In Monte We Trust

Grade Monte's trade deadline:

  • A+

    Votes: 8 11.1%
  • A

    Votes: 27 37.5%
  • A-/B+

    Votes: 24 33.3%
  • B

    Votes: 9 12.5%
  • B-/C+

    Votes: 1 1.4%
  • C

    Votes: 1 1.4%
  • D

    Votes: 0 0.0%
  • F

    Votes: 2 2.8%
  • Kangz

    Votes: 0 0.0%

  • Total voters
    72
Early January I spoke to Kings. Asked about team’s future, many empty seats & fans were upset. Was told they will make it right & make major changes to give us a product that we would be Sacramento proud. We needed answers. That wasn’t a prediction. That was a spoiler.
 

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He sneakily improved cap flexibility (Can get off Jackson/Lyles/Lamb this off-season with Holiday, Harkless, Davis, Len all coming off the books the following year), kept all his future picks, vastly improved the talent spectrum ( on defense especially) while still infusing this team with talented youth (Sabonis 25, DDV 24). Hopefully DDV can be somewhat of a buy-low contract this off-season ($8-10mil range) and there's a small window where we should have the cap space to make a splash before having to re-up Barnes and Sabonis to bigger contracts.

It's an incredible spot to be in heading to the off-season. Holmes should be a sought after asset on his contract. We'll potentially have 5 expiring contracts if we keep Lyles. Lamb should be fairly affordable and certainly not more expensive than his last contract if he plays well down the stretch here.

Agreed. It's very savvy GM'ing. It cannot be overstated how hard it is to acquire all-star talent in the modern NBA without 1) sacrificing first round pick(s), and/or 2) taking on another team's dead weight/bad contracts. Somehow, Monte managed to acquire an all-star talent in Sabonis while preserving his first round picks, improving his cap flexibility, jettisoning the Kings' own dead weight/bad contract in Hield, and bringing back additional pieces in Lamb/Holiday on ending/near-ending deals who can bolster the team's depth on the wing.

Then he followed it up by dropping more dead weight in Bagley while bringing back a potential core piece in DiVincenzo and a couple more pieces in Lyles/Jackson on ending/near-ending deals to further bolster depth and length on the wing. Taken together, these two moves represent a pretty stunning achievement. Again, that's stated in a vacuum. Monte's plan may not work out. But if it does, and if these were the first steps on the path to eventual playoff contention, then you're looking at an all-timer of a trade deadline for a small market franchise.
 
The above sums up how I felt in the past 48 hours.

I will say, my initial take on the Haliburton trade was a bit hasty. I understood and agreed with the decision that Fox in his prime is ready and thus putting Sabonis next to him is the correct move in terms of leaping from mediocre (which we know all too well) to contending.

I just vehemently disagree with giving up the young guard oozing with potential.

But even in an alternate universe where Pacers actually wanted Fox more than Haliburton, and we managed to put Ty and Sabonis together instead, it'll still arguably take longer for that team to flourish. At the end of the day, McNair is a hired gun with specific tasks and goals, it simply makes more business sense to keep the one who's all but ready to go instead of the alternative where it might take a few years longer, which, to quote Kyle Shanahan, we can't even guarantee that anybody in the world will be alive tomorrow and who knows if McNair would still be with the franchise then to see the seed he planted in that alternate universe.

I was going to quit the team based on the organization not making sane decisions. But ultimately, I just didn't want to follow a losing franchise that isn't capable to correct course. After having seen last night's game, I am not saying I was all wrong yet but I gotta give credit to McNair for at least having the stones to follow through with his plan and making the "win-now" decisions that might not be the most popular, which, also to his credit, he had declared as such from months ago, during our worst period as a team as the rest of the world laughed at him for not choosing to tank.

I was upset in the moment of the trade because I did enjoy Haliburton and everythinghe brought to the team from top to bottom.

Reality is that it is a lot more difficult to find a talented big man than a talented guard. There used to be rule that you're not supposed to trade a big man for a small man. The team that gets the big usually comes out on top. The personality of Haliburton is irreplaceable, but there are a lot opportunities to replace his production. Extremely difficult to find a Sabonis type player.
 
I was upset in the moment of the trade because I did enjoy Haliburton and everythinghe brought to the team from top to bottom.

