Getting Another Pick?

[twslam07]

I got another trade/plan for you guys. What do you think about trying to trade for another 1st round pick? There are many players in this draft that we could use, and having two picks could help us fill some holes in our roster.

This trade I am about to propose would be to any team that we think will fall in that bottom 5 or bottom 10 range in order to get a pretty valuable draft pick in return. We would make the deal around the trade deadline.

Trading Partner Gets:
Jimmer Fredette
Thomas Robinson

Kings Get:
1st Round Pick
Expiring Big Man

Now I know what you are thinking. Why would we trade our last two lottery picks for a future lottery pick? I don't see Fredette or Robinson as being good fits with our roster.

Fredette could be a good off-ball guard off the bench, but should he really be starting next to Evans in the future? I want someone with size who can handle, pass, knock down threes, and play defense next to Evans.

I still have a lot of faith in Robinson, but I don't have faith that he can be the right type of big we need next to Cousins. I think he could be a great 3rd big in a "Thompson" like role on our team.

In the end, I think Fredette and Robinson's future on our team would be viable backups. This is the reason why I would be okay with them being traded. The good thing is they are still very early into their careers which allows people to still label them as having potential giving them more value in trades. They are both known for their work ethic so it shouldn't be too risky of a trade for our trading partner as both will most likely reach (or get close to reaching) their potential.

After this trade, our lineup would look like this for the remainder of the season:

Brooks/Thomas
Evans/Thornton
Salmons/Garcia/Johnson/Outlaw
Thompson/Hayes
Cousins/Expiring Big Man

2013 Offseason

When the offseason hits we should be looking to cut some salary. We should let Johnson and Garcia walk (or resign him for the veteran minimum as a locker room guy) and amnesty Salmons. I'm guessing Brooks will opt out of his contract in order to get a higher paying contract or to just get out of Sacramento.

Next, we pick up the options for Thomas and Honeycutt and extend Evans. For this scenario, I am going to assume we give Evans a max deal. This leaves us with a roster of Thomas, Evans, Thornton, Outlaw, Honeycutt, Thompson, Hayes, and Cousins.

When the draft comes, we should look to draft a PG, SF, or shotblocker. Unfortunately, I don't see many SFs that would fit in with our team so we should target a PG and big man.

Depending on how we do the remainder of the season, we could have two top 10 picks. I recommend we go after Smart and Gobert.

Smart is a very interesting player. He is 6'4" and 220 lbs. His athleticism is good not great, but his strength is outstanding. He is a great defender who takes pride at working very hard on that side of the court. He also is very good at getting steals and blocks. He is a great rebounder for his position who can battle it out with the bigs. His passing and court vision is superb which goes nicely with how unselfish he is, and he is a great shooter from midrange and from beyond the arc. He's also very good at shooting off the dribble and with his feet set. What might be his most valuable attribute is that he is a born leader who can help get this team on track. We've all talked about trying to find someone to lead this team. Well Smart would be a good candidate.

Gobert is another interesting prospect. He is listed at 7'1", 235 lbs with a 7'9" wingspan. He is a very athletic big man who is a great shotblocker. His rebound skills should continue to improve considering how long and lengthy he is. I think he would be a good compliment to Cousins. He might need a year or two to blossom, but I think he is worth it.

When free agency comes, we need to target a SF and another big man. After taking into account how much Gobert and Smart's contracts would be, we would have around 10-11 mil in cap space. We should target D. Wright for 4-5 mil and Dalembert for 5-6 mil.

Wright would immediately come in and be our starting SF and help spread the floor with his great 3pt shooting. His defense won't be at the level we were hoping for, but he is still and adequate defender who has legitimate size at the SF position.

Dalembert would start along Cousins once again and push Thompson to the bench where he would excel at being a 3rd big. The Cousins/Dalembert/Thompson trio worked before. I don't see any reason why it wouldn't work now.

After the offseason, our lineup would look like this:

Smart (25 min)/Thomas (4 min)
Evans (37 min)/Thornton (30 min)/Garcia
Wright (28 min)/Honeycutt (20 min)/Outlaw
Dalembert (25 min)/Thompson (25 min)/Hayes
Cousins (35 min)/Gobert (11 min)

Some might be surprised with me giving Honeycutt 20 min next season, but I think he is going to put it together by the start of next year. He's going to have an entire year of having a personal chef and weight lifting to try to increase his weight, and his play in the D-League has been good this year: 30 MPG .476 FG% .500 3PT% .778 FT% 10.2 PPG 9.4 RPG 1.6 APG 2.6 SPG 1.0 BPG 3.0 TOPG. He definitely has the capability to fill up the stat sheet which fits perfectly with our need for a glue guy at SF.

