The "D-FENS, fix my team!" Thread [Archive] - Message Board Basketball Forum

D-FENS

05-08-2014, 12:33 PM

Out of curiosity... And cause we're in a good place atm...

Please fix my Suns

You got it!

http://content.sportslogos.net/logos/6/238/full/9329_phoenix_suns-secondary-2014.png
First, what's right with the Phoenix Suns:
-That new logo :applause:
-Bringing in Ryan McDonough from Boston as GM
-The youth movement, especially Eric Bledsoe and Markieff Morris
-The cap situation
-Goran Dragic's resurgence
-Jeff Hornacek's coaching style and rapport with the players

Areas of need:
-Fix up the uniform (too much plain are under the lettering)
-Need a consistent defensive center
-Need to consolidate some of the team's depth in average to good players with some picks into a better player
-Resigning free agents

First off, let's tackle that uniform.

http://i.imgur.com/zLjeBqT.png
I like a lot of the new look, but just feel like they should bring back elements of the 90's uniform but updated with their current decal.

Bringing in a good defensive pick and roll big.
-Trade the 18th pick in the draft for Anderson Varejao. Absorb his 2014/15 salary with cap space.
Why? Varejao is one of the most underappreciated players in the league. He is like Joakim Noah in a lot of ways, but can be very injury prone. This is a gamble, but the upside is there. Phoenix needs a big that can get them second chance opportunities, run the floor, frustrate opposing bigs, pass, and be the roll man in the pick n roll with Bledsoe or Dragic.

Consolidating players
The Suns should have about $25 -$30 million in cap room at the start of free agency. Varejao will eat up $9 million, and Bledsoe's cap hold is $6.6 million, you're left with $10 - $15 million. Turn to the Jazz, and negotiate a sign and trade for Gordon Hayward with an annual contract starting at $8.5 million per year.
Send the Jazz: Alex Len and a 2015 draft pick (lottery protected, top 3 protected in 2016).

Resign players
-Bledsoe
-Frye
-Tucker
-Draft Zach LaVine with the 14th pick
-Draft Khem Birch in the 2nd round
-Sign

New line-up:
CT: Varejao/ Plumlee/ Birch
PF: Frye/ Morris
SF: Hayward/ Tucker/ Morris
SG: Bledsoe/ Green/ Goodwin/ Christmas
PG: Dragic/ Smith/ LaVine

Not a lot of changes to the line-up, but the idea is to get marginally better and wait for the 2015 free agency class. The other direction to go in is to trade picks 14 and 18 and move up for Aaron Gordon if he slides to the lower lottery - I'm just not sure how long he'll take to develop into a decent NBA player, that's why I looked to continue building the team up as a playoff team.

kshutts1

05-08-2014, 12:38 PM

Well, lets put it like this :

None of you are even remotely better than any NBA GM. If they can't fix their team, neither could 10 of you.

/thread
Not entirely true, IMO. NBA GMs seem to care way too much about their own job security rather than taking chances to turn a good team in to a great team.

I think an assessed-risk risk-taker with basketball knowledge would do quite well in certain facets of running a team.

I think I'd do pretty well in negotiating trades with other teams, but I'd do incredibly poorly in the draft. I'd also do poorly (by most standards) in free agency, but that's because I have an eye for value, not for top-of-the-line. I'd be the GM taking cheap fliers on players, and only offering a max, or near max, contract to a player that is a top 5-10 player in the league.

D-FENS

05-08-2014, 01:05 PM

make the timberwolves at least a WCF team

http://content.sportslogos.net/logos/6/232/full/5ggk1t3vhjd19mm1hp5xvn05t.gif

Pros:
-Would have been a playoff team in the East
-Kevin Love is the best power forward in the game
-Gorgui Dieng looks like a long-term fit beside Kevin Love
-Good offensive team*
-Strong rebounding team, lots of 2nd chance opportunities (ranked 1st in the league)

Cons:
-Team is flawed defensively, and does not have a closer on offense.
-Kevin Love may be the best power forward, but he's suited to a secondary role on offense.
-*except for Rubio's bunk shot
-Bench impact is negative

Figuring out the Wolves is tough. My first instinct is to try and construct a trade for Westbrook, but after seeing Durant's MVP speech, there is no way in the world the Thunder entertain trading him. It will kill their chemistry.

The Wolves are in the middle of the pack, and teams in the middle of the pack need to prey on the lesser teams for players. It's a better strategy than signing pedestrian players to expensive contracts. That's why a team like the Wolves is littered with middling contracts like Brewer, Barea, Budinger, Martin etc. Time to take advantage of rebuilding teams.

Targets:
-A change of pace back-up to Love, that can play with Love if need be
-A 3 and D shooting guard, pushing Kevin martin to the bench.

Trade 1:

Minnesota trades:
-JJ Barea
-Dante Cunningham (S&T - 1 year)
-Pick 53, 2014 Draft

Philadelphia trades:
-Thaddeus Young

Trade 2:

Minnesota trades:
-Luc Richard Mbah a Moute
-Shabazz Muhammad
-Pick 40, 2014 Draft

Orlando trades:
-Aaron Afflalo

Trade analysis:
Young provides bench scoring behind Love and in a pinch can play beside him as a small forward, or as a power forward in small line-ups with Love at center.
Afflalo provides outside shooting AND defense while pushing Kevin Martin to a bench scoring role, much better suited to his game at this age.
Martin and Young upgrade the bench significantly.

Draft:
Minnesota has the 13th pick. Draft Express has them selecting Gary Harris, while NBADraft.net has them selecting Dario Saric.
Gary Harris is ready to contribute right away, and if he is available, he's the pick here. I would even go as far as saying to trade up for him (as long as no major assets are needed to be given up).
Not picking a back-up to Rubio here, as he needs an experienced vet behind him.

Free agency:
-Kirk Hinrich
-Arinze Onuaku

New team:
CT: Pekovic/ Dieng/ Turiaf
PF: Love/ Young/ Onuaku
SF: Brewer/ Budinger/ Hummel
SG: Afflalo/ Martin/ Harris
PG: Rubio/ Hinrich/ Shved

Pekovic should be quietly shopped if Dieng keeps his performance up. I would be looking for a cheaper back-up and an expiring contract in his place.

