I would've rather given him that contract instead of Marcus Smart. He's 5 years younger, stays healthy, and can actually make open 3's. I actually think Utah has a shot to be better than us next season.
I agree. Marcus is probably still a better player than Josh but is 32 years old and has averaged 35.4 games per year the last 5 years. Josh is a dog on defense and shot better from 3 than Marcus last year and the same career wise. Marcus is the better ball handler for sure, which is a greater need for our team, but it’s hard to believe that our front office would lean in on injury prone players after last year’s debacle. Ime loves to surround himself with his buddies.
I wouldn't want Marcus Smart handling the ball anyway. In theory, there should never be a reason for that barring catastrophic injuries. If Fred isn't traded and isn't completely washed, he can play minutes at PG and we have Reed and even Thornton as backups. I'd even rather Amen be handling the ball than Smart. I just don't get this decision unless it's Ime signing his buddies as you suggested. But then again, Ime is also the guy who benched Okogie late last season and was giving minutes to Jae'Sean instead. I have no clue what's going on in that guy's head.