Offseason Thread

[radiohead]

I?m interested to see how Smart responds to JJ Reddick as his coach.

[Who]

After trying to trade for Bradley Beal twice in the past, the LA Clippers finally have their shooting guard after he signed with the team following a contract buyout with the Phoenix Suns this week.

"The third time is a charm," Clippers president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank said Saturday.

Now, Frank said the Clippers are "strongly considering" a potential reunion with former franchise great Chris Paul to complete their active summer. Paul, the 20-year veteran, is a free agent. The Clippers want to add more playmaking and ballhandling, and the franchise's former quarterback from the Lob City era and all-time assists leader is a possibility.

"What I'd say about Chris is he's a great player," Frank said when asked if the Clippers will sign Paul next. "He's a great Clipper. He obviously possesses some of the qualities we [are looking for]. And, of course, we're strongly, strongly considering him."

I imagine CP3 would come off the bench and push Kris Dunn out of the rotation.

They could start CP3, Beal, Harden, Kawhi, Zubac. Move John Collins to the bench alongside B Lopez, N Batum, Bogdanovic and K Dunn. Part of the reason LAC got John Collins was because Kawhi does not having to play PF. Not sure how happy Kawhi would be about that. CP3 would probably come off the bench.

I forgot Derrick Jones Jr. He is on that team as well.

[Goldstar88]

I?m interested to see how Smart responds to JJ Reddick as his coach.

Meaning what?

[Who]

Beal's shooting and scoring is an ideal fit alongside Harden and Kawhi Leonard, and he can help take the ballhandling and distributing burden off the former.

"Not to take any sort of slight at Phoenix, but playing with James is a whole lot different than what their situation was," Frank said. "Obviously, Brad had great success playing with John Wall [in Washington]. He actually had great success playing with Russ [Westbrook in Washington]. So, we can look at those situations.

"I think some of the areas that, especially in his Washington days, that he was able to explore with not the same level of talent [there], I think we'll be able to get a little bit more out of [here]. Like with his pick-and-roll play, it's different when you have the guys that we have spacing the floor and the centers that we have that he will be playing with. Whether it's [Ivica Zubac], whether it's Brook, whether it's John Collins, and you have that nice balance of defense and offense on the floor."

[radiohead]

I?m interested to see how Smart responds to JJ Reddick as his coach.

Meaning what?

Whether JJ can bring out the best in him or will their egos clash? 

[mobilija]

Smart to Lakers. Good move for them

Makes me want to puke

I kinda love it.

When rival teams take on your teams washed out players, it?s a bit of a nod. They want what we had but can only have a worse version. It?s like Lawyer Malloy or Bledsoe to the Bills (without the draft pick fleece). Smart is not bringing LA a championship. But if by (slim) chance he does, hat tip.

Btw, Smart was a great player for us. He helped establish a workman, gritty culture in his early years and his best season helped put us on the brink of a Championship. Great draft pick, we maxed out his value as a player and an asset.

Idk about that, Rondo and Avery Bradley both won championships with LA picking up our scraps. Hate that they picked up Smart, just hope he doesn't redefine his youth again

Sure, Rondo was important to that LA championship. They still got a worse version of him but he was def a ceiling raiser throughout his career. I actually think it?s kinda cool that he got a championship w bitter rivals.

I?d point out Rick Fox as the worst (for us) Celtic to Laker. He was an awesome role player and ceiling raiser that helped the Lakers get championships but did nothing for us because we didn?t have the talent around him. They got the best of him. That?s the one that breaks the heart.

Still standby that Smart is not enuff of a player anymore to raise the ceiling of this current Lakers squad.

[Vermont Green]

I don't begrudge Smart for taking the opportunity in LAL.  It all comes down to his health and durability at this point in his career.  He has not had it the last few season.

As to the Lakers rotation, I am not sure what Hachimura is.  They may be better off with Doncic, Reaves, Smart, LeBron, Ayton.  In any case, I bet you see a lot of that line up through the season.

[Vermont Green]

I no longer understand the NBA landscape.

