Positives: drafted Sengun, traded for Durant and Adams, picked up FVV and Dillon Brooks. Negotiator reasonable contracts. Negatives: Drafting Green over Mobley and Barnes and Suggs, Drafting Reed over Castle. Not trading for Ayo or Jared McCain. Either one could have been had for a first and couple of seconds. Overall a good negotiator on contracts and has good eye for veterans. However he is below average when evaluating Lottery talent. Overall grade is B. So acceptable for now.
Not taking picks for Eric Gordon at the deadline in meaningless rebuilding years was a big one for me. The way that was handled (we had a high price and wouldn’t settle) was arrogance that cost the team assets, and showed his big flaws. Also the Brooks Lopez situation where we spent assets dump prospects we just drafted just to get burned… yeah that was embarrassing amateur hour. So yeah your list is pretty accurate but it is missing some of those deals that shows some pretty big flaws in his approach that points towards arrogance that clouds judgement.
But no I’m not there yet with firing Stone. I just wish years ago Tillman would have brought on a president of bball operations that was a persona like Rudy T who could have added some wisdom and been someone who could have smoothed over deals with the clout and relationships they have around the league. Stone has value in terms of being crafty with contracts, and complex trades. However I do think he has a big character flaw in arrogance that could be solved by having someone over him who could smooth that over and right the ship when things go array.
I understand the frustration w/ the lack of trades…. But I also respect the commitment to team cohesiveness. While riding it out w/ the current squad might seem hopeless; I’m choosing to keep hope in our current roster. Call me crazy. I’m anti-giving up on what we have. Stone displays commitment his guys. That to me, goes a long way in the psyche of the players. I may be way off base, but I’m polluting trust in it. **** it.
