With the NBA draft coming up on the 21st of June, I figured I would give my opinion on who will go where inside the lottery. The selections I propose will be who I think the team will draft, based on needs and fit. I will be giving my opinion on each player at each pick, along with giving a current player comparison. That will not be based skill level, but rather skill set. There will also be a secondary pick listed for each team, indicating the other player I could see being drafted at that spot.
1. Phoenix Suns: Deandre Ayton, C | Arizona Wildcats, Freshman
20.1 PPG, 11.6 REB, 1.9 BLK
Deandre Ayton is a force inside the paint, standing at 7'1" and weighing in at 250 pounds. His offensive game is already NBA ready, with an outstanding post game and a developing jump shot. Defense is the biggest question for Ayton, but he has the physical tools to become an excellent interior defender. Quoted as saying he and Booker would be "Kobe and Shaq," may be a longhsot, but with the potential Ayton has, there's a possibility.
Pro Skill Set Comparison: DeMarcus Cousins
Other Candidate: Luka Doncic
2. Sacramento Kings: Luka Doncic, G/F | Real Madrid, EuroLeague
14.5 PPG, 4.6 AST, 5.2 REB, 25 MPG
Doncic is the most coveted international prospect the NBA has seen in quite some time because of his versatility. He can run off ball and knock down threes with ease and also has the capability to run point guard with either isolation plays or great playmaking abilities. His defense is average at best, but can easily be improved upon. The one thing all scouts worry about is playing at the international level rather than in the NCAA system, but with Doncic I don't believe that should be an issue for the EuroLeague MVP.
Pro Skill Set Comparison: James Harden
Other Candidate: Marvin Bagley
3. Atlanta Hawks: Marvin Bagley, F | Duke Blue Devils, Freshman
21 PPG, 11.1 REB, 39.7 3P%
Bagley was a dominant force in the paint (if you excuse the lack of focus or even effort on defense). His athleticism outshone nearly every other big in college basketball, but people worry that may be his only upside. He has shown some capability as a stretch four though, which is something the NBA loves. Building around a John Collins and Bagley front court would be a dominant offensive force, but one that would need time to develop.
Pro Skill Set Comparison: Kevin Love
Other Candidate: Jaren Jackson Jr.
4. Memphis Grizzlies: Michael Porter Jr., F | Missouri Tigers, Freshman
10 PPG, 6.7 REB, 2 Full GP
A lengthy forward that can play either the 3 or 4 with a great shooting stroke, Porter was the consensus number one pick before his back injury. His abilities on offense seem limitless, but his defense could use work. Lately his stock has been rising, as scouts see him going more around the 6-8 pick. His injury history is a concern, but Porter's potential on the wing will entice the Grizzlies, who have needed a wing like this for years.
Pro Skill Set Comparison: Brandon Ingram
Other Candidate: Jaren Jackson Jr.
5. Dallas Mavericks: Mohamed Bamba, F/C | Texas Longhorns, Freshman
12.9 PPG, 10.5 REB, 3.7 BLK
Bamba is most likely going to be the best defensive player coming out of this draft. Averaging the second most blocks in the nation at the college level and having a ridiculous 7'10" wingspan, Bamba's potential on defense is incredulous. His offense has even shown the capability of developing into a pick and popper, or taking it to the paint. Bamba also ran 3/4 of the court at the combine faster than both John Wall and Russell Westbrook. Lack of maturity has been the biggest concern for Bamba, but the Mavericks may have landed the biggest steal in the entire draft.
Pro Skill Set Comparison: Myles Turner
Other Candidate: Jaren Jackson Jr.
6. Orlando Magic: Jaren Jackson Jr., F/C | Michigan State Spartans, Freshman
10.9 PPG, 5.8 REB, 3 BLK
As the youngest player in the draft, Jackson may have the biggest boom-bust potential in the entire draft. He is a defensive stud that knows where to be and how to block a shot, and also can stretch out to the three-point line with a 39.6 3P%. His quickness and athleticism allows him to play the four or five. While only playing 21 minutes a game in college, Jackson has some great potential, but it could also entail bust. Playing alongside Aaron Gordon in Orlando may be the perfect complementary fit for Jackson.
