My ideal offseason...

[kingofthejungle]

Kings draft best available point guard: Irving, Walker, Knight. Considering the Kings' luck, lets assume for now that we draft Brandon Knight.

Why Knight? Good size and length for the point guard position. Probably wouldn't start right away but Thornton would compliment Evans in the meantime. Similar to Thornton in that he is a very good shooter and a 4th quarter player.

Kings outbid Denver for Wilson Chandler.

Why Chandler? He's young, athletic, explosive, and can hit 3's. Seems to have potential as a good defender. Denver will likely spend their big bucks on Galinarri.

Kings package Udrih and Casspi for a package that contains either Paul George or Brandon Rush. Again, considering that Paul George may be close to untouchable, lets assume for now that we trade for Brandon Rush.

Why Rush? Same reasons the Kings acquire Chandler--young, athletic, explosive, and can hit 3's. Seems to have potential as a good defender.

Why for Indiana? The Pacers need a reliable point guard to continue their playoff run. Beno would seem to fit. Casspi gives them some depth at small forward to compensate for the loss of Brandon Rush.

Depth Chart:

Thornton/Evans/Chandler/Thompson/Cousins
Knight/Garcia/Rush/Greene/Whiteside/Dalembert

Thoughts?

 

[=LarryLegend=]

Brandon rush is muh, plus I remember hearing he hates Sacramento. We need a vet I would rather resign Thornton and Dally and go after Battier and David west. I do like Knight though. Also seeing the success Memphis is having with ZBo and Gasol I am a little more interested in Enes Kanter and DMC as well.

 

[Bricklayer]

Wilson Chandler is not an impact guy. Nor a consistent guy. Watched him for years with the Knicks, and he's the guy who if he's your starter you are eternally trying to upgrade. Better overall player than any of the trio we trotted out there last year, but not the guy that, with money to spend, you intentionally go out and sign as your starter when better options are available.

i like Rush as a roleplayer on the court, but the problem with Brandon Rush, other than his offcourt adventures, is that he vomited out some real bile about Sacramento as a city last year. Boring, nobody wants to go there etc. etc.. Not sure that's what you want entering your lockerroom at such a pivotal time for the team in Sacto. In such a pivotal time for the city, I don't think you can afford the team to be associated with any 20-something with a posse shooting up a strip club or spouting off about how much of a cowtown Sacto is. And I generally thought at the trade deadline last year that acquiring Rush, from a basketball perspective, had as much to be said for it as acquiring Thornton -- he ws the big, 3pt shooting, defensive wing player to put next to Reke. But Thornton is here now, Rush would not be able to get many minutes except as a smallish SF (why people always want to be small I have no idea), and the chemsitry and team image questions loom enormously until that arena is built.

 

[Kingster]

I would like the Knight pick very much. On the other two players, I can't comment because I just haven't watched them closely enough to know one way or the other.

On your general topic, for me a great offseason would include Tyreke getting a legit shooting coaching and practicing with him virtually 7 days a week. It would also be for Tyreke to get himself in better cardio shape. He should be a marathon man when he comes into camp. Also, a great offseason would be for Cousins to get in the best shape of his young life. He should be coming into camp in better shape than when was playing at the end of this season. To me, it would be a disaster if he comes into camp in similar shape that he had at the beginning of this season. There's been a lot of talk about whether Cousins really wants to be great or not. Well, when he comes into camp we're all going to get an indication of whether it's empty talk or whether there is actual work that will be done to become great.

 

[bajaden]

Brandon rush is muh, plus I remember hearing he hates Sacramento. We need a vet I would rather resign Thornton and Dally and go after Battier and David west. I do like Knight though. Also seeing the success Memphis is having with ZBo and Gasol I am a little more interested in Enes Kanter and DMC as well.

