If we have AD but Kyrie walks, can we be the next Raptors?

[Stig]

Assuming we lose Tatum, Rozier walks, the lineup ends up with:
Smart, Brown, Hayward, AD, Horford
backed up by Morris, Baynes, etc.

Do we have a chance to repeat the raptors success? On paper, our player outside AD are on the same level as raptors supporting cast:
more recovered Hayward == Lowry
Horford >= Ibaka
Baynes <= Gasol
Morris <= Siakam
Brown >= VanFleet
Smart > Green

We are lacking in the length department, but AD will make up for it. Considering the success raptors had this year, should we gamble it even Kyrie walks. I think we should.

[gouki88]

I was talking about this in another thread, and I think the situation is similar. I could easily see Brown taking a Siakam-like jump and becoming an 18/5/2 guy with more touches (which is basically what he has averaged per-36 over the last 2 seasons), alongside elite defence.

I also think Hayward would return to close to All-Star level play. I think it's worth the gamble, especially with how wide-open the East might be

[Surferdad]

I'm in b/c I think the pieces fit better. That said, go get another ball handler.  You need somebody to replace Kyrie and Rozier.  Smart's and Brown's handles are not good enough and Hayward should not be the full-time point-forward.

[footey]

On what planet do we get AD without giving up either Brown or Smart?

[jambr380]

On what planet do we get AD without giving up either Brown or Smart?

My first thought, too. If you insert the new hot name - Rubio - in Smart's place, then you can see how it might work out. You have to be really high on Brown and optimistic about Hayward's return, though.

Hoping we just re-sign Kyrie and then we don't have to worry about being good enough. We will just be.

[Surferdad]

On what planet do we get AD without giving up either Brown or Smart?

David Griffin is trying to give the impression that he is in control of the situation, but this is not really true with an expiring contract and trade demand by AD.  He has already failed to convince AD to stay which is not too surprising.  Tatum is better than anything LAL can offer, and in the end it's the best players in a trade that will matter most.

[Chris22]

We only become the Raptors if we get Leonard.

[CF033]

We only become the Raptors if we get Leonard.

I agree with this. AD alone is not enough, and I've never thought that he and Kyrie are going to be a great match. I think a lot is hinging on Hayward returning to form and playing a role similar to Kawhi Leonard facilitating and scoring.

[Tr1boy]

No

Because AD is not as good as Leonard

Leonard leadership skills is through the roof

[Bobshot]

On what planet do we get AD without giving up either Brown or Smart?

David Griffin is trying to give the impression that he is in control of the situation, but this is not really true with an expiring contract and trade demand by AD.  He has already failed to convince AD to stay which is not too surprising.  Tatum is better than anything LAL can offer, and in the end it's the best players in a trade that will matter most.

I believe that, but I also believe there are great political pressures (e.g., media) being put on Griffin to send Davis to a big market, a.k.a., NY or LA.  There's a lot of TV money at stake to make NY or LA  teams contenders.  The same  motivation (less the TV influence) that was the driving force to sell Babe Ruth and other Red Sox players to the Yankees. To turn the Yankees from losers to winners, and make NY the showcase of the AL. Which it still is.

Having said that, I suspect Griffin will resist those pressures, and go for the best deal. Right now, it looks like Tatum, but that could change. For example, if Leonard goes to LA, that dice throwing GM in Toronto could put together an offer for Davis. Or maybe somebody else with cheap assets. You just don't know. Right now, it's unpredictable.

I will say that Irving will have nothing to do with Ainge's decision to trade for Davis. He knows Rozier can do the job provided he starts.  The bigger question to me is whether Ainge and Stevens are on the same page about Davis. After all, if Davis is going to help the Celtics, he has to focus more on his inside game.

[__ramonezy__]

No

Because AD is not as good as Leonard

Leonard leadership skills is through the roof

Not sure that "Leonard's leadership skills" is really the factor, but I agree with your sentiment. He's simply a low-maintenance superstar. He can be coached, and is willing to fit into the system instituted by a first year coach. His ability to play within a system, allowed young talent like Siakam to flourish... unlike our situation 

AD may not be as "enlightened" as Kyrie, but he's definitely not as low-maintenance as Kawhi. What people don't appreciate enough is that the risk Masai took with trading Demar for Kawhi, I can't see that trade being made for any other superstar, one year from free agency. His personality is just superb for someone at that level. Great teammate and cornerstone to build a franchise around.

[okiaaammm]

I think we would't have any chance,i am sorry.

[td450]

AD is talented enough to be an MVP, but Leonard has demonstrated an ability to impose his will though the playoffs and finals more than once, where AD just hasn't.

That doesn't mean we can't beat them. The finals might look very different if Durant was at full strength. One minor injury at a critical moment can swing a season. Lowry and Gasol are rapidly deteriorating due to age and the Raptors have some difficult contract decisions to make with them. We could easily evolve into the more talented roster if a few things break for us.

I would be optimistic that we could come out of the east if we had AD but not Kyrie. We would need to see some things work out, but AD could get us there.

[seancally]

No

Because AD is not as good as Leonard

Leonard leadership skills is through the roof

Not sure that "Leonard's leadership skills" is really the factor, but I agree with your sentiment. He's simply a low-maintenance superstar. He can be coached, and is willing to fit into the system instituted by a first year coach. His ability to play within a system, allowed young talent like Siakam to flourish... unlike our situation 

AD may not be as "enlightened" as Kyrie, but he's definitely not as low-maintenance as Kawhi. What people don't appreciate enough is that the risk Masai took with trading Demar for Kawhi, I can't see that trade being made for any other superstar, one year from free agency. His personality is just superb for someone at that level. Great teammate and cornerstone to build a franchise around.

...well, except if you’re the spurs.

[Chief Macho]

danny really blew it last year not trading for leonard when he still had kyrie under contract.  now,  he would have to be reckless to trade for AD.   He's a risk taker,  but he isn't reckless.   I expect Tatum and Brown to be on the team next year.