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Official Guide: Understanding The Pistons Situation
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7 months agoon
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Joshua![Official Guide: Understanding The Pistons Situation](https://courtsideheat.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/1762289825.0.jpeg)
Official Guide: Understanding The Pistons Situation
The Detroit Pistons have become a national joke of a team, which is odd due to their morale heading into the season and beginning it 2-1. However, any way you slice it, this has been a failing team and their situation will get worse.
If you look at their schedule, there is no way they win another game till after Christmas potentially against the Spurs. I say San Antonio because they are also struggling if looking at the wins and losses. But something has to change and it must be before the trade deadline.
For reference, the deadline is February 8th with December 15th being the official kickoff date of the league’s trade season.
In today’s article, I will be breaking down the Pistons and telling y’all how they can become better after the deadline through various trades, roster changes (rotations, minute changes, etc), and many other ways.
The Jaden Ivey and Monty Williams beef is strange
What did Jaden Ivey do to the Pistons front office and Monty Williams to get devalued and demoted from within? The point guard averaged 16.3 points and 5.2 assists last season when playing in 74 games, starting 73 of them, but what happened?
It appears Monty Williams is either very frustrated with Ivey, has a different vision for him, and wants the bench to be commanded by him, or Williams is having another coaching meltdown/tantrum. Whatever the case is this is not how you handle a developing player with high upside.
He’s the team third best option for the offensive side of the ball, which is not playing favoritism or trying to pick sides. It’s pure facts. There is no other player better than him – if eliminated Cade Cunningham and Bojan Bogdanovic – who would it be? It’s not James Wiseman, who has lost favor with Monty, rookie Marcus Sasser (even though the 8/2 production should not be dismissed), or even Alec Burks.
This attitude needs to change towards Jaden Ivey, it just has to because this franchise has a player who has a strong work ethic and the mindset of actually wanting to play for the great state of Michigan.
If I were Williams, I’d do everything in my power to talk to him and get this situation resolved. But let’s play Devil’s Advocate for one minute.
What if the organization moves on from Ivey? What can they get for him?
I have really good news, CourtSideHeat projects the former lottery pick player to have medium-high trade interest where multiple teams will want to take a stab at having conversations with general manager Troy Weaver and the Pistons.
Detroit can easily demand an All-Star or All-Star caliber player in return for Jaden Ivey. Teams like the Chicago Bulls and Utah Jazz could be talking to the Pistons right now; Lauri Markkanen and Zach LaVine are names floating around, gaining traction, to potentially land in Detroit.
There is no doubt in my mind a deal could get done, but I don’t think the Pistons want to give up on him just yet. Why would they? Unless the Devil is influencing them.
LET’S CHANGE GEARS… Top trades that *NEED* to happen
Keldon Johnson
Keldon Johnson is a player that needs to be traded for if I’m Troy Weaver. If you want to talk about having one of the best scorers in this league, why not make the conversation about Johnson?
He can be a good addition to their frontcourt and will allow Detroit to flip an aging Bojan Bogdanovic, his name has been in trade conversations for the past couple of weeks. Many compare the scoring attributes of Bogdanovic to Johnson with the forward being younger and constantly getting better.
Not only can you have a winning player with ever-growing skill, but you can also flip Bogdanovic (a veteran averaging 20 PPG) for more assets. It’s a win-win, even when considering the other factors of fit and contracts.
It’s believed Johnson could land in Detroit for multiple first-rounders and a lesser-known player, which would work knowing what we know about his situation in Texas.
OG Anunoby
A way to jumpstart the heart of this franchise in their ever-lasting rebuild would be to get a piece like OG Anunoby, why? Not only does this team have a burning desire, and need, to get a wing but it’s because his capability is overwhelmingly positive.
He can play on both sides of the ball with his defensive skills being the ultimate benefactor to players like Cade Cunningham, Jalen Duren, and even the rookie Ausar Thompson.
This is a very realistic grab for Detroit with the Toronto Raptors flirting with the idea of trading him away for future assets, which the Pistons do have. It should also be noted that Anunoby wants more playing time and a bigger role in helping a franchise be better.
Do you want to fill the need of securing a wing player? Then call up general manager Bobby Webster and have a simplistic conversation to get the ball rolling. I promise y’all he’ll open up and negotiations can begin.
The team can offer Bogdanovic to Toronto with draft capital to make it worth their wild, but this is a two-way player who can be a juggernaut on both ends of the court.
DeMar DeRozan
Who wants to get controversial? I don’t believe it would benefit the Pistons by making an aggressive move for Zach LaVine, it wouldn’t solve the issues they have currently or in the future. Plus, he doesn’t want to play for a team that’s contending for the lottery. Hence he wants the Los Angeles Lakers.
I believe it would benefit the Pistons more to acquire the versatile wing DeMar DeRozan due to him not allowing his age to affect his productivity and his quality on the court. He’s an assassin in the mid-range, has range from deep, can and will be clutch when the moment erupts, and has a nice defensive game added to his artillery.
This also makes sense for Detroit when considering DeRozan is on an expiring contract with a team ready to blow this mess up sky-high. So the trade can work and the negotiations can be reasonable, neither side would be wasting each other’s time and energy.
Talk about the perfect wing, I’d pick him if he’s willing to come to Detroit after the deadline date.
What we all need to understand
These names I am throwing out, these potential ideas of cobbling together a solid team are not going to make them great overnight. While I would love for it to work itself out to be the case, it just isn’t. But take whatever name from this list acquired during the deadline, lock them up contractually (unless they already have a deal), and then take the rest of the season and beyond to start shaping this team mentally and in the wins column.
