This is exactly the question I'm struggling with...
On one side I'd love to max a guy like Batum or DeRozan and have a legit 2 to go with D.Rose, but at the same time I don't want to leave KP vulnerable playing the 5...
On the flip side, getting a big would be great for protecting KP. I'd take the big if its Whiteside or Horford but not Dwight. He's too much of a headache at this point imo.
Easy answer, 2017 or next year is the year of the Knicks.
2016 tank is just setting the table for 2017, before we pig out on the draft and free agency armed with $60 million.
Wings and guard depth. We don't need a big, we already have 2 and I assume Hernangomez is on the way.
If Durant or Derozan sign, I take them today no questions asked. I'd be willing to keep KrisP at PF if we brought in Whiteside also. Dwight I would consider, but not at a $30MM max. Around the same 20 is fine. You'd have to have a present sense impression that his personality would jive in the NY market.
But, I could go to war with Bennett and Williams in the 2 and 3 respectively and just run the crap out of people. This actually is closer to ChuckBuck's pure tank model because it takes flyers on players at reasonable price. If they pan out, we have small cap holds to resign them and other major free agents. If they don't they are gone and we have good draft picks. I liked what I saw from DWill this year and THAT makes me want to take a flyer on Bennett.
As a human being, I choose to believe the best in people.
One more year stacking up trade chips and building foundation could be great for this squad. Still need a gunner though.
Rose
Bennett
Williams
Melo
KrisP
Or this could INCREDIBLY DYSFUNCTIONAL and we would be left with a high lotto pick next year and a ton of cap space.
I would be conservative in adding some guards. I don't think there's a single SG worth breaking the bank for. Try to get some guys on cheaper one and one deals. It's more about next year. This free agent class is pretty weak at SG.
I would look to give Courtney Lee a very healthy 1 and 1 deal - Maybe $10M per in each year. He defends, he can shoot it, doesn't need the ball much.
We basically need a few 3 and D guys who can play the 2 and maybe the 3.
I would look to maybe try to add Jerryd Bayless as a backup PG who can also play some 2. 1 and 1 deal for him, as well.
I would look to add Joakim Noah at C and have him split time with Hernangomez and KP there.
I really don't understand what happened with Wroten - I'm bummed we waived him.
D Rose / Bayless
C. Lee / Galloway / 2nd round pick / Oh yeah I forgot about Sasha!
Melo / DWill (hopefully?)
KP / Lance (hopefully?)
Noah / Hernangomez / KOQ
I don't know... trying to find reason for optimism... we shall see...
I think you give one year deals out and overpay. Flexibility is the key, with the escalating cap and guys trying to form super teams. If Miami overpays Whiteside then they are conceivably out of the super team sweepstake. I know those guys all want to go out to LA and the Clippers can make it happen next season, but Melo, KP, capspace and NYC have to be a little enticing.
Targets:
Center - Gasol, Noah, David Lee, Zaza
PF - Jordan Hill, Scola, Speights
SF - Deng, Dudley, Barnes
SG - Lee, Foye, Gerald Henderson
PG - Chalmers, Lin, Mo Williams