D-FENS

05-08-2014, 01:31 PM

Please fix the thunder so they can win 5v5. Right now the inky way they win is 8v5

Sorry, Thunder could still win it all this year.

zoom17

05-08-2014, 01:32 PM

http://www.faniq.com/images/blog/drunk-russian-guy-dancing_o_GIFSoup_com.gif

b0bab0i

05-08-2014, 01:35 PM

Not my team, but how would you fix the Bucks? Worst team in the league.

boozehound

05-08-2014, 01:38 PM

D-Fens, fix my pistons!

D-FENS

05-08-2014, 01:40 PM

Not my team, but how would you fix the Bucks? Worst team in the league.

http://i.imgur.com/lMHFdVo.png

blazersfan52

05-08-2014, 01:52 PM

D-FENS, Fix my Blazers.

VengefulAngel

05-08-2014, 02:03 PM

http://i.imgur.com/lMHFdVo.png

hahahaha :applause: :applause:

D-FENS

05-08-2014, 02:26 PM

D-Fens, fix my pistons!

http://content.sportslogos.net/logos/6/223/full/3079.gif
Shit, where to start?

Pros:
-Greg Monroe
-Andre Drummond
-Josh Smith's intangibles
-Rodney Stuckey finally finding a role
-Classic logo and uniforms.

Cons:
-Brandon Jennings' defense and shot selection
-Josh Smith's shot selection
-Shooting guard and small forward are large holes
-Coaching
-Ownership stinks - Tom Gores

The Pistons have a problem most teams would like to have, 3 quality bigs. The Pistons are trying to play the 3 of them together though which negates hteir value. Advanced stats show that Smith and Drummond are the most effective pairing together out of the 3. Monroe is going to want to be paid as well. Due to Smith being almost untradeable and Monroe wanting a big pay day, this is the direction I am moving in.

The Pistons need to address their weak wing play, and there's a good amount of cap room to play with ($15-$20 million)

Jennings is untradeable, so we're committed to working wit hhim, otherwise I'm offering Lowry a contract starting at $10,000,000 per year

Trades:

Detroit signs and trades:
-Greg Monroe (4 years, $40 million)

Denver trades:
-Wilson Chandler
-Darrell Arthur
Denver gets a guy perfect for the triangle should Shaw want to start using it.
Waive Arthur.

Detroit trades:
-Kentavious Caldwell-Pope

Charlotte trades:
-Bismack Biyombo
-2014, Pick 45
Detroit gets a good back-up center project, and Charlotte gains outside shooting. Project for project.

Free agency:
-Jodie Meeks
-PJ Tucker
-Marvin Williams
-Shelvin Mack

Role players. It's time to focus on defense, 3 point shooting and Jennings running the pick and roll with Drummond. Surround those guys with shooters and see what happens.

Waive:
-Luigi Datome
-Tony Mitchell

Draft:
-Gary Harris at number 8
-Trade picks 38 and 45 for pick 25 (Rockets love 2nd rounders)
-Draft Mitch McGary at 25

New line-up:
CT: Drummond/ Biyombo/ McGary
PF: Smith/ Williams/ Harrellson
SF: Chandler/ Tucker/ Singler
SG: Meeks/ Harris
PG: Jennings/ Mack/ Bynum/ Siva

Probably not a playoff team still, but depending on Harris' development, maybe a strong team down the road. I kept cap flexibility by not signing big name free agents with the hope of saving money short term, fitting the current players properly, and focusing on developing talent.

Long term, this team could develop young players, Harris and Drummond. They will have a lot of room to target free agents in 2015 with some more contracts coming off the books. By then, they may have a better culture and win some more games - meaning they could attract a decent small forward.

New coach: Ed Pinckney

Nothing I can suggest about your idiotic owner. Hopefully he sells the team to Magic Johnson, get some Michigan flavor back in the team.

D-FENS

05-08-2014, 02:32 PM

D-FENS, Fix my Blazers.

Top 8 team, no dice. As improbable as it may be, you may still have a championship team on your hands. I'd love to see it as well, like the good old days:
http://imgick.oregonlive.com/home/olive-media/pgmain/img/oregonian/photo/2013/10/-38820865faf71199.jpg

avonbarksdale

05-08-2014, 02:34 PM

raptors

Captain Clutch

05-08-2014, 02:43 PM

D-FENS, fix the Magic
Rob Hennigan's off to a solid start, but they're a long ways away. Speed 'em up

VengefulAngel

05-08-2014, 02:45 PM

Fix the Heat next year :lol

BlackWhiteGreen

05-08-2014, 02:50 PM

Fix the Celtics

D-FENS

05-08-2014, 02:59 PM

raptors

Glad someone posted this.

http://content.sportslogos.net/logos/6/227/full/yfypcwqog6qx8658sn5w65huh.gif

There's a lot to like about the Raptors as they're currently made up. I won't give a pro/con list, but just a quick breakdown.
The starting line-up is strong except for Ross who is a negative at small forward. He may be good in time, but he's not there yet. The Raptors are going to have massive expiring contracts this coming season in Salmons, Fields, Hayes and Hansbrough to a total of about $23 million dollars (expires at the end of the 2014/15 season). If Al Horford is available mid season, he would be a fantastic target.

So, without further ado.
-Re-sign all free agents except De Colo (Lowry Vasquez, Patterson).
-Draft Jordan Adams at 20
-Draft Jusuf Nurkic at 37
-Draft Eric Moreland at 57 (do not sign, keep draft rights)
-Waive Julyan Stone
-No trades until during the season (look for expirers, Terrence Ross and a pick to be outgoing for a big name player)

New line-up:
CT: Valanciunas/ Hayes/ Nurkic
PF: Johnson/ Patterson/ Hansbrough
SF: Ross/ Salmons/ Novak
SG: DeRozan/ Fields/ Adams
PG: Lowry/ Vasquez/ Buycks

Oh yeah, switch the team name back to the Huskies and give them this awesome logo and these uniforms

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v521/DarkFormation/Jersey%20Switches/huskylogo.gif
http://i.imgur.com/9ojAI1t.png

D-FENS

05-08-2014, 03:05 PM

D-FENS, fix the Magic
Rob Hennigan's off to a solid start, but they're a long ways away. Speed 'em up

You're next, followed by the Celtics.