Not to use the old cliche, but it is a marathon, not a sprint. That’s exactly where Detroit is at right now in their grueling, ungodly rebuild. However, make this deal (and maybe a couple of small ones to smooth out the bench issues) and now this team’s got something.
Honestly, the fit of any of these players works and this will not cause friction in the locker room. This whole guide is not only to help get wins for this season but also as a way to look into the future with a new perspective and with new pieces.
As a side note, what’s been going on with their bench?
The bench has been demoralizing, which is why it needs to be talked about. The starting five can’t do everything to try to win basketball games, why do you think some teams fail without the proper bench? Take the current Phoenix Suns, their bench isn’t the greatest and see how that is treating him.
Now take the Denver Nuggets bench of either this season or last, we all know the difference. Having a solid bench is pertinent to getting wins and staying competitive.
I’ve been appalled by how bad Detroit’s bench has truly been; and if I, and other fans, are feeling this way then imagine how the office and Monty are feeling about this current situation.
Players like Alec Burks, James Wiseman, Marvin Bagley III, and Isaiah Livers have been beyond disappointing. When this team was 2-1, everyone was playing well and it looked like a well-oiled machine. Now it looks like a depressing, crippling bench that wants to go kill themselves.
When no one can consistently get 10/5/2 a game, then it is a disappointing loss. What I am asking is not for everyone, but if your game is more offensive-driven then there should be an urgency and consistency of 10/5/2 per game.
While there is no immediate fix to this issue, even when looking at free agency, the team is going to have to make changes at the deadline. Either Wiseman, who has played well in the last three games or Bagley III has to be moved. Maybe throw some other assets in a deal that lands a solid power forward or center, a player like Kelly Olynyk could be targeted.
John Collins, despite having issues in Utah, could be a conversation to have when it comes to trading for him. Statistically, he is that forward/center they need to back Bojan (if they don’t move him) or Jalen Duren.
In my opinion, the frontcourt needs more help than the backcourt. The bench is just lacking in general. I believe some issues can be resolved by this deadline, which sets them up for next offseason. However, I am going to talk about that more after the deadline.
Let’s forget the trades… How does this team win *NOW*?
Let’s forget about the trade for right now, that isn’t as important right now as it may seem. We need to focus on something else, and that is what? That is figuring out how to win in the current moment, keeping the locker room listening to the coach, not losing morale from the players to the coaching staff, and pushing towards the deadline.
The 3-guard lineup needs to stay and develop
The starting lineup featuring Cade Cunningham, Jaden Ivey, Killian Hayes, Bojan Bogdanovic, and Jalen Duren can work. Why wouldn’t a head coach love to help take the pressure off their best player, Cade Cunningham? It would make a heck of a lot of sense and it sets up a firepower offense.
If Monty Williams is worried about Cunningham, don’t be. Why? Because he can play off-ball. It’s amazing to see the level of aggression and intensity he plays with when he doesn’t command the rock. Also, the other two guards can play off-ball. They have a switch-combo within them that allows for this type of system to work.
Besides making life easier for certain players, why wouldn’t Monty run this scheme if injuries are flaring up? If injuries are taking out the frontcourt, as it did to players like Duren, then this is the type of scheme to run to make things better.
This is a winning lineup so run it, Monty.
Make the Pistons more offensive-orientated
Let’s focus on Monty Williams for a quick minute, shall we? I believe a recipe for success is to turn the Detroit Pistons into the 2020-21 Phoenix Suns, but what do I mean? What I mean is that there is a recipe for more offense that overloads an opposing defense.
Detroit has the great luxury of having multiple options, that’s their entire starting lineup. Plus, there could be a bench player or two in the mix to heat up and be able to rise to the occasion.
The duo of Cunningham and Ivey can work, like how Chris Paul and Devin Booker worked, as it’s about finding the flow and those shot opportunities (resulting in attempts). Both players are known as good-great shot-creators, which should be played by Monty Williams.
Remember when we saw Paul and Booker play together then remember how they played different shifts? Monty needs to rekindle that fire but with Detroit featuring Jaden Ivey and Cade Cunningham. You always have a “number-one option” on the court leading others to be elevated and hopefully getting wins.
This strategy will preserve the stamina of many players, including Cunninghams (the main reason for this tactic), and stop those ugly scoring droughts. That’s one of the many reasons why they have quarter collapses and get into big holes or lose big leads.
Give Marcus Sasser more touches
While Sasser has his ups and downs, the 23-year-old rookie has shown glimpses of hope and being a solid point guard for the Pistons. He’s getting the minutes (16.8 per game) but the attempts aren’t there. I believe he needs more looks and more touches.
Yes, fans can turn to his streaky shooting moments and his shooting IQ being questionable, but he’s still a solid shooter who has range and can be a good enough playmaker so that he’s not limited in his style.
From November 27th to December 16th (10 games), he’s only been able to take, on average, 5 shots a game. For a rookie, or really for anyone, that is a very limited way to play the game. Honestly, especially for a rookie, he should be able to get 7-10 shots a game.
It should be that high when knowing he went late in the first round and given the state of Detroit and how shorthanded they truly are. Why not allow the rookie to do more when facing team injuries and many uncertainties?
In those last 10 games, the best one was against the New York Knicks (Nov. 30th). Sasser’s stats were 17 points on 6/11 shooting (5/7 3pt), 2 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1 steal. When he gets around 7-10 shots, then Sasser can be really good.