Pro Skill Set Comparison: Thon Maker
Other Candidate: Trae Young
7. Chicago Bulls: Miles Bridges, G/F | Michigan State Spartans, Sophomore
17.1 PPG, 7 REB, 2.7 AST
A year ago, Miles Bridges most likely would have been a top three pick. Going through his sophomore season may have hurt his stock this year, but his talent may be slept on as a prospect. His ability to handle the ball and score at 6'7" is always appreciated in the modern NBA. His fit on a young Chicago Bulls team could be great for a developing core.
Pro Skill Set Comparison: Andrew Wiggins
Other Candidate: Trae Young
8. Cleveland Cavaliers: Trae Young, G | Oklahoma Sooners, Freshman
27.4 PPG, 8.7 AST, 5.2 TO
Trae Young is possibly the most confusing prospect in this draft, after a stellar first half of the college season was tarnished by an abysmal second season. Many see Young as only a scorer, which is justifiable after watching his ability on defense. His size is also a large question mark, but Trae Young has a very complete offensive game besides his shot selection. The Cavs are looking for some youth in case of a rebuild, and Trae Young has the capability to be either their future, or another mistake.
Pro Skill Set Comparison: Jamal Murray
Other Candidate: Mikal Bridges
9. New York Knicks: Wendell Carter Jr., C | Duke Blue Devils, Freshman
13.5 PPG, 9.1 REB, 2.1 BLK
Carter Jr. is a solid glue guy for any team that needs a big man, starting or bench. His defense is solid and he has the quickness to defend a four on the wing. He also has the strength to be a great rebounder at the NBA level, with the energy to outplay many. A great defensive fit alongside Kristaps Porzingis, he may not be an immediate start, but a great project to build up in the frontcourt.
Pro Skill Set Comparison: Julius Randle
Other Candidate: Mikal Bridges
10. Philadelphia 76ers: Mikal Bridges, G/F | Villanova Wildcats, Junior
17.7 PPG, 5.3 REB, 1.5 STL
A young team that is ready to compete could use an NBA level 3-and-D prospect, and the 76ers would be lucky to land Bridges at this point in the draft. His length and quickness on the floor helps him guard positions 1 to 3, and shot 43.5% from the three. He would be an excellent sixth man for this team, as the 76ers identity has become that of defense, something they lack off the bench. Expect Bridges to make an impact immediately for any team that drafts him.
Pro Skill Set Comparison: Gary Harris
Other Candidate: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
11. Charlotte Hornets: Collin Sexton, G | Alabama Crimson Tide, Freshman
19.2 PPG, 3.6 AST, 2.8 TO
The Hornets have to start rebuilding at some point, right? Blow up the whole team and figure out how to become youthful. I expect this pick to be traded along with Kemba Walker for a top pick, but if that does not happen, Sexton could be a steal for the Hornets. His efficiency and defense are a question mark, but his explosiveness and leadership are excellent. Shooting is still in development, but Sexton could be the start of a long needed rebuild.
Pro Skill Set Comparison: Russell Westbrook
Other Candidate: Kevin Knox
12. Los Angeles Clippers: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, G | Kentucky Wildcats, Freshman
14.4 PPG, 5.1 AST, 4.1 REB
As a team recently ravaged by trades, the Clippers need practically every position. They do not want to be stuck in limbo, as they are an old team that can't compete with very little youth. Picking the best available youth is what they should do, and Shai has good potential for this late in the lottery. He is an efficient point guard that can shoot the three, lead an offense, and play solid defense. There may not be superstar potential to him, but Shai could be an excellent starting point guard for any team that needs it.
Pro Skill Set Comparison: Patrick Beverley
Other Candidate: Kevin Knox
13. Los Angeles Clippers: Kevin Knox, F | Kentucky Wildcats, Freshman
15.6 PPG, 5.4 REB, 2.3 TO
Having back-to-back picks always feels safe. The Clippers have already taken a safe pick with Shai, why not take a more mysterious prospect with his teammate, Kevin Knox? An athletic forward with explosiveness and the potential to become a great shooter, his efficiency is a big issue, but that can be fixed by a disciplined coach. Doc Rivers could take his experience of coaching Paul Pierce and attempt to mold Knox into that. Knox also has the athleticism and strength to guard positions 2 to 4. The potential with this pick is high, it will just take the right coach to make him more motivated and disciplined.