Does this mean Khris Middleton and CJ McCollum are also going to get bought out? What's the point of buying out a veteran on an expiring contract, in a contract year, no less? I would've thought it made far more sense to hold onto Smart, raise his value, and then get an asset for him at the deadline. Same goes for Ayton. Buying out Beal and Dame is absolutely bananas to me.

What the hell is going on? The second apron has made everyone lose their minds.

2nd apron has made teams gain some fiscal sense.  There have been a lot fewer bad contracts given to players this offseason. 

No team was going to give up an asset for Smart and his 21M contract.  Wizards are looking to give their young players playing time while they tank.  They lose their pick if it doesn't fall within the top 8.  No team was going to give up assets for Ayton, Beal or Dame. 

Dame was waived and stretched in order to free up space to sign Turner.  Desperate but not bananas move to get Giannis to stay. So far it sounds like it has worked which makes it worth it.   

I'd actually argue the opposite. It feels like teams are panicking and losing their minds. The reason we saw only a few bad contracts moved is because only one team had real cap space.

Smart's deal, as an expiring contract, could've been an asset, either packaged with another expiring to make a run at the next disgruntled star, or used in a trade with a team looking to shed long-term salary while still getting a playoff contributor.

Buyouts, on the other hand, are just dead money. They help ownership cut costs but offer no value to a GM. And we?re seeing more of them this offseason than ever before.

I think what is bearing out is that teams don't mind spending/wasting money.  The tax didn't stop teams from overspending.  That is why the other apron penalties were enacted.  If you can stretch a player and stay under the aprons, it is only a question of money (not sure if WAS even needs to stretch his contract).  I do agree on Smart that it is surprising.  I guess they figured it was going to be hard to trade him.  This tells me they do not expect him to build his value back.  I expect Marcus be a positive for LAL, but no way they would have / could have traded for him.

As someone said above, WAS had 16 guaranteed contracts.  They had to do something.  He might have contributed to winning which I am not sure is something WAS wanted.  I am sure they tried to trade him but would likely need to take something back.

[Goldstar88]

I?m interested to see how Smart responds to JJ Reddick as his coach.

Meaning what?

Whether JJ can bring out the best in him or will their egos clash?

I don?t think that will be an issue at this stage of Smart?s career. I would imagine he?s been humbled after what?s transpired over the last few years. I don?t think he will act up with LeBron being there and if he does, LA can easily dump him. Marcus will be making $5.5M next year.

[Moranis]

Smart to Lakers. Good move for them

Makes me want to puke

I kinda love it.

When rival teams take on your teams washed out players, it?s a bit of a nod. They want what we had but can only have a worse version. It?s like Lawyer Malloy or Bledsoe to the Bills (without the draft pick fleece). Smart is not bringing LA a championship. But if by (slim) chance he does, hat tip.

Btw, Smart was a great player for us. He helped establish a workman, gritty culture in his early years and his best season helped put us on the brink of a Championship. Great draft pick, we maxed out his value as a player and an asset.

Idk about that, Rondo and Avery Bradley both won championships with LA picking up our scraps. Hate that they picked up Smart, just hope he doesn't redefine his youth again

Sure, Rondo was important to that LA championship. They still got a worse version of him but he was def a ceiling raiser throughout his career. I actually think it?s kinda cool that he got a championship w bitter rivals.

I?d point out Rick Fox as the worst (for us) Celtic to Laker. He was an awesome role player and ceiling raiser that helped the Lakers get championships but did nothing for us because we didn?t have the talent around him. They got the best of him. That?s the one that breaks the heart.

Still standby that Smart is not enuff of a player anymore to raise the ceiling of this current Lakers squad.

I think his value depends a good deal on how you view the Lakers. If you already had them as a top 4 team in the West on roughly the same tier as Denver and Houston I don't think Smart raises their ceiling at all, but if you have the Lakers behind those 2 trams, then I think Smart could help the Lakers hit that level.

[Who]

I don't begrudge Smart for taking the opportunity in LAL.  It all comes down to his health and durability at this point in his career.  He has not had it the last few season.