I truly believe he is scratching the surface when it comes to his skill and his ability to find a solid role that fits himself and the organization.
He’s also been in the top 10 of ROY rankings; just saying… Marcus Sasser is a rookie to keep an eye on.
Limit the turnovers… like seriously… TONE IT DOWN
As a Phoenix Suns fan, I thought we had a problem and was the worst in the National Basketball Association. However, for once, I was wrong. While the Utah Jazz (17.2) have the most turnovers per game, Detroit is right behind them with 16.5 turnovers per game.
Last year, per game, Detroit had 15.1. Incredibly, it could get worse, but it has and this franchise appears as though they aren’t going to slow down any time soon.
I know it is easier said than done, but they gotta calm it down. There are too many lost possessions with the point differential being too much; if considering the points they are missing out on and the fastbreak opportunities they are giving to their opponents.
Cunningham (4.0) and Duren (2.7) are leading the charge with many other players having at least one turnover per game. With that said, though, I believe there is a lack of chemistry, and everyone beginning (or continuing) to freefall into rushed decisions that lead to destructive turnovers.
While this is an issue, I do see a future where turnovers are toned down severely. November 2nd is a date when the Pistons were ranked the worst in the league with turnovers at 18.6; was anyone expecting this stat?
Either way, there is a concentrated effort to get better and this team will… eventually.
Become more disciplined… STOP FOULING
Good news, Pistons fans. Y’all and the Indiana Pacers are tied for 29th/30th for team personal fouls per game at 22.8. This alone should make you cry, whether you are a fan of this team or not.
This falls on team discipline, coaching, and the player’s on-court knowledge of playing smart basketball. Now, I need to state something.
Even though this is true, it also falls on the key principles of playing aggressive defense. I don’t want them to stop playing hard, physical defense but it needs to be pulled back a little bit. The downside of aggressive defense is that it can lead to hard fouls, obvious fouls either out of frustration or pure stupidity.
I can appreciate the defensive pressure but not from the inbound territory of your opponents, there has to be a fine balance that allows for aggression and smart plays.
Monty Williams and his coaching staff need to crack down on this and fast. I get everyone is frustrated about this season, but they gotta check their emotions and the way it impacts the game.
Despite Christmas Day being a week away, Detroit has been passing out free-throw gifts to every opponent this season.
For example, the Philadelphia 76ers love it when they play the Pistons. On December 15th, Philly went 28/31 from the line. It’s insane they only missed three, but it’s even more insane when they had so many attempts. The final score was 124-92. Makes you think what would have happened if they didn’t foul that much.
Again, this is a fixable issue that all teams at some point go through, it just has to end in a hurry.
Conclusion
This is the end of this long “guide” revealing what the Detroit Pistons gotta do to get better and to change their course of this rebuild. In conclusion, these changes aren’t going to magically transform overnight. However, they are going to improve fan and team morale, stats will go up, and wins will begin to get picked up.
Once the deadline passes, I’ll be right here writing an updated version of this article to break down the Pistons once more.
I’m telling y’all this, if they make some of these changes and become aggressive on the market, then signs of improvement will be seen. Trust me, this is very realistic and saves many from depression.
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Why The Knicks Adding Mikal Bridges Makes Them Title Contenders
Published
2 weeks agoon
July 9, 2024By
Joshua![Why The Knicks Adding Mikal Bridges Makes Them Title Contenders](https://courtsideheat.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/1863302080.0.jpg)
Mikal Bridges was traded to the New York Knicks for the price of five first-rounders and Bojan Bogdanovic, which isn’t much in the eyes of New York.
They don’t need the picks, and while Bogdanovic was great to have, he was very much replaceable when a player like Bridges could land. I say all this to say that General Manager Gersson Rosas hit the jackpot, which sets them up for many years of potential championship runs.
In today’s article, I will be breaking down why Bridges is an excellent fit for New York, why the Knicks are now a legitimized threat in the East, and how their starting five can take on the reigning champs – the Boston Celtics.
What does the 27-year-old add to this franchise?
First of all, here is the official trade for anyone that is curious:
Knicks traded Bojan Bogdanovic, Shake Milton, Mamadi Diakite, five first-rounders, a first-round pick swap, and a future second-round pick to the Brooklyn Nets for Bridges, Keita Bates-Diop, and a future second-round pick in exchange.
I wanted to clarify this trade. Critics call this move the best move this offseason because it truly is a steal. We can talk about his lack of a resume from his time with the Phoenix Suns to now, but that isn’t his fault.
Who is Mikal Bridges? He is an underrated two-way player who elevates a team’s defense with the ability to score an efficient 20 points per game; plus, his skill as a shot creator and space creator is another reason why so many teams wanted Bridges on their team. Pay attention to teams like the Houston Rockets.
But how does this positively impact the Knicks?
Jalen Brunson is the primary scorer, has been, and always will be, so don’t think Bridges will come in here and disrupt that in any shape, form, or fashion. It will be the complete opposite. Bridges is a full-on team player. He will complement and benefit Brunson as a secondary creator who will take pressure off Brunson.
Beyond his offensive aspect, let’s talk about his defense. When Bridges was with Phoenix, nobody knew he had the capability to score in high volumes. Statistically, he averaged roughly 12 points during his time with the Suns. What people did talk about was his defensive presence, intensity, and how much of a nightmare he was covering pretty much anyone (within reason).