Pro Skill Set Comparison: A less efficient Jimmy Butler
Other Candidate: Lonnie Walker IV
14. Denver Nuggets: Keita Bates-Diop, F | Ohio State Buckeyes, Freshman
19.8 PPG, 8.7 REB, 1.6 BLK
The Nuggets will not be looking for potential with this pick, they will want matured NBA level ready talent. Bates-Diop is an excellent glue guy in any system, as he is a threat down low on offense and can play defense in the post or on the wing. The Nuggets could use a bench piece for a bench that ranked 25th in the NBA,
Pro Skill Set Comparison: Markieff Morris
Other Candidate: Zhaire Smith
Thursday, June 21, 2018
Tuesday, June 12, 2018
Has "Dame Time" Expired?
Damian Lillard has been the face of the Portland Trail Blazers for years now, ever since he entered the league. Starting at the point guard position for the team since his first game in 2012, Lillard has never averaged below 19 PPG and 5 APG. Playing alongside star forward LaMarcus Aldridge until the 2014-2015 season, Lillard only missed the playoffs one time. That was his rookie season. He is a three time All-Star, two time All-NBA team member, and took home Rookie of the Year.
His play style has been a full offensive arsenal with very poor defensive abilities. There is almost nothing Lillard cannot do on the offensive end, with a fine three point shot, great driving abilities, and solid playmaking. His defensive capabilities are shown by his defensive plus/minus, where throughout his entire six year career he has never been on the plus side of that category.
Recently, Lillard has been receiving major criticism for his many disappearing acts in the Playoffs. This comes after a recent sweep by a New Orleans Pelicans team that was seeded 6, with only one true star in Anthony Davis. I will be discussing Damian Lillard and whether "Dame Time" should continue in Portland, or if his tenure has expired.
Underrated?
As one-dimensional of a player as Lillard is, fans (and he himself) insist on saying he is "underrated" in the league. That title is unnecessary for a guard that has been labeled as an All-Star three times. With that title, we must question what makes a player underrated? Only five point guards can be considered better than Lillard, and four of those guards were also All-Stars this year, with arguably better stats on either the defensive or offensive end. Those players are Chris Paul, Stephen Curry, Russell Westbrook, James Harden, and Kyrie Irving.
Lillard has consistently been mentioned as a top ten point guard in the league, tending to be at the heels of the previously mentioned five point guards. Other point guards such as John Wall also have an argument against Lillard to being the better player. What separates (most) of those other guards and Lillard is their efficiency and defensive abilities. Lillard's defensive plus/minus was only slightly better than one of those guards, Stephen Curry. Curry easily outplays Lillard on offense, making Curry the better player. Lillard's efficiency is below nearly all of those mentioned point guards, except for Westbrook and Harden, who both have been or are about to be the MVP.
Lillard had an impressive 2017-2018 season, where he was in discussion for the MVP award. Leading a depleted Trail Blazers team to a 3 seed in the Western Conference and averaging 26.9 PPG and 6.6 APG, Lillard can no longer be considered underrated by any means. One could now consider Lillard overrated for his shortcomings on defense and inability of winning when it counts. However, it's too early to consider someone overrated directly after a season of being called underrated. It takes more than one season to be considered either underrated or overrated, and Lillard has earned not being titled "underrated" anymore, even if he never should have had that label. His career should not be the basis for other players considered underrated. One could look at Goran Dragic, who is nearly never considered to be in the top ten tier for point guards, but is closely behind Chris Paul in scoring and Kyrie Irving in assists. Stats that aren't superstar level, but near comparable to superstar numbers.
Playoff Disappointment
Lillard's playoff career can't be labeled anything more than disappointing. Yes, he hit an incredible game winning shot to send the Houston Rockets packing in the first round of 2014. Those Playoffs would be the last time we saw any sort of "Dame Time" for the Trail Blazers in the postseason.
Most general managers in the league will agree that a max contract worthy player should be able to win in the Playoffs, to have the efficiency and capability of playing against the top competition. Lillard seemingly cowers under the pressure of the Playoffs, judging by his efficiency drop from regular season to postseason.