I can't comment on Kanter that much, since I only saw him play in the US vrs the International highschool players all star game. A game in which he dominated I might add. In my opinion after watching Kanter, is that he's Cousins part 2. In other words he's a very similar player in style of play. Not that it wouldn't be nice to have two Cousins on the team, just that I don't think thats our most pressing need if we resign Dally.

Now if the powers that be decide not to resign Dally, then its a whole new ballgame. In response to the previous post, I think that if the Pacers think George is untouchable, and their player of the future, then Its possible that Granger might be had. He takes up a huge chunk of their payroll, and we might be able to give them some capspace, and perhaps Casspi and a future 1st round pick. That may not be enough, but its a starting point.

I'm still a fan of making a run at Kirilenko. Some have made an issue of his age, and his propensity for injury. Most on the fourm are on board with the Kings trying to resign Dalembert in the offseason. So I'd like to point out that there's only a 3 month age difference between Dally and Kirilenko, with Dalembert turning 30 on may 10th. Although Kirilenko has been plagued by injuries from time to time, none are chronic, or career threatening. Brandon Roy would be a bigger risk.

Dalembert has averaged 73.5 games per season, while Kirilenko has averaged 68 games per season. Not great, but not horrible. Gerald Wallace has averaged 61.5 games per season. But his injuries are fewer as he's gotten older. T. Prince who is a year older than Kirilenko has averaged 73.4 games per season. So its just a matter of picking your poison.

A guy I would be interested in thats also on the Pistons roster, and who is an unrestricted freeagent this offseason is Jonas Jerebko, a 6'10" PF, and a first year player. He was very impressive in summer league, and was playing very well this season until he tore a tendon in his ankle. He's young at 25, and a good athlete, with seemingly good basketball IQ. Unci03 and I were very impressed with his play last summer. He's very fundamentally sound. He only made around 850 thousand last season, so he could probably be had for a very reasonable amount, and has more upside than some of the guys in the coming draft.

 

[kingofthejungle]

I like Jerekbo.

What if the Kings sign the best PG available, we'll continue to use Knight, re-sign Thornton and Dalembert, sign Jerekbo, and trade Udrih, Casspi, and next years' first for Granger. RealGM says it would work, but how would both teams feel abou it? I would throw in Whiteside if it gets the deal done.

KINGS: This Kings team probably improves to a 500 record.

Thornton/Evans/Granger/Cousins/Dalembert
Jetter/Knight/Taylor/Garcia/Greene/Jerekbo/Thompson

PACERS:

Mid round Draft Pick is Kenneth Faried. Don't re-sign any players up on their contract, instead, make a play for David West and solidify the front court.

Collison/Rush/George/West/Hibbert
Udrih/Jones/Casspi/Fareid/Hansbrough/Whiteside
+ an extra pick from the Kings next year.

An improvement? Realistic?

 

[Bricklayer]

Guys..they love Jerebko. LOVE him. Out of line love him. He's probably the most untouchable player on their entire roster.

 

[=LarryLegend=]

What if the Kings sign the best PG available, we'll continue to use Knight, re-sign Thornton and Dalembert, sign Jerekbo, and trade Udrih, Casspi, and next years' first for Granger. RealGM says it would work, but how would both teams feel abou it? I would throw in Whiteside if it gets the deal done.

I dunno next years draft is going to be SICK.

 

[mr. moustache]

Without Thorton on the roster I think Granger is a good 3rd scorer, but he shoots a bad percentage(at least last year), isn't a great defender, rebounder, or playmaker. He's basically a high rent Kevin Martin, better at getting his own shot, but takes more bad shots.

The 2010 Kings could really use him, but 2011? I wouldn't pay much. Our 2011 1st + Casspi is all I'd be willing to stomach and that even makes me nervous if the CBA makes his contract less desirable.

I can't comment on Kanter that much, since I only saw him play in the US vrs the International highschool players all star game. A game in which he dominated I might add. In my opinion after watching Kanter, is that he's Cousins part 2. In other words he's a very similar player in style of play. Not that it wouldn't be nice to have two Cousins on the team, just that I don't think thats our most pressing need if we resign Dally.