Also, let’s be fair to Bridges: his offensive game came in the final season with Phoenix due to injuries and other factors, as that’s when his potential scoring was revealed to the world. It then exploded when he arrived in Brooklyn. So, this tells his story, and his style is even better.
However, back to defense. Bridges is a pivotal piece due to him being a scrappy player who will always fight for loose balls, rebounds, try to get steals/blocks, and stuff that doesn’t get recorded.
Plus, his style of basketball is very intriguing, especially since he can play multiple positions. Bridges is essentially the “glue” on any team he is on. This is why front offices and head coaches value him and hold him in such high regard; his overall play in this game is beyond exceptional.
Everything I have listed offensively and defensively positively impacts New York because this is everything they wanted in a player and value. Now, there is one more factor that sealed the deal in this whole transaction.
The Nova Knicks have the greatest chemistry ever
Since their time at Villanova, Brunson, Bridges, Josh Hart, and Donte DiVincenzo have been teammates or friends. Now, they’ve all rejoined each other to create the “Nova Knicks,” which has become popular since the trade before day one of the 2024 NBA draft.
Teams worry about putting players together and seeing how they build chemistry, react, roles, and egos, and how that all translates to winning basketball games. It’s hit-or-miss; sometimes it works out, sometimes it doesn’t. The Knicks, however, don’t have to worry about that.
First, most of this team doesn’t have impeding egos that ruin franchises. I don’t think of anyone who does. Second, when you have high-level athletes and players connected for years, that is going to make the integration process very easy and winning games even easier.
With the preexisting chemistry between those four players and the ones already being constructed through the entire roster, this team will be locked in for game one of the next season.
This team being dangerous is no longer a what-if but a reality
The chatter of New York is a team that can’t get out of the second round, striking no fear into the hearts of their opponents, and being the same old failing Knicks is no longer here. It shouldn’t be, as this team has changed and has improved drastically through a couple of moves in the draft and overall offseason.
Sticking with Bridges, though, their starting five is beyond dangerous. They’ll be starting Brunson (PG), Bridges (SG), OG Anunoby (SF), Julius Randle (PF), and Mitchell Robinson (C). Many teams can’t compete with, as that is one heck of a starting lineup.
Who in the East can beat them outside of Boston? New York was the second seed last season; they won 50 games. Now, they’ve made improvements by adding Bridges, and they didn’t have to unload their roster like Phoenix did for a big-name player.
If these teams couldn’t drag them down last year, what makes anyone think it will be different this season? Yes, teams did make moves. However, they did lose pieces. While New York did lose Isaiah Hartenstein, they still have Mitchell Robinson. Robinson is a solid center who, when healthy, is a double-double machine that is an incredible rim protector.
My point is this: New York didn’t clear the house to land a solid piece. Not only did they stay as a 50-win team, but by getting Bridges, Leon Rose has increased their games of winning by at least five. New York could see themselves as a 55-60 win team next season, not even exaggerating.
The addition of Bridges only made them scarier; there was no need to take a step back. This was a strategic move to keep them contending without sacrificing a known name. Given who Mikal is and who the Knicks were last season, this should frighten teams and fanbases heading into next season.
Can the Knicks beat the Celtics?
I love talking about the Knicks and their chances of winning a championship, but their number one enemy in the East is the Boston Celtics. While I would want to ride the hype train longer, we need to be ultra-realistic.
Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown’s Celtics are the reigning champs; Boston has one of the most impressive groups the NBA has seen in a while. Like other teams, they aren’t going anywhere, as the Knicks are building up their team to dethrone the champs.
Personally, I am not going to take the Knicks over the Celtics. There are several reasons, but nobody can stop Boston. Not the Mavericks, Nuggets, 76ers, Suns, Bucks, Timberwolves, absolutely nobody can. Boston could make a dynasty out of this, or at least a two-three championship run.
So, for right now, I’m taking Boston over New York. Let’s wait to get ahead of ourselves until we see them go head-to-head next season. It’s not diminishing the Knicks, but nobody can beat the Celtics.
Conclusion: The Knicks are title contenders
While I said they can’t beat the Celtics, I never said they couldn’t win a ring or compete for one. Even though nobody can beat the Celtics, few teams can match up against New York.
The Knicks made the East grueling during the regular season, which won’t change. If they can stay healthy, which looks very good, they can be number two in their conference again. Opposing teams will have to get through New York, which’ll be a struggle.
Even teams in the West have to watch out for New York. New York is a growing threat, doing everything perfectly in the offseason and trying to replicate their success from last season. Fans will be witnessing prime New York years; it will start next season, as this team has all the makings to win a championship.
Randle and Anunoby are going to be healthy, and Brunson will continue to be healthy. Bridges is Iron Man; nothing stops that man. Robinson will be a productive center, boosting the Knicks in many ways. Hart will continue his high-minute, high-production nights. The entire team will be functioning in a high capacity.
There is no better time to be a Knicks fan than right now; I’m excited, as this year will be a fun ride.
![2024 Mock NBA Draft (Lottery Picks)](https://courtsideheat.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/sarr-primeira-escolha_widelg.jpeg)
2024 Mock NBA Draft (Lottery Picks)
This is CourtSideHeat’s official mock draft featuring this year’s lottery teams; big names like Zaccharie Risacher, Alex Sarr, Stephon Castle, Devin Carter, and so many others will be drafted within the first fourteen spots.
In today’s article, I’ll predict where each player will go and why they are the right fit for their respective team. The draft begins at 8 PM Eastern.