One could attribute these efficiency drops to the competition the Trail Blazers are put against. Either they play a top tier defensive team, such as the Golden State Warriors or Memphis Grizzlies, or Lillard is matched against a top tier defensive guard in Chris Paul or Jrue Holiday. However, to be considered a top player and not so "underrated," you should be able to take it to the competition and make them work for a win. Yet every series loss is close to, if not a sweep and Lillard's efficiency levels are atrocious.
What should the Trail Blazers do?
It will always be difficult to part ways with the face of your franchise, especially when you have very little talent after him. McCollum is an excellent piece, but after that the talent level drops tremendously. The team also has multiple poor contracts compared to player productivity, such as Evan Turner at $17 million a year on his contract for 8.2 PPG and 2.2 APG. There is also little to no promising youth on the team besides Zach Collins.
The Trail Blazers' course of action will be tricky with those factors, but there is a way to start a rebuild that could be extremely worth it. First, they must resign center Jusuf Nurkic to a long-term deal. Ever since Nurkic was put into the lineup, the Trail Blazers defensive numbers raised from 108.5 PAPG to 103.
Next, find a trade for Lillard with a focus on youth and picks. This is a tall task, as there aren't many contenders that could use a point guard and have the salary for Lillard's contract. If the Philadelphia 76ers give up their pursuit for LeBron James, I could see a trade like this being thrown around:
Philadelphia 76ers Receive- PG Damian Lillard
Portland Trail Blazers Receive- PG Markelle Fultz, 2018 1st Round 10th Pick (Via Lakers), 2019 1st Round Pick (Via Kings)
This trade could complete the process for the 76ers by giving them a superstar to add to their star duo, making an extremely potent offensive big three. Imagine a pick and roll with Embiid and Simmons, OR with Lillard and Embiid. You could even have a pick and roll with Lillard and Simmons, as Lillard could either dump it off to Simmons for a drive or to find the perimeter shooter, or Lillard could take it to the hoop or look for the open perimeter shooter. There is an endless amount of opportunity for that offense, which could give the 76ers their next step.
Youth would become the identity for the Trail Blazers, with two picks that will be in the lottery in the next two years. The pick from the Kings has a protection for the Celtics, where if the pick lands at number one the Celtics will receive the pick. That protection comes from the trade that gave the 76ers the pick for Markelle Fultz. However, the Kings being the team with the best odds to land the first pick is unlikely. Look for those picks to be used on high potential players with big boom or bust opportunity, possibly Michael Porter Jr.? Fultz is also an excellent fit for the Trail Blazers, a team that now needs a new face of the franchise. Pairing him with a shooter in McCollum will also make up for his poor jumper, but if he finds the solution for his broken jumpshot and reaches his potential that made him a first overall pick, then expect another highly talented backcourt for the Blazers.
If all else fails, the Blazers will have to hold onto Lillard as there are not many teams with the compatibility of the Trail Blazers' needs or the ability to take in Lillard. Keeping Lillard would definitely hold back the rebuilding process, as they'd have to wait a few years for his contract, along with many other players' contracts on the team.
In the best scenario, the trade mentioned above follows through and the Blazers make smart picks, creating a young trio of Fultz and the two lottery picks they received, along with sharpshooter McCollum. If that trade falls through, then the Blazers may have dug themselves a massive hole that will take years to crawl back out of. One similar to the Kings' situation for the past 10 years.
His play style has been a full offensive arsenal with very poor defensive abilities. There is almost nothing Lillard cannot do on the offensive end, with a fine three point shot, great driving abilities, and solid playmaking. His defensive capabilities are shown by his defensive plus/minus, where throughout his entire six year career he has never been on the plus side of that category.
Recently, Lillard has been receiving major criticism for his many disappearing acts in the Playoffs. This comes after a recent sweep by a New Orleans Pelicans team that was seeded 6, with only one true star in Anthony Davis. I will be discussing Damian Lillard and whether "Dame Time" should continue in Portland, or if his tenure has expired.
Underrated?
As one-dimensional of a player as Lillard is, fans (and he himself) insist on saying he is "underrated" in the league. That title is unnecessary for a guard that has been labeled as an All-Star three times. With that title, we must question what makes a player underrated? Only five point guards can be considered better than Lillard, and four of those guards were also All-Stars this year, with arguably better stats on either the defensive or offensive end. Those players are Chris Paul, Stephen Curry, Russell Westbrook, James Harden, and Kyrie Irving.