Reality is that it is a lot more difficult to find a talented big man than a talented guard. There used to be rule that you're not supposed to trade a big man for a small man. The team that gets the big usually comes out on top. The personality of Haliburton is irreplaceable, but there are a lot opportunities to replace his production. Extremely difficult to find a Sabonis type player.

We were never able to get someone as talented as Sabonis because we never had any talent worth their salt that other teams salivate over.

I guess in a way, Tyrese's influence still ended up being the reason that help us turn this ship around. If he wasn't shining so brightly in the last 10-15 games, he won't be qualified enough as a chip to get a 2-time all-star. If he hasn't had the infectious personality and laying all he got on the court, we fans wouldn't have been so upset that we weren't performing.

As Capt said, we have given up a lot to get a lot. While I still feel that we might have given up too much to get that "a lot", at least it is a clear step and direction that we want to win in the near future while not totally sabotaging the upside, which is exactly what McNair told us he'd do.
 
Agreed. It's very savvy GM'ing. It cannot be overstated how hard it is to acquire all-star talent in the modern NBA without 1) sacrificing first round pick(s), and/or 2) taking on another team's dead weight/bad contracts. Somehow, Monte managed to acquire an all-star talent in Sabonis while preserving his first round picks, improving his cap flexibility, jettisoning the Kings' own dead weight/bad contract in Hield, and bringing back additional pieces in Lamb/Holiday on ending/near-ending deals who can bolster the team's depth on the wing.

Then he followed it up by dropping more dead weight in Bagley while bringing back a potential core piece in DiVincenzo and a couple more pieces in Lyles/Jackson on ending/near-ending deals to further bolster depth and length on the wing. Taken together, these two moves represent a pretty stunning achievement. Again, that's stated in a vacuum. Monte's plan may not work out. But if it does, and if these were the first steps on the path to eventual playoff contention, then you're looking at an all-timer of a trade deadline for a small market franchise.

Perfectly said. For all these reasons it’s an A+ from a basketball perspective

I was upset in the moment of the trade because I did enjoy Haliburton and everythinghe brought to the team from top to bottom.

im still hurting for Tyrese. Everyone hated this trade because it’s so completely bonkers to trade an emerging second year star with superstar potential. When does that *ever* happen? But it’s exactly why it’s so unconventional that it’s so impressive. The trade wasn’t just a whiff or desperation heave but very obviously calculated to accomplish like 5 different things at once.

but at the same time I am still hurting for Tyrese. The glow of the win wearing off a bit and it’s still just pretty sad. He really might end up being that guy. If he one day averages 25 & 10 on 40% from 3 what do you call that? MVP. He really does have that insane ceiling but that’s also exactly why we got so much for him. It hurts to see someone who gave his all and was so invested in this city

then again Fox was that young guy once too and I think seeing fox so happy and rejuvenated helped all those other feelings. Like how devastated would he have been to be that odd man out and get shipped out after all these years to clear a path for a guy who arrived 18 months ago

truly a mind boggling trade but we have a real team now and are deep as hell. Back to back run outs from Fox then Davion at the end of the game really put an exclamation on it. We’ve got a coach this year who can unleash a truly insane offense and we might score 150. And the FO is clearly invested in building defense so I’m not gonna be surprised to get a new guy in next year who builds both sides of the ball.

the western conference is wide open right now. Can’t wait to see how this plays out. A beat down of minny probably isn’t something to get tooo high off of but feels really special
 
You think he could have got more for Bagley at any point in the last 12 months? I'm very surprised that he got what he did, whether now or at any point in the last year
This is merely speculation, but I have a sneaking suspicion he's referring to trading Fox last summer. He'll beat that drum until it breaks, then beat it some more.
 
Really tough to give a letter grade on this one! I think we should have blown it up and gone young for a proper rebuild and as such this would possibly get a D or F or Kangz.

However, the front office's strategy is to win now. I don't agree with it up, in that context, this has to be a B or even a B+/A- type territory.

You traded a very good young player in Halibuton, a bad contract and a selfish player in Hield, and a little used veteran in Thompson for a borderline all-star big (Sabonis) a veteran 3 and D wing (Holiday) and a shooting wing (Lamb). For your picked direction this is a very good deal. You got a borderline all-star big to pair with Fox and you didn't lose any picks. From tat perspective this was a pretty good deal.

Bagley deal is just an A straight out. You bought low on a player that you have been eyeing off for a while who also fits well with Fox and Mitchell. A journeyman swingman who is a good defender and a dependable veteran PF.