First overall pick: Atlanta Hawks
When Atlanta won the first pick, many thought Alex Sarr would be selected by the franchise. The going belief was pairing him with either Trae Young or Dejounte Murray, depending on how that situation unfolds.
However, reports are now speculating that Risacher will be going first to Atlanta. Beyond the rumors and reports, CourtSideHeat believes Zaccharie Risacher will be the first selection in this year’s draft.
Even though he needs to improve his jump shot, or lack thereof, he is still a solid defenseman who can shoot the three-ball. He’s shown glimpses of being able to play professional ball at the next level, as his quick decision-making and ability to help their frontcourt are major bonuses within the organization.
The upside is very real, and he should go number one.
Second overall pick: Washington Wizards
Washington will select Alex Sarr, as Sarr is easily the team’s number-one pick. Either Sarr or Risacher could be the first player selected, but if Sarr falls to second, don’t be shocked if the Wizards select the skilled big man.
While he doesn’t have a consistent long-range shot, his inside game on both ends of the floor is deeply intriguing. It’s so intriguing that Washington will pass up on getting a high-quality point guard. His potential as a stretch big should not be ruled out; even beyond that, his defensive skills as a shot blocker are an unfair advantage for whoever drafts him.
If you want a player who can play defense and has a legit perimeter skill set, look no further than the 19-year-old Frenchman.
Third overall pick: Houston Rockets
Let’s assume Houston decides not to trade the pick, which is up in the air due to recent reports, they should draft a high-value combo guard that can sit behind Fred VanVleet and learn a lot from the former championship-winning veteran.
That is why Houston’s front office should select Reed Sheppard. The upside is ridiculous, as CourtSideHeat has him as the best point guard and combo guard in this year’s draft class. Besides him being able to play either backcourt position, he is a very skilled guard who has the potential be an elite offensive player in this league.
Sheppard is an outstanding dribbler, passer, space creator, and shot creator. What he can do for himself and for his teammates is beyond comprehension. Houston’s bench, and soon their starting lineup, would love him.
This is all predicated on the ideology of them keeping their pick.
Fourth overall pick: San Antonio Spurs
Will the Spurs be controversial? Who knows, as many do want them to take Matas Buzelis. However, CourtSideHeat is projecting San Antonio to land Stephon Castle. Don’t be taken aback when this happens; why? Because he is a cornerstone point guard who can compliment Victor Wembanyama.
He has very strong playmaking skills and the ability to play incredibly versatile defense, which should not go unnoticed. While the stats aren’t popping out, he’s seen as an underrated player who led UConn to a championship.
While shot making is questionable, how he’ll be able to get his teammates involved and be an offensive facilitator for this team will be more impactful than anything. Gregg Popovich will be happy to have him paired with Wemby.
Fifth overall pick: Detroit Pistons
This selection is tough, as people can make the case for either Buzelis or Donovan Clingan. Personally, I believe Donovan Clingan will be selected by the Detroit Pistons. To pass up on the additional rim protection and having the best center from this draft class would be criminally insane.
A frontcourt featuring him and Jalen Duren would be unstoppable, plus it would speed up their rebuilding phase. A big 3 centered around him, Duren, and Cade Cunningham (when healthy) would be a league-wide threat.
Despite his shot-making and mobility is questionable, he’s an interior beast on both ends of the court. In many people’s eyes, Clingan has been seen as a first-overall pick, but if he falls, he will go straight to Detroit.
Sixth overall pick: Charlotte Hornets
Matas Buzelis will be selected with the sixth pick in this year’s NBA draft, as the Hornets can do so many great things with him. Pairing him alongside Brandon Miller and LaMelo Ball would be great for their young, talented unit.
He’s regarded as a point-forward player who communicates with teammates to keep the offense humming, has a decent shot (three-ball a little iffy), has a great touch around the rim, and can play fantastic defense. His game is not really limited, as the areas he lacks in, he makes up with in the ones he excels and punishes teams with.
Buzelis is highly talented and deserves to be a top-ten prospect.
Seventh overall pick: Portland Trail Blazers
Cody Williams is projected to be selected by Portland unless Donovan Clingan is still somehow available. However, assuming he’s gone, Williams should be the newest addition to a rebuilding Blazers.
How reliable he is as a shooter is concerning; inconsistency and reluctance are the two best words to describe his shooting game. It is definitely something that needs to be addressed, but he is a dynamic finisher and a solid playmaker.
Jalen Williams’ brother has been regarded as a top-5 pick and as a surefire lottery pick. He can play tremendous defense, foul-bait, and penetrate the defense. CourtSideHeat has him as a top-10 pick with real potential to grow and to flourish under Chauncey Billups.
Eighth overall pick: San Antonio Spurs
San Antonio is one lucky team in recent draft memory, as they have two lottery picks. While this class isn’t regarded as the best, it is still monumental to have two lottery picks that allow a brighter future for an obviously rebuilding team.
That’s why they’ll be drafting Ron Holland, who is an eye-drawing wing player. Want to talk about an athletic, two-way player that is gritty-gutty? Then let’s talk about the player coming out of the G League Ignite.
The very young player is perfect for improvement and will serve to be a fantastic starting player; he can get paired with both Wemby and newly drafted Castle. Holland will create waves in the NBA.
Ninth overall pick: Memphis Grizzlies
Devin Carter should be selected by a young, rebuilding Memphis franchise – if going off of the premise they are going to take the best guard at that pick. Could it be Dalton Knecht? Yes, but older is not always better.
