I'd like to give Thibs and Randle the benefit of the doubt and have. It has been hard to watch people just bash them and in general the best players on the knicks over the years in favor of wishful thinking. That being said, Julius is really having a tough year and there have been some real bright spots lately but this was not one of them. Reminded me of the bad knicks when melo would just get the ball at the end and they would never win. It might be a good idea to give JR a couple games off. He looks cooked. On the positive as JMacri said, IQ is looking good again, Mitch and Sims are coming along. We don't have all-stars in the making on the bench (yet) but they are all looking improved so that's nice. It's a tough situation to be in, but it was very nice to watch the young guys out there playing their asses off on defense and sticking with the Jazz.
So, as expected, the possibility of a Donovan Mitchell trade came up in the post game.
I agree with you that it's highly unlikely.
However.
If the Jazz underperform and Donovan is unhappy, what I think is highly likely is a Gobert trade.
Have you guys already plotted out the possibilities of that?
For example: Randle + Mitch + ? FOR Gobert (this is a scenario where Randle would get to and have to fall in line to improve his habits, his game and his "brand" in a market and a team that has a defined hierarchy and mission, and would give him a much more defined role. He would know this was his last chance to do so.)
I already heard in a Simmons-Lowe pod that Atlanta would also be bidding for him in a Gobert-trade scenario. I wonder who would have the stronger package.
It's a great Q (and thanks as always for the kind words). I'll address it at some point, but my confusion lies here: if Mitchell is NY's No. 1 trade target (and I think he is), getting Gobert basically guarantees you don't get him, and also blocks Trade Target No. 2: Zion.
To paraphrase something you've said many a time, just b/c they want to trade for Donovan Mitchell, doesn't mean they will get to trade for him.
What about Utah's management tells us they would ever let that happen before exhausting every other option first? Here's the evidence as I see it:
- Got one of Mitchell's mentors, D. Wade, as a part owner
- Boosted front office with Danny Ainge, who isn't there to help rebuild and draft, but rather to find trades and players that fit
- They're a small market team that discovered Donovan, moved up to get him, and know that they have little hope of replacing him
- If they ever suspect he's losing faith in the team as constructed, they would likely move heaven and earth to change that team - and their biggest trade piece is Gobert
- And they still have a championship window in a Western conference that is more up for grabs now than it has been in a long time
This is all speculation, but why not speculate on what's actually likely is my point. Also, with Thibs sticking around, can you think of how badly he would lobby to get Gobert if he was suddenly being made available?
None of this fixes the PG/lead guard problem, but I think the bigger problem that needs addressing this offseason is separating Thibs and Randle. They're just bad for each other at this point, like a terrible couple who unknowingly enable each others worst tendencies.
A bit of a ramble, but wanted to make sure I got the point across that Donovan isn't likely to get moved any time soon (unless there's something we/I don't know)
P.S. - Re: Zion, there are so many variables and factors and moving pieces in a potential Zion trade, it feels like a fool's errand to think about it right now IMO
Unfortunately, every indication is that Redacted and Thibs will be back next year. No, I don't like it.
On the bright side, Fournier is now #5 in the NBA in 3's made, shooting a higher % than Steph. Fair to say he has outperformed Duncan Robinson this year? Emerging as a slightly positive (or worst case neutral) trade asset??
For all the front office criticism, the light at the end of the tunnel is that last year's offseason was only a 2-year plan. It was a 2-year plan since everyone agreed there were no stars available in free agency this year. Since we have no cap space this year, above all costs we have to avoid panic trades or extensions that will clog 2023 cap space unless it gets us an actual star. So long as we do no harm, worst case scenario is that we will have a lottery pick this year and next year + the Dallas pick and a new coach for 2023-2024. RJ and the kids should continue to improve and we can have a real young core that is competitive.
If we can get off Fournier's contract and not commit to real money this summer, we will have a lot of cap space in 2023. Mitch performance vs. Gobert today was disappointing. Not sure we want to clog the cap with a Mitch extension when we have Sims who can give us 80% of what Mitch does.
Two trade scenarios: I was thinking about Fournier and the Dallas pick for Myles Turner who is expiring. Or, since Detroit supposedly wants Mitch, can we work with them to trade Fournier for Kelly Olynyk and maybe two second round picks and let them have Mitch?