Heat fan, no dice. You guys probably going to be best in the east again next year and are likely to 3-peat this year

Dro

05-08-2014, 03:07 PM

Ill get back to you if the Pacers lose...Actually, fix my team anyway...

ArbitraryWater

05-08-2014, 03:11 PM

Great job by OP :applause:

D-FENS

05-08-2014, 03:45 PM

Ill get back to you if the Pacers lose...Actually, fix my team anyway...

If they lose to the Wiz, they need huge changes - and I think it starts by seeing what you can get for Paul George - especially if it's a top 3 pick

b0bab0i

05-08-2014, 03:50 PM

http://i.imgur.com/lMHFdVo.png
:roll: :roll: :roll:
Good answer. Repped!

Dro

05-08-2014, 04:08 PM

If they lose to the Wiz, they need huge changes - and I think it starts by seeing what you can get for Paul George - especially if it's a top 3 pick
Would you trade PG for a top 3 pick? Thats an intriguing possibility. We do need a PF for the future. But they did just give him that new contract too...

D-FENS

05-08-2014, 04:48 PM

D-FENS, fix the Magic
Rob Hennigan's off to a solid start, but they're a long ways away. Speed 'em up

http://content.sportslogos.net/logos/6/217/full/wd9ic7qafgfb0yxs7tem7n5g4.gif

The Magic have a solid front office, a semi-competent coach, a LOT of assets, a very good developing core of young NBA players, and a couple of attractive vets to playoff teams.

Orlando could easily become a playoff team for the 2014/15 season, but why? To get drilled by the Heat, Pacers, Bulls etc? Why not keep developing the young talent and waiting for stars like LeBron, Dwight, Tony Parker, and Chris Paul to be past their primes? I say keep stock piling talent, and sell off veterans to the highest bidder.

The big focus for the Magic right now is the 2014 Draft. So I'm starting there.

Draft:
They can go a number of ways due to their roster versatility, so it really doesn't matter what pick they end up with. As it stands here are their odds for each pick:
Pick 1: .156
Pick 2: .157
Pick 3: .156
Pick 4: .225
Pick 5: .265
Pick 6: .041

I like to base decisions on the worst case scenario, so let's assume the Magic get the 5th pick (6th is worst case, but only 4% chance of happening).

Wiggins, Parker, Embiid and Exum will all be off the board with the 4 picks. I don't see anyone overtaking them. That leaves the Magic in the position to draft one of the following group of players:
-Julius Randle
-Marcus Smart
-Aaron Gordon
-Noah Vonleh

All 4 players could very well be all-stars, and all 4 fill a position of need. To me, the Magic know they have Oladipo as a shooting guard, he's just not a point guard anyway you look at him. My pick here is Marcus Smart.

The magic also have the 12th pick of the draft and a hole at power forward. I can see from Draft Express and NBADraft.net that Aaron Gordon is being looked at between picks 10 and 11. The Magic should look to make a deal with the 76ers, because they will always take more future assets. I think the idea here is to trade a 2015 2nd round pick and to absorb Jason Richardson's last year of his contract. At pick 10, the Magic take Aaron Gordon.

With the 40th pick (from trade with Minnesota below), the Magic select Patric Young from Florida to play 3rd string center/ power forward. He's basically a professional already and can contribute now.

Trades:

Orlando trades:
-Aaron Afflalo

Minnesota trades:
-Luc Richard Mbah a Moute
-Shabazz Muhammad
-Pick 40, 2014 Draft

Minnesota gets a guy they desperately need. Orlando gets a vet who won;t complain about sitting at the end of the bench, and two assets.

Orlando trades:
-Andrew Nicholson

Houston trades:
-Donatas Motiejunas

Orlando gets rid of Nicholson who hasn't really been a fit, and exchanges him for a player 1 year younger with a little playoff experience. Nicholson is a good option next to Dwight to space the floor, if McHale plays him at all. Also, Motiejunas wants out.

Free agency:
-Resign E'twaun Moore
-Sign DeAndre Liggins

New line-up:
CT: Vucevic/ O'Quinn/ Young
PF: Gordon/ Motiejunas/ Maxiell
SF: Harkless/ Harris/ Liggins
SG: Oladipo/ Moore/ Lamb
PG: Smart/ Nelson/ Price

The is a very young and inexperienced team that should compete with the 76ers and the Bucks for worst team in the league again. That's a good thing, because the 2015 draft is loaded with bigs.

Marcus Smart and Victor Oladipo will immediately be one of the top defensive back-courts in the league.Gordon should work as the perfect compliment to Vucevic once he bulks up a little and adjusts to the NBA game. This is a great way to build a team because all the young players are assets that can be moved at a later stage for big names.

I'm happy with Coach Vaughn for now because he will develop young talent. Once they get some experience under their belts, I'd get rid of him though as he's an amateur coach in my mind.

D-FENS

05-08-2014, 04:49 PM

Would you trade PG for a top 3 pick? Thats an intriguing possibility. We do need a PF for the future. But they did just give him that new contract too...

Julius Randle or Noah Vonleh? Then there's a gap at SF if George was to be traded, but Evan Turner could fill it and play point forward. Lots of ways to go, but only if the Wiz beat their asses.

robert de niro

05-08-2014, 05:09 PM

repped for all the work :applause:

kurple

05-08-2014, 05:25 PM

D-FENS. you gotta fix the nuggets.

and feel free to include that Greg Monroe trade

D-FENS

05-08-2014, 07:13 PM

D-FENS. you gotta fix the nuggets.

and feel free to include that Greg Monroe trade

No problem buddy. Right after the Celtics.