Plus, with Carter, he is a high volume scorer and rebounder. The level he plays with on both ends of the court is something the Grizzlies love as a characteristic in their players. Just like in college, expect to see him play defense and generate steals and blocks.
Tenth overall pick: Utah Jazz
Dalton Knecht will provide great shooting for Utah, as they are a team that needs a wing player and another shooter like Knecht. Despite him being 23-years-old, he’s an excellent movement and pull-up shooter.
Knecht can easily take his college experiences and translate them to the National Basketball Association; he plays a little gritty-gutty, will play solid defense, and drive to the hole or hit a quick three. Something the Jazz desperately need, as they aren’t rebuilding but also aren’t playoff contending.
Not only can he do it all as a shooter, but he can catch fire, and once he catches fire, it is over for everyone. Expect Knecht be gone before pick eleven.
Eleventh overall pick: Chicago Bulls
Chicago needs to replace Alex Caruso, despite adding Josh Giddey, and the perfect player would Rob Dillingham. He is a very skilled, agile point guard who plays it exceptionally well on both ends of the court.
The 19-year-old is the best option for the Bulls, as not only is his skillset an extreme positive, it provides more stability to their backcourt. Something they’ve been wanting since dealing with the Lonzo Ball fiasco.
Him and Coby White would be a top duo in this league, which could make or break their odds of going to the Play-In Tournament or first round. Also, Zach LaVine is most likely gone. So, management will be looking for a potential solution. Dillingham could be that solution.
Twelfth overall pick: Oklahoma City Thunder
Like what the Bulls did, the Thunder need to replace the hole Josh Giddey left. Despite the new plans for Giddey was to come off the bench, his production will be greatly missed. With that being said, Nikola Topic should be selected by Oklahoma City.
Now, I understand the hesitancy with selecting him this high into the draft. The 18-year-old is coming off a tore ACL, which is a horrific injury suffered way too early in someone’s career, however, Sam Presti can take the gamble.
To replace a bench player, he would be a great addition. Topic is a solid playmaker with a good shot, plus he’s a crafty shooter that can turn his game into something deadly. This point forward can play on both sides of the court pretty efficiently, which allows for better bench defense and can turn into starter-like minutes.
Thirteenth overall pick: Sacramento Kings
His stock has risen considerably since taking Purdue to the championship game and what scouts have been able to see of him, which is why Sacramento should be selecting Zach Edey in the lottery. Could this be a risk? Yes, but it is one willing to take.
Edey’s stock has been in the range of either mid-to-late first round, but it has skyrocketed the closer the draft comes. The 22-year-old is coming off an impressive 25 points and 12 rebounds per game season; something that has many teams interested.
The center position is lacking for the Kings, so it would make incredible sense for them to get an impactful player like Edey. He’s an interior player that is hard to stop on both ends of the floor, which is great for easy buckets or contesting/blocking shots.
He can play good defense, get teammates open through setting screens and causing traffic jams, and a good low-scoring package. CourtSideHeat believes Edey will go in the lottery without question.
Fourteenth overall pick: Portland Trail Blazers
Just like the Spurs, the Trail Blazers have two picks in this year’s lottery. That is why CourtSideHeat is projecting them to go all-in on remodeling their frontcourt through the draft; Portland already selected Cody Williams, now they’ll be picking Tristan da Silva.
The biggest concerns facing him would be his lack of athleticism and ability to be effective on both ends; that by far has caused the most panic amongst teams selecting him in the lottery; however, I’m pretty confident he’ll be selected in the later stages of the lottery.
For Portland, it would make sense to draft him. Da Silva has great shooting versatility, especially as a player who specializes in playing either forward position. He’s able to knock down any shot on the court, with his three-ball being a highlight of his game.
I don’t see his lack of athletic abilities being a deterrent for him being selected high in the draft; his basketball IQ is very good, he is able to shoot the ball from anywhere, can pass well, defensively solid, and controls the rim.
Portland should run the “risk” on choosing da Silva.
Conclusion:
This is the end of CourtSideHeat’s official mock draft. The draft is a two-day event starting on Wednesday and concluding on Thursday. First round is Wednesday, second round is Thursday.
All these picks are very good picks for teams that are ready to push themselves into a deeper postseason run, like the Thunder, and for teams who are continually building weapons around a franchise player, like the Spurs.
Notable names that could go in the lottery, if things were to be shaken up, would be Kel’el Ware, Tidjane Salaun, Ja’Kobe Walter, and even Tyler Kolek. However, I’m pretty certain and confident in the fourteen players who were selected in my mock draft.
However, time will tell, as we are quickly approaching this year’s NBA draft.
![Official Guide To Fixing The Warriors](https://courtsideheat.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/gettyimages-2148917391-2.jpeg)
Official Guide To Fixing The Warriors
It’s no secret that the Warriors have major questions to answer. The easiest one to point to would be Klay Thompson; we all know he’s their number one priority. Then, there are other players—like Andrew Wiggins, Chris Paul, Jonathan Kuminga, and so forth.
What if we went deeper? Golden State wants to remain competitive and actively compete for a championship, which makes sense as they don’t want to waste the final years of Stephen Curry. But how’s that done exactly?
In today’s deep dive, I will be exploring how the Warriors can get better through free agency, in general trades, and seeing how they can build the best roster imaginable. I’ll be going position by position, building a competent lineup.
Can the Warriors use the draft to their advantage?
The draft will not be helping Mike Dunleavy Jr.’s team at all; that’s the simplest way of putting it. Golden State does not own a first-round pick; this year’s pick went to the Portland Trail Blazers. It’s looking like a lottery pick at either the 13th or 14th spot of the draft, which is great for Joe Cronin – who now has two lottery picks.
