calibur players at the pf, sf, sg, and pg postions.

No kidding (assuming you say we "lack" a starting SG because of Tyreke's pending free agency). I feel like everyone on our team except for Cousins and Evans is, at best, "a good sixth man-type scorer off the bench or third big man." Shows there's a lack of talent as well as fit.

 

[Hadlowe]

No kidding (assuming you say we "lack" a starting SG because of Tyreke's pending free agency). I feel like everyone on our team except for Cousins and Evans is, at best, "a good sixth man-type scorer off the bench or third big man." Shows there's a lack of talent as well as fit.

The whole being greater than the sum of its parts, we have pieces that would work as starting players as long as their roles are made very clear, and they are played next to complementary pieces. James Johnson COULD have been a valuable starter if he wasn't such a blithering idiot on offense. Thornton could have a valuable role if he was a little less of a chucker and we had interior defense to make up for his lapses. Ditto Jimmer as long as he pretends he is a shorter Steve Novak limits himself to hockey assists and wide-open threes.

That is on the coach and GM, though. Don't disregard the value of a nail because all you have at hand are screwdrivers.

 

[Jerichoholic]

The whole being greater than the sum of its parts, we have pieces that would work as starting players as long as their roles are made very clear, and they are played next to complementary pieces. James Johnson COULD have been a valuable starter if he wasn't such a blithering idiot on offense. Thornton could have a valuable role if he was a little less of a chucker and we had interior defense to make up for his lapses. Ditto Jimmer as long as he pretends he is a shorter Steve Novak limits himself to hockey assists and wide-open threes.

That is on the coach and GM, though. Don't disregard the value of a nail because all you have at hand are screwdrivers.

That's just the thing, building a quality team is about the whole being greater than the sum of its parts, but it can't be every player with one great skill and no complimentary skills which is what we seem to mostly have. Players need to at least be competent at other things, this is always a gripe I've had with players Petrie has signed over the past couple of years, Petrie kind of has tunnel vision. Look at James Johnson, could be a terrific one on one defender at times, but was completely hopeless on offense. Even defensive specialists typically have a corner 3-point shot so you aren't playing four on five when on offense. Thornton even when shooting well gives up many of those points back on defense because of his lack of skill and effort on that end. We can't just get a bunch of players to make up for the weaknesses of others, then you just have a team that gets by, not one that can be great. The idea is to enhance strengths, not minimize weaknesses.

I do think there is a lack of talent on this team. Just one example is getting back to Thornton, quality 6th men aren't streak shooters, they offer many benefits, that's why they get a lot of playing time. Thornton right now is an 8th or 9th man shooting specialist on a decent team. This is definitely going to be a process, there are some good pieces on this team, but a lot of fat to cut also.

 

[bajaden]

Since some names have been bandied about, I thought I'd go look at every teams roster, and find players that might fit our need. For the most part, I tried to list mostly young players, but I did add a few exceptions. I also listed players that despite having their name mentioned in this thread, have little history of being a shotblocker, and in some cases, even a decent player. I'll start with one of our own, at least till june 30th. By the way, please don't argue the height of these players. I just took what the site gave me, and we all know teams exaggerate. I've also listed their current or last available salary to give you an idea of the price tag might be. I realize also that some of these players are probably unattainable.

Cole Aldrich: 6'11" - 240 pounds - 24 years old - 11:41 MPG - 3.3 PPG - 56.8% FGP - 4.2 RPG - 0.9 BPG - $2,445,480.00 (cap hold $3,245,152.00)

Josh Smith: 6'9" - 225 pounds - 28 years old - 35:17 MPG - 17.5 PPG - 46.5% FGP - 8.4 RPG - 1.8 BPG - $13,200,000.00

Derrick Favors: 6'10" - 263 pounds - 21 years old - 23:11 MPG - 9.4 PPG - 48.2% FGP - 7.1 RPG - 1.7 BPG - $4,753,320.00

Samuel Dalembert: 6'11" - 250 pounds - 32 years old - 16:18 MPG - 6.7 PPG - 54.2% FGP - 5.9 RPG - 1.1 BPG - $6,698,565.00