It would be interesting to hear some feedback guys along with the requests

D-FENS

05-09-2014, 10:04 AM

Fix the Celtics

http://content.sportslogos.net/logos/6/213/full/slhg02hbef3j1ov4lsnwyol5o.gif

When you say "Fix the Celtics," I assume you mean help continue the rebuild. They cannot be contenders again over night, they need another season or two of acquiring lottery picks and then they will be ready to run rampant in the East again. The young core is starting to take shape, but one thing is for sure and I hate to say it - Rondo needs to be traded while he's in his prime because by the time the young talent has matured, he'll be on the downside of his career.

Pros:
-The young bigs: Sullinger, Olynyk. Both look like long term NBA starters.
-Brad Stevens
-Danny Ainge
-The team is full of players that compete every game. Good culture.
-So many draft picks coming in future drafts

Cons:
-Free agents don't sign in Boston
-Sullinger and Olynyk need to work on their bodies all summer long
-Rondo's negative influence on the team (body language has been bad)
-Gerald Wallace's contract

Teams that would be interested in Rondo:
-Dallas
-Detroit (lottery pick)
-Houston
-Indiana
-LA Lakers (lottery pick)
-New York
-Sacramento (lottery pick)

Of those teams, I can see Rondo being interested in Dallas, Houston, Indiana, LA Lakers and New York. The Lakers are the only one of those teams with a lottery pick but I'm not sure if Danny would deal with the Lakers.
I think the next best thing is to extend Rondo (if he will) and trade him to Sacramento. The Kings envision Isaiah Thomas being their 6th man, and would like a true point guard to feed Cousins, Gay and McLemore.

The trade:

Boston trades:
-Rajon Rondo
-Jeff Green

Sacramento trades:
-Derrick Williams (expiring)
-Jason Terry (including Terry means this trade must happen after June 30)
-Travis Outlaw (expiring)
-Ray McCallum
-2014 lottery pick (7th pick)
-2016 lottery pick (top 3 protected, unprotected in 2017)

This gives Sacramento the chance to be a playoff team now with a core of Cousins, Thompson, Landry, Gay, Green, McLemore, Rondo and Thomas. If they can bring in a veteran shooting guard that can shoot with the MLE, they could be a playoff team. For the Celtics this is about saving money, and getting some assets for a player they don't want (Green) and a player they fear doesn't want them (Rondo).
Because of Terry being included, Sacramento would be drafting for Boston.

I mentioned in another post that I always look to worst case scenarios when it comes to lottery pick position. The Celtics know about this all too well from the Tim Duncan sweepstakes. So I have the Celtics falling from 5th to 6th (36% chance of this happening) and the 7th pick should stay where it is (60% odds of this). This means Boston won't be selecting Embiid, Exum, Wiggins, Randle, or Parker. This is a problem, because the Celtics need a star.

I am suggesting that the Celtics deal with Orlando. Picks 6 and 7 for the 3rd pick. Orlando wants Marcus Smart, and are not 100% sold on Exum at 3. If they can get their guy (Smart) at a position of need and then scoop up Noah Vonleh at 7, I think they do this (assuming Embiid and Wiggins are the first two off the board).

Small side trade: Brandon Bass and a 2015 2nd round pick to Milwaukee for Nate Wolters.

Draft:
-With the 3rd pick, the Celtics pick Jabari Parker from Duke.
-With the 17th pick, the Celtics pick Zach LaVine from UCLA.

Free agency:
-Resign Avery Bradley
-Resign Kris Humphries
-Buyout Keith Bogans

New line-up:
CT: Olynyk/ Anthony/ Faverani
PF: Sullinger/ Humphries
SF: Parker/ Wallace/ Johnson
SG: Bradley/ LaVine/ Babb
PG: Wolters/ McCallum/ Pressey

Future assets:
2015 Draft
1st round: Boston, Clippers, Philadelphia*
2nd round: Boston, Philadelphia**, Sacramento***
* Philadelphia's pick is lottery protected
** Philadelphia conveys if in lottery in 2014 and 2015
*** Only conveyed if between picks 56-60

2016 Draft
1st round: Boston, Brooklyn, Sacramento**
2nd round: Miami, Philadelphia*
* Philadelphia conveys if in lottery in 2014 and 2015
** Sacramento conveys if in lottery (but not top 3) otherwise unprotected in 2017.

2017 Draft
1st round: Boston*
2nd round: Boston**, Sacramento***
* Boston has option to swap with Brooklyn
** If Boston swaps with Brooklyn, it loses pick if between 46-60
*** Only conveyed if between picks 56-60

2018 Draft
1st round: Boston, Brooklyn
2nd round: Boston

2019 Draft (and beyond)
1st round: Boston
2nd round: Boston

MrC1991

05-09-2014, 10:13 AM

Almighty D-FENS, fix my Bulls! :D

D-FENS

05-09-2014, 10:31 AM

D-FENS. you gotta fix the nuggets.

and feel free to include that Greg Monroe trade

http://content.sportslogos.net/logos/6/229/full/xeti0fjbyzmcffue57vz5o1gl.gif

The Nuggets have a pretty messed up roster right now, but they do have some interesting building blocks in Lawson, Faried, Fournier and Mozgov. Everyone else is 100% expendable. I think this team is too far away from being able to compete for the playoffs in 2014/15, but with a few shrewd moves over the next two seasons they should be ready to compete in the playoffs again.

Draft:
-The Nuggets select Kyle Anderson from UCLA with the 11th pick.
-The Nuggets select Spencer Dinwiddie from Colorado with the 41st pick
-The Nuggets select James McAdoo from UNC with the 56th pick

Trades:

Detroit signs and trades:
-Greg Monroe (4 years, $40 million)

Denver trades:
-Wilson Chandler
-Darrell Arthur

Greg Monroe is perfect for the triangle offense should Shaw choose to implement it. However, for Monroe to succeed he needs to be paired with Faried, and that means McGee has to go, even if it's at a loss.

Denver trades:
-Javale McGee
-Anthony Randolph

New Orleans trades:
-Eric Gordon

New Orleans gets a center to pair with Davis, and they save about $10 million dollars over 3 years. Denver gets a shooting guard perfect for the triangle.

