NBA News: Offseason

[SDC]

I'm worried that we will make some move that brings in talent but makes no sense in the big picture, like bringing in a vet who will get us a few wins but will take minutes from our young guys and make our pick worse. Gasol or Horford are examples of guys like that.

the likeliness of that happening is less than zero.

[Cap]

Yeah, this team may have made some poor decisions over the past few years, but if we make a play for Horford I'll eat my cap.

[ShelC]

Has there been talk of us going after Horford?

[Split T]

I recall one tweet that mentioned Horford, Batum, and Barnes. Might have been from Gambo, but I could be way off.

[SDC]

Has there been talk of us going after Horford?

if there were, drafting both chriss and bender, should put an end to that.

and i dont think this team is gonna trade bledsoe or knight anymore. maybe before the draft, sure... but not anymore... unless this team is a total disaster out of the gate.

[Cap]

C — Chandler, Len
PF — Telly?, Bender, Chriss
SF — Warren, Tucker
SG — Booker, Knight, Goodwin
PG — Bledsoe, Ulis, Price?

That's pretty well balanced. We might go into the season with that or something very close to it. It would be nice to swap out Bledsoe or Knight for more of a floor general, but rolling with this roster as is (after resigning Telly and Price) wouldn't be the end of the world.

[SDC]

knight should come off the bench and play the ginobili role (30 minutes, finish 4th qtrs)

[Mori Chu]

I wish we would resign Leuer and let Teletovic go. I like Mirza but I think he won't enjoy having two young PFs champing at the bit to take his minutes. I think Leuer is more of a loyal guy who would understand the big picture and do what's right for the team. He'd fill a role. I like him. So of course the Spurs will come steal him from us and he'll be big for them.

[Gladiator]

I wish we would resign Leuer and let Teletovic go. I like Mirza but I think he won't enjoy having two young PFs champing at the bit to take his minutes. I think Leuer is more of a loyal guy who would understand the big picture and do what's right for the team. He'd fill a role. I like him. So of course the Spurs will come steal him from us and he'll be big for them.

I agree that Leuer would be a better fit for us than Teletovic, even if he's not a better player per se.

[Superbone]

Just listened to the Watson interview and he's campaigning for bringing Teletovic back.

[Cap]

I think the role we're looking to fill (complementary PF, able to play big minutes if Bender and Chriss aren't ready, willing to sit if they are) is more suited for Mirza. MIrza is what he is. Jon is still developing, and still has to worry about the contract after his next one.

[carey]

Agreed. I like Leuer's ability to play the 5 some.

I really think our 2nd unit is going to be super fun to watch. Ulis-Booker/Knight-Warren-Chriss/Dragan. I honestly expect to dominate other 2nd units.

[Gladiator]

https://twitter.com/ESPNSteinLine/status/746542451301613570

[Split T]

I hope he stays in okc. I think thunder could be title favorites next year.

[Mori Chu]

I wonder if he's upset that they got rid of Ibaka. Were they good friends? I love that trade for OKC, but if Ibaka was his good friend, I could see him being upset at trading him for some rookie forward and other assets.

[Gladiator]

I think Durant's keen to get the whole free agent experience, where he's courted by multiple teams. It is tough to get a read on what he'll decide though

[Mori Chu]

A must watch.

[youtube][/youtube]

[ShelC]

I wonder if he's upset that they got rid of Ibaka. Were they good friends? I love that trade for OKC, but if Ibaka was his good friend, I could see him being upset at trading him for some rookie forward and other assets.

On Sportscenter at least, they were saying he wasn't pushing for an Ibaka trade but was OK with it and the FO wouldn't have made the deal had they felt it would have negatively impacted their chances of re-signing Durant. In fact, it may help their chances because Ibaka was a little unhappy with his role, especially with the emergence of Adams. Thunder felt good enough with Adams going forward that Ibaka became a bit more expendable, also wasn't the same player he was 3 years ago.

[carey]

On Sportscenter at least, they were saying he wasn't pushing for an Ibaka trade but was OK with it and the FO wouldn't have made the deal had they felt it would have negatively impacted their chances of re-signing Durant. In fact, it may help their chances because Ibaka was a little unhappy with his role, especially with the emergence of Adams. Thunder felt good enough with Adams going forward that Ibaka became a bit more expendable, also wasn't the same player he was 3 years ago.

I'm with whoever was on Simmons show from Orlando yesterday. Ibaka's stats have been trending down by OKC's design. They had him work on his face up game, they have had him become a modern 4 and drift out to the 3-point line. I expect a big time resurgence and bounce-back year from him in Orlando because he will immediately be their best front court player (though I'm a Vucevic fan his offense is limited.) Unless Mike Ryan is right and Ibaka is much, much older than we all believe him to be.

[Ring_Wanted]

Has there been talk of us going after Horford?

I think there will be. It's customary for this FO to credibly try at least. Useless, I am afraid, but that won't dissuade them.