Post by mike on Jan 28, 2024 12:32:39 GMT -8
1. The most anticipated offseason has come and gone. FA was loaded. Theresa draft was loaded. What was your overall thoughts? Was the offseason as fun as anticipated?
Eddy: Nah I struck out in fa which was ass. Rip is the goat tho
Andy: Sort of. I mean it looked like it could be fun but what truly happened? Without doing any real research, trades were the best part of it. FA was whatever as most guys stayed. Draft was fine. Not having a clear 1 did make it more interesting and the bottom part of the lotto was interesting in that we had a group of guys that could go in different places. I can see this offseason being just as fun, if not more. That's for a future article though.
Habes: Habes: Just about. We finally saw major moves. Obviously the top of the league is the same with Mavs miles ahead of anyone else but it was a fun offseason and good to see some ACTION.
2. With that said, which was your favorite move a team made this offseason? Which was your least favorite?
Eddy: Heat got sjax and rip for Zo. Good trade
Andy: I liked the Nuggets going for it. Interested in seeing how they fill out the rest of that roster. I hated the Brand move. I get the idea of moving up to get your guy but Brand's stock was kind of dead at that point. I think he would've been available at 3 anyway. It seemed like the consensus was AK, BD, Manu in some order for top 3.
Habes: Habes: I liked the Zo deal for both teams. Loved the Jim Mac signing for Orlando. Sargo did some good stuff on draft day. Dejan signing was meh. Brand pick was bad. Pig signing Kenny Anderson was bad for me.
3. Looking back on the draft, there was no clear cut #1. With us having the luxury of seeing TC and Pre, re-rank the top five prospects.
Eddy: Rip
Manu
Ak
Artest
Brand
Andy: Manu, BD, AK, Artest, Maggette. Should RIP be here? Prob. Do I care? Nope. Maggette is going to be really good. Let me live.
Habes: Habes: AK, Manu, Baron, Artest, Rip.
4. What are you thoughts on no CY? I’m technically entering my CY. Usually, I’d be gutting the youth for old bogeys just to stay alive. Now, I have the leeway to try and develop this youth more and not rush. Despite that, I am not crazy about the no CY and think we need to bring it back. I feel like it’s hurting me. What are your thoughts?
Eddy: Not enough GMs for a contract year so probably right decision
Andy: feel like we could use some middle group. A CY where you aren't fired but you also don't get to just tank and land top pick after top pick. Like, we currently have the Suns open and I'm not sure what the options are for replacement. We'd eventually likely get to the point where we are just playing musical chairs as GM's move from one place to another.
Habes: Habes: It’s frustrating to not have a CY because there’s no pressure on passive GMs or youth obsessed guys to change modes. But I don’t really care—league’s great and will be fine with or without a CY. I do think it’s hurting you but you just need to decide to try to win.
5. Take a look at the pathetic hornets roster. Give your honest assessment of this squad.
Eddy: Team is ass but has some nice youth.
Andy: Team is fine. JO looks good. Artest wasn't going to come in and play great. He was going to take a bit. Getting a SG shouldn't be hard. Getting that other starting big is the main problem IMO. Raef might not be it. Not a big fan of Francis but he, like Artest, likely will take him overall. His preseason wasn't bad at all.
Habes: Habes: I like Artest. JO’s handles and midrange put me off him, but he could become great if he has big potential left. Not sure if Raef is camped but he’s a nice third big at worst. Hughes is a solid prospect. Francis I’d guess ends up at shooting guard, but he’s pretty nice too. Obviously the picks are great. Can’t say I love the core but you have more than enough pieces to build a contender.
6. Let’s continue talking about me and my team. What would you do with my roster? Trade everyone? Develop some guys and run a balanced offense? Trade for all vets?
Eddy: Stop making trades and build patiently. Could of had mcdyess and JO locked up
Andy: Might as well tank one more year at this point. I can see the Hornets making the playoffs with some trades but I'm not sure who is available currently? Maybe a Mookie at PG? The biggest issue is upfront.
Habes: Habes: It’s year four so hate to see a great GM tank again. But the offseason came and went so I don’t really feel like the deals are there. Guess you play this season out and then make the moves next season, but seems like you should’ve been the favorite to get guys like Zo, DRob, etc.
7. The East looks extremely weak. It’s Bucks and … maybe Wizards, Hawks, Philly. Which team in the East has a chance to surprise people and make some noise?
Eddy: Bucks will run the table
Andy: I want to say Raptors. They need a SG. They are in a bit of a rough salary spot though. If I'm them, I try to go hard the next 2 seasons, while Duncan is on his rookie deal. After that, see how you can dump some salary. They have 2 dudes on a max (or close to it) that shouldn't be IMO. Still, find a solid 2 and go for it.
Habes: Habes: I think the Wiz or Nets. Bradley was a great addition for the Wiz obv. Nets have a classic Greeme squad. Don’t think they have enough firepower but they could win the East.
8. How about the West? Who will surprise people?
Eddy: Idk probably the spurs or mavs come out of the west
Andy: Does OKC count as a surprise? I'll go them if they do. They have a really good team, just need a starting PG. If they don't count then maybe Jazz. I can see them playing better this year, especially with a full season of Barkley. Again, they can use a better PG.
Habes: West should be really solid. I’m winning it though.
9. Let’s change gears. NFL talk. If youre the Bears, what do you do? Keep Fields and trade #1? Take Caleb and deal Fields? Walk me through your plan and who’d you take with their picks.
Eddy: Idk I like Fields but Caleb seems generational. Who knows. Probably take Harrison and bowers and keep fields
Andy: idk. I guess take Caleb, reset the QB clock and build again. tbh I'm not up on the Bears situation as is.
Habes: I like Fields a lot and the Bears D is nasty. They seem like a 10 win team next season if they just draft around Fields. But I’m guessing they deal him and draft Caleb, and if his upside is as a top five QB, can’t really argue with that.
nybombers3 habes
Thanks KD for the insightful, in depth answers.