Turner or Olynyk would provide spacing for Randle and RJ at a manageable cost. Turner is better and is an expiring but we would need to give up a draft asset. He seems to work out with Julius in the offseason. Olynyk is not as good but is cheaper and we probably wouldn't need to give up any draft capital.
We should take our lumps with IQ as point guard next year. He can be backed up by Burks, Rose, Fournier and Deuce. Brunson is nice but is not a star. He is going to be a multiyear contract at or above the Fournier level. He would not be worth it.
I 100% think Turner can and should be on their radar this summer, and there are a few different ways I can think of to try and get him. I don't think the Dallas pick will be enough, but I'd love to be wrong. I would also love to give IQ the reigns next year and let him take lumps, although I doubt that will happen. I hear you on Brunson; he's not a star. But he's super efficient and I don't expect that to change. Like Fournier, ideal 6th man on a great team.
I’m a Thibs supporter absolutely. I think he knows what he’s doing. Tanking without tanking. Putting Randle in position to lose. Whether subliminal or not, the end result result will be the same.
I can't decide if I dislike Thibs and Randle or just dislike Randle. Hand on heart, I probably dislike both. Randle is a sour, mopey, ball hog who is lazy on defense and is a poor mid-range shooter and yet that is his preferred shot. Thibs clearly has two sets of rules, one for the team and one for Randle. And worse, he keeps saying the same thing "players earn playing time." Well not Randle. Coach, you keep handing him minutes even if it is detrimental to the team.
It feels like the future is dim because we know Thibs is coming back and it is hard to figure out what team would take Randle, if the Knicks were even so inclined. Of course if Wall can be traded anyone can but it will mean giving up picks.
I'd like this to be RJ's team. Kid plays hard every night, win or lose, shooting well or not. RJ gives 100% on both sides of the court. The question is can the Knicks be RJ's team if Randle is still around? I doubt it, which is just another of about 50 reasons why Randle must go.
I'd like to give Thibs and Randle the benefit of the doubt and have. It has been hard to watch people just bash them and in general the best players on the knicks over the years in favor of wishful thinking. That being said, Julius is really having a tough year and there have been some real bright spots lately but this was not one of them. Reminded me of the bad knicks when melo would just get the ball at the end and they would never win. It might be a good idea to give JR a couple games off. He looks cooked. On the positive as JMacri said, IQ is looking good again, Mitch and Sims are coming along. We don't have all-stars in the making on the bench (yet) but they are all looking improved so that's nice. It's a tough situation to be in, but it was very nice to watch the young guys out there playing their asses off on defense and sticking with the Jazz.
Well said David, as usual.
Thank you, again, for the content.
So, as expected, the possibility of a Donovan Mitchell trade came up in the post game.
I agree with you that it's highly unlikely.
However.
If the Jazz underperform and Donovan is unhappy, what I think is highly likely is a Gobert trade.
Have you guys already plotted out the possibilities of that?
For example: Randle + Mitch + ? FOR Gobert (this is a scenario where Randle would get to and have to fall in line to improve his habits, his game and his "brand" in a market and a team that has a defined hierarchy and mission, and would give him a much more defined role. He would know this was his last chance to do so.)
I already heard in a Simmons-Lowe pod that Atlanta would also be bidding for him in a Gobert-trade scenario. I wonder who would have the stronger package.
Welcome your thoughts.
~Q
It's a great Q (and thanks as always for the kind words). I'll address it at some point, but my confusion lies here: if Mitchell is NY's No. 1 trade target (and I think he is), getting Gobert basically guarantees you don't get him, and also blocks Trade Target No. 2: Zion.
To paraphrase something you've said many a time, just b/c they want to trade for Donovan Mitchell, doesn't mean they will get to trade for him.
What about Utah's management tells us they would ever let that happen before exhausting every other option first? Here's the evidence as I see it:
- Got one of Mitchell's mentors, D. Wade, as a part owner
- Boosted front office with Danny Ainge, who isn't there to help rebuild and draft, but rather to find trades and players that fit
- They're a small market team that discovered Donovan, moved up to get him, and know that they have little hope of replacing him
- If they ever suspect he's losing faith in the team as constructed, they would likely move heaven and earth to change that team - and their biggest trade piece is Gobert
- And they still have a championship window in a Western conference that is more up for grabs now than it has been in a long time
This is all speculation, but why not speculate on what's actually likely is my point. Also, with Thibs sticking around, can you think of how badly he would lobby to get Gobert if he was suddenly being made available?
