what has to be done to become a contender at this point?

all the trade and fa signing ideas are flying around clutchfans. Most of them are made just based on names, not regarding the chemistry or system of the team. Morey had a program last year, planing the roster according to the rebuilding plan on his mind and he says first year of the plan was making to the playoffs, so it is succeeded. so lets take a look to the status of team and what to do to become a contender. (btw it is all my humble opinions, i dont want to be a smart ass about it)

Playing Style: We are playing a high pace game, depending on fast breaks. Halfcourt offense is highly about pick&rolls and dribble penetrations, which meant to find the right outside shot. Offensive game is relying upon high intelligence of backcourt, good ball movement and success of pick&rolls.

On the other hand, versatile intelligent shooters are vulnarable at defensive end. 1 on 1 and help defense is lacking. Letting the opponents dribble to the paint is the main weakness and this is tried to be solved with a defensive big man.

What to do : I think gameplan is solid right now. The solution is more about finding the right pieces for job and development of young players through experience is more vital.

Coaching : I want to keep this part simple and short. Being a contender needs an edge coaching. At least a coach who can make right in-game decisions and give team an upper hand rather than being a spy of the other team.

roster : the young roster is highly promising, but competing for the ring really needs development, which comes with both hard work and experience. Mental toughness is also needed for the next level of the game as conference semi, conference finals and finals are way different by both game and athmosphere. This group needs one or two more years of experince yet but some immediate changes are also needed to be made i think.

pg: i really like the game of Lin. He is the right pg for the system right now. Good at fast paced game, smart, quick hands at defensive end. He is still young and promising. I think he has the potential to take his game to the next level in time, but he shows signs of mental weaknesses which is no good for big games. I am neutral towards him in that aspect. If we could sign a better pg who fits the team, we can trade him.

sg: Harden is the guy obviously. Young superstar will get only better, but somebody has to remind him that defense is not optional.

sf: Parsons is untouchable right now. We already knew what he could do offensively, but he showed that he can take responsibility and play big games. He is a contender and perfect fit for the system. Yet still he has a long way to go and he has much work to do about his defensive liabilities.

pf: This is what we lacking (obviously) and somebody needed to be added here if we want to go anywhere above first round. I think what we need from a pf in this system is, low post scoring when high pick is set, smart player who can shoot from outside and hustle in offensive and. Defensively, he needs to be a good help defender and box people out properly (please!!!).

c: In this part, we need a defensive specimen to sweep defensive liabilities of others, expert help defender, a rim protector, also a rebound monster defensively. Offensively good picks, solid finishing around the basket and outlet passes are important for a center in our system and Omer would do the work. For the first year as a starter, he exceeded expectations. He is a hard worker, a good team player and plays his heart out anytime needed. I think he is a keeper.

bench:

beverley: brings the spark and energy from bench. Any fan would love to see guys hustle and give it all. He is a good backup pg for high level but not a starter caliber player yet.

motiejunas: young lithuanian shows signs of talent, he has a good work ethic and he is willing to improve himself. He has man raw talents but we already know that he does not want to bulk up and be an inside force, so we can assume that he will play as a runner and outside 4.

we also need 3 more guys to backup starters. Firstly, a bigman to cover paint (when we consider that asik wont be playing 40 mins next year also and our defense harshly fell when he sits) hasheem tabeet or hamed haddadi could be that guy (book it). A backup sg who can play lockdown defense is also needed (tony allen would be my first choice). And a 3pt specialist which is always needed can be added to the roster.

 

i said right now, not ever of course. there are more important issues right now then finding a better small forward.