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| FanRag Sports |
Lillard had an impressive 2017-2018 season, where he was in discussion for the MVP award. Leading a depleted Trail Blazers team to a 3 seed in the Western Conference and averaging 26.9 PPG and 6.6 APG, Lillard can no longer be considered underrated by any means. One could now consider Lillard overrated for his shortcomings on defense and inability of winning when it counts. However, it's too early to consider someone overrated directly after a season of being called underrated. It takes more than one season to be considered either underrated or overrated, and Lillard has earned not being titled "underrated" anymore, even if he never should have had that label. His career should not be the basis for other players considered underrated. One could look at Goran Dragic, who is nearly never considered to be in the top ten tier for point guards, but is closely behind Chris Paul in scoring and Kyrie Irving in assists. Stats that aren't superstar level, but near comparable to superstar numbers.
Playoff Disappointment
Lillard's playoff career can't be labeled anything more than disappointing. Yes, he hit an incredible game winning shot to send the Houston Rockets packing in the first round of 2014. Those Playoffs would be the last time we saw any sort of "Dame Time" for the Trail Blazers in the postseason.
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| Stats from https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/l/lillada01.html |
One could attribute these efficiency drops to the competition the Trail Blazers are put against. Either they play a top tier defensive team, such as the Golden State Warriors or Memphis Grizzlies, or Lillard is matched against a top tier defensive guard in Chris Paul or Jrue Holiday. However, to be considered a top player and not so "underrated," you should be able to take it to the competition and make them work for a win. Yet every series loss is close to, if not a sweep and Lillard's efficiency levels are atrocious.
What should the Trail Blazers do?
It will always be difficult to part ways with the face of your franchise, especially when you have very little talent after him. McCollum is an excellent piece, but after that the talent level drops tremendously. The team also has multiple poor contracts compared to player productivity, such as Evan Turner at $17 million a year on his contract for 8.2 PPG and 2.2 APG. There is also little to no promising youth on the team besides Zach Collins.
The Trail Blazers' course of action will be tricky with those factors, but there is a way to start a rebuild that could be extremely worth it. First, they must resign center Jusuf Nurkic to a long-term deal. Ever since Nurkic was put into the lineup, the Trail Blazers defensive numbers raised from 108.5 PAPG to 103.
Next, find a trade for Lillard with a focus on youth and picks. This is a tall task, as there aren't many contenders that could use a point guard and have the salary for Lillard's contract. If the Philadelphia 76ers give up their pursuit for LeBron James, I could see a trade like this being thrown around:
Philadelphia 76ers Receive- PG Damian Lillard
Portland Trail Blazers Receive- PG Markelle Fultz, 2018 1st Round 10th Pick (Via Lakers), 2019 1st Round Pick (Via Kings)
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| Rip City Project |
This trade could complete the process for the 76ers by giving them a superstar to add to their star duo, making an extremely potent offensive big three. Imagine a pick and roll with Embiid and Simmons, OR with Lillard and Embiid. You could even have a pick and roll with Lillard and Simmons, as Lillard could either dump it off to Simmons for a drive or to find the perimeter shooter, or Lillard could take it to the hoop or look for the open perimeter shooter. There is an endless amount of opportunity for that offense, which could give the 76ers their next step.
Youth would become the identity for the Trail Blazers, with two picks that will be in the lottery in the next two years. The pick from the Kings has a protection for the Celtics, where if the pick lands at number one the Celtics will receive the pick. That protection comes from the trade that gave the 76ers the pick for Markelle Fultz. However, the Kings being the team with the best odds to land the first pick is unlikely. Look for those picks to be used on high potential players with big boom or bust opportunity, possibly Michael Porter Jr.? Fultz is also an excellent fit for the Trail Blazers, a team that now needs a new face of the franchise. Pairing him with a shooter in McCollum will also make up for his poor jumper, but if he finds the solution for his broken jumpshot and reaches his potential that made him a first overall pick, then expect another highly talented backcourt for the Blazers.