None of this fixes the PG/lead guard problem, but I think the bigger problem that needs addressing this offseason is separating Thibs and Randle. They're just bad for each other at this point, like a terrible couple who unknowingly enable each others worst tendencies.
A bit of a ramble, but wanted to make sure I got the point across that Donovan isn't likely to get moved any time soon (unless there's something we/I don't know)
P.S. - Re: Zion, there are so many variables and factors and moving pieces in a potential Zion trade, it feels like a fool's errand to think about it right now IMO
I think I'm going to have to take a look at the possibility of a Gobert trade at some point. You raise some really good points (as usual)
Unfortunately, every indication is that Redacted and Thibs will be back next year. No, I don't like it.
On the bright side, Fournier is now #5 in the NBA in 3's made, shooting a higher % than Steph. Fair to say he has outperformed Duncan Robinson this year? Emerging as a slightly positive (or worst case neutral) trade asset??
For all the front office criticism, the light at the end of the tunnel is that last year's offseason was only a 2-year plan. It was a 2-year plan since everyone agreed there were no stars available in free agency this year. Since we have no cap space this year, above all costs we have to avoid panic trades or extensions that will clog 2023 cap space unless it gets us an actual star. So long as we do no harm, worst case scenario is that we will have a lottery pick this year and next year + the Dallas pick and a new coach for 2023-2024. RJ and the kids should continue to improve and we can have a real young core that is competitive.
If we can get off Fournier's contract and not commit to real money this summer, we will have a lot of cap space in 2023. Mitch performance vs. Gobert today was disappointing. Not sure we want to clog the cap with a Mitch extension when we have Sims who can give us 80% of what Mitch does.
Two trade scenarios: I was thinking about Fournier and the Dallas pick for Myles Turner who is expiring. Or, since Detroit supposedly wants Mitch, can we work with them to trade Fournier for Kelly Olynyk and maybe two second round picks and let them have Mitch?
Turner or Olynyk would provide spacing for Randle and RJ at a manageable cost. Turner is better and is an expiring but we would need to give up a draft asset. He seems to work out with Julius in the offseason. Olynyk is not as good but is cheaper and we probably wouldn't need to give up any draft capital.
We should take our lumps with IQ as point guard next year. He can be backed up by Burks, Rose, Fournier and Deuce. Brunson is nice but is not a star. He is going to be a multiyear contract at or above the Fournier level. He would not be worth it.
I 100% think Turner can and should be on their radar this summer, and there are a few different ways I can think of to try and get him. I don't think the Dallas pick will be enough, but I'd love to be wrong. I would also love to give IQ the reigns next year and let him take lumps, although I doubt that will happen. I hear you on Brunson; he's not a star. But he's super efficient and I don't expect that to change. Like Fournier, ideal 6th man on a great team.
I’m a Thibs supporter absolutely. I think he knows what he’s doing. Tanking without tanking. Putting Randle in position to lose. Whether subliminal or not, the end result result will be the same.
I can't decide if I dislike Thibs and Randle or just dislike Randle. Hand on heart, I probably dislike both. Randle is a sour, mopey, ball hog who is lazy on defense and is a poor mid-range shooter and yet that is his preferred shot. Thibs clearly has two sets of rules, one for the team and one for Randle. And worse, he keeps saying the same thing "players earn playing time." Well not Randle. Coach, you keep handing him minutes even if it is detrimental to the team.
It feels like the future is dim because we know Thibs is coming back and it is hard to figure out what team would take Randle, if the Knicks were even so inclined. Of course if Wall can be traded anyone can but it will mean giving up picks.
I'd like this to be RJ's team. Kid plays hard every night, win or lose, shooting well or not. RJ gives 100% on both sides of the court. The question is can the Knicks be RJ's team if Randle is still around? I doubt it, which is just another of about 50 reasons why Randle must go.