Free agency:
-Don't resign Vesely or Brooks

New line-up:
CT: Monroe/ Mozgov
PF: Faried/ Hickson/ McAdoo
SF: Gallinari/ Anderson/ Miller
SG: Gordon/ Fournier/ Dinwiddie
PG: Lawson/ Foye/ Robinson

Put Randy Foye on the market, run the triangle, and try grab another lottery pick in 2015. This team should be able to beat out Dallas, Minnesota and Phoenix if healthy and if Kyle Anderson can contribute straight away. The passing and shooting combinations between Gallinari, Anderson, Monroe, Gordon, Forunier, Lawson and Foye will make the triangle work. It may just take awhile to implement it. Lawson's and Gordon's ability to break down their defenders off the dribble are excellent secondary options in the triangle after receiving an extra pass.

BoutPractice

05-09-2014, 10:36 AM

Great work. Can you please do Dallas whenever you have the time? I'm not sure what their plan is going forward, but I'd love to see your take.

D-FENS

05-09-2014, 11:05 AM

Almighty D-FENS, fix my Bulls! :D

My favorite request so far.

http://content.sportslogos.net/logos/6/221/full/hj3gmh82w9hffmeh3fjm5h874.gif

The Bulls are a team that are ready to compete for a championship. They have all the role players in place to be a super competitive team. Carmelo Anthony is not leaving New York. His wife wears the pants, and I think he believes in giving Phil Jackson a chance.

Here's the moves to push the Bulls to the top of the East, assuming they can stay relatively injury free.

Trade:

Chicago trades:
-Mike Dunleavy Jr.
-2014 Draft, pick 49
-Cash considerations

Philadelphia trades:
-2014 Draft, pick 54

Draft:
-Pick 16, Adriean Payne from Michigan State
-Pick 19, PJ Hairston from UNC/NBDL
-Pick 54, Nick Johnson from Arizona

Free agency:
-Amnesty Carlos Boozer
-Sign Nikola Mirotic to a $36 million deal over 4 years (4th year is a team option)
-Resign Kirk Hinrich
-Sign Thabo Sefolosha
-Sign Gustavo Ayon

New line-up:
CT: Noah/ Smith/ Ayon
PF: Mirotic/ Gibson/ Payne
SF: Butler/ Snell
SG: Sefolosha/ Brewer/ Hairston
PG: Rose/ Hinrich/ Johnson

If Mirotic is what we think he will be, and Rose comes back at 85-90% at least, this team is the team to bet in the east. The defense is still set, the floor spacing improves, and 3 rookies are added that can contribute immediately.

kshutts1

05-09-2014, 11:24 AM

D-FENS

05-09-2014, 11:26 AM

Great work. Can you please do Dallas whenever you have the time? I'm not sure what their plan is going forward, but I'd love to see your take.

http://content.sportslogos.net/logos/6/228/full/ifk08eam05rwxr3yhol3whdcm.gif

I don't know if Mavericks fans know it, but to me this is the most depressing team in the league this side of the New York Knicks.
The team really has looked terrible after they blew up a championship team. That made absolutely no sense, blow up a sure thing for a chance for Dwight Howard and Deron Williams? Horrible. Look what those two have done recently.

The team is all about Dirk, look at the logo, even the horse looks like Dirk. It's not fair to him to be expected to carry so much weight on this team. I really can't see Dallas returning quickly to being a top 4 team. They will tread water for another year, and will be ready to rebuild when Dirk finally retires.

The Mavericks are going to have over $30 million in cap room if they renounce all of their free agents, but the more likely scenario is they renegotiate with them so their ready to sign immediately.
Dirk - $10m, Marion - $3m, Carter - $3m
That leaves $14 million for free agency. I can see them going after Marcin Gortat or Pau Gasol. Gortat will likely resign with the Wizards after their success together, so that leaves Gasol.

Draft:
-34th pick, Isaiah Austin
-51st pick, Thanasis Antetokounmpo

New line-up:
CT: Gasol/ Dalembert/ James
PF: Nowitzki/ Wright/ Austin
SF: Marion/ Carter/ Crowder
SG: Ellis/ Ellington/ Antetokounmpo/ Ledo
PG: Calderon/ Larkin/ Mekel

Another 7th or 8th seed team because Cuban will not trade Nowitzki.

BoutPractice

05-09-2014, 11:38 AM

Thanks a lot :cheers:

Although I mainly agree with your analysis (that they screwed up the post championship years) don't you think they could've made a deep playoff run with better D at key positions? They did take the Spurs to 7 games (in fact almost won the series), and those Spurs currently have it easy against Portland suggesting that the Mavs would have had a decent shot in the second round... so you can understand Dallas going for a tweaking approach, trying to have another go at it while Dirk's still got legs before switching to full rebuild mode once he retires. There's a dangerous "in-between" game Cuban loves to play, where he's not completely all in but not retooling either, yet Dallas is the one team to have made this strategy work recently.

And I would agree with Cuban that trading Dirk is a non-starter. As you said, he is the franchise (laughed at your logo comment :oldlol:), most of their success they owe to him. It's about showing that the franchise has class, repays loyalty, and knows its history.

D-FENS

05-09-2014, 11:41 AM

For the Bulls, I think their biggest need is a second player that can create his own shot. With the roster that you made, if Rose goes down (or just has a bad game), the offense is done. Similar to what we saw this year.

Then we are relying WAY too much on rookies/unprovens to be a true contender.

Trade Butler for Stephenson and a second round pick (if Indiana is upset with him). Lance is a significant upgrade on offense, and only slightly worse on D.

Package one or two of this year's picks, and maybe a future pick, for a legit good player and maybe a protected pick back. I'd prefer a stretch 4, though getting more athletic would be great, as well.
Can target players like Terrence Jones, Ryan Anderson, Frye or Markieff, Derrick Williams, etc.

Definitely agree with amnestying Boozer... and with that extra salary, we could sign some solid players to round out the rotation, with an emphasis on shooting and creating shots.

You may need to watch more Niloka Mirotic.

He's averaging about 18 ppg, 7 rpg, per 36 on ridiculous shooting numbers in Europe. That's regular season and playoffs. Stats are lower there because they share the ball more. He's one of the top scorers and rebounders in all of Europe. He's a great pick and pop guy, as well as being able to create off the dribble pulling up from his left or right. He creates MASSIVE separation before getting his shot off.

