Incomplete/Confused. So far, I see mixed messages. First it's an emphasis on defense; then it's passing and shooting with nary a mention of defense. There is somewhat of a message on "culture" with the three additions. They all seem like good guys. But that really seems incidental to their acquisition. The only rationale that I can perceive so far is: Opportunism.
So they try for Iggy, a two-way player, and they don't get him. They made clear they wanted Tyreke, a two-way player, but they don't think he's worth $11 mill/year (which I agree with). Instead, they get Vasquez, an offensive pg with little defensive reputation. Then they seem to go after Calderon, an offensive pg, not much of a defensive player; then they get Landry, who is not much of a defender, but a pretty good guy to come off the bench. Landry is also a guy that has previously bought in to Malone's coaching, so there is a cultural fit there. Now we hear about Ellis. Maybe it's true, maybe not. But Ellis does fit into this patchwork quilt for one reason - he may be gettable. Essentially, they are coming out with a rationale (culture, passing, shooting) after the acquisiton. But they don't care really whether it's defense, offense, or defense/offense. They just want to acquire what they perceive to be a valuable asset at the right price. And chemistry is taking a back seat (at least in this initial phase). This is a very "Petrie-like" performance to my mind - the aquisition of assets at the right price, probably with the intention of leveraging those assets into something more valuable down the line. If they didn't realize before this process, they certainly must realize now - FAs are going to want more from the non-playoff contender than from the playoff contender. That means the Kings, while being cognizant of cap management, can't be picky in terms of need or fit.
