If we landed the #1 (or #2) pick, what would you do?

[Carlos Danger]

Whether the team's young guys seem really nice and sweet and committed or not... they have egos. And they're young.

Young guys want to find their place. They want to establish themselves as THE guy for that first big contract ($100+M). That's a big rub with compiling a team full of super young talented guys all trying to "make it" simultaneously.

There's no pecking order. And that has proven to be a problem for other teams in the past.

Agree. I think we've both touched on that before - specifically Marbury/KG. And it's certainly possible that could happen. But IMO, the best course of action is to simply let that situation play out and then deal with it IF it happens. I believe when Marbury made it clear he wanted a bigger stage, we ended up getting Terrell Brandon and a lotto pick (Wally Szczerbiak) in return which wasn't a bad haul. Plus, there are plenty of examples where guys do stick together for a few years anyway - look at the Warriors with Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green. I just wouldn't want to make a move out of fear of something that might happen. I'd rather just deal with it IF it happens. But you are right - it could be a problem at some point. I agree everyone has their eye on their best interests which is understandable considering these guys have to make their money in a short window compared to most of us.

[khans2k5 [enjin:6608728]]

At a time when the league is moving away from "traditional" post players to more hybrid players who can handle the ball and creat offense from the 4-5 position you guys wanna trade what could be transendant player for Favors. I don't know why I feel compelled to comment on this because there is zero chance of this happening.

Who's the last transcendent player who had literally no jump shot?

http://www.sbnation.com/college-basketball/2016/2/16/10966798/ben-simmons-nba-draft-scouting-report-jump-shot

When there's an article questioning if you are shooting with the proper hand that isn't a good sign. He's just not going to be transcendent without a jumper and he is way further away from an acceptable one than most.

[Duke13]

Ok, oh I didn't know he had trouble with his shot. Thx for bring that point up.

[AbeVigodaLive]

At a time when the league is moving away from "traditional" post players to more hybrid players who can handle the ball and creat offense from the 4-5 position you guys wanna trade what could be transendant player for Favors. I don't know why I feel compelled to comment on this because there is zero chance of this happening.

Who's the last transcendent player who had literally no jump shot?

http://www.sbnation.com/college-basketball/2016/2/16/10966798/ben-simmons-nba-draft-scouting-report-jump-shot

When there's an article questioning if you are shooting with the proper hand that isn't a good sign. He's just not going to be transcendent without a jumper and he is way further away from an acceptable one than most.

James didn't arrive with a top-notch jumper... although it was further along than Simmons' jumper seems to be. If we want to go WAY back... Magic Johnson didn't have much of a jumper either. Although it's very fair to say that was a very different style of basketball.

Here's an article with stats showing a bit about James' game as a rookie.

http://www.todaysfastbreak.com/nba-draft/nba-comparisons-lsus-ben-simmons/

[khans2k5 [enjin:6608728]]

At a time when the league is moving away from "traditional" post players to more hybrid players who can handle the ball and creat offense from the 4-5 position you guys wanna trade what could be transendant player for Favors. I don't know why I feel compelled to comment on this because there is zero chance of this happening.

Who's the last transcendent player who had literally no jump shot?

http://www.sbnation.com/college-basketball/2016/2/16/10966798/ben-simmons-nba-draft-scouting-report-jump-shot

When there's an article questioning if you are shooting with the proper hand that isn't a good sign. He's just not going to be transcendent without a jumper and he is way further away from an acceptable one than most.

James didn't arrive with a top-notch jumper... although it was further along than Simmons' jumper seems to be. If we want to go WAY back... Magic Johnson didn't have much of a jumper either. Although it's very fair to say that was a very different style of basketball.

Here's an article with stats showing a bit about James' game as a rookie.

http://www.todaysfastbreak.com/nba-draft/nba-comparisons-lsus-ben-simmons/

I think NBA defenses have advanced a lot since 2003 though and nowadays they'd just back off a guy like Simmons and force him to shoot or make him a turnover machine trying to force his way into the paint.

[AbeVigodaLive]

At a time when the league is moving away from "traditional" post players to more hybrid players who can handle the ball and creat offense from the 4-5 position you guys wanna trade what could be transendant player for Favors. I don't know why I feel compelled to comment on this because there is zero chance of this happening.

Who's the last transcendent player who had literally no jump shot?

http://www.sbnation.com/college-basketball/2016/2/16/10966798/ben-simmons-nba-draft-scouting-report-jump-shot

When there's an article questioning if you are shooting with the proper hand that isn't a good sign. He's just not going to be transcendent without a jumper and he is way further away from an acceptable one than most.

James didn't arrive with a top-notch jumper... although it was further along than Simmons' jumper seems to be. If we want to go WAY back... Magic Johnson didn't have much of a jumper either. Although it's very fair to say that was a very different style of basketball.

Here's an article with stats showing a bit about James' game as a rookie.

http://www.todaysfastbreak.com/nba-draft/nba-comparisons-lsus-ben-simmons/

I think NBA defenses have advanced a lot since 2003 though and nowadays they'd just back off a guy like Simmons and force him to shoot or make him a turnover machine trying to force his way into the paint.

You might be right... at least to a point. Defenses are more advanced and teams prep/analyze much more to find out what they can take away.

Personally, I think Simmons has enough physical traits to help him remain effective as he works on the jumper. He's a gifted physical specimen. He can outrebound the smaller guys guarding him. Or, he can move faster than the big guys. And he has great vision.

The question is will that balky jumper keep him from becoming a truly "elite" player. We're about 7 months from getting our first real clues on that one.