As to the Lakers rotation, I am not sure what Hachimura is.  They may be better off with Doncic, Reaves, Smart, LeBron, Ayton.  In any case, I bet you see a lot of that line up through the season.

I think we see small ball lineups with Hachimura at center instead of Ayton with Smart at guard. A 5 out offense. I don't think JJ trusts Jaxson Hayes as the backup big in big games. I expect we'll see that small ball lineup instead when Ayton is off the floor. I could see this lineup finishing a lot of games (if Smart plays well).

You could also plug and play LaRavia in those small ball lineups at forward while one of LeBron / Luka rests. That grouping would work well also.

[mobilija]

Smart to Lakers. Good move for them

Makes me want to puke

I kinda love it.

When rival teams take on your teams washed out players, it?s a bit of a nod. They want what we had but can only have a worse version. It?s like Lawyer Malloy or Bledsoe to the Bills (without the draft pick fleece). Smart is not bringing LA a championship. But if by (slim) chance he does, hat tip.

Btw, Smart was a great player for us. He helped establish a workman, gritty culture in his early years and his best season helped put us on the brink of a Championship. Great draft pick, we maxed out his value as a player and an asset.

Idk about that, Rondo and Avery Bradley both won championships with LA picking up our scraps. Hate that they picked up Smart, just hope he doesn't redefine his youth again

Sure, Rondo was important to that LA championship. They still got a worse version of him but he was def a ceiling raiser throughout his career. I actually think it?s kinda cool that he got a championship w bitter rivals.

I?d point out Rick Fox as the worst (for us) Celtic to Laker. He was an awesome role player and ceiling raiser that helped the Lakers get championships but did nothing for us because we didn?t have the talent around him. They got the best of him. That?s the one that breaks the heart.

Still standby that Smart is not enuff of a player anymore to raise the ceiling of this current Lakers squad.

I think his value depends a good deal on how you view the Lakers. If you already had them as a top 4 team in the West on roughly the same tier as Denver and Houston I don't think Smart raises their ceiling at all, but if you have the Lakers behind those 2 trams, then I think Smart could help the Lakers hit that level.

I think the Lakers will be good regular season team, top 4 sounds possible. Their offensive star talent will carry them to a nice regular season record. You?re right Smart does little to change that.
But they will not be a top 4 playoff team, they will likely get exposed defensively. 2nd round, maybe even 1st round exit depending on draw. I could see Smart elevating them a bit in the playoffs, maybe ?winning them? a game or 2 but def not a series.

I stand by my assertion that Smart isn?t bringing the Lakers a championship. They?re getting our used, wet, left in the sand beach towel to try and dry off with.

[Moranis]

Smart to Lakers. Good move for them

Makes me want to puke

I kinda love it.

When rival teams take on your teams washed out players, it?s a bit of a nod. They want what we had but can only have a worse version. It?s like Lawyer Malloy or Bledsoe to the Bills (without the draft pick fleece). Smart is not bringing LA a championship. But if by (slim) chance he does, hat tip.

Btw, Smart was a great player for us. He helped establish a workman, gritty culture in his early years and his best season helped put us on the brink of a Championship. Great draft pick, we maxed out his value as a player and an asset.

Idk about that, Rondo and Avery Bradley both won championships with LA picking up our scraps. Hate that they picked up Smart, just hope he doesn't redefine his youth again

Sure, Rondo was important to that LA championship. They still got a worse version of him but he was def a ceiling raiser throughout his career. I actually think it?s kinda cool that he got a championship w bitter rivals.

I?d point out Rick Fox as the worst (for us) Celtic to Laker. He was an awesome role player and ceiling raiser that helped the Lakers get championships but did nothing for us because we didn?t have the talent around him. They got the best of him. That?s the one that breaks the heart.

Still standby that Smart is not enuff of a player anymore to raise the ceiling of this current Lakers squad.

I think his value depends a good deal on how you view the Lakers. If you already had them as a top 4 team in the West on roughly the same tier as Denver and Houston I don't think Smart raises their ceiling at all, but if you have the Lakers behind those 2 trams, then I think Smart could help the Lakers hit that level.

