Post by DeeperThanSims on Sept 1, 2022 17:31:48 GMT -8
Most of the views expressed in this article were real time reactions and do not necessarily reflect any new developments through TC or otherwise!
Draft Talk
DeeperThanSims - 1st round of the draft is done! Spurs jumped to get Nate Thurmond, congrats to Ashes. I feel bad for Kobe dropping again though. At this point I think you'd want to avoid being #1 projected, it drops too frequently. Loved the Larry Jones pick at #2 by the Kings, I didn't get the hoopla around that. It's hard to pass up an elite inside SG with those starting ratings. He looks like Terrell Thompson. McLemore at #3 was cool, he also has really good starting ratings, but I liked Wali Jones or Larry Brown there. Larry Brown is guaranteed to be a star IMO. Elite handles, quickness and jumpshot? Damn. I thought Em Byrant was a top 10 pick... elite handles and steals, good inside and jumpshot? Crazy the Suns for him at 15. Surprised by Spence's auto of Happy Hariston to the Mavs at 10. I have to assume he's good but otherwise, Ira Harge was the pick for a big. The Grizzlies getting him at 20 is kinda crazy. Frank Davis was my target at #28 but the Celtics snagged him up at 24, he could be the steal of the draft.
hf - Draft was a toss up after #1, where Thurmond was the obvious pick. I love the Kings taking a risk and going after Larry Jones. He has the potential to be a star after the +15. McLemore is going to be a B A A B SF so you can’t go wrong there. Love the Harge pick at 20. ‘‘em Bryant was pretty good value and slots in good next to Havlicek. Good draft.
Free Agency
DeeperThanSims - Rudy LaRusso with the surprise signing to the Grizzlies, leaving the Nets! That's a devastating blow to the Nets who are currently trying to stay afloat in a tough eastern conference without their picks. Aside from that, the day was fairly uneventful. All of the other stars that tested FA like Dick Barnett, Mike Mendenhall, Tony Davis, etc. all re-signed with their teams for 7 year maxes. Even Walter Dukes got large 7 year deal because you knew someone was going to come in with "Mel Hutchins" offer. Not sure I like the Burdette Haldorson's signing for the Mavs, it's too much money. He should put effort into stealing Bill Stauffer from the Raps. I think the Grizz paid a bit much for Red Morrison but it's only 2 years and he's an amazing rebounder. Happy with my Groat signing, he's a better shooter and ball handler than Sessums. Spurs signing Houbregs to a 1 year max to flip is nice. The rest of days 2-3 are really just filler guys
hf - FA was pretty boring on day 1 until Rudy Larusso left Marty to go to Memphis. That was a big signing and would of liked to see them keep him around as he’s an elite big. Everyone else pretty much went back. Had to offer Dukes a max type deal for him to stay as I couldn’t risk losing him.
On day 2, we saw some veterans changed teams including some sign and trades with the spurs sending Bob Houbregs to Atlanta. Atlanta also signed Dick Throat to be an upgrade over the recently acquired Sessums. Break snagged Mel Payton and sent him to the Mile High Retirement home in Denver. The combined age of that team has to be in the thousands. I respect doing it for Cousy though. Some nice MLEs were signed but yeah rest of FA was pretty standard
The Trades
Hawks Trade:
Gus Johnson
George Price
Hawks 2045 1st (Projected #7)
Clippers Trade:
Sam Jones
hf - I love this trade for the contract year Hawks. Gus looks like a ZBo type player but there isn’t many players like Sam Jones out there. Good deal for the clippers as well especially if the pick jumps. Love it for the Hawks though.
DeeperThanSims - Happy to get this 1st big move off the table! Gus is a star already with his elite scoring and rebounding, but I didn't see a way to keep him and also make my CY. Sam is the best SG in the league so I'm happy with this return. I am definitely taking a big chance sending the 7th projected with no protection and I also eat into my cap a bit but these factors were apart of the appeal for Greeme.
----------
Grizzlies Trade
Willie Naulls
Grizzlies 2045 1st (#6)
Kings Trade
Cap Space
Nets 2045 1st 1st (#14)
Wolves 2046 1st
hf - What a great trade for the Kings in the start of their rebuild. I’m not sure cap space is worth giving up a top 6 pick in a draft. That’s literally what you tank for. Love it for the Kings, hate it for the grizzlies.