With Garcia and Hayes being the veteran voices of the team and with M. Smart's leadership skills, I think the puzzle will start coming together.

[Section 101]

So they can pick another guy who doesn't fit? If you didn't like the last 2 picks why do you think they would do better next year?

[mac]

So they can pick another guy who doesn't fit? If you didn't like the last 2 picks why do you think they would do better next year?

Very true.

[Big Cuz 15]

lol

[Big Cuz 15]

i doubt it will work with smart at the helm. give him the lakers and he would be fired 2 games after that.

[twslam07]

So they can pick another guy who doesn't fit? If you didn't like the last 2 picks why do you think they would do better next year?

We can have this same premise for almost every trade posted here. "Yes that's a good trade for us, but our GM would never do it or he wouldn't draft who you're suggesting him to draft." We don't know for sure what any of them are thinking. I recommended we get another pick and draft Smart and Gobert. Whether the FO would draft those players is anyone's guess.

Bottom line, I think the two guys I suggested we draft would fit very well with this team. I would even like to here what Bajaden has to say about those two prospects to see if he thinks they would be a good fit with the players we have currently. From what I have read and seen, they seem to be two pieces that could fit.

[twslam07]

i doubt it will work with smart at the helm. give him the lakers and he would be fired 2 games after that.

Then what is the point to any of this? Since we can't change our head coach, we should just give up and not try to improve our roster? (I am assuming you are talking about Keith Smart not Marcus Smart)

[Big Cuz 15]

who is marcus smart?

[Hadlowe]

Trading for draft picks at this point is an admission that we are in perpetual rebuild mode. Tyreke is going to want out of a team that isn't serious about winning. Ditto Cousins.

I am assuming that you're going to want to trade for a top ten pick. Based on current standings, that means you would be looking at Washington, Orlando, Charlotte, NO Pelicans (giggle), Toronto, Phoenix, Detroit, Cleveland, Portland, and Houston (my brain can't process the idea that the Lakers will continue to be this bad through the whole season.)

Of those teams, Washington, Cleveland, Toronto, Houston, Portland and Phoenix have their point guards of the future, so Fredette would have little value.

Orlando would be a potential partner as Jameer Nelson is not a winning point guard and their big man situation is far from set. That is probably the most viable trade option. Fredette might even work well in a backcourt with a defensive stud like Afflalo.

Kemba Walker has been much better this year, so Charlotte is unlikely to deal.

New Orleans desperately needs help in the backcourt as Austin Rivers is playing himself into bustland, Eric Gordon will probably never play in a Hornets uniform again, whether through injury or poutiness, and Grievis Vasquez is not a solution there. The problem is that they have a pretty good duo in the frontcourt in Davis and Anderson (who could have been had in the off-season, I remind you viewers at home). It's not clear where Robinson would fit in. Anderson can't play Center, so you can't do a three big rotation with Davis, Anderson, and Robinson. NO might take just Fredette, but it would never get you a draft pick in return.

Finally, Detroit is set in the young, developing big-man department, and has Brandon Knight slotted in as their developing PG. I can't see them showing interest.

In the end, we would lose a developing PG and a pretty decent rebounding big-man with lots of defensive potential for a shot at a top ten pick in a middling draft.

I can also see a worst-case scenario happening should NO or Orlando take us up on a trade. Given that we are providing the teams with pieces they see themselves as missing, it is possible they could take Fredette and Robinson and play themselves out of a top-ten pick place, and we end up drafting at 15 or 16 overall, which has, historically, not been a great place to draft from if you're looking for impact players.

[twslam07]

who is marcus smart?

haha read my post and maybe you'll have some sort of idea.

[twslam07]

Trading for draft picks at this point is an admission that we are in perpetual rebuild mode. Tyreke is going to want out of a team that isn't serious about winning. Ditto Cousins.