Talent wise for here and now, we are a better team than we were 3 days ago. There is more talent, more depth and more balance on the roster now. For a win now team, these moves were pretty good.

I do think that we are still a borderline play off team that will struggle defensively. You need someone at PF that is a stretch 4 and a strong defender (with shot blocking). and serious 3 and D types on the wings.

It's still a LONG way away from where this needs to be BUT its a couple of steps in the right direction (for the path picked by the FO).
 
A- When he had speech before the player intros saying he had to go back to work, that was such a gangster flex lol
 
Tyrese stings on an emotional level, but after last night’s game it’s hard to argue too much from a basketball perspective.

IDK how long you’ve been watching, but I’ve seen tons of new players come in via big trades and it looks great initially when the energy and change is new for all the players and fans — but it invariably settle back down.

Seen it and been fooled by it far too many times to count.

Barring some historic run into and through the upcoming playoffs, I wouldn’t start seriously judging until midway through next season.
 
IDK how long you’ve been watching, but I’ve seen tons of new players come in via big trades and it looks great initially when the energy and change is new for all the players and fans — but it invariably settle back down.

Seen it and been fooled by it far too many times to count.

Barring some historic run into and through the upcoming playoffs, I wouldn’t start seriously judging until midway through next season.
Valid, for sure, with a sample size of one…but it also could have been a mess from jump street, so it at least shows what’s possible. While the adrenaline/energy might dip and moods might fluctuate…the cutting, moving, passing, spacing, and improved defense could easily stay to some degree, and I’m comfortable banking on that being just enough to push us off the treadmill of mediocrity.
 
IDK how long you’ve been watching, but I’ve seen tons of new players come in via big trades and it looks great initially when the energy and change is new for all the players and fans — but it invariably settle back down.

Seen it and been fooled by it far too many times to count.

Barring some historic run into and through the upcoming playoffs, I wouldn’t start seriously judging until midway through next season.
Did you watch last night? It's ok if you didn't. What we saw was coordination and IQ and leadership not just raw powering through an emotional week. In fact while Holiday did nice in the invisible stats yesterday, if anything you think it's possible the trade shook his shooting which was noticeably poorer than both his season and career stats would indicate.
 
I don't think Indiana makes this same type of trade, for Fox last off season
Sabonis was only available now because Carlisle misused him so badly that it was eating into his value and made the Pacers look so bad they finally decided to rebuild. Last summer, everyone assumed Rick would turn Sabonis into Dirk for some reason.
 
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Sabonis was only available now because Carlisle misused him so badly that it was eating into his value and made the Pacers look so bad they finally decided to rebuild. Last summer, everyone assumed Rock would turn Sabonis into Dirk for some reason.

What did Carlisle do with him?
 
What did Carlisle do with him?
He brought the 5 out scheme he was using in Dallas with Luka with him to the Pacers. The problem is his guards, while good, aren’t Luka and he was using Sabonis like Zaps or Dwight Powell (putting him out along the three point line or in the dunker slot). Sabonis is talented enough that he was still putting up stats in that system but it was a complete waste of his talents.
 
I still can't believe Monte traded Tyrese. He has the potential to be a superstar level player.

Looking at the trade for the now, the Kings did great in upgrading the talent overall. Sabonis will be a good combo with Fox for many years to come. The Kings should be in the playoff mix for many years with the current core.

What will sting would be if Tyrese reaches his potential and drops near triple doubles every night in 2 to 3 years. That is what would hurt the most, trading a player with such great potential. If it were me, I would had kept Tyrese at all cost and traded anyone else on the roster. But, can't cry over spilled milk now.

I gave Monte a "B" for upgrading the overall talent, but I sure hope this doesn't bite us in the rear in a couple of years!
 
This is underappreciated post of the year quality here.

For what I understand, Dave Joerger, after finding out he was likely to be fired the next day (Vlade was interested in Luke Walton-who was also about to be fired by the Lakers), lost the last game of the season vs. Portland. As a result, we had only 39 wins for the season.
 
I almost dread this feeling of optimism because I know any second now the other shoe is going to drop.

Hahaha right there with you, SLAB.

Not sure if I'm angrier at Monte for trading Hali or for giving me hope with all these moves!

Siiiiiiiigh..... see y'all in the game thread Saturday..
 
