Unpopular opinions
I got plenty of those.
- As things stand right now, we cannot afford to use the TPE on a star player with a hefty contact. The C's would have 4 max/close-to-max contracts + Smart + Thompson + 9 more players. The luxury tax would explode through the roof in 2021/22. If we want to absorb a hefty long-term contract with the TPE, we gotta trade Kemba for cap relief.
- We should trade Kemba and rebuild the team on the fly around the Js. Problem is, I don't think we can get fair value for him at the trade deadline cause of his knee issue. Hopefully, we'll sell high on him during the offseason.
- We don't need a PF. I would argue that Tatum is the best small-ball PF in the NBA (given than LeBron is mostly playing at SF this season). He's more explosive than the vast majority of his opponents at PF, which gives him a massive advantage on the offensive side of the ball. Not to mention, he's an elite rebounder at the swing positions.
- Timelord is a bad fit in our defensive system. The way our PnR defense works, Theis/Thompson meet the opposing ball handler at the level of dribble hand off and deny penetration. Timelord ain't got the lateral quicks to play D on the perimeter, hence he drops back and protects the rim. To put it another way, whenever Timelord is on the court, we have to change our defensive system. The C's are built around Tatum and Brown. They are both versatile defenders who can guard multiple positions. If we want to maximize their effectiveness, we gotta be starting a big man who can switch ball screens on the perimeter.
- Smart is a ball handler, not a SG. His best offensive skills are his passing and ball handling. The way I see it, he's a PG on offense and a wing on defense.
- If I were Danny, my top 2 targets going into the trade season would have been De'Andre Hunter and Chris Boucher. I'd be willing to part ways with Smart + minor asset for Hunter + Dunn. The Hawks need an elite defender to put next to Young. Smart fits the bill. I'd also be willing to part ways with Thompson or Theis+minor asset for Boucher. Baynes ain't exactly setting the world on fire in Toronto. It's possible that the Raps will explore the market for a vet starting Center.