Now what?

[DevinHarriswillstart]

Bullock and DFS easily covered up the defensive shortcomings of Brunson and Luka...well until those two were super fatigued at the end. But overall, it's really not a big issue. Luka just needs to work on D and be in shape come camp time.

The starting lineup next season is Luka, Brunson, Bullock, DFS, and Powell replacement. You can conjure up all the scenarios you want, but unless Brunson leaves, then that is the lineup. And it got us to the WCF, so results talk and BS walks.

And if you pass on Kessler in the draft because he isn't the next Wilt Chamberlain, then I'm glad you aren't a GM. We don't need a superstar center. Kessler is miles better than Powell talent-wise. My knock on Kessler is that he isn't a great rebounder, but the shot blocking alone is worth the pick. 7'1 guys that block 4 shots a game don't grow on trees.

Problem is there aren't many great center options this summer in the draft or FA. You can try through trade, but it'll cost you an arm and a leg for Myles Turner.

[SMC0007]

Originally Posted by DevinHarriswillstart

Bullock and DFS easily covered up the defensive shortcomings of Brunson and Luka...well until those two were super fatigued at the end. But overall, it's really not a big issue. Luka just needs to work on D and be in shape come camp time.

The starting lineup next season is Luka, Brunson, Bullock, DFS, and Powell replacement. You can conjure up all the scenarios you want, but unless Brunson leaves, then that is the lineup. And it got us to the WCF, so results talk and BS walks.

And if you pass on Kessler in the draft because he isn't the next Wilt Chamberlain, then I'm glad you aren't a GM. We don't need a superstar center. Kessler is miles better than Powell talent-wise. My knock on Kessler is that he isn't a great rebounder, but the shot blocking alone is worth the pick. 7'1 guys that block 4 shots a game don't grow on trees.

Problem is there aren't many great center options this summer in the draft or FA. You can try through trade, but it'll cost you an arm and a leg for Myles Turner.

Dfs and Bullock are fine, but we still have the glaring weakness that they can NOT dribble. They can't create anything, at all. It's cool that we have decent wing defenders but we need more from those 2 positions.

[DevinHarriswillstart]

Originally Posted by SMC0007

Dfs and Bullock are fine, but we still have the glaring weakness that they can NOT dribble. They can't create anything, at all. It's cool that we have decent wing defenders but we need more from those 2 positions.

Brunson and Dinwiddie fill that role, but I'm fine with drafting or adding another ball handling wing. I don't think that's what some people are talking about though.

I just can't see any left field swings after the KP trade and WCF showing. I don't think it's healthy for the roster to do that either. Our team chemistry is a 10, and that's why you see reports of Pinson and Boban staying.

What won't be acceptable is keeping Powell as the starter, but I'm convinced they know better now. Dear lord, let's hope so...

[SMC0007]

Originally Posted by DevinHarriswillstart

Brunson and Dinwiddie fill that role, but I'm fine with drafting or adding another ball handling wing. I don't think that's what some people are talking about though.

I just can't see any left field swings after the KP trade and WCF showing. I don't think it's healthy for the roster to do that either. Our team chemistry is a 10, and that's why you see reports of Pinson and Boban staying.

What won't be acceptable is keeping Powell as the starter, but I'm convinced they know better now. Dear lord, let's hope so...

JB and SD don't fill that role because they aren't both starters who also play defense. You get 2 guys who can't really defend but are multi-tool offensive players, Or you have 2 guys who are decent defensive players but can't do anything aside from catch and shoot.

I agree that DP as a starter is obviously a huge void but imo, core or not, it's a mistake to not pursue moving some pieces around to get a 2 way wing and a center. I'm not saying it's easy or even going to happen but I don't believe you can squeeze much more out of this team build if you just add a solid center.

[purplefrog]

Originally Posted by DevinHarriswillstart

Bullock and DFS easily covered up the defensive shortcomings of Brunson and Luka...well until those two were super fatigued at the end. But overall, it's really not a big issue. Luka just needs to work on D and be in shape come camp time.

The starting lineup next season is Luka, Brunson, Bullock, DFS, and Powell replacement. You can conjure up all the scenarios you want, but unless Brunson leaves, then that is the lineup. And it got us to the WCF, so results talk and BS walks.

And if you pass on Kessler in the draft because he isn't the next Wilt Chamberlain, then I'm glad you aren't a GM. We don't need a superstar center. Kessler is miles better than Powell talent-wise. My knock on Kessler is that he isn't a great rebounder, but the shot blocking alone is worth the pick. 7'1 guys that block 4 shots a game don't grow on trees.

Problem is there aren't many great center options this summer in the draft or FA. You can try through trade, but it'll cost you an arm and a leg for Myles Turner.

If Kessler and Liddell are available I would probably go with Liddell. But, I wouldn't be unhappy with Kessler.

[tap2390]

Dinwiddie, Kleber, #26

for

OG Anunoby & Khem Birch

[saclare]

Originally Posted by tap2390

Dinwiddie, Kleber, #26

for

OG Anunoby & Khem Birch

Toronto says no, I'd think.

[BigDog63]

Originally Posted by DevinHarriswillstart

Bullock and DFS easily covered up the defensive shortcomings of Brunson and Luka...well until those two were super fatigued at the end. But overall, it's really not a big issue. Luka just needs to work on D and be in shape come camp time.

The starting lineup next season is Luka, Brunson, Bullock, DFS, and Powell replacement. You can conjure up all the scenarios you want, but unless Brunson leaves, then that is the lineup. And it got us to the WCF, so results talk and BS walks.

And if you pass on Kessler in the draft because he isn't the next Wilt Chamberlain, then I'm glad you aren't a GM. We don't need a superstar center. Kessler is miles better than Powell talent-wise. My knock on Kessler is that he isn't a great rebounder, but the shot blocking alone is worth the pick. 7'1 guys that block 4 shots a game don't grow on trees.

Problem is there aren't many great center options this summer in the draft or FA. You can try through trade, but it'll cost you an arm and a leg for Myles Turner.

Yep! Especially agree on Kessler...seems like a great fit. When you pick late in the first round in the NBA draft, you are getting 5th or 6th tier guys...they're all going to have weaknesses. His seem ok given what we need, and his plusses are what we REALLY need. He's big enough, think his rebounding can improve---it's mostly want to.

[DevinHarriswillstart]

Originally Posted by BigDog63

Yep! Especially agree on Kessler...seems like a great fit. When you pick late in the first round in the NBA draft, you are getting 5th or 6th tier guys...they're all going to have weaknesses. His seem ok given what we need, and his plusses are what we REALLY need. He's big enough, think his rebounding can improve---it's mostly want to.

Well he would be a perfect compliment to Kleber. Kessler is big and slow-ish, so bigs like that have limitations in today's game. Kleber comes in with smaller lineups.

But you still need a big like Kessler at some point and against plenty of teams. Boban once played that role, but he is obviously unplayable now.