I think we have our superstar potential future Finals MVP in Sengun. 15th in PER, 13th in VORP, 12th in Box score +/- You get the picture. But NBA history says he probably won't be ready to realistically win until at least his mid 20s... 5 years from now. Am I the only one who thinks it would be far more special to win with talent we drafted and/or developed? Then we should be on Sengun's timeline (assuming you agree he is our superstar). Although I'm not saying we shouldn't keep trying to win games and get into the playoffs for the experience, it also wouldn't hurt to be realistic about short term expectations. Maybe we give Green an extra year than we otherwise would have. Whoever we signed over the next few years probably wouldn't still be here when we're serious about a realistic championship window with Sengun. I took a look at the age superstars when they won their first title as Finals MVP, with a few exceptions. Technically Duncan was 23 and Kawhi 22, but Duncan had David Robinson and Kawhi had, ya know, the Spurs big 3. LeBron won the Bubble MVP, but listed AD instead. Iguodala was MVP in 2015, but I listed Curry. Maybe I'm dreaming, but I really don't feel the same about purchased championships. Just a thought. Anyway here's the list: Wade 24 Parker 25 Dumars 25 Antetokounmpo, Curry 26 Jokic, Shaq, LeBron, Bird, Duncan, Billups 27 MJ, Durant 28 Thomas 29 Kobe, Pierce 30 Hakeem 31 Dirk 32
It doesn't only feel special to win with the guys you drafted and invested in. It's actually the best way to do it. Even on your list most of the players have won with the teams that drafted them. Of course there are exceptions like Kawhi and the Raptors but in general it's very rare for teams to get their franchise player via trade or free agency.
Winning is winning, I don't care how they do it. Timeline appears to be a couple years away with Sengun, Jabari, Tari & Whitmore the catalysts for a run. How Stone manages the cap in the next two years will be critical to the future success of this franchise.
