C's shoud prioritize a star or starter that's a veteran leader

[obnoxiousmime]

I'm hearing a lot of names being thrown out there as potential acquisitions, some intriguing, some less so. However, I don't see any names out there of vets that are proven leaders. Somebody who will keep all the younger players accountable. Somebody that will steady the ship when the shots aren't falling in the playoffs. Somebody that will take all the pressure until Brown and Tatum are capable of doing it themselves. Somebody vocal in the locker room that isn't a part-time starter like Smart.

Somebody like Jason Kidd when he went to the Mavs, for instance. Somebody like Chris Paul. Somebody like Garnett who didn't have playoff success but whose fiery personality took over the team.

As much as I like Kemba's cheery personality, I don't think he's really that type of leader, nor can he even boast as much playoff experience as many star players his age since all he's done since UConn is lose. Hayward clearly isn't that guy, partially due to personality and injuries. When he was here, Horford also wasn't that guy, preferring to stay out of locker room conflicts.

I also don't think Stevens is necessarily that guy by nature. He couldn't handle Kyrie or even Marcus Morris. I'm not ripping him, I just think he needs vets to help him. Also, he's not a former player and I think sometimes that works against him when he's supposed to be an authority figure over guys that have been in the league longer than he's been an NBA coach (2013 vs Kyrie 2011).

The great thing about LeBron is not only is he physically more gifted than anyone else, but he also is a hard worker, knows the game, and is perfectly comfortable being the unquestioned leader on and off the court. As talented as Anthony Davis is, he wasn't capable of leading a young Pelicans team and I doubt he would have had the same success in Boston. That's because he would have been the best player on our team. On the Lakers he's the second best player and he doesn't have to get in anybody's face if they forget to box out.

People often said of Tom Brady and Tim Duncan, when your best player also sets an example for everyone else on the team, the coach's job is easy.

Jrue Holiday and Myles Turner might be great acquisitions, but are they really leaders? Have they won anywhere? I'm still wondering who the leader is on this team. Even if you say Brown and Tatum are going to grow into that, that's going to take time. Who on the team currently is even setting an example for them? Besides finding a versatile, two-way big man that can stay on the floor against both small and big lineups, this should be the C's biggest priority.

[hwangjini_1]

I'm hearing a lot of names being thrown out there as potential acquisitions, some intriguing, some less so. However, I don't see any names out there of vets that are proven leaders. Somebody who will keep all the younger players accountable. Somebody that will steady the ship when the shots aren't falling in the playoffs. Somebody that will take all the pressure until Brown and Tatum are capable of doing it themselves. Somebody vocal in the locker room that isn't a part-time starter like Smart.

Somebody like Jason Kidd when he went to the Mavs, for instance. Somebody like Chris Paul. Somebody like Garnett who didn't have playoff success but whose fiery personality took over the team.

As much as I like Kemba's cheery personality, I don't think he's really that type of leader, nor can he even boast as much playoff experience as many star players his age since all he's done since UConn is lose. Hayward clearly isn't that guy, partially due to personality and injuries. When he was here, Horford also wasn't that guy, preferring to stay out of locker room conflicts.

I also don't think Stevens is necessarily that guy by nature. He couldn't handle Kyrie or even Marcus Morris. I'm not ripping him, I just think he needs vets to help him. Also, he's not a former player and I think sometimes that works against him when he's supposed to be an authority figure over guys that have been in the league longer than he's been an NBA coach (2013 vs Kyrie 2011).

The great thing about LeBron is not only is he physically more gifted than anyone else, but he also is a hard worker, knows the game, and is perfectly comfortable being the unquestioned leader on and off the court. As talented as Anthony Davis is, he wasn't capable of leading a young Pelicans team and I doubt he would have had the same success in Boston. That's because he would have been the best player on our team. On the Lakers he's the second best player and he doesn't have to get in anybody's face if they forget to box out.

People often said of Tom Brady and Tim Duncan, when your best player also sets an example for everyone else on the team, the coach's job is easy.

