HB IS BACK

[pdxKingsFan]

Maybe, maybe not.

I myself sometimes forget that last season the Kings started off 0-4. That KZ Okpala was in the starting lineup.

In terms of individual growth I think Keegan is the only player that we can reasonably expect to take a big leap, but let's not forget that Sabonis only played a handful of games in a Kings uniform before last season, and only what five of them with Fox? Huerter was new to the team. Monk was new to the team. Murray was a rookie. Edwards came over midway. Brown and the coaching staff were new.

I was always okay with Barnes coming back so this isn't me trying to rationalize an outcome I don't like. Because I really believe that continuity is underrated in the NBA.

I think the Kings still need to figure out the backup center spot (it's why I'm high on the Lyles experiment as a small ball center) and it's yet to be determined if Vezenkov is (a) coming over and (b) a quality player at the NBA level.

But the fact that this team is going into next season after being the 3rd seed and battling the Warriors in a seven game series instead of with the weight of a franchise that hadn't made the playoffs in 17 years matters. That they were better after the all-star break than before it (16-9 or .64 vs 32-25 or 0.56) matters. Another year with the same key pieces and the same coaching staff matters.

I'm also of the opinion this team will get national tv time. The national media suddenly cares about the Kings and talks about us like a threat. The narrative on the team has changed and I do think this will translate into more consistent officiating for our team next year (instead of us always getting the worst guys that bias the big markets maybe we get the league's "good" refs). This should manifest itself by taking a big leap at home next year and turning G1C into a fortress like Arco used to be. That in many ways is the biggest knock and room for growth from last year's squad - we were basically even at home or away. That translated into being a truly great road team and a mediocre home team. Let's shoot for great at home and good-to-great on the road next year.

 

[QWERTYLICIOUS]

Man, some of you have extremely insane expectations, LOL!!! (I get it, though, and I respect your opinion, but I just don't necessarily agree with it...)

We, quite literally, just had our first winning season since the damn Stone Age. We, quite literally, made a postseason run for the first time since the damn Stone Age. We, quite literally, forged somewhat of a respectable identity (both locally and nationally) for the first time since the damn Stone Age. We took the DEFENDING CHAMPIONS, and a team that has won 4 championships in 8 years to 7 games. We, quite literally, have THE NBA COACH OF THE YEAR leading the way. We, quite literally, have a roster that showed extremely insane potential all year long.

And people on this forum are, quite literally, going bonkers over the prospect of "running it back"????? Color me confused, folks! But why WOULDN'T we "run it back", and risk breaking whatever chemistry and forward momentum we already have established, by trying to go for a "home run" in what is, very much so, an extremely weak free agency class?

Honestly, I don't think we're a home run away from taking the next step. I think we're just a few infield singles away.

 

[Vinny Basketballerino]

NBA teams are compelled to spend X amount of money. There is a small range between X and Y, where anything over Y makes it extremely difficult to sign new players or complete trades. Once you go well past Y, every player on the team better be contributing or you're f'd.

The team has been very responsible with salary to leave room to imrpove. This is smart management not being cheap. If we let a key player walk for nothing, that's cheap. Incidentally, you could actually make this argument if we had let HB walk before locking in a replacement that actually improves the team.

I'm sorry. This is far to reasonable an opinion. I hope that as this Friday wears on, you'll find a nice micro-micro brewpub up there in Portland and drink a few too many dark stout IPA lager fusions so you can post irrational takes and join back up with the rest of the group. Nobody likes a weirdo.

 

[macadocious]

we shall see how Prosper turns out. But he was exactly the prototype size for the 3 and D defender we needed. Most of us who are not happy are unhappy because he was on the board but we dumped him to save cash.

So far the tinkering on the edges does not show a commitment to make the team better at its most obvious area of need.

I like you, I think you have some good points and I acknowledge them when you do. But this is getting a bit old. I know your friend didn't like Monte and had some feelings, but the dude won executive of the year, he had some serious asset building and unwinding of a terrible roster to do to get us here. Personally I think not swinging for the fences and smartly building assets and keeping continuity is great.

Would I like to see Annunoby on this team, sure. But not at the expense of our depth and 2-3 future picks. Same goes for a lot of the non-superstar talent upgrades we have seen linked to us.