Basically, this guy is a better, more versatile version of Ryan Anderson right now. Give him a couple of years learning the NBA game and you may have a new Dirk - I'm dead serious. Mirotic is that good. He's only 23 right now, and he will be able to carry the team if Rose is having a stinker.

He will be able to run pick and rolls with Noah. He will be able to initiate fast breaks like Noah. He's very agile and he's fast for a big.

He can also create going to the hole, and is a VERY high percentage finisher.

Im Still Ballin

05-09-2014, 11:43 AM

Thread Review

Good content, good poster, quality interaction.

Rating:
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oZNV9JeW3l8/UPrjBAxmPTI/AAAAAAAAATA/y9MsD9VPSZw/s1600/4-stars.png

kshutts1

05-09-2014, 11:57 AM

You may need to watch more Niloka Mirotic.

I just watched two of his highlight videos. And considering they were highlights (I assume the best of the best for his plays) I did not come away impressed.

Pros:
Great size
Nice shot
Diversity in his shot. Too many players can only hit spot-up, or pull up, or whatever... he showed he can spot up, shoot off the dribble, floaters, etc.

Cons:
Unathletic for NBA. I didn't see a single dunk. Even if that's not his game, it shows a startling lack of athleticism.
Seemed to settle for jumpers
Is he strong enough to bang in the NBA?

SwishSquared

05-09-2014, 12:08 PM

For the Bulls, I think their biggest need is a second player that can create his own shot. With the roster that you made, if Rose goes down (or just has a bad game), the offense is done. Similar to what we saw this year.

Then we are relying WAY too much on rookies/unprovens to be a true contender.

Trade Butler for Stephenson and a second round pick (if Indiana is upset with him). Lance is a significant upgrade on offense, and only slightly worse on D. I see him as a poor man's Tyreke Evans.

Package one or two of this year's picks, and maybe a future pick, for a legit good player and maybe a protected pick back. I'd prefer a stretch 4, though getting more athletic would be great, as well. An ideal player would probably be a Millsap type, though I doubt that would happen.
Can target players like Terrence Jones, Ryan Anderson, Frye or Markieff, Derrick Williams, etc.

Definitely agree with amnestying Boozer... and with that extra salary, we could sign some solid players to round out the rotation, with an emphasis on shooting and creating shots.

Potential lineup:
Rose/Hinrich
Stephenson/Snell
Hayward (doubt he would accept 8m/4yr though)/Dunleavy
Jones (or Williams)/Gibson
Noah/FA or draft a rim defender or an athletic big
I agree with your assessment- Bulls have to get more options offensively, especially play-makers. I disagree about giving up Butler though- he's one of the better 3&D guys in the league and he's very versatile defensively.

A possible approach would be amnestying Boozer (this opens up another ~$15.6M I think) and using that money to sign Lance and Mirotic this summer to 4 year deals (I like D-Fens' idea to make Mirotic's only 3 years fully guaranteed). With the 2 first rounders, they need to draft another PG and SG imo to make sure they have role players that can provide scoring on the wing. Target Stauskas/James Young and Napier. Napier is going to get his own shot off the bench and is some insurance in case Rose is hampered. Stauskas or Young can spread the floor, though for this team, I'd probably get Stauskas. Dunleavy & Snell round out the rest of the wing rotation. In second round, I'd draft P. Young out of Florida- athletic 6'9" big that can back up Noah.

Rose/Napier
Stephenson/Stauskas
Butler/Dunleavy/Snell
Gibson/Mirotic
Noah/ P. Young

That roster is lacking a true "second star" on paper, but we have no clue just how good Mirotic will be. He may become a starter for all we know. To get that true star, I would also look into trading Boozer+ both 2014 first rounders + Mirotic for Kevin Love. Or offer Boozer + Dunleavy + Smith + Almundson + both 2014 first rounders for Melo + Felton.

D-FENS

05-09-2014, 12:19 PM

Rose/Napier
Stephenson/Stauskas
Butler/Dunleavy/Snell
Gibson/Mirotic
Noah/ P. Young

The Bulls can't afford Mirotic and Stephenson. Both are going to want about $8 - $10 million annually each. Also, Napier is going to bust badly - he's Bayless 2.0

D-FENS

05-09-2014, 12:23 PM

I just watched two of his highlight videos. And considering they were highlights (I assume the best of the best for his plays) I did not come away impressed.

Pros:
Great size
Nice shot
Diversity in his shot. Too many players can only hit spot-up, or pull up, or whatever... he showed he can spot up, shoot off the dribble, floaters, etc.

Cons:
Unathletic for NBA. I didn't see a single dunk. Even if that's not his game, it shows a startling lack of athleticism.
Seemed to settle for jumpers
Is he strong enough to bang in the NBA?

http://stream1.gifsoup.com/view1/20131205/4914500/mirotic-dunk-o.gif

The only con you have that you have is his strength in the post. He will get dominated by strong guys like Zach Randolph, Jared Sullinger, Paul Millsap etc but he should be able to hold his own. If not, Taj Gibson will play more minutes at the 4. I'm sure Mirotic can be hidden on defense somewhat, I would shy away from putting him on small forwards though because he's a little slow laterally.

el gringos

05-09-2014, 12:30 PM

Good thread. Way to nail the softballs. Fix the Knicks

qrich

05-09-2014, 12:33 PM

D-FENS

05-09-2014, 12:51 PM

Good thread. Way to nail the softballs. Fix the Knicks

Firstly, do you have to pay Amare and Bargnani if they're dead?

Also,

http://i.imgur.com/Cm6bWgq.png

Any interest?

:roll:
I'll make a plan for the Knicks later on

D-FENS

05-09-2014, 12:52 PM

Not really a "fix my team" situation but assume the Clippers were purchased by a new owner who wanted to fully retool and keep only Bullock and Jordan. What would be your moves to get a brand new squad next year that can still make noise in the post season/

Interesting. So you're saying they would release all of the players to free agency, like what Les Alexander was mentioning?

qrich

05-09-2014, 12:54 PM

Interesting. So you're saying they would release all of the players to free agency, like what Les Alexander was mentioning?