I am assuming that you're going to want to trade for a top ten pick. Based on current standings, that means you would be looking at Washington, Orlando, Charlotte, NO Pelicans (giggle), Toronto, Phoenix, Detroit, Cleveland, Portland, and Houston (my brain can't process the idea that the Lakers will continue to be this bad through the whole season.)

Of those teams, Washington, Cleveland, Toronto, Houston, Portland and Phoenix have their point guards of the future, so Fredette would have little value.

Orlando would be a potential partner as Jameer Nelson is not a winning point guard and their big man situation is far from set. That is probably the most viable trade option. Fredette might even work well in a backcourt with a defensive stud like Afflalo.

Kemba Walker has been much better this year, so Charlotte is unlikely to deal.

New Orleans desperately needs help in the backcourt as Austin Rivers is playing himself into bustland, Eric Gordon will probably never play in a Hornets uniform again, whether through injury or poutiness, and Grievis Vasquez is not a solution there. The problem is that they have a pretty good duo in the frontcourt in Davis and Anderson (who could have been had in the off-season, I remind you viewers at home). It's not clear where Robinson would fit in. Anderson can't play Center, so you can't do a three big rotation with Davis, Anderson, and Robinson. NO might take just Fredette, but it would never get you a draft pick in return.

Finally, Detroit is set in the young, developing big-man department, and has Brandon Knight slotted in as their developing PG. I can't see them showing interest.

In the end, we would lose a developing PG and a pretty decent rebounding big-man with lots of defensive potential for a shot at a top ten pick in a middling draft.

I can also see a worst-case scenario happening should NO or Orlando take us up on a trade. Given that we are providing the teams with pieces they see themselves as missing, it is possible they could take Fredette and Robinson and play themselves out of a top-ten pick place, and we end up drafting at 15 or 16 overall, which has, historically, not been a great place to draft from if you're looking for impact players.

With my plan for the draft and offseason, you can argue that this would be a team serious about winning. Not only do we add two lottery picks but we sign Wright and Dalembert to start alongside Evans and Cousins. Then we draft Smart who is a very well rounded player who has an NBA body. He should be effective right away.

Now, just because those teams listed have a PG of the future, it doesn't mean they still wouldn't be interested in the trade. I said in my post that I think Fredette could be a very good scoring player off the bench. There is no reason why he can't backup some of these PGs or even play alongside of them at times (Wall and Dragic are both big enough to play with Fredette).

Again, just because there doesn't seem to be a starting spot waiting for Fredette or Robinson this season doesn't mean that teams won't be interested. So what if Fredette and Robinson come off the bench this year? They get two players on long term rookie deals which gives them the option of releasing more expensive contracts if they decide Fredette or Robinson is ready to step up and claim the starting spot. This then gives them more cap space to bring in additional veterans at other positions.

[beb0p]

Trading Partner Gets:
Jimmer Fredette
Thomas Robinson

Kings Get:
1st Round Pick
Expiring Big Man

Depending on where the pick is, obviously. If it's anywhere #15 or higher I'd do it and only because I really really like that kid Jeff Withey; who I know Petrie will never pick because Withey is not sexy enough for a high lottery pick but may be considered if there is an extra pick laying around... and the fact that I'd gladly trade Jimmer and TRob straight up for Withey right now if the 7 footer is in the NBA.

[twslam07]

Depending on where the pick is, obviously. If it's anywhere #15 or higher I'd do it and only because I really really like that kid Jeff Withey; who I know Petrie will never pick because Withey is not sexy enough for a high lottery pick but may be considered if there is an extra pick laying around... and the fact that I'd gladly trade Jimmer and TRob straight up for Withey right now if the 7 footer is in the NBA.

He intrigues me as well. He is a good low post defender, and he is good at blocking shots as a man-to-man defender and a help defender. His lateral quickness worries me though. Would he be able to take on the quicker PFs that Cousins can't? I'm not sure I'm the right one to be asking, but it is a big question mark in my mind.

[HereWeVivek]

i say we trade Jimmer/Brook/Garcia instead of jimmer/Robinson

[DesertFox]

To be honest it looks like another lottery team.

[bajaden]

who is marcus smart?

Marcus Smart is an outstanding freshman PG for Oklahoma St. So far he's having a very good year averaging around 5 assists a game. He was named the conference player of the week a couple of times so far. He's 6'4", so he has very good size for the position.