 

[Vinny Basketballerino]

Man, some of you have extremely insane expectations, LOL!!! (I get it, though, and I respect your opinion, but I just don't necessarily agree with it...)

We, quite literally, just had our first winning season since the damn Stone Age. We, quite literally, made a postseason run for the first time since the damn Stone Age. We, quite literally, forged somewhat of a respectable identity (both locally and nationally) for the first time since the damn Stone Age. We took the DEFENDING CHAMPIONS, and a team that has won 4 championships in 8 years to 7 games. We, quite literally, have THE NBA COACH OF THE YEAR leading the way. We, quite literally, have a roster that showed extremely insane potential all year long.

And people on this forum are, quite literally, going bonkers over the prospect of "running it back"????? Color me confused, folks! But why WOULDN'T we "run it back", and risk breaking whatever chemistry and forward momentum we already have established, by trying to go for a "home run" in what is, very much so, an extremely weak free agency class?

Honestly, I don't think we're a home run away from taking the next step. I think we're just a few infield singles away.

At least this rational take has lots of BOLD CAPS and extra punctuation to get me all worked up. Great post sir!

 

[sactowndog]

We dumped him to free Holmes's salary for someone who might actually play on the basketball court. Even if it is just giving early extensions, those would open up money next year (if we do extend Domas now it should help in retaining Monk who is way underpaid relative to his role on the team).

Also you can't keep a guy like Richaun a coach-DNP for 3 seasons. He was a good soldier who did not make waves last year, but you're destroying the man's career.

Can we at least see what we do with the money?

you could have waived and stretched Holmes and done everything we have done so far….

it was a cash grab full stop.

 

[sactowndog]

I like you, I think you have some good points and I acknowledge them when you do. But this is getting a bit old. I know your friend didn't like Monte and had some feelings, but the dude won executive of the year, he had some serious asset building and unwinding of a terrible roster to do to get us here. Personally I think not swinging for the fences and smartly building assets and keeping continuity is great.

Would I like to see Annunoby on this team, sure. But not at the expense of our depth and 2-3 future picks. Same goes for a lot of the non-superstar talent upgrades we have seen linked to us.

where did Anunoby come into this? I never talked about trading him. I have bitched about our cash grabs in the draft because they happen every year.

 

[Vinny Basketballerino]

you could have waived and stretched Holmes and done everything we have done so far….

it was a cash grab full stop.

Bruh free agency started TODAY.

 

[pdxKingsFan]

you could have waived and stretched Holmes and done everything we have done so far….

it was a cash grab full stop.

Stretching is not some magic answer. It actually would harm our ability to extend Domas early and blow space we can use to re-sign Monk next year (we have no Bird rights to him in case you aren't aware - we'll have to fit him in under the cap rules) so that will be 6-7 million just completely wasted in our books.

 

[pdxKingsFan]

Bruh free agency started TODAY.

Like Shakespeare famaously said there are three kinds of lies in this world: Lies, Damned Lies, and Vinny Basketballerino.

 

[funkykingston]

you could have waived and stretched Holmes and done everything we have done so far….

it was a cash grab full stop.

So far I suppose that's true. You'd have an extra cap hit of $6M from stretching Richaun and the salary slot for #24. But you'd also have a that same $4M cap hit from Holmes for two more seasons after this one.

I don't love the move, but it definitely gives the front office additional cap flexibility.

 

[sactowndog]

I simply don't understand this sentiment. Are you honestly claiming that Monte/Vivek is not committed to making the team better? You're accusing Vivek of just stashing cash for his own bank account at the expense of the team?

If one is compelled to "make a big move" in order to "show a commitment"... rather than objectively evaluating the situation and all possible moves - which may include not making a big move - which may still be the legitimate best thing to do... then I'm afraid that could be a mistake.

I get that people want to SEE some big moves, and criticize not doing so. My only point is... what would you have done? I'm seeing a lot of "we should have done something!!"

--

Edit: And so what in your mind is this most obvious area of need, and what would you do differently to address that? I'm honestly open to hearing people's opinions. Just saying "we should have done something" about an unspecified area of need however unfortunately I'm afraid does not qualify as an opinion in my very humble internet opinion. I'd call that complaining. Don't shoot the messenger!!

per the bolded part yes I am….

Biggest area of need:
1) A lock down 3 and D wing.


what I would have done different is

1) waive and stretch Holmes.

2) taken prosper with this pick and Hardy with last years second.