Hahaha right there with you, SLAB.

Not sure if I'm angrier at Monte for trading Hali or for giving me hope with all these moves!

Siiiiiiiigh..... see y'all in the game thread Saturday..

Im already over it. Lol

We traded a guy who may or may not be an all-star in a few years for a guy who is one now. And it’s not like the current All-Star is old either. Hali is unbelievably likable but it’s not like he was Luka Doncic out there taking over and carrying Garbo teams to wins and playoff appearances on his back and his back alone.

maybe one day Tyrese will be that guy. And maybe one day Domas is going to bolt in unrestricted free agency. But until those happen, I think I’m going to let myself enjoy this.





……… at least until we lose exactly one in a row and Tyrese has his first big game and win for the Pacers.
:p
 
Im already over it. Lol

We traded a guy who may or may not be an all-star in a few years for a guy who is one now. And it’s not like the current All-Star is old either. Hali is unbelievably likable but it’s not like he was Luka Doncic out there taking over and carrying Garbo teams to wins and playoff appearances on his back and his back alone.

maybe one day Tyrese will be that guy. And maybe one day Domas is going to bolt in unrestricted free agency. But until those happen, I think I’m going to let myself enjoy this.





……… at least until we lose exactly one in a row and Tyrese has his first big game and win for the Pacers.
:p

I think this certainly didn't help with the national media acting like we traded the next Luka Doncic for Boban and Corey Joseph. Kings lost THE fan favorite who loved Sacramento and was one of the few great ascending young players in the league and we had to deal with the National media just crapting on us as usual. When the dust settled (and Sabonis resurrecting the 2002 Kings offense in his first game with no practice time), I think fans realized that we finally didn't get hoodwinked.
 
I gave Monte a B for now, and I don't consider that bad. I like Domas.
We all know Hali is gonna go off at some point and everyone is gonna compare him and Domas from here on out. I pray this isn't more ammo for the haters to bash us as usual in the future. Really sick of taking sh*t for seams forever.

One thing I will say... it really took balls to make this move. I will give Monte the credit for that. Ya gotta go big sometimes.
 
The above sums up how I felt in the past 48 hours.

I will say, my initial take on the Haliburton trade was a bit hasty. I understood and agreed with the decision that Fox in his prime is ready and thus putting Sabonis next to him is the correct move in terms of leaping from mediocre (which we know all too well) to contending.

I just vehemently disagree with giving up the young guard oozing with potential.

But even in an alternate universe where Pacers actually wanted Fox more than Haliburton, and we managed to put Ty and Sabonis together instead, it'll still arguably take longer for that team to flourish. At the end of the day, McNair is a hired gun with specific tasks and goals, it simply makes more business sense to keep the one who's all but ready to go instead of the alternative where it might take a few years longer, which, to quote Kyle Shanahan, we can't even guarantee that anybody in the world will be alive tomorrow and who knows if McNair would still be with the franchise then to see the seed he planted in that alternate universe.

I was going to quit the team based on the organization not making sane decisions. But ultimately, I just didn't want to follow a losing franchise that isn't capable to correct course. After having seen last night's game, I am not saying I was all wrong yet but I gotta give credit to McNair for at least having the stones to follow through with his plan and making the "win-now" decisions that might not be the most popular, which, also to his credit, he had declared as such from months ago, during our worst period as a team as the rest of the world laughed at him for not choosing to tank.
I think we need to understand that "win-now" probably starts next year.It is very hard to make up 5-6 games when u only have 25 left. Pels clearly improving and are getting CJ.It seems that Kings would have to overtake Lakers or Clips for that play-in spot.To be fair both teams are reeling so maybe.
 
Did you watch last night? It's ok if you didn't. What we saw was coordination and IQ and leadership not just raw powering through an emotional week. In fact while Holiday did nice in the invisible stats yesterday, if anything you think it's possible the trade shook his shooting which was noticeably poorer than both his season and career stats would indicate.

I did watch. Not real time, but via DVR later that night.

Again, I’ve seen trades like this pay immediate dividends many, many times before. A dozen games isn’t gonna tell us a thing, let alone one single game.

If they post a winning record over the next 25 games, make the postseason and look good there — that’ll really say something.

Still, we won’t have a really strong indication how this is going to workout until sometime next season, probably around the New Year holiday. If they are playing winning basketball by that time, then we’ll know they’re are headed down the right path.
 
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