I like him, but considering the direction the team has gone I would consider selling high on him. He will be 26 by the beginning of next season while we will have several young guys in the 19-21 year range. You want a solid vet with experience to be around young guys in the locker room, but Wood is essentially going to be a 26 year old who from a league experience standpoint on the same level as those guys, so do not think he will be beneficial in that way to them. Also, the injury is a bit of a red flag to me, he has never been built well, 5 years ago on the Hornets you see Jordan yelling at him during a game to get in the weight room, he has not really changed much in that aspect. People call this guy AD light, and AD is insane when on the court, so he is worth the injuries, but I am not sure the same can be said about Wood.
Need a catchy phrase to propagandize the tank movement for Cade. Colts had "Suck for Luck" . It even made National News headlines.
This is my one and only concern with Cade. He looks like he lacks athleticism and that quick burst. Struggles to get by defenders at times. Look how hard he has to work here for a tough shot. Luka had the same concerns though. So we’ll see.
Kai Jones reminds me so much of Horry coming out of college. Give me him if not Cade or Green. Also tell me more about the Duke guys game?
When Gonzaga rips through the NCAA tournament and Jalen Suggs' leadership skills are on full display for the country to see, then I can see Suggs cementing the case for #1. I see Suggs as the next Chris Paul, but taller. I like Cade Cunningham as well, but I see Suggs' competitive drive at another level. Suggs has it all - court vision, ball handling, shooting, fundamentals, defense, leadership. All of those things will translate to the NBA.
I wasn't that impressed with Cade at the beginning of the year. He was extremely passive and struggled in big games from the start to mid season. The way Oklahoma St. and Cade finished the season was impressive all the way to their Big 12 run to the finals. He showed he impacts winning and gives his teammates confidence to star in their roles in very meaningful games. That's always one of the first things I look for in a true winner and his impact. Now they've got a shot to make some noise. Lets see what happens.
so did Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, but in the NBA, his skill level allows him to get to wherever he wants
I like the two tall guys I like having height Esp if they can play the forward position Having a big athletic and quick front line would be nice Esp if they have some skill Rocket River
Yeah, Cunningham's lack of explosive athleticism is one of his obvious shortcomings. He'll have to use picks pretty heavily, which is what Luka does. Nothing wrong with that, cause the PnR situation is where they thrive. Like Luka, I think Cunningham will learn to use his size and strength advantage to get where he wants to go, bumping off/going through defenders rather than blowing past them. I'd like to see him develop a more advanced handle to supplement that. Right now his handle is functional, but I wouldn't call it great. I've been a little disappointed in his passing. Seems like he was more creative and advanced in highschool, though I might just be falling for the highlights. As for who the Rockets draft, I have: Cunningham - Projects as a do-it-all player that can fit any roster. Mobley - Don't think he's Durant, but he's another guy you just plug into your roster. Offensively skilled, switchable on the perimeter, and gives you shot blocking. Green - The shot and athleticism are legit. Talented scorer. Can he develop into a NBA facilitator? Hard to justify putting a SG on ball all the time if he can't create for others. LaVine is a guy with a similar profile who developed his passing. Looked pretty good running off-ball in the G-League. Really fun to watch. 2k layup package. Suggs - Athletic combo guard, can get by defenders regularly. Good height for a guard. Locker room leader. Solid all around, offense and defense. Surprisingly high amount of TOs. Shot improved over the season, but is it real? Shades of Jrue Holiday. Kuminga - Another uber-athletic forward that needs to refine his whole game. Not a fan of those types of prospects, but with Kuminga he's still able to slash and get to his spots despite the under developed skill. Huge improvement in the last year, still ways to go. Could end up being the best player in the draft, could also never learn to shoot. I think his ceiling is more Shawn Marion than Jaylen Brown.
I don't want him gone, but I admit I do worry about his light frame and injuries. What can we get for him right now after he recovers is the real question? I don't think he can get us someone better in return even if he is packaged with Tate or KJ Martin. I'm more interested in acquiring a more physical veteran to pair him up with in free agency.