Simple, you're the GM, have Ime Udoka who values defense, championship pedigree, maturity and professionalism. Harden is not an option. So who are your picks? You can pick 2 in the poll, only 3 - explain the 3rd - if you have one among them who's restricted and you're not going to wait around on that player to make a choice necessarily. I am going with Brook Lopez and Cam Johnson. In case the latter doesn't sign, FVV is my back-up. Why? 1. Brook Lopez could change everything for us defensively and provide us with something Sengun doesn't. He brings championship pedigree, a winning attitude, 3pt shooting and can really push Sengun to be better. 2. Cam Johnson. He just seems like the type of guy who would welcome a challenge, is still young but serious about his craft and can fight for minutes with our other wings and forwards. 3. I love FVV, loved him on the Raptors, loved what he showed during the 2019 championship run after his son was born and could not be happier if he comes here. Brings defense - lot of people just look at his offense - toughness and leadership.
My top two are FVV and Jerami Grant as I think those are the best two available/attainable. Cam Johnson is intriguing but I doubt Nets would let him go. Brook Lopez is right up there with Grant for me as the 2nd best available free again, 2A, 2B.
If I was just looking at the players themselves in a vacuum and for guys I'd want to be part of the long-term core, Cam Johnson and Austin Reaves would easily be at the top of my list. But knowing what's coming down the road in two years from a cap standpoint with the rookie extensions kicking in and what these young guys need right now from a development standpoint, I agree with the Rockets' front office strategy of veterans on short-term contracts, which is why I went with FVV and Lopez here.
I picked Draymond and Cam. Even though I hate Draymond, he’ll punch whip the young guys in shape. He can still play and serve as an extra assistant coach.
I'll go against the grain and go with Jevon Carter and Draymond Green vs all the names mentioned up to this point.
FVV. The guy is a hard worker. He earned his way up from being undrafted out of Wichita State. Should be willing to help the team grow. 2 or 3 year deal will get it done. I'd pick Draymond because he'd play 30 min. a night of unselfish basketball and that's what he could teach the rest of the guys along with championship defensive.
How about none. I don't think any of these players deserve the Max. Except for the Rocket's, no one will offer close to the max. I feel like we are bidding against ourselves. There are only 6-8 teams that can even sign a player to $25+ Million without a sign and trade (except for the current team). Free agency is dying right in front of us due to the new collective bargaining agreement as a team building tool. I think the Rockets can sign/trade for 3-4 veterans that can help us win and play good defense without paying the max (or near max) to anyone. Look at all the movement in trades. That is where the action will be going forward. @J.R. posted this link in another thread https://basketball.realgm.com/wiret...ent-Era-Into-Their-Version-Of-Transfer-Portal
Easy decision for me. Brook Lopez #1. We HAVE to add a defensive, shot blocking, rim protecting 5 to be able to throw a different look (from Alpe) at teams. No matter who starts! 2nd's also easy, FVV! To me it's an investment in Amen's development as much as it is about winning this year. A good pg model for Amen to learn from, NOT a combo guard! Plus since it will be at an oversized 2-year deal it won't affect FA in 2 years for us when the youngens will need to be paid. It just fits!
This. I'd give Lopez a 3 year deal at 20-25m per. Would mentor Sengun who still needs to be a threat from deep if he wants his archetype to work. Also a good locker room presence. FVV I'm alright on. I just think Lopez should be priority #1. Beyond that I'm alright with even a fringe PG like Schroeder, Rubio or Conley. This team is trying to get into the play-in and Lopez is crucial towards that.
Of those choices and considering the restrictions, FVV and Lopez and yes even Draymond but he's doubtful. Anyone with proven winning leadership qualities who can also lead by example with strong play.
FVV and Lopez. We need shooting, defense, and veteran experience and they both bring all three. Backup is Cam Johnson because he also brings elite 3 and good defense, with size and athleticism. Also, it would hurt the Nets badly if we could steal him away which would be great for the pick they owe us.
FVV 2 year max. Lopez 1-2 year with remaining cap space. 3rd rotation vet for the wing (Dillon Brooks, Grant Williams, etc) via sign and trade using Tate and young players that will struggle for playing/development time (KMJ, JC). I’d prefer to keep TyTy and Garuba for another year. Finally sign Boban for the minimum
Working hard, and on-court motion. The two you selected are who I picked and they would set a serious tone in the training camp and locker room.
IDC tbh...as long as they're 2 years max. They are all placeholders to help our youngens learn how to win for a few seasons at most. Unlikely to be good enough for a play-in with any combo of those realistic targets so when we're out of the running-i expect the young guys to start upping their minutes for more on court development-thus no detriment to their development process and the guys we sign are happily getting paid fat to play less minutes so no developing into cancers with the sulking and pouting and whining and trade demands.