Larry Sanders: 6'11" - 235 pounds - 24 years old - 27:18 MPG - 9.8 PPG - 50.6% FGP - 9.5 RPG - 2.8 BPG - $1,991,760.00

Joakim Noah: 6'11" - 232 pounds - 28 years old - 36:47 MPG - 11.9 PPG - 48.1% FGP - 11.1 RPG - 2.1 BPG - $11,300,000.00

Ersan Llyasova: 6'10" - 235 pounds - 26 years old - 27:36 MPG - 13.2 PPG - 46.2% FGP - 7.1 RPG - 0.5 BPG - $7,900,000.00

Nikola Vucevic: 7'0" - 240 pounds - 22 years old - 32:12 MPG - 13.1 PPG - 51.9% FGP - 11.9 RPG - 1.0 BPG - $1,719,480.00

Emeka Okafor: 6'10" - 260 pounds - 30 years old - 26:00 MPG - 9.7 PPG - 47.7% FGP - 8.8 RPG - 1.0 BPG - $13,490,000.00

Bismack Biyombo: 6'9" - 245 pounds - 21 years old - 27:18 MPG - 4.8 PPG - 45.1% FGP - 7.3 RPG - 1.8 BPG - $2,923,920.00

Tyrus Thomas: 6'10" - 225 pounds - 26 years old - 13:48 MPG - 4.8 PPG - 35.3% FGP - 2.3 RPG - 0.6 BPG - $8,000,000.00 (BUST)

John Henson: 6'11" - 220 pounds - 22 years old - 13:05 MPG - 6.0 PPG - 48.2% FGP - 4.7 RPG - 0.7 BPG - $1,823,280.00

Taj Gibson: 6'9" - 225 pounds - 27 years old - 22:30 MPG - 8.0 PPG - 48.5% FGP - 5.3 RPG - 1.4 BPG - $2,155,811.00

Ekpe Udoh: 6'10" - 245 pounds - 26 years old - 17:18 MPG - 4.3 PPG - 43.5% FGP - 3.3 RPG - 1.1 BPG - $3,524,880.00

Amir Johnson: 6'9" - 237 pounds - 26 years old - 28:41 MPG - 10.0 PPG - 55.4% FGP - 7.5 RPG - 1.4 BPG - $6,000,000.00

Ed Davis: 6'10" - 228 pounds - 24 years old - 15:05 MPG - 5.1 PPG - 51.7% FGP - 4.4 RPG - 1.3 BPG - $2,207,040.00

Terrence Jones: 6'9" - 252 pounds - 21 years old - 14:30 MPG - 5.5 PPG - 45.7% FGP - 3.4 RPG - 1.0 BPG - $1,485,000.00

Jonas Valanciunas: 7'0" - 257 pounds - 21 years old - 23:53 MPG - 8.9 PPG - 55.7% FGP - 6.0 RPG - 1.3 BPG - $3,374,640.00

Brandan Wright: 6'10" - 210 pounds - 25 years old - 18:00 MPG - 8.5 PPG - 59.7% FGP - 4.1 RPG - 1.2 BPG - $992,680.00

Kenneth Faried: 6'8" - 228 pounds - 23 years old - 28:06 MPG - 11.5 PPG - 55.2% FGP - 9.2 RPG - 1.0 BPG - $1,311,240.00

I didn't list McGee or DeAndre Jordan, because I seriously doubt we could aquire either, and I'm not a big fan of McGee's. There are others like Kaman, who would be a very servicable backup to Cousins, but wouldn't be a good fit next to him. I also left off Al Jefferson, but he does average 1.1 blocks a game, and he brings rebounding, 9.2 a game, and scoring. Personally, I was a little surpirsed by Wright. His numbers are better than I expected, and he's still young. Tyrus Thomas is an embarrasement at 8 mil a year.