3) I would have still resigned Barnes

4) I would have taken a shot at Brown but I don’t think free agents still want to sign here which is why picks are so important and shouldn’t be sold!


I don’t shoot anyone. I may not be happy with this off season but I try to avoid personal attacks and your questions are fair.

 

[iowamcnabb]

So far I suppose that's true. You'd have an extra cap hit of $6M from stretching Richaun and the salary slot for #24. But you'd also have a that same $4M cap hit from Holmes for two more seasons after this one.

I don't love the move, but it definitely gives the front office additional cap flexibility.

the stretch is done over 5 years right? 5 mil per year. The cap hold doesn’t go away after the contract correct?

 

[sactowndog]

Stretching is not some magic answer. It actually would harm our ability to extend Domas early and blow space we can use to re-sign Monk next year (we have no Bird rights to him in case you aren't aware - we'll have to fit him in under the cap rules) so that will be 6-7 million just completely wasted in our books.

I don’t think we will be able to keep Monk regardless. I think he is evolving into a starting caliber point guard and his price will be too high to justify. He is the one asset I would have considered trading for Anunoby or other 3 and D player.

you know my thoughts on Sabonis

 

[pdxKingsFan]

the stretch is done over 5 years right? 5 mil per year. The cap hold doesn’t go away after the contract correct?

I think you're allowed to do up to double the contract length at half the price. But it eats your cap either way. Just less for longer instead of all right now. I think it's an absolute horrid last resort option even worse than trading a draft pick.

Honestly pick 24 was going to get a guaranteed contract and probably not play major minutes for this team either. Hardy likely would be in the same spot as Kessler Edwards or our 2-ways, but probably also cost a little more money.

We also have the 2nd rounders, who I have tempered expectations for.

oh, and still have 13 million or so (which might be $1m more than MLE) to throw at a 3 and D guy better than any of them.

 

[hrdboild]

Honestly, I don't see a place for any of the rookies on the main roster. Haven't seen them play other than some highlights, but doubt SRPs make the main roster for a team looking to make a deep run, even if it is short on wings. Would be very surprised if either of these guys can outplay Kessler as of now.

I do think Neemi makes the main roster. We clearly need someone at that position, and we have extended him a QO. He's done everything he can in the G-league. He now needs to play on the main team, or be moved. Unless Monte signs someone with the remaining cap, or bring back Len/Metu, it's Neemi's position to lose. I'm assuming we bring Lyles back, but I don't expect him to spend too much time at the 5.

With the addition of Chris Duarte, I would have to agree with you. I figured Edwards and Slawson could both make the roster but that seems unlikely now. I also wasn't counting Vezenkov as a rookie though technically I suppose he would be. Now the question becomes, who do we keep on two-way contracts? If it's Jones and Slawson that means we have to release Keon Ellis right?

 

[pdxKingsFan]

I don’t think we will be able to keep Monk regardless. I think he is evolving into a starting caliber point guard and his price will be too high to justify. He is the one asset I would have considered trading for Anunoby or other 3 and D player.

you know my thoughts on Sabonis

This team was completely lost trying to get out of the back court in the game where Fox was out and Davion got in foul trouble and we had to put Monk and Huerter back there with a lead in the 4th quarter. I'm not convinced Monk will ever be a starting point guard. But maybe he should start with Fox. Maybe that is part of what Duarte brings being Domas's comfort guy who might be able to play some time at the 3 if they do that.

 

[pdxKingsFan]

With the addition of Chris Duarte, I would have to agree with you. I figured Edwards and Slawson could both make the roster but that seems unlikely now. I also wasn't counting Vezenkov as a rookie though technically I suppose he would be. Now the question becomes, who do we keep on two-way contracts? If it's Jones and Slawson that means we have to release Keon Ellis right?

think we might sign Colby to a main contract deal and put Slawson on a 2-way?

 

[TaxMan]

you could have waived and stretched Holmes and done everything we have done so far….

it was a cash grab full stop.

Stretching does not equal trading away the salary into someone else's cap room. It's not some magic wand. We would be carrying a portion of his salary on our cap for a number of years into the future.

 

[macadocious]

Annunoby was just an example, not a specific wish of yours. I also feel like your Sabonis feelings are very colored by your friends opinion.