[bajaden]

Depending on where the pick is, obviously. If it's anywhere #15 or higher I'd do it and only because I really really like that kid Jeff Withey; who I know Petrie will never pick because Withey is not sexy enough for a high lottery pick but may be considered if there is an extra pick laying around... and the fact that I'd gladly trade Jimmer and TRob straight up for Withey right now if the 7 footer is in the NBA.

I really like Withey as well, but I'm not trading last years 5th pick in the draft and Jimmer for a 1st round pick in the next draft. Its way too early to give up on both players. Now if you have a player targeted, like Withey, then perhaps I'd trade Jimmer straight up, but not both.

[twslam07]

i say we trade Jimmer/Brook/Garcia instead of jimmer/Robinson

I would be for that trade, but I think it will take more than that on our part to get an early draft pick in return.

[twslam07]

To be honest it looks like another lottery team.

Really? Well you are entitled to your opinion, but I'll do my best to persude you

First let's look at our starting lineup. We would be a very big and strong lineup which would make it difficult for our opponents to matchup against (Smart - 6'4" & 220 lbs, Evans - 6'5" & 220 lbs, Wright - 6'9" & 210 lbs, Dalembert - 6'11" & 250 lbs, Cousins - 6'11" & 270 lbs). The defense would be great. Both Smart and Evans would be great perimeter defenders for us while Wright gives us average defense at the 3. Dalembert would guard the quicker PFs and be the rim protector we have been searching for. Cousins would most likely be paired with the teams weaker PF or C, depending on the matchup, which should limit his fouls and keep him on the floor longer. The rebounding would be stellar. Smart, Evans, Dalembert, and Cousins are all good rebounders for their position. I would say Wright is average for his position. With the size of this team and their rebounding skills, we should be dominating our opponents on the glass every night.

Smart, Evans, and Cousins would be the primary players who would have the ball in their hands on offense. Evans has above average passing skills and court vision for his position and Smart is known for being a very good passer as well. With another good passer in the backcourt with Evans, we should see many more easy looks. Both Smart and Wright are very good 3pt shooters which should help spread the floor for Evans and Cousins. In addition, if Evans continues to keep up his shooting from beyond the arc this season. Then it will only further spread the floor for his teammates and mainly Cousins.

Our bench will also be very good. The three main guys coming off our bench would be Thornton, Honeycutt, and Thompson. I think that could potentially be one of the strongest trios off the bench in the NBA. Thornton would be our sixth man and give us an instant scoring punch off the bench. He would also maintain the floor spacing with his 3pt shooting.

I expect Honeycutt to be much improved and ready to contribute by next season. He is a tall and long SF who is also very athletic. He has a good looking shot who can knock down the 3 ball for us which, again, would help us with spacing the floor. His defense, rebounding, and passing are all terrific for his position. He has the potential to be the ultimate glue guy this team needs. There is nothing this guy can't do. He just needs to keep adding weight and getting more experience.

We have all talked about it, but Thompson would be a perfect 3rd big off the bench. He does everything well and his energy and hustle off the bench would add as a spark plug for us. His post game which isn't too bad would be much more effective against team's second units which would give us another go-to option in the post when Cousins is out.

Thomas and Gobert would be our 4th and 5th guys off the bench. Gobert would supply another athletic shotblocker with freakish length and Thomas could give us some good scoring off the bench as well.

Overall, this team is big, strong, and athletic. They would be a very good defensive, rebounding, shooting, and passing team. Most importantly there would be distinct roles with a pecking order (Cousins - 1st option, Evans - 2nd option, Smart - 3rd option, Thornton - 4th option). As this team continues to mature and gain experience, I see no reason why this team wouldn't be a playoff team and, potentially, a title contender.

[rainmaker]

The LAST thing we need is to get younger and get more picks. Not to mention our last two 1st rounders, at #5 and #7 were wasted. We need help now, not in 2017 when whoever we draft matures.

And that isn't meant as a slight towards Jimmer and TRob, but they are not helping and are not producing the way in which such high picks should. Jimmer has improved, and TRob should, but going after picks to slow our rebuild even more and just sit around and waiting multiple seasons for these guys to mature is pointless. We need veteran help and we need it now. Go after more draft picks and you'll be trying to replace Reke and Cuz before you know it.