[Hicks123 [enjin:6700838]]

Ok, oh I didn't know he had trouble with his shot. Thx for bring that point up.

This is hilarious.

So Duke....you are spouting off more than anyone about how ridiculous the idea of moving this "transcendent" player is to you. But you aren't even familiar enough with this said player (who, btw, has been the most highly discussed prospect over the past 9 months) to even understand his basic limitations....which again, have been discussed MANY times by media and commentators all over the place? Priceless.

I feel this is common. I am not immune, but many on this board seem to simply regurgitate a few points they read in an article. Some of you need to watch a couple games and then come with an opinion.

So in the end, maybe Favors doesn't look so bad?

[kurrdog53 [enjin:7013678]]

I still say, going back to my original thought, that if we land one of these picks and IF we trade, it should be for an established player (Favors, Crowder, someone) PLUS a top 10 draft pick and more, if we can get a team to give up another bench player.

I hate to give up on a potential star, but we have 3 and do not want to see anyone get upset and leave or have their progress hindered. Currently, we have a chemistry and/or nucleus that is strong going forward. The front office needs to have a good summer this year and next to determine the path of this franchise.

Question:
Have we ever seen a team with 4+ all-star caliber players work? We have seen Big 3's (Miami, Cleveland, Clippers). Outside of San Antonio (Aldridge, Leonard and aging vets like Duncan, Parker and Ginobili), I am really leery. Is too much talent a curse. We might be damned if we do, damned if we don't.

[Hicks123 [enjin:6700838]]

Quality over quantity is the motto, or should be the motto. Think the chance of drafting Ingram or Simmons, or moving Simmons for Favors, would be much more ideal than getting a role player (Crowder, Faried) and a lesser first rounder.

I know some of you are very high on Crowder, but once again I have to tell you to proceed with caution. This guy's having a breakout year for him and he's still not anything that special. I get the fact he has a reasonable contract, but he's not THAT much of a difference-maker, IMO. He's a guy that can help a winning team, sure, but not one of the integral pieces of said winning team. Also, he's still a below average 3P shooter despite the uptick in attempts and makes this year. And with Brad Stevens as his coach, you have to wonder if Crowder's really just the product of some elite coaching and if he'll be as affective for a different staff. That is a legitimate concern.

I think it'd be a huge mistake to move any top-five pick for Crowder for these reasons.

I don't know Cam. I get the hesitation to a point, but Crowder has IMO been the most important piece to a team seeded 4th in the East (and a team that will most likely win 47-48 games). Will he be a star? Nope. But he doesn't have to be a star to have MASSIVE impact to our teams success....ask Boston fans. And I don't buy the product of good coaching thing in this case. His style is lunch-pail, and he doesn't strike me as someone who will regress. Will he get a lot better, probably not, but he certainly shouldn't get worse. And that contract IS extremely valuable as you look at our surrounding roster. He is signed through 2019/2020 season at about $7M per season. If we are talking about guys like Harrison Barnes getting max or near max this offseason....that makes Crowder an automatic max guy as well. Again, that has EXTREME value as you talk about roster flexibility....especially since we need another 3-4 guys to play minutes on that second line.

That being said, not sure I make trade for him if we are 1 or 2, but anything else, he is in play IMO.

[khans2k5 [enjin:6608728]]

Quality over quantity is the motto, or should be the motto. Think the chance of drafting Ingram or Simmons, or moving Simmons for Favors, would be much more ideal than getting a role player (Crowder, Faried) and a lesser first rounder.

I know some of you are very high on Crowder, but once again I have to tell you to proceed with caution. This guy's having a breakout year for him and he's still not anything that special. I get the fact he has a reasonable contract, but he's not THAT much of a difference-maker, IMO. He's a guy that can help a winning team, sure, but not one of the integral pieces of said winning team. Also, he's still a below average 3P shooter despite the uptick in attempts and makes this year. And with Brad Stevens as his coach, you have to wonder if Crowder's really just the product of some elite coaching and if he'll be as affective for a different staff. That is a legitimate concern.

I think it'd be a huge mistake to move any top-five pick for Crowder for these reasons.

I don't know Cam. I get the hesitation to a point, but Crowder has IMO been the most important piece to a team seeded 4th in the East (and a team that will most likely win 47-48 games). Will he be a star? Nope. But he doesn't have to be a star to have MASSIVE impact to our teams success....ask Boston fans. And I don't buy the product of good coaching thing in this case. His style is lunch-pail, and he doesn't strike me as someone who will regress. Will he get a lot better, probably not, but he certainly shouldn't get worse. And that contract IS extremely valuable as you look at our surrounding roster. He is signed through 2019/2020 season at about $7M per season. If we are talking about guys like Harrison Barnes getting max or near max this offseason....that makes Crowder an automatic max guy as well. Again, that has EXTREME value as you talk about roster flexibility....especially since we need another 3-4 guys to play minutes on that second line.

That being said, not sure I make trade for him if we are 1 or 2, but anything else, he is in play IMO.

If you get Crowder what's your closing lineup? Role and money are the two most likely things to break up our big 3 so if you get Crowder does that push Zach or Wiggins to the bench to close games? Do you go small and play Crowder at the 4 and give up the boards to teams like SA and Memphis? Crowder isn't a perfect fit here. The perfect fit is a long-term starter at the 4/5 which Favors would be. If you get Crowder and small ball can't close out games you've just created a reason for a guy like Zach or Wiggins to want out because they aren't on the court to close out games. I think we either need to go big with a real starting 4/5 (i.e. Favors or Horford) or keep the pick and pick up role players who can help our second unit, but more importantly accept the role of sitting on the bench at the end of the game when a W or L is on the line.