Yeah, going by what Iko and others are saying, Brook is one of the main targets for the off-season. I agree it would be hard to pull him away from the Bucks, and if it does happen, it is likely because HOU throws a huge bag of money at him. I'm not necessarily in favor or opposed to the idea, but if he is a primary target, just trying to think through the future scenarios for the team. Even if Brook doesn't sign, it kinda sounds like the Rockets are targeting a vet C through other means (not sure who though). I guess I'm just bothered because of the 117 shots he put up, 96 were at the rim. He was 1-8 from 2pt beyond that, and 2-13 from 3. Also not great FT% numbers. I admit to not really following Duke that closely, but just seems odd that they'd tell him not to shoot when they also had Filipowski launch 3.4 of them a game...at a stellar...28%. Like...how bad is the Duke coach that he is fine with that, but he doesn't want Lively to take them (assuming Lively is hitting them in practice)? I don't know. I don't follow Duke, so maybe that guy makes Stephen Silas look like Erik Spoelstra. Just seems to me like maybe he can hit them in 1v0 workouts and maybe in some limited HS scenarios (with minimal pressure), but maybe he can't hit them in scenarios more similar to what he'd see in the NBA. I have concerns about stuff like that, so I'm hesitant to fully buy he will be a legit floor spacer right away. Who is an example of someone with these kind of numbers in college who then quickly started hitting 3s in the NBA? Don't really disagree with your other points. Though I still see Jabari more as a 4 (and he and Sengun basically are a double big lineup), and there will probably be a vet SF/PF to throw in to the minutes crunch (ugh Dillon Brooks). So again, I'd prefer to see Tari minutes here. In any case, just seems like a situational piece that can be used in special scenarios. For this team, I'd rather just build up the talent of the main rotation than something like that. When this team is a contender, then I'll start worrying about these valuable situational pieces. To be clear, I think if you wanted to make Lively your starting center, give him 30MPG+, etc., then have at it. If you don't believe in Sengun, and you think Lively will pair well with Green, Amen (or whoever goes @ #4), FVV/Harden/etc., etc. That makes total sense, and I think *that* makes for a much better use of a #10 pick. I can see Lively being useful (as a #10 pick) for another team that does just that. I just have difficulties seeing how this works well on a roster if you assume Jabari, Sengun, and maybe Tari will be major pieces moving forward.
yes really, I think it would be dangerously short sighted. just because Tilman's patience is running out and stone's job is on the line doesn't make it the correct choice, and we as fans don't need to support it. the goal shouldn't be the mediocrity treadmill. or to root for short sighted franchise damaging decisions to save a GMs job. Stone should sign all the win now vets we wants with his cap space. but the 4th pick should be for the highest ceiling player available. and by the way, the assumption that amen will need to be in the g league for a couple years is silly. he played very well against international professional teams who have higher talent level than the g league. he was the best player on the court (I believe posting nearly a 20 point ripple double against Mega). lively on the other hand averaged 5-5 in college? struggled for most of the year and only became a defensive stopper towards the end of the season. shot 15% from 3 and 60% from the line, so how can you be so certain he's a projectable 3 point threat? because of 1 pro day video where he was shooting over a chair? all of his success is based on small sample size, a pro day video, and his size. maybe he's the next Hasheem thabeet and you're drafting him above harden, curry, and derozan all over again. I'll bet that wouldn't save stone's job in the end either. even if we won 10 more games THIS YEAR.
So you're seriously comparing Kevin with the guys you mentioned? Yes they all had a temper to say the least, and some were borderline insane in some situations, but their temper fueled their drive and competitiveness. I would love if KPJ was wired that way, but he isn't. When things don't go his way, he quits. That's a character trait and that's hard to eradicate. As the poster I quoted said, if the team believed in him like some of you do, his contract would've been structured differently. And since you obviously follow him closer than most of us, you probably caught some things that I and others have missed. Can you give me an example from this past season that shows that he's maturing?
I love Sengun’s game, but adding Lively only helps the front court. You can play big with a Smith, Lively, Sengun package (if Livey can step out). You also have Eason, Smith, Sengun/Lively. Against the bigger centers, like the new one in San Antonio, Chet Holmgren, Jokic, or a team like Boston or Milwaukee, you need size. Even to give Sacramento problems, you need to be able to let Sengun operate at a Power forward, letting Smith and Eason be your bigger SF. This is such a better option than Garuba at center.
Good points. To be clear I'm not saying that he is going to come out shooting lights out from 3. It will take time and we have a top notch shooting coach to help him. I started watching him in high school and have always been intrigued by his potential. I'm a big Sengun fan. I want to help him not replace him. Lively just checks the box as a rim protector long term. I would still want Lopez for 2 years. He can play spot minutes until he's ready. He would just add another bullet to the chamber for Ime. We have switched from two offensive minded coaches ( Silas,MDA) to a defensive minded coach in Ime. Stone says they want to support his vision. Adding quality length to our front court would help in that manner. I'm thinking more long term. When we are ready to take the next step and become a championship contender in a few years, Lively is just a good player to have on your squad in any capacity imo.