Jrue Holiday and Myles Turner might be great acquisitions, but are they really leaders? Have they won anywhere? I'm still wondering who the leader is on this team. Even if you say Brown and Tatum are going to grow into that, that's going to take time. Who on the team currently is even setting an example for them? Besides finding a versatile, two-way big man that can stay on the floor against both small and big lineups, this should be the C's biggest priority.

smart?

[Moranis]

Smart is the heart of the team, but Tatum is the leader.  I'd equate them almost to Toine and PP, where Toine was the heart of the team, but PP was the guy that drove the engine and success.  I think Brown could emerge in the Smart role as well, but hasn't because Smart is there filling that role.  But Tatum is the man.  The team will go as he goes.

[obnoxiousmime]

smart?

I think it would have to be a star or, at least an unquestioned full-time starter. I also think that Smart's shot selection sometimes throws us off course and he needs to play more disciplined on the offensive end. Whether or not that affects his ability to be a leader, I can't say for sure, but I certainly don't think it helps.

[Rondo9]

So they got two stars in Brown and Tatum and people still aren’t satisfied. This is getting sad at this point, people on this site were begging for a star and they finally got some through drafting and it’s still not enough. At this point I’m moving to veterans to build around the stars in Tatum and Brown.

[GreenWarrior]

My answer would be smart as well. Unfortunately he's gone.

Funny how we keep saying we need this and that, we get this and that and we proceed to move em out the door.

Maybe it's not the guys that get moved but the people that are still here.

[obnoxiousmime]

Smart is the heart of the team, but Tatum is the leader.  I'd equate them almost to Toine and PP, where Toine was the heart of the team, but PP was the guy that drove the engine and success.  I think Brown could emerge in the Smart role as well, but hasn't because Smart is there filling that role.  But Tatum is the man.  The team will go as he goes.

I don't think Tatum or Brown are ready to be the leaders. Tatum is still on his rookie deal and is still learning to be a consistent star at this point. I don't doubt that Brown and/or Tatum will become leaders (maybe Brown more so since Tatum seems more laid back and quiet) but I'm talking about the next 2-3 seasons or so. Aren't we trying to win now and also in the future? Right now, I'm seeing a team that couldn't play consistently in the playoffs and it wasn't just an Xs and Os problem.

[GreenWarrior]

Smart is the heart of the team, but Tatum is the leader.  I'd equate them almost to Toine and PP, where Toine was the heart of the team, but PP was the guy that drove the engine and success.  I think Brown could emerge in the Smart role as well, but hasn't because Smart is there filling that role.  But Tatum is the man.  The team will go as he goes.

I don't think Tatum or Brown are ready to be the leaders. Tatum is still on his rookie deal and is still learning to be a consistent star at this point. I don't doubt that Brown and/or Tatum will become leaders (maybe Brown more so since Tatum seems more laid back and quiet) but I'm talking about the next 2-3 seasons or so. Aren't we trying to win now and also in the future? Right now, I'm seeing a team that couldn't play consistently in the playoffs and it wasn't just an Xs and Os problem.

Wow! Can't believe I read this on this site. That last part about not being the X's and O's... That is maybe our biggest issue.

[LilRip]

C’s have a bonafide star: Jayson Tatum

But we definitely need a veteran leader. He doesn’t need to be a star, but he definitely needs to be a strong locker room/practice presence. Kinda like Haslem for the Heat.

Smart is not that guy. Smart is an inspiring teammate to have on the floor but he doesn’t give guidance. He doesn’t have “championship poise”.

[Jvalin]

Somebody like Chris Paul.

Well, Chris Paul is actually available. I wouldn't be against swapping Kemba for Chris Paul. If the Thunder aren't interested in Kemba, it would have to be a 3-way deal. For instance, the Suns or the Knicks may be interested in Kemba.


https://tradenba.com/trades/yW0HsW8Ee

Feel free to add pick(s)/prospect(s)/minor pieces if you deem it necessary.

The Knicks get an All-Star starter in Kemba. Hopefully (on their part), he will help them attract a second star in the 2021 free agency. They'd have max cap space in 2021.

The Thunder get a promising big man in Randle + a first round pick. Portis is just a filler on an expiring contract.