When you look at Phil Jackson's teams, several patterns emerge:
1.) No one man orchestrates the offense; instead, the system (which puts an emphasis on ball movement and player movement) does. As a result, PG's are ideally guys that can move without the ball, shoot, and defend their position. I think that this is the most important feature of the triangle offense because it means that defenses can no longer focus in on a player or two to disrupt the offense. Come playoff time, that is key to having success and why we see so many two-PG lineups being featured.
2.) Shooters who can maximize the spacing on the floor are key. That is a constant, even though the offense works playing inside-out or outside-in.
3.) The roster has to be filled with two-way players that are exceptionally long. I can't think of a player that Phil had whose height was considered below average for his respective position. The effect from doing this can be felt two-fold. For one, positional defense as opposed to individual defense gets emphasized more. It allows players who have not traditionally been good man-defenders to have a far greater impact (see Sasha Vujacic, Pau Gasol, Glen Rice, etc.) in more team-centric schemes. On the offensive end, it creates a series of mismatches that makes the team extremely difficult to defend and/or contain.
Knowing all of that, this is how I'd build our team....
1.) http://espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?trad...
I know that it says the deal doesn't work financially but it will once the 2014-2015 salaries come into effective. Once that happens...
Boston does it to clear $20 million off their payroll for 2015.
Houston does it to clear $15 million off their 2014-2015 payroll. They also get role players who better fit their roles e.g. Brandon Bass as opposed to Omer Asik and a healthy Nate Robinson as opposed to Jeremy Lin. I don't think they could use Prigioni but do see them flipping him in a sign and trade for Lavoy Allen of the Pacers.
Denver does it to provide a mentor for JaVale McGee and add depth at the position. Jeff Green is about as good as Gallo and/or Wilson Chandler but healthier. They lose depth at the position but would still have Jan Vesley and will likely be able to select Rodney Hood or TJ Warren in the draft.
The Knicks do it because it would be an obvious talent upgrade. We'd forfeit a minimum of $11 million worth of cap space in 2015 but to me, a bird in hand is worth two in the bush. There would be a great deal of risk involved because of a poor injury history with Gallo, Wilson and Varejao (who I'd get, along with a 2nd rounder, for Omer Asik) but we'd be deep enough to weather the storm, as Denver has these past several seasons.
2.) http://espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?trad...
As I just said, I would flip Omer Asik for Anderson Varejao and a 2nd round pick. The Cavs would get a legitimate starter at the center position, while we would get a solid bench player whose passing ability would fit well in the triangle. I'd start Mozgov but I could see Varejao getting more time if healthy.
3.) http://espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?trad...
Nets do it because they get better bench depth. I also think that JR would be perfect for them given the veteran leadership, his rapport with Jason Kidd and the fact that they can weather his lows. Kenyon Martin is also a friend of Jason Kidd's and can fill the role vacated by Reggie Evans. There is no way to sugarcoat Felton being in the deal but he'd only be a 3rd string player.
Milwaukee does it to get out of Mayo's contract. In the mean time, Thornton fills the "gunner" role that they anticipated Mayo to be until they find a long term solution.
We do it because Mayo might be the best candidate to ever be a PG in the triangle. I still believe that the guy has the "stuff" stars are made of and can see him having a Chauncey Billups-like coming out party.