Nah, in the sense that the new owner wanted a team that "he put together", meaning everyone is up for trade, but wants the team to still be a top 5 team in the conference on his own accord.

No Evans!

05-09-2014, 12:58 PM

Fix the Hawks....if you trade Al, we're fighting

D-FENS

05-09-2014, 01:04 PM

Fix the Hawks....if you trade Al, we're fighting

Al Horford is Mike B's new Tim Duncan-lite. He's not getting traded. I think they'd be interested in Asik and upgrading the wings.

Droid101

05-09-2014, 01:17 PM

Not one request for the Lakers? I think they need to have a complex plan in place starting this year.

SwishSquared

05-09-2014, 01:19 PM

The Bulls can't afford Mirotic and Stephenson. Both are going to want about $8 - $10 million annually each. Also, Napier is going to bust badly - he's Bayless 2.0
I had a feeling Bayless would do next to nothing after he declared for draft. Agreed on he was a big bust, but I don't feel the same about Napier. I think Napier can make it as a scoring punch off the bench. I think he can work for just this team, as I had it constructed. You're asking him to play at most 18 mpg if Rose is healthy. Bayless had more pressure too imo considering his draft position and the team around him. Thibs made DJ Augustine look great this year after Indy & Toronto bailed on him. He can make Napier work.

As far as available $ for FA, if the cap is at ~$63M, then Chicago has ~$12.2M in cap space. They can trade Dunleavy for a 2nd rounder to a contender to get some extra space (Would get them to $15.2M in cap space). I think Lance's value is wayyy down from what it was before ASG. Reports then were saying he was looking for $9-11M/yr and I think he's getting about $8M/yr unless he goes crazy the rest of the playoffs (still possible, but he's lost some guaranteed $ in my eyes).
http://probasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/04/24/how-much-would-you-pay-lance-stephenson-in-free-agency-this-summer/

If they dump Dunleavy, they can give each guy $7.6M starting next year (Lance with 4.5% annual raise and Mirotic with 7.5% annual raise). They can put incentives for Stephenson (All-Defense, All-Star, make Finals, win Finals, etc.) that do not get factored into base annual pay but can boost his overall per season earnings. Noah winning DPOY gave him a bonus that was in his contract and he would have gotten another bonus had CHI advanced to Finals. These bonuses contribute toward luxury tax payments, which is an issue with the Bulls' owner, but it can be managed, especially now the luxury tax is set at $77M for next year. If they can't get Stephenson, just sign Mirotic and use the extra space to sign 1-year treading water guys (gulp...Nick Young...gulp)

D-FENS

05-09-2014, 01:32 PM

I had a feeling Bayless would do next to nothing after he declared for draft. Agreed on he was a big bust, but I don't feel the same about Napier. I think Napier can make it as a scoring punch off the bench. I think he can work for just this team, as I had it constructed. You're asking him to play at most 18 mpg if Rose is healthy. Bayless had more pressure too imo considering his draft position and the team around him. Thibs made DJ Augustine look great this year after Indy & Toronto bailed on him. He can make Napier work.

As far as available $ for FA, if the cap is at ~$63M, then Chicago has ~$12.2M in cap space. They can trade Dunleavy for a 2nd rounder to a contender to get some extra space (Would get them to $15.2M in cap space). I think Lance's value is wayyy down from what it was before ASG. Reports then were saying he was looking for $9-11M/yr and I think he's getting about $8M/yr unless he goes crazy the rest of the playoffs (still possible, but he's lost some guaranteed $ in my eyes).
http://probasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/04/24/how-much-would-you-pay-lance-stephenson-in-free-agency-this-summer/

If they dump Dunleavy, they can give each guy $7.6M starting next year (Lance with 4.5% annual raise and Mirotic with 7.5% annual raise). They can put incentives for Stephenson (All-Defense, All-Star, make Finals, win Finals, etc.) that do not get factored into base annual pay but can boost his overall per season earnings. Noah winning DPOY gave him a bonus that was in his contract and he would have gotten another bonus had CHI advanced to Finals. These bonuses contribute toward luxury tax payments, which is an issue with the Bulls' owner, but it can be managed, especially now the luxury tax is set at $77M for next year. If they can't get Stephenson, just sign Mirotic and use the extra space to sign 1-year treading water guys (gulp...Nick Young...gulp)

You also have cap holds and and dratf picks to consider before looking at a final cap number. Stephenson respects Bird too much to leave anyway.

Captain Clutch

05-09-2014, 01:40 PM

Some great analysis. Will rep when I can :cheers:

Dro

05-09-2014, 01:43 PM

Julius Randle or Noah Vonleh? Then there's a gap at SF if George was to be traded, but Evan Turner could fill it and play point forward. Lots of ways to go, but only if the Wiz beat their asses.
I would love Julius Randle:cheers:

SwishSquared

05-09-2014, 01:52 PM

You also have cap holds and and dratf picks to consider before looking at a final cap number. Stephenson respects Bird too much to leave anyway.
I crunched the numbers while looking at their cap sheet for next season and considered all of this. They also signed guys to non-guaranteed deals next year simply for purposes of trades. If they can't swing a trade for first-tier star using these guys as filler (essentially for Love or Melo), CHI can use them in a sign-and-trade for Lance or they can waive these guys (I did not factor their salaries into cap space calculations b/c they can be waived w/o penalty at any time. Waiving them induces minimum cap holds though). If they do all this wiggling, they can get Mirotic and Lance closer to $8M next year, I believe. Lance respects Bird greatly, but he was reported to have real interest in Chicago earlier this year. He wants to get paid and Chicago has a better cap situation than Indiana. Plus, there's a LOT less drama in Chicago than Indy at this point

EDIT: If Chicago can use those non-guaranteed deals in a sign-and-trade for Lance, then Dunleavy can stay and Chicago would have 3 point shooting at all bench positions besides Center.