I think the Lakers will be good regular season team, top 4 sounds possible. Their offensive star talent will carry them to a nice regular season record. You?re right Smart does little to change that.
But they will not be a top 4 playoff team, they will likely get exposed defensively. 2nd round, maybe even 1st round exit depending on draw. I could see Smart elevating them a bit in the playoffs, maybe ?winning them? a game or 2 but def not a series.

I stand by my assertion that Smart isn?t bringing the Lakers a championship. They?re getting our used, wet, left in the sand beach towel to try and dry off with.

If he is good enough to win a game or two in the playoffs, that raises their ceiling.  You seem to be saying two different things at the same time.  If the Lakers win a championship it won't be because of Smart, it will because Doncic plays like a MVP caliber player, Lebron plays like an All NBA player and they get good solid play from Reaves, Hachimura, and Ayton. 

[radiohead]

Laker fans are gonna love Smart if he plays his role. I?m just happy that we?re not ?contending? next season as it would be very hard to swallow a Celtics loss to the Lakers with Smart playing a big role. I could already envision him coming to the garden with his hair dyed purple or gold and making big plays. Ugh. Fox, AB, Rondo, IT?and now Smart. Which leads to an interesting question, has there ever been a beloved Laker who joined the Celtics and helped them win a crown?

Add:
https://x.com/Fullcourtpass/status/1946955808467546412

Looks like the lakers need to make another move before signing Smart.

[mobilija]

Smart to Lakers. Good move for them

Makes me want to puke

I kinda love it.

When rival teams take on your teams washed out players, it?s a bit of a nod. They want what we had but can only have a worse version. It?s like Lawyer Malloy or Bledsoe to the Bills (without the draft pick fleece). Smart is not bringing LA a championship. But if by (slim) chance he does, hat tip.

Btw, Smart was a great player for us. He helped establish a workman, gritty culture in his early years and his best season helped put us on the brink of a Championship. Great draft pick, we maxed out his value as a player and an asset.

Idk about that, Rondo and Avery Bradley both won championships with LA picking up our scraps. Hate that they picked up Smart, just hope he doesn't redefine his youth again

Sure, Rondo was important to that LA championship. They still got a worse version of him but he was def a ceiling raiser throughout his career. I actually think it?s kinda cool that he got a championship w bitter rivals.

I?d point out Rick Fox as the worst (for us) Celtic to Laker. He was an awesome role player and ceiling raiser that helped the Lakers get championships but did nothing for us because we didn?t have the talent around him. They got the best of him. That?s the one that breaks the heart.

Still standby that Smart is not enuff of a player anymore to raise the ceiling of this current Lakers squad.

I think his value depends a good deal on how you view the Lakers. If you already had them as a top 4 team in the West on roughly the same tier as Denver and Houston I don't think Smart raises their ceiling at all, but if you have the Lakers behind those 2 trams, then I think Smart could help the Lakers hit that level.

I think the Lakers will be good regular season team, top 4 sounds possible. Their offensive star talent will carry them to a nice regular season record. You?re right Smart does little to change that.
But they will not be a top 4 playoff team, they will likely get exposed defensively. 2nd round, maybe even 1st round exit depending on draw. I could see Smart elevating them a bit in the playoffs, maybe ?winning them? a game or 2 but def not a series.

I stand by my assertion that Smart isn?t bringing the Lakers a championship. They?re getting our used, wet, left in the sand beach towel to try and dry off with.

If he is good enough to win a game or two in the playoffs, that raises their ceiling.  You seem to be saying two different things at the same time.  If the Lakers win a championship it won't be because of Smart, it will because Doncic plays like a MVP caliber player, Lebron plays like an All NBA player and they get good solid play from Reaves, Hachimura, and Ayton.

A player that raises the ceiling of a team is more significant than a game or two. Sorry, if that?s too nuanced for you.

Smart can help them win a game or two, sure, anything is possible. Olynk won us a game in the playoffs, Leon Powe gave the Lakers a death kiss in the finals. Would we have lost those games or series without them, probably not.  Olynk and Powe weren?t the missing piece to a championship and neither is Smart, esp now.