If all else fails, the Blazers will have to hold onto Lillard as there are not many teams with the compatibility of the Trail Blazers' needs or the ability to take in Lillard. Keeping Lillard would definitely hold back the rebuilding process, as they'd have to wait a few years for his contract, along with many other players' contracts on the team.
In the best scenario, the trade mentioned above follows through and the Blazers make smart picks, creating a young trio of Fultz and the two lottery picks they received, along with sharpshooter McCollum. If that trade falls through, then the Blazers may have dug themselves a massive hole that will take years to crawl back out of. One similar to the Kings' situation for the past 10 years.
Sunday, June 10, 2018
LeBron James, The Decision: Pt. 3?
In the summer of 2010, all-time great LeBron James made a decision that completely shook the NBA landscape, by joining Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh in South Beach. James leaving was not much of a surprise to fans, because of the Cavaliers' inability to surround James with compatible teammates. Many consider this to be the beginning of the "super team" trend, and the "Heatles" would go on to win 2 championships.
James' decision was nationally televised. but his decision to return to Cleveland in the summer of 2014 was reported by Sports Illustrated senior writer Lee Jenkins in an essay written by the 14 time all-star. Both decisions were taken very seriously, as "The King" was first leaving his home team, then deciding to rejoin his home team Cavaliers. Those decisions were also influenced by one thing, a championship. James was seeking glory with his first decision, but his next was out of love for home.
"When I left Cleveland, I was on a mission. I was seeking championships, and we won two. But Miami already knew that feeling. Our city hasn't had that feeling in a long, long, long time. My goal is still to win as many titles as possible, no question. But what's most important for me is bringing one trophy back to Northeast Ohio."
No matter what, LeBron's decision will once again impact the league. If he stays, the Cavaliers will once again have to make decisions like they did at this previous trade deadline. A team that gets swept in the NBA Finals definitely needs a rebuild, but with James that rebuild will be a tad more difficult. His taste of teammates is very distinct and critical, and we all know that the Cavaliers will obey to whatever "The Chosen One" wants.
One can only assume that LeBron will reevaluate his stay in Cleveland after the Cavaliers' disappointing ability to put a championship caliber team in place after the departure of Kyrie Irving (who the front office traded themselves). You can give the team a break for losing in 2015 because of the injury of Irving and Kevin Love. Along with the dominance of the Golden State Warriors and other super teams in the league, James' frustration may have hit it's peak, and he may be prepared for a change in scenery.
Recently, sports television personality and journalist Stephen A. Smith released a list of seven teams that LeBron James is having conversations with this offseason.
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| From @stephenasmith Instagram |
1. Cleveland Cavaliers
If LeBron wants to stay home, this choice makes the most sense for him and the organization. Without LeBron, the Cavs are nearly desolate. After Kevin Love, the talent level drops tremendously to a sub-40 win team. Even if Kevin Love became the 2013 double-double machine we saw on the Minnesota Timberwolves again, it'd be about the same situation. "Empty" statistics on a losing team.
Salary cap wise, the Cavaliers are already second in the league for their total player salary at $137 million. LeBron is the greatest player in the world at this time, and will demand a Stephen Curry or Russell Westbrook level contract at $40 million annually. Cutting off James for salary cap decisions is definitely not in the Cavaliers' plans, they would make the room.
The one knock against LeBron with the Cavs is the apparent chemistry issues, as there have been many examples of James being frustrated with the organization, teammates, and coaches. The meme "LeGM" is no joke, as his opinion on players tends to affect the length of stay on the team (Isaiah Thomas, Jae Crowder were traded very quickly after under performing in their first few months as a Cavalier).
If the Cavaliers can lay out a plan to establish a team around LeBron, the Cavaliers could possibly go back to at least competing with the Warriors in the championship. However, LeBron did stick with his word of bringing one championship to Cleveland. I do not see Cleveland winning another championship anytime soon, as the organization has dug a hole of bad salaries and average to above average players. This team may be the best fit for James for staying home, but winning is another story.
2. Philadelphia 76ers
Come on, you can't deny that this team would be incredible to watch. A revolutionary center in Joel Embiid, a comparably younger version of LeBron James in Ben Simmons, playing alongside LeBron James. That's one interesting big three. Simmons and James are already friends, as they have been seen working out together, meaning one less chemistry issue. To complement those stars, great role players like Robert Covington and Dario Saric would mesh with LeBron's game just like they do Simmons', three point shooters that are just fine letting the stars do their work and being there for the open shot. Along with budding rookie Markelle Fultz, this team could be menacing in the East.