Now if the powers that be decide not to resign Dally, then its a whole new ballgame. In response to the previous post, I think that if the Pacers think George is untouchable, and their player of the future, then Its possible that Granger might be had. He takes up a huge chunk of their payroll, and we might be able to give them some capspace, and perhaps Casspi and a future 1st round pick. That may not be enough, but its a starting point.

I'm still a fan of making a run at Kirilenko. Some have made an issue of his age, and his propensity for injury. Most on the fourm are on board with the Kings trying to resign Dalembert in the offseason. So I'd like to point out that there's only a 3 month age difference between Dally and Kirilenko, with Dalembert turning 30 on may 10th. Although Kirilenko has been plagued by injuries from time to time, none are chronic, or career threatening. Brandon Roy would be a bigger risk.

Dalembert has averaged 73.5 games per season, while Kirilenko has averaged 68 games per season. Not great, but not horrible. Gerald Wallace has averaged 61.5 games per season. But his injuries are fewer as he's gotten older. T. Prince who is a year older than Kirilenko has averaged 73.4 games per season. So its just a matter of picking your poison.

A guy I would be interested in thats also on the Pistons roster, and who is an unrestricted freeagent this offseason is Jonas Jerebko, a 6'10" PF, and a first year player. He was very impressive in summer league, and was playing very well this season until he tore a tendon in his ankle. He's young at 25, and a good athlete, with seemingly good basketball IQ. Unci03 and I were very impressed with his play last summer. He's very fundamentally sound. He only made around 850 thousand last season, so he could probably be had for a very reasonable amount, and has more upside than some of the guys in the coming draft.

 

[bajaden]

Guys..they love Jerebko. LOVE him. Out of line love him. He's probably the most untouchable player on their entire roster.

I don't disagree, but he is an unrestricted freeagent, and they'll have to bid for him like everyone else. Prince is also an unrestricted freeagent. So it might come down to who they value the most. They are under the cap, with Prince's salary coming off the books.

Now if it were me, looking at their current roster, I'd cut Prince loose and try and retain Jerebko. They're in serious need of a rebuild. But judging from some of their current transactions, I'm not certain what they'll do.

 

[Asaf]

I don't disagree, but he is an unrestricted freeagent, and they'll have to bid for him like everyone else. Prince is also an unrestricted freeagent. So it might come down to who they value the most. They are under the cap, with Prince's salary coming off the books.

Now if it were me, looking at their current roster, I'd cut Prince loose and try and retain Jerebko. They're in serious need of a rebuild. But judging from some of their current transactions, I'm not certain what they'll do.

Prince is definitely not going to be a Piston next year. They can't wait to get rid of him. As for Jerebko, like Brick said he is the most untouchable player on their roster, and they will most likely be willing to pay him more than any other team.

 

[bajaden]

Without Thorton on the roster I think Granger is a good 3rd scorer, but he shoots a bad percentage(at least last year), isn't a great defender, rebounder, or playmaker. He's basically a high rent Kevin Martin, better at getting his own shot, but takes more bad shots.

The 2010 Kings could really use him, but 2011? I wouldn't pay much. Our 2011 1st + Casspi is all I'd be willing to stomach and that even makes me nervous if the CBA makes his contract less desirable.

Coming out of college, Granger built his reputation as a good defender, and he was a good defender. His defense has fallen off somewhat with his added offensive burden. But the guy can defend. He's averaged over 5 rebounds a game for his career with over 6 boards for at least one season. Good rebounding SF's will usually grab you 5 to 6 boards a game. Take a look around the league at the rebounding figures of other SF's and tell me what you find. Take a look at the great Donte Greene who averages around 2 boards. So I see nothing wrong with his reboundinig. And I see absolutely no comparison to Martin what so ever.