Great thread though! I'm going to look at other scenarios you came up with and give feedback. Thanks for doing all this work!
:cheers:

D-FENS

05-09-2014, 01:56 PM

I crunched the numbers while looking at their cap sheet for next season and considered all of this. They also signed guys to non-guaranteed deals next year simply for purposes of trades. If they can't swing a trade for first-tier star using these guys as filler (essentially for Love or Melo), CHI can use them in a sign-and-trade for Lance or they can waive these guys (I did not factor their salaries into cap space calculations b/c they can be waived w/o penalty at any time. Waiving them induces minimum cap holds though). If they do all this wiggling, they can get Mirotic and Lance closer to $8M next year, I believe. Lance respects Bird greatly, but he was reported to have real interest in Chicago earlier this year. He wants to get paid and Chicago has a better cap situation than Indiana. Plus, there's a LOT less drama in Chicago than Indy at this point

Great thread though! I'm going to look at other scenarios you came up with and give feedback. Thanks for doing all this work!
:cheers:

The other option is Melo, but he's a long shot. I wonder if they've though about putting a package together for Love?

Dro

05-09-2014, 02:03 PM

The other option is Melo, but he's a long shot. I wonder if they've though about putting a package together for Love?
Love would be GREAT for that team....

SwishSquared

05-09-2014, 02:07 PM

The other option is Melo, but he's a long shot. I wonder if they've though about putting a package together for Love?
In an earlier post I mentioned a potential package for Love. He mentioned he'd like to play in Chicago and they could desperately use a second star scorer when Rose plays, especially at a big man spot.

Trade:
http://espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=lm7m5ps

Chicago also sends 2014 Charlotte pick, future 1st round Chicago pick (top 15 protected 2015, top 8 protected 2016, top 5 protected 2017), & rights to Mirotic. Throw in 2015 and 2016 second round picks, and that might be best haul Minnesota gets other than from Boston. Chicago can offer another future first, but I'd hesitate if I were the Bulls FO to get too crazy. They could potentially land him as a FA in summer 2015 anyway.

D-FENS

05-09-2014, 02:11 PM

In an earlier post I mentioned a potential package for Love. He mentioned he'd like to play in Chicago and they could desperately use a second star scorer when Rose plays, especially at a big man spot.

Trade:
http://espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=lm7m5ps

Chicago also sends 2014 Charlotte pick, future 1st round Chicago pick (top 15 protected 2015, top 8 protected 2016, top 5 protected 2017), & rights to Mirotic. Throw in 2015 and 2016 second round picks, and that might be best haul Minnesota gets other than from Boston. Chicago can offer another future first, but I'd hesitate if I were the Bulls FO to get too crazy. They could potentially land him as a FA in summer 2015 anyway.

I think it'd be doable for Minny if they were getting a lottery pick this year, because they have to take on all that Booze salary. Otherwise it looks pretty good. All the picks being conveyed though will be late 20's.

I think Boston could outbid, but they don't have the supporting pieces. Love's best beat other than Chicago is to go straight to LA in free agency

SwishSquared

05-09-2014, 02:24 PM

I think it'd be doable for Minny if they were getting a lottery pick this year, because they have to take on all that Booze salary. Otherwise it looks pretty good. All the picks being conveyed though will be late 20's.

I think Boston could outbid, but they don't have the supporting pieces. Love's best beat other than Chicago is to go straight to LA in free agency
Boozer is an expiring contract at least though. If Minny deals Love, I say they offer Pek to Thunder for Perkins (expiring) + PJ3 + this year's #21 and truly blow it up. Charlotte's pick is #16, so it's mid range. CHI could sweeten a Love deal with this year's #19 too, I suppose.

Boston doesn't have a young player as established as Mirotic, but they'd offer this year's lotto pick + a future Boston pick + at least 1 future Brooklyn first rounder + http://espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=mb7va6b.

EDIT: With BOS trade, Minny at least is just getting expiring deals and a couple young pieces and nice draft picks, with at least 1 guaranteed to be lotto (BOS 2014) and Brookyln picks should be good 3 years from now

They could then offer the Philly pick + Bogans non-guaranteed deal to HOU for Asik. That'd be an interesting team in the East at least. Could offer 2015 Clippers pick + Bradley S&T to Jazz for Hayward (although that's kinda low ball offer). Use this year's Brooklyn pick to get a shooting wing to come off the bench. Maybe use an exception to sign Mills from SAS.
Rondo-Hayward-Green-Love-Asik
Mills-Young/Stauskas-Wallace-KO-Faverani

Demitri98

05-09-2014, 02:52 PM

Rondo-Hayward-Green-Love-Asik
Mills-Young/Stauskas-Wallace-KO-Faverani
That is a championship caliber roster.

kshutts1

05-11-2014, 11:11 AM

I agree with your assessment- Bulls have to get more options offensively, especially play-makers. I disagree about giving up Butler though- he's one of the better 3&D guys in the league and he's very versatile defensively.
Knew this was not backed by stats, so I had to look it up... Butler shot 28% on 3 this past season. He may be one of the better D players, but don't put "3" in that title. Stephenson is a significantly better shooter, creater, passer, and still a good defender in his own right.

Stephenson is just flat-out the better player, but I think perceptions are skewed, and most view Butler as the better player. Hence why I think Indiana may go for it.

SwishSquared

05-11-2014, 03:59 PM

Knew this was not backed by stats, so I had to look it up... Butler shot 28% on 3 this past season. He may be one of the better D players, but don't put "3" in that title. Stephenson is a significantly better shooter, creater, passer, and still a good defender in his own right.

Stephenson is just flat-out the better player, but I think perceptions are skewed, and most view Butler as the better player. Hence why I think Indiana may go for it.
He shot poorly when there was not a star player for him to feed off on offense. Noah did a heck of a job in Rose's absence, but don't think he's not capable of knocking down open 3s. Your past post stated you'd like Hayward as a Bull, but he shot only 30% from deep this past year. Plus, Butler's contract for next season provides great value b/c he's on a rookie deal. Chicago can sign Stephenson out-right- there's no need to give up a valuable young piece that's a perfect role player. I never said Butler was better than Stephenson. I actually said that Chicago, if it wants Stephenson, to play both him and Butler together on the wing. If Indy was losing Stephenson to UFA, they'd jump at a sign-and-trade scenario giving them Butler and a draft pick, as you proposed.