DeeperThanSims - I have to agree, very nice for the Kings. Going from #14 to #6 is a big deal in any draft. There are 3-4 guys with star potential available at 6th. Naulls had a terrible contract but he'll be a big expiring when Kings are ready to compete. Skillz is really good at getting value guys so he can probably salvage this deal with a great pick at #14.
----------
Blazers trade:
Expiring(s)
POR 2045 1st (13th overall)
Clippers trade:
Slick Leonard
hf - Love it for both. Clippers are rebuilding and blazers need a pg in their Cy. Not many better than slick available. Good deal guys
DeeperThanSims - Clutch move by the Blazers here. I was considering circling back around to Greeme for Slick but I was too slow! I think the Blazers need something else but this could sure up their 42 wins in the West. Slick is elite but he's 32 and expiring and you know how people are about players over 30 so I think it's OK for the Clippers.
----------
Hawks Trade:
Barney Cable
Donnie Butcher
Warren Fouts
Knicks 2046 1st
Raptors Trade:
Howard Sessums
hf - Low risk move for the Hawks, who needed a PG. If they find a less turnover prone Pg, howie slots in well as a backup or SG. Good deal guys.
DeeperThanSims - I was really racking my brain on my PG situation... all of the really good PGs are basically unavailable. Sessums seemed like the best low cost option. He was solid in his last year with the Kings, only doing 2.7 TOs. Braz wanted a 1st and some cap relief so we were a good match.
----------
Grizz Trades:
Wolves 2046 1st
Pistons Trade:
Alonzo Lewis
DeeperThanSims - This was an HC move for the Pistons. They are nearly 6M over and needed to drop someone for straight cap, so the fact he managed to grab a 1st makes this a nice move for Chip. Lewis is a nice stock wing and certainly more valuable than a Wolves 1st so this is nice for the Grizzlies too!
hf - Easy move for the Pistons who needed to move someone for the hard cap. Wolves 46 might be something so let’s see.
----------
Grizzlies Trade:
Rudy Larusso
MC Burton*
Jazz Trade:
Tom Gola
Tony Jackson
Raptors 2047 1st
Jazz 2048 1st
*Grizz have TB-rights for the full season; will TB expiring for him
DeeperThanSims - I love this deal for the Jazz. Rudy is a young star big locked up for 6 years and the Jazz didn't have to trade their Mendenhall to get him. Grizzlies signed Larusso for cap space so this deal isn't outright terrible, but Tony Jackson and those 1sts don't make up the difference between Gola and Rudy to me.
hf - This deal was amazing for the Jazz, I’m a big fan of Larusso. He’s a star big. Gola is good, but he is what he is and he’s 30. Are those picks even worth anything? Jackson is a backup. Idk man. Love it for the jazz. Hate it for the grizzlies.
----------
Hornets send:
Leroy Ellis
Bob Brown
Larry Siegfried
Jerry Graves
Ray Felix
Cornell Green
New Orleans 48 1st
Rockets send:
Frank Ramsey
Norman Pott
Johnny Horan
Eddie Solomon
DeeperThanSims - Huge deal for the Hornets! Leroy is a prime prospect but Ramsey is a superstar SG and Pott is a nice rebounding/shot blocking big. Horan and Solomon are also elite stock guys off the bench. I think this should solidify Lums playoff spot. I am a bit concerned about my spot now!
hf - Amazing deal for Lums to get through his CY. Ramsey is a stud and he got 3 other rotation pieces for one starter. That’s huge. Obviously it sucks he has to give up his best young piece but sometimes it is what it is. That 48 might be good.
----------
Timberwolves send:
Devereux "Tiempo del Abuelo" St. Cloud
Mavericks send:
Raymond Downs
Dallas 2046 1st
DeeperThanSims - I don't get this for the Mavs. Cloud isn't really that guy anymore. I'd think his 46 could land him a nice player that isn't 39.
hf - Think I need to retool and get younger before I can get no value for my guys. Downs is decent and might start for me. Cloud helps Mavs make CY.
