Lowe's Podcast

[northernhoops [enjin:9491634]]

This week on Zach Lowe's podcast, Howard Beck and he talked at length about the situation the Nets have put themselves in and the all the steps and small circumstances that have led to this, including missing out on Melo and Dwight. Virtually none of their own picks until 2019, with no youth outside of possible role players RHJ and Bogdanovic. They talked about trading their assets (Brook Lopez and Thad basically) for young guys/picks even if it meant taking on a bad contract including Kanter (who they say is the worst contract in the NBA) and McGary for Lopez, Meyers Leonard and a 2nd for Brook. They talked about how teams may look at them as sure-fire players, that they wouldn't have to worry about striking out in free agency this summer where there will be more competition than ever.
Off of this, would you trade Pek and LaVine/Shabazz/Gorgui for Lopez, either this summer or at the deadline?

[northernhoops [enjin:9491634]]

Some other highlights from the podcast are their discussion about how the Nets, being in a top market with no chance of really even being competitive for 4+ years, is worse for the NBA than the 76ers. They also talk about how fans and sometimes even teams devalue 2nd round picks by throwing them into trades and how valuable they can actually be. As a Wolves fan, this stuck with me, after watching the Wolves sell multiple 2nds over the years that have turned into players like Chandler Parsons.

[AbeVigodaLive]

Pek and only one of those guys? Yes.

I just had a discussion a week ago about which team had the worst future... after looking closer at it... I thought it was Brooklyn by a country mile. Yikes.

[northernhoops [enjin:9491634]]

In my mind, it's probably the worst situation I can remember in sports history. The sad thing is that Prokhorov thinks they can contend again next year. There is literally zero chance that happens.

[Monster]

Pek and only one of those guys? Yes.

I just had a discussion a week ago about which team had the worst future... after looking closer at it... I thought it was Brooklyn by a country mile. Yikes.

I am not a fan of Lopez he has had a hard time staying healthy. He is a good player obviously but I don't feel he is worth paying a ton of money and giving up too much in the way of assets. For what I would give up to get him they might as well hold on and hope they can work some miracles via the draft eith whatever picks they have or can buy and FA or trade.

[AbeVigodaLive]

Pek and only one of those guys? Yes.

I just had a discussion a week ago about which team had the worst future... after looking closer at it... I thought it was Brooklyn by a country mile. Yikes.

I am not a fan of Lopez he has had a hard time staying healthy. He is a good player obviously but I don't feel he is worth paying a ton of money and giving up too much in the way of assets. For what I would give up to get him they might as well hold on and hope they can work some miracles via the draft eith whatever picks they have or can buy and FA or trade.

To be fair, Lopez has missed significant time in only 2 seasons. He's played 82 games 3 times. 72+ 2 other times... and has played every game this season.

That's relevant because of the guy switching teams with him in that mythical trade. Consider...

Pekovic has never played more than 65 games in 6 seasons and has played 89 total games in the past 3 seasons. Lopez for Pekovic is a no-brainer considering Pek might not finish the season. Anybody willing to take Pek for anything is a win for the Wolves.

Even with both healthy, Lopez is simply a better player. Post injuries... a MUCH better player. So really, it's how much you value the rotation guy in that deal. Is there any guarantee Dieng, Muhammad or LaVine will be a legit starter in this league?

You're basically trading one of them for a 20 / 9 / 2 / 50% guy.

[Monster]

Pek and only one of those guys? Yes.

I just had a discussion a week ago about which team had the worst future... after looking closer at it... I thought it was Brooklyn by a country mile. Yikes.

I am not a fan of Lopez he has had a hard time staying healthy. He is a good player obviously but I don't feel he is worth paying a ton of money and giving up too much in the way of assets. For what I would give up to get him they might as well hold on and hope they can work some miracles via the draft eith whatever picks they have or can buy and FA or trade.

To be fair, Lopez has missed significant time in only 2 seasons. He's played 82 games 3 times. 72+ 2 other times... and has played every game this season.

That's relevant because of the guy switching teams with him in that mythical trade. Consider...

Pekovic has never played more than 65 games in 6 seasons and has played 89 total games in the past 3 seasons. Lopez for Pekovic is a no-brainer considering Pek might not finish the season. Anybody willing to take Pek for anything is a win for the Wolves.

Even with both healthy, Lopez is simply a better player. Post injuries... a MUCH better player. So really, it's how much you value the rotation guy in that deal. Is there any guarantee Dieng, Muhammad or LaVine will be a legit starter in this league?

You're basically trading one of them for a 20 / 9 / 2 / 50% guy.

Sure but to be fair Lopez has never averaged 9 rebounds per game. I wouldn't nitpick you rounding up except that's been sort of a weakness of his game rebounding. My point (I admit I didn't calculate enough the upside of not having to pay Pek plus the guy you would give up when his rookie contract ended) was why would try take on Pek and have to pay him and only get one of those guys? (they aren't getting Lavine) they might as well just keep him. Pek and Bazz and Dieng for Lopez? Hmm... That's interesting for both sides.

See what position the Wolves are in? They actually have something to give up to get something and it's not core guys. Nifty Huh?

Yep the Nets are pretty screwed. Sixers have plenty of draft opportunities to get that guy or guys plus they have a couple nice players already AND they have cap space.

One other team that could be nearing bad things is Memphis. It's basically a completely vet laden team that's sort of been trying to add another piece even if that piece is only a good shooting role player for years. I guess their upside compared to the nets is if they decide to blow it up they can literally just blow it up and start from scratch? At least they have talent to hold on for a while. I hope they don't return to the bottom of the league and basically stay there (even though it would help the wolves) once this run ends.

[khans2k5 [enjin:6608728]]

I'd deal Pek, Bazz and Dieng for Lopez and RHJ. Our starting unit gets better and we get a great perimeter defender coming off the bench.