However, the Warriors don’t have any good draft picks, and I don’t believe they will give up mild-big assets to be part of this lottery draft. This is deemed the “weakest draft” in a very long time.
Their only pick is a most likely late second-round pick that will have little to no value in the grand scheme of this draft. It’s not like they are going to get a worthy asset or put this pick in something to get a worthy asset, so this draft is useless to them.
For them, this will be purely in the trade and free agency markets. Plus, making decisions on their core players or supporting players.
Real quick, what are the positional needs for the Warriors?
Depth is a huge area of concern for Golden State, especially for their front court. The point guard position is manageable, but the power forward and center position needs some love.
Trayce Jackson-Davis showed great potential in his rookie season as a starting center, but it would be smart to get a legitimate backup that allows Jackson-Davis to not only grow under but also for the Warriors to actually have solid minutes in that role.
Jackson-Davis fits Steve Kerr’s scheme better than James Wiseman’s, which is why it allowed him to gain some good minutes and show glimpses of his two-way abilities.
If Draymond Green is moved, which he will be in this article, they need to upgrade and add to their four position. Honestly, even if they kept Green as their starter and Jonathan Kuminga as their backup, there is still a serious lack of depth, with the minutes not being as productive as they could be for their frontcourt.
So, in short, there are two main concerns positionally: power forward and center.
Jonathan Kuminga: his price tag and if the Warriors need him
Wrapping up on his third season, Kuminga has demonstrated time and time again how important he can be to a winning organization. To say the Warriors don’t need him would be ridiculous, as he’s shown major signs of being able to help Curry in tight situations or championship-defining situations.
He’s made fantastic leaps in this career year in points (16.1), rebounds (4.8), and assists (2.2). His shooting splits are also very good, and he is proving to the league he has a place on a potential, or certified, championship-caliber team.
In his first two seasons, he needed to prove he was worth the Warriors spending a lottery pick on. Now, he’s exploded onto the scene and is now letting the fanbase reap the benefits of their patience and his extremely high ceiling.
So, in what I’m trying to say, pay the man.
What will his price tag be?
It’ll probably be $30 million a season, which is $3.8 million higher than Minnesota Timberwolves’ Jaden McDaniels received. For reference, he earned himself a five-year, $131 million deal. The reason why I bring up McDaniels is because of how many analysts and fans are comparing him to Kuminga.
I love McDaniels’s game. However, Kuminga is the far superior player and could command a significant contract. I wouldn’t be surprised if it were a five-year, $150 million extension. As much money as that is, and it’s a lot, for an on-the-cusp superstar (or superstar), that’s cheap money.
To put it in perspective of how up-and-coming (potential) superstars have gotten paid, look at the example of Jalen Brunson. On average, he makes $26 million a season. After leaving Dallas, he signed with New York on a four-year, $104 million deal.
This isn’t hidden potential; this is known potential, which is why Kuminga will be paid more than McDaniels and Brunson.
Chris Paul: what GSW needs to do
Heavy decisions must be made: do you pay the Point God $30 million or not? Paul is in the final year of his contract, but it is non-guaranteed. That’s critical to know, as the Warriors would have to decide whether to pay or get rid of him. It’s what the Phoenix Suns did when throwing him in the Bradley Beal trade.
On June 28th, the money becomes fully guaranteed. They are racing against the clock with key stressors of lowering their payroll, maintaining quality status, and looking at the bigger picture involving Curry.
As much as I love Chris Paul and his aspirations of winning a ring, it can’t be done in The Bay. The $30 million isn’t worth his age and potentially rapid regression; they need someone younger and a veteran with different abilities.
It’s time to shred the salary and get a credible point guard; the Warriors need a point guard who isn’t a shoot-first guard, which is more prevalent in our league than what’s been noticed. They need someone who’s somewhat cheap and can pick up where Paul left off.
Because Paul made great contributions during his run with the Warriors, he helped Curry, but it’s time to move on.
Here’s who the Warriors should target…
Spencer Dinwiddie is a great replacement to continue reducing Curry’s floor time. Paul allowed Curry to rest more this season, and I believe this can continue under Dinwiddie.
He’ll be an unrestricted free agent this offseason, which is great for Golden State. Dinwiddie has had a rough season, whether for the Brooklyn Nets or Los Angeles Lakers. I say all this to say they can get him on a team-friendly deal, and I can see a quick one-two year deal for Golden State.
He’s a player who can be a floor general, succeed in a point guard dominant role, and be a critical facilitator for Steve Kerr’s team.
The 31-year-old had a stint of 26 games for Brooklyn, where he averaged 9.1 assists, so he has the potential to thrive in that role. Golden State has a lot of shooters and shot creators, but they need someone like Dinwiddie who can create shots and make shooters shoot.
Why wouldn’t the Warriors want to get a somewhat cheap and reliable playmaker? It’d be better than Paul.
The Warriors need a wing player
Is adding a wing their biggest priority? Yes and no. In terms of depth and quality bench players, it does make sense. Plus, if the Warriors want to be strong overall, they must focus on their wings. For the longest time this season, they focused on adding a center and a wing.
If I were the general manager of the Warriors, I would want an offensive surge with juice in my second unit. That is why I would sign Lonnie Walker IV, a player who has underperformed and dealt with injuries. His wallet will let you know that he isn’t getting top-tier money; in fact, it’s more like minimum-tier money.