 

[Nikolizzle]

Derrick Favors: 6'10" - 263 pounds - 21 years old - 23:11 MPG - 9.4 PPG - 48.2% FGP - 7.1 RPG - 1.7 BPG - $4,753,320.00

I would LOVE Favors on the team. I loved him back in that draft as well... I actually didn't think Cousins was going to fall to us, and I was hoping for Favors would be our pick.

 

[Bricklayer]

Favors stalled out this year, so I guess maybe who knows. But previously he was completely untouchable in Utah.

 

[Gilles]

In terms of defense he actually made a real step forward, offense is another story.

 

[Kingster]

That's just the thing, building a quality team is about the whole being greater than the sum of its parts, but it can't be every player with one great skill and no complimentary skills which is what we seem to mostly have. Players need to at least be competent at other things, this is always a gripe I've had with players Petrie has signed over the past couple of years, Petrie kind of has tunnel vision. Look at James Johnson, could be a terrific one on one defender at times, but was completely hopeless on offense. Even defensive specialists typically have a corner 3-point shot so you aren't playing four on five when on offense. Thornton even when shooting well gives up many of those points back on defense because of his lack of skill and effort on that end. We can't just get a bunch of players to make up for the weaknesses of others, then you just have a team that gets by, not one that can be great. The idea is to enhance strengths, not minimize weaknesses.

I do think there is a lack of talent on this team. Just one example is getting back to Thornton, quality 6th men aren't streak shooters, they offer many benefits, that's why they get a lot of playing time. Thornton right now is an 8th or 9th man shooting specialist on a decent team. This is definitely going to be a process, there are some good pieces on this team, but a lot of fat to cut also.

I'm sympathetic to this view. If you get a shot blocker who can't do anything else then it's not going to work (Whiteside). Also, it depends who else is on the floor. If the shot blocker can't shoot from the outside and you have two or more other players who can't shoot from the outside playing with him, then that's not going to work either; then you have three guys who can't spread the floor. So if you get the one-dimensional shot blocker you better have at least three guys that can bury it from the outside that play with him.

I tend to like Udoh because if memory serves he can hit the open 18 footer (maybe baja or somebody can verify that for me). So then you don't have to compromise as much with your lineup and it's easier chemistrywise to have a lineup that works.

 

[bajaden]

Favors stalled out this year, so I guess maybe who knows. But previously he was completely untouchable in Utah.

One thing to remember about Favors. Well maybe two things. First, he got little in the way of coaching in college. His freshman year was basicly a wasted year. Second, he was the youngest player in that draft, and is now, still only 21 years old. He still put up good numbers in our areas of concern. 1.7 blocks per game is certainly better than anyone on our team. And his 9.5 rebounds are pretty good as well. He has a lot of time to improve offensively. Take his blocked shots and rebounds out to a per 36 minutes, and you have someone thats pushing league leaders in both areas.

 

[Bricklayer]

One thing to remember about Favors. Well maybe two things. First, he got little in the way of coaching in college. His freshman year was basicly a wasted year. Second, he was the youngest player in that draft, and is now, still only 21 years old. He still put up good numbers in our areas of concern. 1.7 blocks per game is certainly better than anyone on our team. And his 9.5 rebounds are pretty good as well. He has a lot of time to improve offensively. Take his blocked shots and rebounds out to a per 36 minutes, and you have someone thats pushing league leaders in both areas.

Oh, Favors would be a great score for us, no question. That isn't the issue.

Until last season Utah probably wouldn't have traded him straight up for Boogie, that's the problem. Now last year he didn't continue to progress, so maybe just maybe there is a crack there now, and a team like us who doesn't need nor even want him to be a scorer could value him more highly then a team like Utah looking for a star/goto guy. But I'm not sure how much the one year has changed things, and even 6-8 months ago planning on getting him would have been pretty much just a pipe dream.

 

[ParniValjak]

Oh, Favors would be a great score for us, no question. That isn't the issue.

Until last season Utah probably wouldn't have traded him straight up for Boogie, that's the problem. Now last year he didn't continue to progress, so maybe just maybe there is a crack there now, and a team like us who doesn't need nor even want him to be a scorer could value him more highly then a team like Utah looking for a star/goto guy. But I'm not sure how much the one year has changed things, and even 6-8 months ago planning on getting him would have been pretty much just a pipe dream.