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/9761771/Screen_Shot_2017_11_27_at_6.20.25_PM.png) |
| LeBron James and Ben Simmons: A history of their friendship - SBNation.com |
Many people will argue that LeBron joining this youth will ruin "the process," and I can understand that. After the 4-1 series loss to the Boston Celtics in the second round, it was proven that the 76ers weren't quite ready for that maturity leap, due to lack of experience in the playoffs. However, if you add LeBron, someone who has been to the finals for eight. Straight. Years. There will be a large leap in the right direction.
With the amount of youth on the team, the cap space for the team is already in the bottom 1/3 of the NBA. Next year, they will be one of five teams that are at $70 million or below in salary. That leaves enough money to sign one max player, and that one player might as well be LeBron James.
The reasoning behind LeBron coming to Philadelphia make it very obvious what decision would be smartest for LeBron. However, the 76ers may not want to invest their money into someone at age 33 for a long term deal when there are players like Paul George also on the market. With the sway of Joel Embiid's twitter fingers, however, do expect the team and LeBron to be very open towards negotiating a deal.
3. Miami Heat
Another reunion, just a different team? This isn't a long shot by any means, as the Heat would definitely appreciate the the best in the league to come back, and could definitely make room. No one on this team is untouchable by any means, as their second best player (Dragic is so underrated it's ridiculous) Hassan Whiteside has recently voiced his frustration with his playing time, but would definitely not decline his $27 million player option with how his last season went. Lots of trades would have to be done, but there are many players LeBron would enjoy playing with, such as longtime friend Dwayne Wade, Goran Dragic, and floor spacer Kelly Olynyk.
The Heat are fourth in the league with player salaries currently, but next year they will be first by a landslide, and that is before possibly resigning Whiteside to a contract, at $145 million. Many of their contracts could be considered poor compared to the production output of the players, such as Tyler Johnson, who is about to be paid nearly $20 million after averaging 11.7 PPG and 2.3 APG. With no cap space and a large luxury tax, the team would have to be transformed greatly to make room for the King.
James already has great chemistry with this organization, as Pat Riley and Erik Spoelstra are still intact. Along with old teammate Dwayne Wade, LeBron would feel welcomed by South Beach. The fans may seem upset now by LeBron leaving, but having him come back would be no issue for fans when they see the win column rise. This is also seen as another home for LeBron, and he has made it very clear that he'll listen to what his family wants and what's home to him before anything else.
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| Erik Spoelstra and LeBron James Miami Heat- Heat Nation |
It would take reconstruction for the Heat to welcome LeBron back, but it would most likely result in success. It may not be Wade and Bosh, but Dragic is definitely no slouch. Whiteside not being relied on so heavily for offense may also help Whiteside's case for returning, which would create quite the trifecta. Along with solid bench pieces, the wins could accumulate with time. However, winning a championship would be a stretch, as LeBron is 33. There is about a five year window for this core to compete with the warriors and be better than them, along with other up and coming teams. Although wins are a high possibility, the Heat may be too old to compete amongst the juggernauts of the NBA.
4. Los Angeles Lakers
With a big market team like the Lakers, you can't blame the fans for having faith. A popular city, rich and winning history, you can't go wrong in L.A. There have been rumors of LeBron coming to the Lakers because of his home in the city, but his fit in the team may be a real issue. With the development of Brandon Ingram and Kyle Kuzma still in place, General Manager Magic Johnson may not want to interrupt that process. LeBron also demands control of the ball at most times, which entails that Lonzo Ball will be forced to play off-ball frequently, a bad move because of his shooting struggles. However, Zo may be able to develop his jumpshot, and James can also use another ball handler like Ball to take some stress off his shoulders on offense.
The cap situation for the Lakers is ridiculously good, as next season they will have room for TWO max offers. This means that LeBron's contract could easily be taken in, along with room for another superstar, while retaining important pieces.
