Well, strategy seems to be: (i) build around the core (Fox/Halliburton for sure...) (ii) establish a sustained style of play and culture, (iii) collect "value" players/deals that contribute to that style of play and complement the core, (iv) remain flexible so we are ready to pounce when big opportunities arise. The strategy does not include dump veterans at the trade deadline for future assets, if it isn't considered appropriate "value" in his mind. I actually thought his interview was pretty clear. Nowhere did he say something that seemed delusional to me about the quality of the current roster. We're good enough to compete and grow. Clearly there are pieces you build around, but you don't offload everyone else just because.
Monte is very much a Morey disciple in that respect. Morey took over the T-Mac/Yao Rockets, lost both dudes to injury, maintained flexibility without ever tanking, and pounced on a Harden trade when the opportunity presented itself.
This exactly. So you're telling me that this 22-28 squad (below .500) is supposed to be talented enough to make the playoffs, yet we're only 2 games ahead of an actively tanking OKC team? OKC literally has a Gleague roster out there. Look at their starting 5:
Barnes and Buddy make like 50million + per season combined and help you win about as much as players that make 5-10million per season. I was shocked when people were not prepared to trade Barnes for a pick cause we might not draft a better player than him. You could find plenty of lesser names who will help you more, hell Shumpert in complete decline along with Bjelica helped carry the Kings to 500. or near it with a young Fox before the Kings again went "all in" to fail.
Agreed. With this veteran team, we should've had a much better record than a team like the Thunder. I think when it comes down to it, we're missing individual talents. They are just not good enough to win. You did a good job breaking down the guys. Fox's recent emergence is great because he solidifies the fact that we FINALLY have a #1 scorer since trading Cousins. However with that, I think in order for this team to be competitive, we need 1 more star and a lot of defensive discipline or good coaching. With this team, I'd probably only keep Fox, Haliburton, and Barnes. But make no mistake, I'd trade Barnes instantly if we were offered a 1st rounder or a young player with good potential and production. I'm hesitant to replace him because the talent pool is extremely limited on 6'8 3&D players.
Guys like Dorian Finney Smith, Derrick Jones Jr and Kendrich Williams impact the game as much if not more than Barnes with just hustle alone and also give you cap space to sign a actual good player the same goes for Buddy unless he's on a team where he never touches the ball unless it's to shoot.