That’s great for the team, as they’ll be able to get another cheap player who can score and bring life to their second unit. This season, the Warriors looked slow, with their wheels falling off, but add him, and it can add life. For reference, he’s only 25 years old and ready to work.
The team could probably get him for a one-year, $2 million deal or, at worst, a one-year, $3 million deal.
It’s time to part ways with Klay Thompson
Klay Thompson is one-half of the Splash Brothers, along with Stephen Curry, and he has a living legacy with Golden State. However, to be successful in this non-rebuild restart, Mike Dunleavy is going to have to make the tough decision of saying to Thompson, “Have a great rest of your career; we wish you well!”
It wasn’t him going 0-10 in an elimination game or being benched; it was the fact that he was highly inconsistent and letting his emotions run high. You can tell it affected the locker room and the way the Warriors executed their game plan to win games.
How the 34-year-old performed this season doesn’t warrant a four-year, $223 million extension. It didn’t help him when he turned down a two-year, $48 million extension and thought he could earn more through his play. If anything, his play has decreased his value significantly.
Between his unfortunate injury history and inconsistencies across the bar, this is a clear warning that the Warriors must get out of the Klay Thompson business.
With all that being said, who replaces Thompson?
It’s time to trade Andrew Wiggins…
Wiggins’s first three years with the Warriors were great; they were productive, team-beneficial, and championship-level. However, like Thompson, all good things must come to an end. These past two years have been rough, confusing, and downright sad.
It was going great, without a doubt, but the team is no longer clicking with Wiggins. But you know what guy would click with the Warriors? Dejounte Murray. Funny enough, the Atlanta Hawks are either trading him or Trae Young.
There are several factors as to why Golden State was taking offers from the Dallas Mavericks and other teams involving Wiggins this past deadline, and the same with Chris Paul. So it makes sense as to why they are trading him now.
It is pretty realistic for both sides to come together and get a deal done. Golden State would obviously get Wiggins, but Atlanta will receive Wiggins, Kevon Looney, and a 2026 first-round pick.
Atlanta needs help in their frontcourt, with Looney filling out the bench with his vital role, but Wiggins gives Young another weapon to utilize.
You are now replacing an aging, regressing Thompson with a young, in-his-prime player. That’s a win, team-speaking and positionally speaking.
Trade Draymond Green… IMMEDIATELY
Who wants to talk about Draymond Green being a locker-room cancer? While I already detailed how Green has destroyed their morale, locker room, and dynasty, there is no good reason to keep him because if he can’t play basketball anymore and is doing his off-and-on court antics, then he must be gone.
Former general manager Bob Myers was backed into a corner where he had no choice but to sign him. However, it’s time to move on and make sure the cancer is gone.
With all that being said, who can they trade for? One name that is very popular in my mind is Jerami Grant, a player who formerly played for the Detroit Pistons and now for the Portland Trail Blazers.
My trade proposal:
The Warriors are obviously getting Grant, but the Blazers are getting Green, Gary Payton II, and a 2028 first-round pick.
We know why this helps Golden State, but this helps Portland in so many ways. It gives them a veteran presence surrounding their young players, and Payton gives them backcourt depth.
Also, if taking Green and his gigantic contract is really depressing, then Golden State can sweeten the pot with the valuable pick.
In the end, I believe this to be a win-win. Mainly for the Warriors, this would complete their starting lineup.
The new starting lineup:
- Point Guard: Stephen Curry
- Shooting Guard: Dejounte Murray
- Small Forward: Jerami Grant
- Power Forward: Jonathan Kuminga
- Center: Trayce Jackson-Davis
Here are the backups to each position:
- Point Guard: Spencer Dinwiddie
- Shooting Guard: Lonnie Walker IV, Brandin Podziemski
- Small Forward: Kelly Oubre Jr., Moses Moody
- Power Forward: Tauren Prince, Thaddeus Young
- Center: Mason Plumlee, Usman Garuba
This first and second lineup is very complimentary for each player, as the first unit will be able to dismantle and/or keep it close to other championship-level teams like the Denver Nuggets or Boston Celtics.
The backcourt won’t be disrupted like it was with Murray and Young. Murray and Curry will be able to play off each other, and neither really needs the ball in their hand to contribute. This is the ultimate safety net for the starting lineup because if one or two players aren’t feeling it, then there is always a fall-on man they can count on.
Fans don’t see that with many teams in the league; in fact, that’s what separates the winners from the losers. Steve Kerr would be excited to have this roster. Still a great mixture of young talent and seasoned talent.
Let’s not forget about the second unit; great life and contributions can be made from this lineup. I’ve already mentioned the benefits of Dinwiddie and Walker, but adding players like Plumlee, Young, and Prince will give them great defense, paint protection, and penalty.
Oubre is a great addition for sparking offense and being a game-changer, a difference-maker when it matters the most.
To say the least, both units are absolutely amazing.
Conclusion
This is CourtSideHeat’s official guide to not-rebuilding-rebuilding the Golden State Warriors. I honestly believe this is the only way to keep them competitive without having to sacrifice another one of Curry’s seasons.
They weeded out the regressing (or downright bad… Draymond) players and replaced them with a fresher combo of younger and more seasoned players. There are no more flooring issues, minutes won’t fluctuate for key players, positions will matter, defense isn’t lost, and a bench that can beat out other benches.
Golden State only needs an offseason to get themselves right and to make themselves competitive again; this is entirely possible through trades and signings. Easier said than done? Sure, but they are one of the most successful dynasties in basketball history. They can do it.
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