lipoli390 wrote:Thanks for posting, Geek. It was a really good interview.
I'm a big Jamal fan. I love his passion for the game. He's also really sharp and a definite student of the game. He's a guy I'd definitely pursue in free agency this summer. He can still play at the high level off the bench and he'd be a great teacher for our young guys, especially Zach.
As for free agency generally, I wouldn't pursue Deng or Noah. I like both players a lot, but both will command a lot of cap space for multiple years. As a non-playoff team with a great young core in their early 20s, this is not the time to tie up cap space for multiple years on 31-year old veterans. You sign a Noah or a Deng when you're already a playoff team attempting to add that missing piece to take your team to that next level of title contention. We're just not there yet. This is a process. We have the best young (emphasis young) roster in the League according to Thibs himself and many others. We now have an elite head coach coming in to coach this young core. Let's add a couple of good vets on modest contracts to add depth and experience without prematurely tying up cap space or interfering with the development of our young core.
In that spirit, my top two FA targets would be Jamal Crawford and Cole Aldrich. Signing those two and drafting Heild, Murray or Dunn would significantly upgrade our depth and overall talent. I might also resign Prince.
Think about it. We were a nearly .500 team after the allstar break last season, beating the Warriors and Blazers on the road with the guys we have playing under Sam Mitchell. Then consider the following:
1. Sam Mitchell has been replaced by one of the best coaches in the League in Thibs.
2. Our talented young core of KAT, Wiggins, LaVine, Gorgui and Bazz will inevitably be better next season simply based on their own individual physical maturation and the work their putting in this summer. Same for Bazz and Tyus Jones. That's independent of the Thibs factor.
3. Add Jamal Crawford, Cole Aldrich and either Hield or Dunn to the roster.
Assuming relatively good health, that's a playoff team and possibly as high as 4th or 5th. And that's before considering the possibility of Pek coming back relatively healthy. The Thunder didn't add any high priced vets when they jumped from a lottery team to a 50-win playoff team. If we're going to sign a high-priced free agent or make a major trade, that's something to consider in a year or two. But not this summer. I really hope the Wolves front office is more patient than a lot of folks on our message board. :)
Just a question let's say in theory we draft Hield or Murray do you still want Crawford because I would want Crawford if we go Dunn or bender because I think Hield and Murray would be to similar to Crawford and I don't want Crawford playing pg.
I would love to add Aldrich like you and others have stated as a Jayhawks fan I was pissed when he came out a year early because I didn't think he had an nba game but he has turned himself into a very good role player. He reminders me of a more talented greg stiesma (sp).
I would also target dudley. I like Bazemore (like Cam), Boban, and Fournier but don't know what their asking price would be
