2026 Offseason

[virtual9mm]

Finally, don't be afraid of listening for Maluach (looking at you NOP). I respect the potential and I am ok with having him but I also can see a big bust in the making no matter what some people say about his character, coachability, physical development, few years playing basketball, etc.

Exactly what are you seeing that thinks Maluach would be a bust? Have we been watching the same games?

[Ring_Wanted]

Finally, don't be afraid of listening for Maluach (looking at you NOP). I respect the potential and I am ok with having him but I also can see a big bust in the making no matter what some people say about his character, coachability, physical development, few years playing basketball, etc.

Exactly what are you seeing that thinks Maluach would be a bust? Have we been watching the same games?

We sure have, and I do see the good things (defensive impact, intense, fierce going to the basket) but I don't like the hands, the slow reads (including a lack of a nose for rebounds) and the null followup on defense/boards after his first effort (not saying this is a matter of no personal effort; rather a lack of understanding and/or energy). Also a concerning lack of agility even if put in relative terms to his size (and stamina, but that is to be expected at that size). As for actual offensive skills, nothing leads me to believe that he can have the ball in his hands as anything else than a finisher, and the alleged shooting touch remains to be seen (being generous).

Some of those you might be able to mitigate with time and proper coaching, some you might not be able to change. Like I said, I am fine with having him as a prospect, and for the sake of development I would have given him more playing time against OKC no matter what; but at the same time I wouldn't be opposed to find another team that would pay for the potential.

[ShelC]

I agree on Maluach.

[virtual9mm]

Yet, his defensive impact, even in his current, undeveloped form, is impossible to ignore. Pretty much everything you mentioned is addressable with more reps and body work. And he is already able to defend in space. I am not sure where the concerns about the lack of agility come from...he's shockingly agile for his size.

[AmareIsGod]

Yet, his defensive impact, even in his current, undeveloped form, is impossible to ignore. Pretty much everything you mentioned is addressable with more reps and body work. And he is already able to defend in space. I am not sure where the concerns about the lack of agility come from...he's shockingly agile for his size.

Agree. His lack of abilities in those areas come with coaching and experience. He was ignored 96% of the time on offense when he did get some burn. He'd be in good to great post positioning with his hand up and they'd blow him off.

[Superbone]

Some general thoughts, targets, etc. (not in order and under varying degrees of availability and price):

Stablished (mostly role) players: Tre Jones, Jalen Smith, PJ Washington, Beef Stew, Santi Aldama, Portis, Toppin, Davion Mitchell, Anthony Black,

Youngs under the radar, primed for more, or worthy of a flyer/reclamation project: Pickett, Risacher, Jarace Walker, Knetch, Missi, Beringer, Carter Bryant, Isaiah Collier, Devin Carter.

FAs attainable for ~MLE money and under (debatable in some cases): Ousmane Dieng, Ayo Dosumnu, Drummond, Oubre, Harrison Barnes, Keon Ellis, Hachimura, Dort.

Regarding our own, Gillespie and Goodwin are early Bird, so we can pay up to ~12.3M per on a four year contract to each. I'd put this on the table for Gillespie, but for Goodwin I'd feel more confortable at 10M per but, if pushed, retaining both under MLE is a win to me.

Williams, I really want to want him back but I just don't unless it is a pitance (miss me with that sunk-cost falacy). Our books are too stupid (stretching Beal will keep damaging us for a looong time) to afford such a health risk. If anyone offers a sign and trade (looking at your CHI), take it even if it is for a couple of 2ndR picks; if not, I'd explore very team-favorable scenarios with heavy health-related objectives but in no case over MLE money annually (if all fails, play for the QO).

Explore trade options for Jalen Green. Make Allen available (looking at you DET for Levert and that #21 pick). Actively look to move O'Neale even if it for a couple of seconds (need the rotation space for Fleming).

Finally, don't be afraid of listening for Maluach (looking at you NOP). I respect the potential and I am ok with having him but I also can see a big bust in the making no matter what some people say about his character, coachability, physical development, few years playing basketball, etc.

I was with you until the end. I saw growth throughout the season and I like the path he is on. Could he still bust? Sure. But I'd hate to give up on him too early and then he becomes somewhere between serviceable and a monster elsewhere.

[Superbone]

I agree on Maluach.

With whom?

[ShelC]

I agree on Maluach.

With whom?

Ring. High ceiling but not sure he'll be more than a huge, athletic body with some flashes here and there.

[Split T]

I was worried about Maluach early…I think he showed some tremendous defensive upside the latter half of the year though. I’m optimistic he’ll be at least a good defensive anchor.

[JJ Slim]

From what I've seen Maluach has got some fire in him, some drive to get better...when he was given the chance. Just like I said about Green give him the full summer and training camp to work on the fine points of his game and with this team. He now has experienced a full NBA season and been in the playoffs (although a lot of that on the bench) so that initial shock and awe has hopefully worn off and he now knows what to expect.

[Superbone]

I just hope us optimistic ones are right about Maluach!

[Mori Chu]

I like Maluach! He didn't get very much opportunity for most of the year, but whenever we put him out there, I almost always felt like he was being a net positive and doing good things. Still has some things to work on, like better hands, better screening, positioning, etc., but his defense, rebounding, and shot-blocking are very good, and he doesn't seem to hurt us much when he's out there. I like that he has a bit of a shooting touch including from 3 in case we ever need that from his game. I'm encouraged that he didn't put his head down and stayed ready when we had spot minutes to give him. Not every young player can keep their confidence and stay ready to contribute in the face of lineup uncertainty.

Is Maluach going to be a star? Who knows. If a great trade came along and the other team demanded Maluach to get the deal done? Okay, maybe; he is not untouchable or anything like that. But I think he'll be a solid NBA rotation center as early as next season. Play ManMan!

[specialsauce]

I'm not trading man man unless in a package to get a superior young prospect or established star in their 20s

[Wally_West]

[SunsRIt]

I’m sure glad they are so high in another freaking guard. C’mon. They need to be impressed both somebody taller than 6’6”.

[Shabazz]

I’m worried this front office loves the smell of their own farts (/8th seeded roster) a little too much.

[Charlie Smithy!]

I’m worried this front office loves the smell of their own farts (/8th seeded roster) a little too much.

Mine are definitely improving with stool softeners and probiotics

[The Bobster]

They could be looking at him for a two-way contract or and invite to the summer league.

they aren;t so loaded with talent that they can afford to turn someone away if they like them.

[Wally_West]

[Split T]

I’m sure glad they are so high in another freaking guard. C’mon. They need to be impressed both somebody taller than 6’6”.

Well they drafted the size last year and Ott didn’t play them haha