Post#30 » by Skybox » Mon May 6, 2024 11:37 am
First glaring priority is a Lead Guard who can spread the floor for the big forwards and, ideally, initiate the offense sometimes.
My first choice is Dejounte Murray, who's the only one I see that would improve an intense ORL defense at the same time as the obvious offensive boost. He and Suggs would be a frightening POA duo. ORL has lots of cap space and picks, but not much of an offering of win-now players that ATL might demand. Maybe a three-way with a team that values picks. My second choice is Anfernee Simons, who happens to be on a team that's both rebuilding and way over the salary cap. My third is Malik Monk, who has had a fantastic run in SAC, but they are capped in what they can offer him and, imo, none of the other cap space teams would offer the same fit and opportunity. My fallback choice would be Brogdon, as a less costly, but age-limited solution. Brogdon is actually a really good basketball fit, but his age and injury history make him kind of a placeholder.
Wendell Carter is a very solid and versatile (and young) two-way player, but he's not an ideal fit between Paolo & Franz. I would be happy to keep Carter as a reserve at 4/5, but generally consider him to be ORL's best trade chip...Ideally, a solid switchable defender and rebounder (on both ends) like Claxton or Hartenstein would be better fits. I really wanted to steal Gafford for a late frp like DAL did. ORL shouldn't overpay, but both of them are UFA's and NYK's (like SAC with Monk) are limited in what they can offer Hartenstein (so SnT isn't even an option for them).
Assuming ORL is able to send out some salary for their Lead Guard, they should still have enough salary space left the replace guys like Ingles, Harris, Okeke, Bitadze and Fultz (all UFA's or Team Options) with better vet role players. ORL should now be seen as a more attractive FA destination with an ascending team, solid coach and defensive identity, no state taxes and warm winters.
THIS summer is the time to strike. ORL's (agonizingly patient) FO has put themselves in great position financially and asset-wise to make a big swing this summer - before the big rookie extensions hit. Their needs are glaringly obvious and their success, in spite of it, has got to be generating interest around the league...there's a significant role that needs filling in a very attractive situation.