By the way, Martin averaged a whooping 3.2 boards this past season. Granger's PPG did go down a little this season, but his 3pt percentage was very respectable at 38.6%. The truth is, he's a very good player. And I think he would actually be a better player if he were the 3rd option or less on the team. Right now he's the man. I thought he played better basketball a few years ago when he wasn't the man. He certainlyl played better defense, or which he's capable.

Anyway, off to a ranch in the desert. Don't know if they have a computer there or not. If not, see ya sunday sometime..

 

[whozit]

I don't disagree, but he is an unrestricted freeagent, and they'll have to bid for him like everyone else. Prince is also an unrestricted freeagent. So it might come down to who they value the most. They are under the cap, with Prince's salary coming off the books.

Now if it were me, looking at their current roster, I'd cut Prince loose and try and retain Jerebko. They're in serious need of a rebuild. But judging from some of their current transactions, I'm not certain what they'll do.

Are you sure about the unrestricted part, Shamsports.com has Detroit being able to put a qualifying offer out? Did I misread his salary breakdown?

 

[Glenn]

Granger has been forced into a position he is not only uncomfortable playing but unable to perform. He is expected to score. He needs to be a 3rd option or on our team a 4th. His shooting percentage would go up if he was not expected to score and as defense was once a skill and I don't think has totally disappeared, I see him as the perfect guy for us. On the other side, what do we give up? His salary may dictate unloading the 1st/Casspi and maybe more. I'd toss in just about anyone else. (Give me sometime to think about that one. ) Thank goodness they wouldn't likely want Dalembert and I doubt if Tyreke, Cuz, or Thronton are touchable.

They would need Casspi to fill the hole and maybe, even maybe, Casspi would be a better fit for them. Who knows where that would take him with his scorer's mentality?

Enjoy the desert. Sounds hideous to this tree lovin', lake paddlin' guy.

 

[mcsluggo]

my ideal offseason...... the Kings lose the Maloof anvil.

 

[pupsingh]

1st/casspi for Granger

Move Thornton to the bench to give the bench some explosive offense and the starting unit some balance by starting beno with reke which seemed to work

Evans
Beno
Cousins
Dalembert
Granger

Thornton
Cisco
JT
Greene
Whiteside

the starting unit has a good balance of offense and defense as tyreke dalembert and granger are good defenders. Cousins could become a good defender. BEno, well, is bad at defense but his facilitating abilities make up for it.

the bench has an instant offense guy in thornton and solid bigs in JT and whiteside(if he steps up), and a vet sf in Cisco and greene who i thought was starting to turn the corner.

seems like a balanced team to me, only problem is would indy do that trade and can we afford it, and is that trade worth it to you guys?

 

[kingofthejungle]

New York after Dalembert

Since NY is after Sammy D., what about letting him walk and proceeding with this plan?

Draft the best available point guard
The top of the draft is deep in regards to point guards. Assuming that the Kings pick fifth, lets continue to project that they select Brandon Knight.

Re-sign Marcus Thornton
Why? Easy to answer. Thornton is 23 and appears to be the third building block on our team. Seems to compliment Reke and Cousins with his inside-outside game and a pesky defender who suddently seems "oversized" compared to many opposing point guards.

Sign Shane Battier
Petrie wants a veteran presence who can defend and shoot the three. That spells Battier. Although I think he would really compliment the team, Battier is probably best off the bench at this point in his career.

Outbid the Clippers for DeAndre Jordan
Here's my sleeper. Dalembert bolts for NYC. Instead of getting into a bidding war with the Knicks, the Kings pry Jordan from the cheap LA Clippers. Jordan brings shot blocking and rebounding but probably at a lesser price. Plus he's 23. Another option along this line of thinking is Marc Gasol, although I prefer a defensive-minded center next to Cousins.

