grizzknob

See I do think DeRozan is probably a little underrated at this point. This past season I thought he was actually quite good. But I also think he’s not a good fit next to Ja or overall on the grizzlies, and isn’t a long term solution for sure, so would not be wanting to bring him in.

I like Howard as a prospect a decent bit better than Carsen Edwards, personally. One glaring thing is the 3 point %. Both had high volume, but Howard shot 42.7% overall in college (and over 40% every season) vs. Edwards' 36.8%. Really the combination of volume and % from Markus has elite shooter written all over it. Howard also rates significantly higher in a number of advanced stats than Edwards did (PER, WS/40, Box +/-, etc.) I'm not saying he's a perfect fit for the Grizz or doesn't have flaws, but I just think he rates to be *really* good at what he does well. I think there's a little potential Isaiah Thomas or Lou Williams type upside in there, but with better % 3 point shooting.

I still think conveying the pick this year was the overall preferable option to the alternative, but lately I'm kinda bummed that we gave away that pick at all. Stupid Jeff Green deal, hate it so much . If we had the #14 pick, it would be much easier to trade up just a few spots to be in position for a Halliburton or a Vassell, both of whom I think could be really good fits with our core. Halliburton is more if you think he can survive at the 2 and share the court with Ja, but his efficiency and shooting and nice secondary ball handling with some pesky D could fit well imo. Vassell is more of a pure 3 and D wing, but someone who rates to be a really nice version of that, and I think a high level young 3 and D wing is a great fit next to Ja, considering his strengths and overall game. Both seem to be good character guys as far as I can tell with some good to really good advanced stats, so exactly the type of prospect this FO has been gravitating towards. But it's going to be much harder to trade up into that range with no pick before #40 than it would have been if we had #14. As it stands, chances are good that we don't make a move into the mid to late lottery. But, if we do, I personally would bet it would be for one of those 2.

I mean it's interesting anytime a perennial all-nba player comes up, but given the decade + age difference and how ball dominant Harden is and the awkward fit with Ja I wouldn't be pulling that trigger.

Of course, if we really want someone who has a decent chance of developing into a "Marcus Smart type," we could just bring Melton back.

Eh it's several young players, but I'm not overwhelmed by that trade personally. First we don't have the roster spots for it (like Poirier would have to get cut probably). Also I'm fairly low on Langford as a prospect, and Edwards is a little meh to me too. Also I'm in the camp that thinks Val is a decent bit better than Kanter, despite some surface similarities.

For me I wouldn't want to start dealing future a 1st round pick for someone on the level of Fournier. Hold those assets to either use for ourselves or to take a major homerun swing when the time is right (which likely isn't right now imo). I might consider going after Hield but that is in part b/c I think he may be somewhat cheap, and wouldn't include a future 1st for him either. We are finally going to have all our future 1sts after this draft and I'm not eager to return to that "when will we convey" mindset unless it's for a super good reason.

Of course, moving up 2 spots to get your guy sometimes works out too.

I've been thinking lately that I like a couple of the PG prospects that might be there at 40, namely Malichi Flynn and Markus Howard. I also think filling a 3rd PG spot with that 40th pick might make sense. Not a position you will necessarily need to be a rotation piece every game but still a good idea to have a 3rd PG on the roster, as we saw in the bubble when Tyus went down. Filling it with a good pickup at 40 with some upside could be a pretty cost effective way of handling that. Flynn I think just could turn into a good all around player. Can defend at his position at an above average rate, shoot, and handle the ball. Has some strong advanced stats so I could see the FO being interested in him. Howard is more of an offensive spark-plug with some weaknesses elsewhere, but he rates to be very good at what he does well imo.

Interesting article about RJ Hampton apparently working extensively with Mike MIller in Memphis to improve his shot. https://www.sny.tv/articles/insight-into-rj-hampton-s-interview-with-the-knicks-and-what-he-s-done-with-mike-miller-to-improve-his-shot We'd have to trade up even if we were wanting RJ at all, but interesting given the Mike Miller / Memphis potential connection. In theory an RJ Hampton with a good shot is a very good player.

I wonder if she has had much direct experience with analytics, or with incorporating analytics into coaching. If so, I imagine it was a selling point to this FO.

I could see the front office being interested in Powell. I'm not sure that Toronto would be particularly willing to part with him though.

I honestly think Melton, long term, has some Marcus Smart like potential. Marcus still isn't an elite shooter but it has improved over time and was really shaky shooting his first 2-3 years. Both of them can affect the game in ways beyond scoring. If Melton's shooting can improve along a similar trajectory, it's a player you'd like to keep around imo. I"m good with MLE type money for him.

Jae had only shot better than 35% from 3 once in his entire career. Miami is loving that he's shooting so well for them I'm sure but a chunk of that imo is just a hot streak that isn't sustainable for him long term.

Neither Kyle or De'Anthony were draft busts based on where they were drafted though. Seems like you just inserted them to fit a narrative you'd already decided on.