VF21 said:
Here are the Kings still under contract for the upcoming year. This assumes the Kings pick up, as promised, Bobby's option.
PG - Bibby, Bobby
SG - Martin
SF - Peja, Corliss
PF - Thomas
C - Miller, Tag, Skinner
That's it, folks. That's all we have left...
I am not impressed.
PG - Bibby, Bobby
SG - Martin
SF - Peja, Corliss
PF - Thomas
C - Miller, Tag, Skinner
That's it, folks. That's all we have left...
I am not impressed.
WHAT IS SEE WHEN I LOOK AT THIS ROSTER...
One of the few teams in the league that has THREE All Star Caliber players already under contract for next season. There are not many teams out there that can boast three all star players at any point in a season, much less before the offseason even begins in. AND, trading any of those guys will get us back quality parts in return. Bibby is a top 5 point guard, Miller not far behind at the center position, and Peja is capable of being one of the NBA's leading scorers when he is the focal point (see 2003-04). That is a pretty damn good start to any roster.
Obviously there are some holes on this roster (big gaping crater sized holes) but they can be fixed. The thing is that we are not trying to fill the starting lineup with 5 all stars; servicable and injury-free veterans will fill the gaps nicely (and somewhat cheaply).
The greatest commodity on the roster outside the big three is BJax. Bobby offers the ability to move a big contract (KT comes to mind) and package the two for a quality PF or SG (he doesn't have to be a star, but a good rebounder, defender, shooter). Then, you still have your MLE to fill the gap you didn't via trade.
That leaves you with a top 4 or 5 NBA starting 5, and Corliss, Martin, Skinner, Tag on the bench (you can still try and move someone like Corliss for what you can get). Then you fill the gaps with a League minimum point guard (a Howard Eisley type PG), bring back Darius, and hope you didn't use the entire MLE so you can get back Evans. Plus, you have a first round draft pick in the fold somewhere too.
It isn't the 98 Bulls, but it is a 50-55 win team, that can easily be tinkered with to be something more. Hell, this year's team won 50, and that was WITH all the injuries and personel turnover. If you fill the SG and PF spot with guys who play D it makes a huge difference.
Plus, I did this in 10 minutes with little thought. I would like to think that Geoff could AT LEAST pull this off, but I expect more. The point is that the roster now looks a little barren, but most teams are in the same position right now. Not very many teams enter the offseason set and ready.