I don't really see it. I'm intrigued by Cousins, but wonder if he falls in the 'life's too short' category.
Regardless, I only want to trade Rondo now for veterans who can significantly improve the Cs chances of Banner 18 in 2013, and I just don't buy that Cousins is ready for that kind of spotlight right away.
This would obviously be a win now trade and future trade. Tyreke and Cousins for Rondo with a torn ACL would be a steal.
I don't agree that that's obvious. I get the future part, though there are plenty of question marks about Cousins, and Evans is overrated / not worth giving a long term deal, IMO.
More importantly, what I'm saying is that I have serious doubts about the validity of the 'win now' part.
Not that any of this matters, because this deal doesn't have a snowball's chance in hell of happening anyway.
I don't see how you dont think its a no brainer... Rondo is out for the yer and can't contribute anything.
Cousins is a top flight big who can dominate the paint against anyone when dialed in. I think having KG mentor you and simply coming to a new situation where you're playing for something will accomplish that.
Evans instantly becomes the top guard on the team and arguably the top talent. He defends, gets to the lane, and really does everything well accept shoot consistently. Unlike Rondo thought he is a relentless attacker who few can keep in front of them. The guy once averaged 20, 5, and 5. He's one of the few 2 guards who can physically outmatch Wade on the perimeter.
I'm on board with the idea of trading Rondo if it means a significantly increased shot at a title this year. So let's just focus on the now, since you're pointing out that Rondo is sidelined and therefore useless in this context.
I like, don't love, Evans. He dominates the ball and can't shoot. He's gotten worse ever year since entering the league, largely because defending him has become A LOT easier -- just give him room, make him shoot. Regardless, could be tricky to integrate with 25 games left, and more importantly, I don't buy that a player like him is needed to win a title. Do we really need a volume scoring guard? I don't see it.
More importantly, Cousins. Yes, skilled and talented. And I don't even care about the Ts. It's how he plays. He's not in good shape. He more or less walks up and down the court. He doesn't really like to get into the post -- prefers to shoot long jumpers. He's a bad defensive player right now. He's very easily distracted by calls and / or baited by opposing players. I think it will take years -- not weeks -- to change the kid. Is he REALLY going to pull himself into line for a title this year? It's a pretty serious stretch to hope for this.
So, what I'm saying is -- if you're going trade Rondo, get guys who are ready now. Ready to battle to the death in a grinding halfcourt series. That's how the Cs will win, if at all. I don't think Cousins is ready.