----------
Nuggets Trade:
Dick McGuire
Knicks 2047 1st
Wizards Trade:
Mel Payton
DeeperThanSims - Nuggets keep saying they are rebuilding but then they make deals like this lol. I suppose there is no harm in trying to run it back after a WCF appearance but damn that team is old!
hf - Nuggets just love old guys who can block. But great for them since they had a good run last year and Mel can only help. They don’t give up much either. Good for both.
----------
Hawks Trade:
Hawks 2047 1st
FA Filler
Spurs Trade:
Bob Houbregs
DeeperThanSims - I didn't like my glaring hole at SF. Bob isn't perfect, hate his lack of stocks, but he can shoot/score nice. Our offense should be good with Sam/Bob/Lucas/Groat so I'm happy with it. Spurs get a future 1st for a player they signed with cap. Nice for both!
hf - Easy deal to make for both teams. Classic sign and trade, with the Hawks getting a solid starter at a position of need and the Spurs getting a pick. Good deal.
----------
Cavs Trade:
Joe Holup
Bob Mealy
Zippy Morocco
2 vet mins
Bucks Trade:
Dwight Swails
DeeperThanSims - Bucks finally moved Swails! I assume the Cavs will run him as backup 1-2-3. Nice pickup here.
hf - Cavs adding to a loaded team even if they lost Red. Like Swails as a SG or backup. Bucks needed to lose salary
----------
T-Wolves Trade:
Walter Dukes
Blazers Trade:
George Brown
Barney Cable
J.L. Parks
Chico Vaughn
2048 POR 1st
DeeperThanSims - This is a clutch move for the Blazers. I think their roster is solidified now.. Dukes and Ricketts is a hell of a frontcourt. I think you were on the path to another finals appearance but definitely understand the want to get out of that big ass deal and retool a bit. I like this for both!
hf - Love Chico and the first out of this trade. Didn’t want to be stuck with Dukes as he’s under contract until 40. Blazers look safe and have Slick at PG so it’s a good deal for them. Walters also back home. Fun!
----------
And that's a wrap. This off-season was on fire with the trades which is to be expected with 4(!) teams being in their CY. We didn't have as many blockbuster trades or overall fuckery as past off-seasons but it's all good! Tune in next season for the next edition.
Draft Talk
DeeperThanSims - 1st round of the draft is done! Spurs jumped to get Nate Thurmond, congrats to Ashes. I feel bad for Kobe dropping again though. At this point I think you'd want to avoid being #1 projected, it drops too frequently. Loved the Larry Jones pick at #2 by the Kings, I didn't get the hoopla around that. It's hard to pass up an elite inside SG with those starting ratings. He looks like Terrell Thompson. McLemore at #3 was cool, he also has really good starting ratings, but I liked Wali Jones or Larry Brown there. Larry Brown is guaranteed to be a star IMO. Elite handles, quickness and jumpshot? Damn. I thought Em Byrant was a top 10 pick... elite handles and steals, good inside and jumpshot? Crazy the Suns for him at 15. Surprised by Spence's auto of Happy Hariston to the Mavs at 10. I have to assume he's good but otherwise, Ira Harge was the pick for a big. The Grizzlies getting him at 20 is kinda crazy. Frank Davis was my target at #28 but the Celtics snagged him up at 24, he could be the steal of the draft.
hf - Draft was a toss up after #1, where Thurmond was the obvious pick. I love the Kings taking a risk and going after Larry Jones. He has the potential to be a star after the +15. McLemore is going to be a B A A B SF so you can’t go wrong there. Love the Harge pick at 20. ‘‘em Bryant was pretty good value and slots in good next to Havlicek. Good draft.
