Just because we stand pat this year doesn't mean we have to stand pat forever though. This is the first real opportunity to shake things up by going after Giannis, but this isn't the only opportunity that we'll ever get. We can go into next season with this same group, see how Jalen/Sengun/Amen/Sheppard do, and then maybe there will be a different big move that could help the team next offseason. Or the offseason after that. I understand your opposition to standing pat, but it's not a long term commitment. I see it as maintaining flexibility while waiting for a better opportunity.
The Rockets aren't an all-drafted group, so you're asking fantasy questions. Again, I think the Rockets know they have to trade players eventually. Especially since they haven't hit on the obvious franchise player (sorry guys) as of yet. Just because they haven't done "the trade" yet doesn't mean they won't and that it isn't obvious something will need to change if for no other reason than contract situations.
there’s your mistake. AI is gay and has about as good as a sports take as the **** I took after I woke up this morning
This is what I was thinking too. The teams that successfully trade for stars are usually the ones that get them when they're still on the rise, or even when nobody thinks they have star potential. That's one of the reasons I'm kind of eyeing Quentin Grimes this offseason. He really flashed something toward the end of the regular season. Maybe it was just a Linsanity flash in the pan, but maybe not. Ty Jerome is another one that jumps to mind.
I think it is not coincidence but a systematic change. With the overall talent being at historically maximum levels and the game being more demanding, the impact of an aging star to increase your chances for a title is at a minimum now. The talent factor makes many teams to have a shot at title and the game being more demanding increases the chances of injuries for aging star. Also emerging stars usually makes it easier to have a balanced roster. So, the value of the aging star is not as much as it is 10 years ago.
The play is to go get Giannis. You just do it. You hang onto as much depth as you can, but the headline is simple: swap out Sengun and more for a real superstar and let the rest fall into place. Sengun's out. Cam's out. One more rotation guy? Sure. That's the price plus draft choices. Coming back? Giannis. Maybe a sneaky MLE signing. Toss in a second-round pick if you can sweet-talk it. This is the formula: a true star, defensive backbone and depth that doesn't crumble in May.
