Do We Need to Compete Now?
- Thread starter twslam07
- Start date
Dime Dropper
All-Star
We're much more than one starter away from competing, unless that starter is a full blown superstar. We need to be careful how we proceed. Yes, time to start making a run at the playoffs, but don't restrict future flexibility or potential doing it.
You say we're more than one starter away. What if last year we simply added a veteran SG of starting quality who was a good defender, a good ballhandlder and passer, a lot but not an awful lot to ask for to play in front of Ben. Personally, I think it would have made a helluva positive difference. That's where I start from.
Dime Dropper
All-Star
We definitely would have been significantly better, agreed. But when I see the term compete I think of competing for a title. I'm not sure we would even have legitmately been competing for a playoff spot with that SG.
I'm not sure either but I'd be willing to make that a first priority now and improve elsewhere as we can this off-season - via anything, draft, any kind of trade, FA signing, being lucky looking under a rock. I have confidence in PDA.
LPKingsFan
All-Star
Whoa, now, then maybe the thread could use some agreement on definitions. I think most here have been thinking "competitive" as "legitimately in the playoff conversation. When I think of "competing for a title," I'm more apt to use the term "contending."
Chupacabra
Starter
Yes, yes we do. The only players that i think are safe from a trade are Cousins and Gay. Everyone else is on the block. There still needs to be a MASSIVE amount of player movement. IT, JT, #8 are very nice trade pieces.
HndsmCelt
Hall of Famer
I am not sure we really get to make this choice. Last summer when some folks were wanting to tank I disagreed because the lottery has not been a sure thing for us and most years we call it it a win if our pick does not get pushed back. So if we struggle to get over the top with the draft,and free agency has not been our friend either that means trades are our number one tool for improvement at this point. So the only real question is trade for youth/picks or get vets. If we go for youth/picks we are dangerously close to planning for the 2015 draft (Okafor any one?) To my thinking this is nuts. 9 years on the treadmill is too long. Last season I asked how many lottery trips would be enough? and I don't want to ask it again. Wining cures most if not all ills. If we won more games last year there would be a lot less uncertainty about Rudy staying and we would look a lot more attractive to some free agents. So now I say trade our pick and our ending contracts (except Rudy) for vets who can help us win as many games as possible next season. I don't think we should let IT walk either. Assuming he commands more in salary than he is worth as a 6th man you either sign and trade for talent/experience or sign him with an eye to trading him later... we can't afford to loose talent for nothing and cap space has less value than trade pieces for us right now.
Now CAN we get together a team that can compete in the sense that we can make the play offs? Sure, can we get the team we need to make a splash? maybe. Can we compete against the Spurs/OKC in the conference finals? not yet, but the answer will not be found in youth or next years draft at this point.
Now CAN we get together a team that can compete in the sense that we can make the play offs? Sure, can we get the team we need to make a splash? maybe. Can we compete against the Spurs/OKC in the conference finals? not yet, but the answer will not be found in youth or next years draft at this point.
kingsboi
Hall of Famer
Not yet but we do need to show DeMarcus that we are making an attempt to put a good product around him and preach what the front office has been saying since its arrival. No more sub 30 wins, we need to get back in the thick of things because teams such as Portland and Phoenix have shown that you can make a 20+ win improvement in just one offseason.
Chupacabra
Starter
I thought I'd bring this thread back to life. I've been reading a lot of posts that express the need to shore up one position and it makes me feel the need to say that almost no one on this team is safe from being traded. I would definitely keep Cousins and almost definitely keep Gay. I'd like to keep Thomas but STRICTLY as the 6th man. I'd be very understanding if he is used as trade bait. Literally everyone else can go as long as we aren't making lateral moves. NO LATERAL MOVES! I want to see a ridiculously aggressive trade season.
LPKingsFan
All-Star
We still don't know a whole lot about PDA and co, but we do know they're capable of being ridiculously aggressive.
Chupacabra
Starter
Now that I think about it I actually want everyone to be traded other than Cousins and Gay with a focus on bringing back at least a couple of higher level veterans. IT, JT, Mclemore, and the #8 is plenty of trade bait to bring back something worthwhile.
Chupacabra
Starter
I wouldnt mind overpaying a little for a guy like Avery Bradley. If we can sign someone of his ilk (ideally him) we end up being 1 trade away from a significant turnaround.
randymoss1881
Starter
If we are serious about competing now than we do the orlando deal,
8/Ben for 12/Afflalo win win for both teams. DMC/Gay/AA is a solid core and Afflalo would thrive as a 3rd scorer.
8/Ben for 12/Afflalo win win for both teams. DMC/Gay/AA is a solid core and Afflalo would thrive as a 3rd scorer.
Afflalo as a 3rd scorer?
For that to work, you have to get rid of IT first. IT will suck all the energy and enthusiasm of Afflalo at the offensive side of the court rendering him nothing more than another overpaid inefficient role player in this team.