Free Agency
DeeperThanSims - Rudy LaRusso with the surprise signing to the Grizzlies, leaving the Nets! That's a devastating blow to the Nets who are currently trying to stay afloat in a tough eastern conference without their picks. Aside from that, the day was fairly uneventful. All of the other stars that tested FA like Dick Barnett, Mike Mendenhall, Tony Davis, etc. all re-signed with their teams for 7 year maxes. Even Walter Dukes got large 7 year deal because you knew someone was going to come in with "Mel Hutchins" offer. Not sure I like the Burdette Haldorson's signing for the Mavs, it's too much money. He should put effort into stealing Bill Stauffer from the Raps. I think the Grizz paid a bit much for Red Morrison but it's only 2 years and he's an amazing rebounder. Happy with my Groat signing, he's a better shooter and ball handler than Sessums. Spurs signing Houbregs to a 1 year max to flip is nice. The rest of days 2-3 are really just filler guys
hf - FA was pretty boring on day 1 until Rudy Larusso left Marty to go to Memphis. That was a big signing and would of liked to see them keep him around as he’s an elite big. Everyone else pretty much went back. Had to offer Dukes a max type deal for him to stay as I couldn’t risk losing him.
On day 2, we saw some veterans changed teams including some sign and trades with the spurs sending Bob Houbregs to Atlanta. Atlanta also signed Dick Throat to be an upgrade over the recently acquired Sessums. Break snagged Mel Payton and sent him to the Mile High Retirement home in Denver. The combined age of that team has to be in the thousands. I respect doing it for Cousy though. Some nice MLEs were signed but yeah rest of FA was pretty standard
The Trades
Hawks Trade:
Gus Johnson
George Price
Hawks 2045 1st (Projected #7)
Clippers Trade:
Sam Jones
hf - I love this trade for the contract year Hawks. Gus looks like a ZBo type player but there isn’t many players like Sam Jones out there. Good deal for the clippers as well especially if the pick jumps. Love it for the Hawks though.
DeeperThanSims - Happy to get this 1st big move off the table! Gus is a star already with his elite scoring and rebounding, but I didn't see a way to keep him and also make my CY. Sam is the best SG in the league so I'm happy with this return. I am definitely taking a big chance sending the 7th projected with no protection and I also eat into my cap a bit but these factors were apart of the appeal for Greeme.
----------
Grizzlies Trade
Willie Naulls
Grizzlies 2045 1st (#6)
Kings Trade
Cap Space
Nets 2045 1st 1st (#14)
Wolves 2046 1st
hf - What a great trade for the Kings in the start of their rebuild. I’m not sure cap space is worth giving up a top 6 pick in a draft. That’s literally what you tank for. Love it for the Kings, hate it for the grizzlies.
DeeperThanSims - I have to agree, very nice for the Kings. Going from #14 to #6 is a big deal in any draft. There are 3-4 guys with star potential available at 6th. Naulls had a terrible contract but he'll be a big expiring when Kings are ready to compete. Skillz is really good at getting value guys so he can probably salvage this deal with a great pick at #14.
----------
Blazers trade:
Expiring(s)
POR 2045 1st (13th overall)
Clippers trade:
Slick Leonard
hf - Love it for both. Clippers are rebuilding and blazers need a pg in their Cy. Not many better than slick available. Good deal guys
DeeperThanSims - Clutch move by the Blazers here. I was considering circling back around to Greeme for Slick but I was too slow! I think the Blazers need something else but this could sure up their 42 wins in the West. Slick is elite but he's 32 and expiring and you know how people are about players over 30 so I think it's OK for the Clippers.
----------
Hawks Trade:
Barney Cable
Donnie Butcher
Warren Fouts
Knicks 2046 1st
Raptors Trade:
Howard Sessums
hf - Low risk move for the Hawks, who needed a PG. If they find a less turnover prone Pg, howie slots in well as a backup or SG. Good deal guys.
DeeperThanSims - I was really racking my brain on my PG situation... all of the really good PGs are basically unavailable. Sessums seemed like the best low cost option. He was solid in his last year with the Kings, only doing 2.7 TOs. Braz wanted a 1st and some cap relief so we were a good match.
----------
Grizz Trades:
Wolves 2046 1st
Pistons Trade:
Alonzo Lewis
DeeperThanSims - This was an HC move for the Pistons. They are nearly 6M over and needed to drop someone for straight cap, so the fact he managed to grab a 1st makes this a nice move for Chip. Lewis is a nice stock wing and certainly more valuable than a Wolves 1st so this is nice for the Grizzlies too!
hf - Easy move for the Pistons who needed to move someone for the hard cap. Wolves 46 might be something so let’s see.
