Just sayin, everybody had Dwight/Pau/Kobe/Nash meeting Miami in the Finals in 2012 after these moves were made. And that was the backup plan after the league fucked them over with CP3
Not a single Deng/LAL rumor before this signing, so tight-lipped/under the radar Mitch does it again. Smh Deng works, was in most everybody's Top 20 free agents available before FA kicked off, accomplished player, another 15PER guy like Mozgov, still a solid 2 way/3 and D guy at both forward spots. Former Dukie, can mentor Dukie Ingram for 2 or 3 years, or until some team comes calling for him in a trade. Luke said he valued long, versatile guys who can defend multiple positions and Deng has certainly been one of the better options in that area in his era. He probably starts over 18yr old Ingram to start out, but there will be plenty of minutes for Ingram either way and that's really all that matters Mozgov/Black/Zubac Randle/Nance Deng/Ingram/Young JC/Lou/Brown DLo/Huertas 13 total under contract, could carry 14, at least 8 players locked into the rotation at this point, so the 14th guy could be an undrafted guy like Zach Auguste, FA could be a wrap for LAL at this point. Or maybe they deal Lou or waive Young and open up another spot. If they do add another FA, going by the streak of Mitch not inking anybody in rumors I'd say maybe Afflalo is an under the radar guy, or perhaps bring one of Brandon Bass or Jordan Hill back, or maybe Mo Speights. Saw Tyler Zeller in some rumors, so at this point I don't trust it.
Don't mind this one based on his career production, veteran leadership and what is currently available. Good move.
I was actually going to bring this up, adding a player like Deng (decent, albeit declining, unspectacular) and development by young players (specifically Russell, Ingram, maybe Randle too) might make them good enough to drop their pick from the Top 3, BKN is certainly worse, Philly remains to be seen. Not to mention the $35M+ they will have tied up in Deng and Mozgov in years 3 and 4.
Just by virtue of the youngsters getting better along with adding Ingram and subtracting old man Kobe I'd say +7 wins off last year's total, they played teams tighter than I hoped in the 2nd half of last year when they opened the offense up. +3 wins on Luke/Shaw +3 wins on Deng/Mozgov Also considering some in the west like Houston and Dallas are taking a step back as well Way too early because who knows who gets injured between now and then, but tossing that out, around 30 wins for LAL next year and more competitive games. So pretty much where Minnesota was this past season, need to do whatever it takes to stay hot on Minnesota's heels in regards to winning experience, easily the biggest future threat to LAL.
Reports that LAL still has interest in Ryan Anderson, so they may not be done. Doubt they get him, but perhaps somebody else who's under the radar in the works, maybe one of those players I listed above
always liked Deng and from all accounts he's a solid citizen he's going to play defense and thats a good thing kiss our draft picks goodbye
Nah, I'd bet Ingram (maybe initially) or Clarkson end up being the sixth man. Ingram could start that the 2 maybe. I like the idea of Clarkson leading our bench
They have about 8MM left before they hit the cap floor, which could be used to lock in Black and/or Huertas on say 2yr commitments if need be, that's what I mean. Already committed to 13 players
Adrian Wojnarowski @WojVerticalNBA 3m3 minutes ago Arron Afflalo has agreed to a two-year, $25M deal with the Kings, league source tells @TheVertical.
Deng is a solid addition. Surprised he wasn't ring chasing. Another overpay where the years hurt more than the cash but he's someone we badly needed. By all accounts he's a good dude too.
All quiet on the Rondo watch. Signing him would be seen as a risk from the outside, but he's already been mentoring DLo, both being from Louisville and DLo loves him/looks up to him. The deal about him not being easy to coach would come up quickly, but in this instance he could actually help Luke get through to DLo. His usage rate is down and his 3pt % is up to about 37%, so he's adapting and becoming more off-ball oriented, but still cold enough to lead the league in assists and definitely back to 100% physically so the defense is there. Personally, I'd love it. Waive Young and bring back MWP to patrol the locker room just in case Rondo does end up doing somethin, but between cool guys like Luke/Shaw/MWP I don't think there would be many issues. As far as taking the ball out of DLo's hands some, he needs that, needs to continue to develop in that area so he doesn't become the next Harden just dribbling around non-stop, help him to continue to develop a varying attack offensively
Me neither, just saying it's an option to get them to the floor if they don't like the options left from the outside
NBA Quick Report™ @NBAquickreport 3m3 minutes ago The Orlando Magic and Bismack Biyombo have reportedly agreed to a 4 YR / $70 million deal. Not much more than Mozgov, yet supposedly " way better "
Rondo is intriguing since our gaurd defense seems to be our biggest problem now. But i doubt he would be interested as he could probably find more playing time elsewhere. With dlo, clarkson, and lou, it would be difficult seeing him getting more than 20 minutes. (unless lou is dumped?) Was hoping there was a way we could've grabbed payton II
Ok now that straight up pisses me off. Biyombo is way better. Certainly when considering the age difference.
I like Biyombo, but he's not that good. About to be on his 3rd team in 3 years Toronto put the peace sign up