Trade for Danny Granger
Offer a package that includes any combination of players that the Pacers most prefer: Udrih, Jetter, Taylor, Garcia, Casspi, and Greene. Add next year's first draft pick for sweetener. Indiana has Paul George and they may decide to build around him, which makes Granger somewhat expendable. Getting Casspi helps soften the blow some and Udrih provides them with improved backcourt play when he is paired with Darren Collison. Basically, Indiana does this for depth and next year's pick. So I'm guessing that Indiana would want Udrih and Casspi as a starting point in any deal, so they are not added to the below depth chart. Other players that might stick around are italicized.

Thornton/Knight Jetter
Evans/ Garcia/Taylor
Granger/Battier Greene
Cousins/Thompson
Jordan/Whiteside

Thornton, Granger, Battier, and Knight add reliable outside shooting. Granger and Battier provide the needed veteran presence and stabilize the small forward position. Jordan is 7 years younger than Dalembert but has similar skills.

Holes? Pipe dream? Other thoughts?


becomes your best player for now and provides a veteran presence. Battier also

 

[Purple Reign]

Since NY is after Sammy D., what about letting him walk and proceeding with this plan?

I agree that I don't think Dalembert is coming back to Sacramento. Not only does he fit in New York, but he fits in Boston, Miami, San Antonio and LA Clippers. I think the best that can happen if we could work a sign and trade and get something back.

I personally think he will go to Miami considering the close proximity to his native Haiti. He would fit in beautifully with James, Wade and Bosh.

 

[Bricklayer]

I agree that I don't think Dalembert is coming back to Sacramento. Not only does he fit in New York, but he fits in Boston, Miami, San Antonio and LA Clippers. I think the best that can happen if we could work a sign and trade and get something back.

I personally think he will go to Miami considering the close proximity to his native Haiti. He would fit in beautifully with James, Wade and Bosh.

At the MLE. If there even still is an MLE.

 

[RookieOfTheDay]

It's so nice to be able to talk basketball again!

My ideal off season would be...

Sign Marc Gasol

Sign Jeff Green

Resign Thornton

Draft one of Walker/Irving/Knight

2012 roster

Gasol - C
Cousins - PF
Jeff Green - SF
Evans - SG
Walker/Irving/Knight - PG

Bench

Thornton
Thompson
Garcia
Udrih
Casspi
Whiteside
Donte Greene

 

[swisshh]

Unless it's Irving, I think getting a vet PG would be better than drafting one. Unfortunately, there isn't a whole lot on the PG free agent front. Still, an Anthony Carter might work. Trading for Felton is a better option.

Then sign Prince or see the cost of getting Granger. I like Terrence Jones in the draft, maybe Burke.

Resigining Thornton shouldn't be hard, but Sammy is going to have a lot of teams offering him a spot.

 

[bajaden]

I agree that I don't think Dalembert is coming back to Sacramento. Not only does he fit in New York, but he fits in Boston, Miami, San Antonio and LA Clippers. I think the best that can happen if we could work a sign and trade and get something back.

I personally think he will go to Miami considering the close proximity to his native Haiti. He would fit in beautifully with James, Wade and Bosh.

Boston, New York, and Miami have Zero money under the cap. The best any of them can do is try and sign him for the mid-level exception, if there is one under the new CBA. So the only reason Dalembert would end up on one of those teams is if he thinks winning a ring is more important than an extra 2 or 3 million dollars a year. The Spurs are in similar shape, and the Clippers already have enough centers on the roster. All they have to do is resign them.

 

[Arkitect]

There really is no reason to think that Dally has any incentive to go to another team. We have cap space + he seems to be happy here(besides the mid season issue with minutes) and has good chemistry with Cousins. No one can pay him as much as we can. He is too young/healthy to be ring chasing and even if that was a concern, he would just sign a shorter contract. No team that can pay him is winning, and no team that is winning can pay even close to what we can. Generally, players in his situation go for the money and they should. Just look at what happened to Bonzi Wells.