I would rather have Brooke Lopez than James Harden so if we can make it rain $$$ on that guy for 2 year contract (i.e. before rookie extensions kick in) I would be happy to overpay for that short contract. He is a UFA, the Bucks can offer him anything but at their current cap level it would HURT them to give this guy $25m in year 1 and $23m in year 2 but I would be happy to make that overpay. Right now he makes almost $14m. He was a top 3 rim protector at C this season. To have Sengun backing that guy up, practicing against him, watching him play and have that guy patrolling the paint for us would dramatically improve everyone else while bringing great culture to the team on and off the court. Remember, Brooke Lopez was a guy who could always score and rebound in the post but people thought he would never learn defense and would eternally be unplayable long term. I feel like the combination of Lopez and Udoka could improve Sengun and Jabari's development significantly. That kind of interior defense would in turn make wing and point of attack defense far easier. Garuba of course could learn a lot and I think people will be surprised to find Udoka will reasonate towards Garuba because he will see a lot of himself in that guy. On the coaching side I hope Udoka steals back his shooting coach Ben Sullivan from the Celtics coaching staff. That guy has experience under Pop, Udoka and Budenholzer while he was also reporting to Chip Engelland (legendary Spurs shooting coach, now in OKC fixing Giddey's shot). He would be a great addition to the staff and has been loyal to Udoka since Udoka got him a Spurs job. After spending that on Lopez I would spend whatever it takes to snatch Reaves from the Lakers. Another tough guy who makes open shots, attacks closeouts well, can handle the PG position (3:1 asst/to), seems to be clutch and never stops chasing players on defense. Battle tested in a playoff series too. Would make our guards look BAD if they don't give effort. Look at how he's disrupting the minutes of Schroeder, (previously) Beverley, Walker and Russell because he can both give 100% effort and do his job efficiently. Between him, Sengun and a further improved Jalen I think we are covered with playmaking. Could maybe still pick up a reliable 3rd stringer like Corey Joseph or something if Tyty is not giving us confidence. Who knows maybe KPJ even turns it around but I don't want to take any chances. I guess we can use veteran 3&D depth on the wing but tbh I'm comfy with letting Tate, KJ, Jabari and Tari battle it out there. Let's not overspend on this, I think we could be very happy with what we have here.
If the Rockets end up at 3/4 I hope they consider trading up to 2 for Henderson. I don’t know what it would take but you start with the Clippers pick KPJ Martin Christopher etc to get there. Maybe even next years Nets pick if you have too. Another possibility is trading down and getting Wallace and Jarace Walker from the the trade down and Clippers pick. Is Sengun and Nets assets enough to trade for Brown? Harden/FVV Cason Wallace Green Brown Jabari Walker That lineup is crazy in my opinion on defense in a few years.
Interesting info, hopefully it’s true (no offense, it’s just I don’t know where you got from). Sounds like a winning-focused philosophy.