The possibility of LeBron joining the Lakers is good, but not as good as the teams above. The Lakers may be too underdeveloped to win now, as we have all seen the struggles LeBron has had with a team not ready to take the big stage. If the young pieces of the Lakers' core were a couple years older and more developed, this team would easily be on top of the list, but the timeline of the Lakers and LeBron just don't match up.
5. Houston Rockets
If LeBron truly wanted to win a championship straight away, this would be the easiest destination. Two Hall of Famers in Chris Paul and James Harden would definitely take the league by storm, but what about the rest of the team? The Rockets are a fully established team with an identity. Tear apart defenses with ball movement, pick and rolls with Capela, shoot the lights out from behind the arc, and have a second unit for any situation. Two of those four traits would stay, and that's purely because of Chris Paul refusing to not share the ball with the entire team and nearly everyone on the team can shoot the rock. Capela is going to demand a hefty amount of money this offseason, and to afford LeBron the Rockets would have to let go of their big man. An important part of their bench, former Sixth Man of the Year Eric Gordon would have to be traded to create more room for LeBron as well, making their bench weaker.
The salary cap situation of the Rockets is definitely on the poor side, considering they will likely have to give two max contracts to Paul and Capela. There is no possible way of signing Lebron, unless they make the room for four max contracts (one of those being Harden's historically large deal).
The combination of those players would create the most menacing wing trio in history, but not leave much else on the team. It would also leave them in a poor situation in the future, with no salary cap space and aging players with max contracts. This could be LeBron's ideal place to win, but this is not the ideal contract to sign for the Rockets. The salaries between the two sides do not match up, yet they would easily compete with the Warriors for most entertaining team in the league.
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| LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Paul resume their banana boat tradition - SBNation.com |
6. Boston Celtics
The Celtics would obviously become the best team in the NBA if LeBron were to join, instantly. The talent pool would be flooding over. They made it to the eastern conference finals without their two top stars, Kyrie Irving and Gordon Hayward. Yet there are a multitude of problems that would come with LeBron deciding to join the Celtics.
For starters, the roster is so filled up on the wing already that the team is considering either trading Terry Rozier or letting Marcus Smart walk in free agency. Even with one of those moves, their prized youngster Jayson Tatum will be moved to the power forward position to make room for Hayward in the starting lineup. The roster simply has no room for another forward. The Celtics would be much better off focusing on bench depth. General Manager Danny Ainge, however, is a man known for letting anyone go no matter their talent ability. It would not be surprising to see him shake up his roster for James, but he will most likely make the wise decision and let a HEALTHY roster run wild in the Eastern Conference. Also, Jayson Tatum is a freaking monster.
Remember how Kyrie Irving requested a trade from Cleveland to avoid being in the shadow of LeBron James? There is extreme doubt that the chemistry of that situation could ever be alleviated. James is also quoted as saying, "You're either with us or against us," when asked about advice for Irving after his departure from the team. Also, the Celtics have always been heated rivals with James on his quest to the Finals, with countless playoffs matchups. Why would LeBron ever consider joining a team he has that sort of relationship and background with?
It's very confusing as to why people believe that LeBron would ever join this team. The roster doesn't match up, the chemistry issues are tremendous, and salaries weren't even discussed (it wouldn't match up at all for another max contract). The Celtics are a team that should focus on the roster they have now, and give the players to develop together as a unit, and as individual players.
7. Golden State Warriors
This one is quick and simple. No. The Warriors have a culture and fan base, comprised entirely of their core four. Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green. Recently adding another championship to their mantle, why would the Warriors ever consider shaking up that core? Even trading half of that core away would leave no room to sign another max contract. The chemistry would also be a major issue, as LeBron has to have some sort of hatred in his blood for the organization after losing to them three times in four Final's matchups. With no bias towards the organization in this opinion, no. The Warriors would not be a good fit for LeBron, and LeBron would not be a good fit for the Warriors.
Destination in Mind: Philadelphia 76ers
The 76ers may be best groomed to add LeBron to the team, and also one of the best places to go to win a championship. A fifty win team with their two top stars under age 25 will have another offseason of workouts and improvement tacked on, and if you add the best basketball player in the world to that mix, the rest of the NBA should be terrified. The cap space situation has room for one max contract, and if the 76ers want a championship sooner than later and a mentor towards Ben Simmons, then now is the time for "The Process" to be completed.
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