I don't think it changes much to be honest. I think they are planning for Kanter/Favors going forward and it's a pretty decent fit for them. Kanter has that low post ability and is a good rebounder while Favors is your shot blocker, rebounder, defensive guy on the front court. He would be a fantastic get for us but I think it is precisely the reason why Utah would be keen on him as well. The only way they get their star is through the draft (like us) so they would be looking to go young, get a good draft pick next year and hopefully jag a star to pair with Kanter/Favors.

 

[The_Jamal]

Favors stalled out this year, so I guess maybe who knows. But previously he was completely untouchable in Utah.

uhh no. Favors took a huge step forward defensively and basically remained the same player on offense. He's a 15 PPG 10 RPG 2.5 BPG guy with solid efficiency and elite defense. That's verging on All-star big territory.

Not to mention, he's still just a baby and developing his offensive game.

I would certainly say Favors is developing at a better rate than Cousins is at this point

 

[Bricklayer]

I would certainly say Favors is developing at a better rate than Cousins is at this point

You are eternally amusing.

 

[The_Jamal]

You are eternally amusing.

You are eternally blind to what Cousins is

 

[kingsfanslc]

Living where the Jazz are the home team I see why the Jazz aren't willing to give Favors away. Also with Jerry Sloan now as a consultant I am sure he will be pushing more from their players.

 

[VF21]

You are eternally blind to what Cousins is

 

[rainmaker]

My preference, if healthy, actually isn't for a guy who's a shotblocker but a guy I think would fit very well next to Cuz and Cle would probably be willing to listen to offers for. Anderson Varejeo. And one year left on his contract, then a team option for 14/15.

Again, hinges on him being healthy, but I really do like the fit. And I don't think we need a shotblocker, I'd like one if possible, but a physical defender who does the dirty work would work well too, and I'd consider going after Pekovic if it wouldn't cost as much as it probably will, and I think he's a RFA anyway.

 

[sdballer]

My preference, if healthy, actually isn't for a guy who's a shotblocker but a guy I think would fit very well next to Cuz and Cle would probably be willing to listen to offers for. Anderson Varejeo. And one year left on his contract, then a team option for 14/15.

Again, hinges on him being healthy, but I really do like the fit. And I don't think we need a shotblocker, I'd like one if possible, but a physical defender who does the dirty work would work well too, and I'd consider going after Pekovic if it wouldn't cost as much as it probably will, and I think he's a RFA anyway.

I usually agree with you but not so much on this one. Until we improve our perimeter d as a team, we need a threat on the back line. It's why I was so perplexed by the Hayes signing. Guys that play good to great low post man d are a nice asset, but more so on overall strong defensive teams. They don't do as much to help correct bad perimeter d than someone that can stop anyone's shot at the rim.

Don't get me wrong, my preference would be to fix the perimeter d first and then guys like Varejao would be great. It's just a bigger task and I'd at least like to end the easy basket nonsense of the last few seasons.

 

[OptimusRhyme]

I think we should draft Steven Adams at #7 too fill our shotblocker need. The dude is going to be a beast. He would be a great fit beside Cousins not just because of his great shotblocking skills, but because of how incredibly quick he can move his feet (Laterally). He can guard the quicker big men we face (Plus hes physically a monster already at his age). He also guards the pick and roll beautifully, hedging and putting pressure on the ballhandler, then recovering back too his man.

It would take a couple years too smooth out his offensive game, but I feel like we dont need him all that much for offense. He already has a great defensive foundation laid down and its only going too get WAYYY better with Coach Malone teaching him.

I really think Adams is the way too go. Lets face it, were prolly not going too be serious contenders for 3-5 years.. so we have the time too develop the kid. drafting him could also open up the oppurtunity too trade JT or PPat. Which I think if we package correctly we could land a solid defensive SF and maybe shed a bad contract.

One more plus with Adams is, hes got a great personality. He kinda reminds me of a Divac type of character a bit. anyways, i've said my piece on the subject.