 

[Caccia]

I wonder about Wembanyama......injury risk is a big problem for his absurd length.....knees and ankles. He looks like an injury waiting to happen on one undercut from a guard going under him.....

Same here. Look at Holmgren. But as he matures, into his early 20s, injury should be less of an issue, unless it's his foot or Achilles heel.

 

[hrdboild]

think we might sign Colby to a main contract deal and put Slawson on a 2-way?

It's possible but aren't there only 15 roster spots? I was doing the math in my head and figured we were running out of spots but I guess we do have room for Ellis or Jones if we carry one less big on the roster.

Guards: Fox / Mitchell / Huerter / Monk / Duarte
Forwards: Barnes / Murray / Edwards / Vezenkov / ?
Bigs: Sabonis / Lyles / Queta / ? / ?

 

[NewArena]

If Fox and Sabonis never got hurt against the Dubs, i really don’t think people would be so harsh toward HB.

 

[Capt. Factorial]

With the addition of Chris Duarte, I would have to agree with you. I figured Edwards and Slawson could both make the roster but that seems unlikely now. I also wasn't counting Vezenkov as a rookie though technically I suppose he would be. Now the question becomes, who do we keep on two-way contracts? If it's Jones and Slawson that means we have to release Keon Ellis right?

We can have three two-way contracts now.

I kind of suspect that Colby Jones will get an NBA contract. But let's see where we stand right now.

Players under NBA contracts (9):
Fox/Davion
Huerter/Monk/Duarte
Barnes/Edwards
Murray
Sabonis

Players we have rights to sign (5)
Ellis
Jones
Slawson
Vezenkov
Queta

Players we have cap holds on that we might actually bring back (3, sorry, TD!)
--
--
--
Lyles, Metu
Len

Of these, even if we sign the "slam dunk" Lyles and Vezenkov, we still only have 11 contracts out of 15. I figure we will fill a backup C slot in some way, whether it is Queta or another acquisition. Like last year, we'll probably fill out a random backup PG. But that still leaves two slots and it seems a bit unlikely to me that we will sign two more free agents - so I think Jones likely gets one of the 15.

 

[hrdboild]

We can have three two-way contracts now.

...

Ah, okay. This is good news! I thought I'd read that somewhere.

 

[sactowndog]

This team was completely lost trying to get out of the back court in the game where Fox was out and Davion got in foul trouble and we had to put Monk and Huerter back there with a lead in the 4th quarter. I'm not convinced Monk will ever be a starting point guard. But maybe he should start with Fox. Maybe that is part of what Duarte brings being Domas's comfort guy who might be able to play some time at the 3 if they do that.

he is undersized at the 2 defensively.

 

[sactowndog]

Stretching does not equal trading away the salary into someone else's cap room. It's not some magic wand. We would be carrying a portion of his salary on our cap for a number of years into the future.

yes I am aware. But I could have done everything Monte has accomplished to date by stretching Holmes and keep Prosper.

we will see what happens but it could be painful watching a team starting Luka, Hardy, and Prosper succeed in the NBA.

 

[sactowndog]

Annunoby was just an example, not a specific wish of yours. I also feel like your Sabonis feelings are very colored by your friends opinion.

more colored by how he played in the play-offs but we shall see what happens this coming year. But given we have Sabonis who isn’t a rim protector we need perimeter defenders who can move their feet and stop drives. We don’t have them at the 2-3 area.

 

[miltonap]

yes I am aware. But I could have done everything Monte has accomplished to date by stretching Holmes and keep Prosper.

we will see what happens but it could be painful watching a team starting Luka, Hardy, and Prosper succeed in the NBA.

I really wanted Prosper too.

Thought he would be an amazing fit

 

[SacTownKid]

But it is from a long term team building perspective. Have you read the new CBA? Because I certainly have not. But I do know it’s now not as simple as claiming an owner is cheap for not wanting to pay the luxury tax. There is a reason teams like the Hawks are shedding players like Collins for nothing. The team has to be smart with their finances or you **** things up for years. I haven’t done the calculus, but I’m pretty confident the team is fully aware of how much Holmes’ salary was going to screw with their ability to both keep the core of the team together as well as make improvements.

This team as is will be well below any second apron which has already been predicted to go up based on the next TV deal. The Hawks have been trying to trade Collins for 2 years. They signed him back so they didn't just lose him. That's a reason why you don't do that type of thing in the first place.