----------
Grizzlies Trade:
Rudy Larusso
MC Burton*
Jazz Trade:
Tom Gola
Tony Jackson
Raptors 2047 1st
Jazz 2048 1st
*Grizz have TB-rights for the full season; will TB expiring for him
DeeperThanSims - I love this deal for the Jazz. Rudy is a young star big locked up for 6 years and the Jazz didn't have to trade their Mendenhall to get him. Grizzlies signed Larusso for cap space so this deal isn't outright terrible, but Tony Jackson and those 1sts don't make up the difference between Gola and Rudy to me.
hf - This deal was amazing for the Jazz, I’m a big fan of Larusso. He’s a star big. Gola is good, but he is what he is and he’s 30. Are those picks even worth anything? Jackson is a backup. Idk man. Love it for the jazz. Hate it for the grizzlies.
----------
Hornets send:
Leroy Ellis
Bob Brown
Larry Siegfried
Jerry Graves
Ray Felix
Cornell Green
New Orleans 48 1st
Rockets send:
Frank Ramsey
Norman Pott
Johnny Horan
Eddie Solomon
DeeperThanSims - Huge deal for the Hornets! Leroy is a prime prospect but Ramsey is a superstar SG and Pott is a nice rebounding/shot blocking big. Horan and Solomon are also elite stock guys off the bench. I think this should solidify Lums playoff spot. I am a bit concerned about my spot now!
hf - Amazing deal for Lums to get through his CY. Ramsey is a stud and he got 3 other rotation pieces for one starter. That’s huge. Obviously it sucks he has to give up his best young piece but sometimes it is what it is. That 48 might be good.
----------
Timberwolves send:
Devereux "Tiempo del Abuelo" St. Cloud
Mavericks send:
Raymond Downs
Dallas 2046 1st
DeeperThanSims - I don't get this for the Mavs. Cloud isn't really that guy anymore. I'd think his 46 could land him a nice player that isn't 39.
hf - Think I need to retool and get younger before I can get no value for my guys. Downs is decent and might start for me. Cloud helps Mavs make CY.
----------
Nuggets Trade:
Dick McGuire
Knicks 2047 1st
Wizards Trade:
Mel Payton
DeeperThanSims - Nuggets keep saying they are rebuilding but then they make deals like this lol. I suppose there is no harm in trying to run it back after a WCF appearance but damn that team is old!
hf - Nuggets just love old guys who can block. But great for them since they had a good run last year and Mel can only help. They don’t give up much either. Good for both.
----------
Hawks Trade:
Hawks 2047 1st
FA Filler
Spurs Trade:
Bob Houbregs
DeeperThanSims - I didn't like my glaring hole at SF. Bob isn't perfect, hate his lack of stocks, but he can shoot/score nice. Our offense should be good with Sam/Bob/Lucas/Groat so I'm happy with it. Spurs get a future 1st for a player they signed with cap. Nice for both!
hf - Easy deal to make for both teams. Classic sign and trade, with the Hawks getting a solid starter at a position of need and the Spurs getting a pick. Good deal.
----------
Cavs Trade:
Joe Holup
Bob Mealy
Zippy Morocco
2 vet mins
Bucks Trade:
Dwight Swails
DeeperThanSims - Bucks finally moved Swails! I assume the Cavs will run him as backup 1-2-3. Nice pickup here.
hf - Cavs adding to a loaded team even if they lost Red. Like Swails as a SG or backup. Bucks needed to lose salary
----------
T-Wolves Trade:
Walter Dukes
Blazers Trade:
George Brown
Barney Cable
J.L. Parks
Chico Vaughn
2048 POR 1st
DeeperThanSims - This is a clutch move for the Blazers. I think their roster is solidified now.. Dukes and Ricketts is a hell of a frontcourt. I think you were on the path to another finals appearance but definitely understand the want to get out of that big ass deal and retool a bit. I like this for both!
hf - Love Chico and the first out of this trade. Didn’t want to be stuck with Dukes as he’s under contract until 40. Blazers look safe and have Slick at PG so it’s a good deal for them. Walters also back home. Fun!
----------
And that's a wrap. This off-season was on fire with the trades which is to be expected with 4(!) teams being in their CY. We didn't have as many blockbuster trades or overall fuckery as past off-seasons but it's all good! Tune in next season for the next edition.
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