Contending During Tatum's Prime?

[Phantom255x]

I've been hearing this on talk shows and over the radio today and it's an interesting point. Tatum turned 28 recently, and usually for most NBA players their "peak years" tend to be between the ages of 27-31. By making this move and basically admitting they are looking to splurge in 2028 with their acquired picks + George's expiring deal, I'm a little worried they are just gonna waste this period. I don't really see a path into Finals contention in the next two years. Sure, they could acquire a big name next summer but even that feels like a gamble similar to Giannis and if it doesn't happen, well then they are stuck again.

I'm also worried this private equity ownership is gonna continue to cut costs and not be willing to make the moves necessary since these kind of firms prioritize profits and being competitive but not going all the way (look at the Red Sox). In which case, you run the risk of Tatum feeling frustrated too and him asking out 2-3 years from now, and once he does that it's curtains.   

[Neurotic Guy]

Not sure if this is the right place for this podcast, but all should listen IMO.  It?s a really well balanced analysis of both Cs and Sixers post-trade. Pretty pragmatic assessment of the Cs present and short-term future, and somewhat surprising but accurate IMO assessment of the value of the Philly #1s.   Got to listen past the Philly analysis which is also great, as they go back to the Cs at around 47 minutes and there?s a really good piece on Q and Mitchell Robinson. Really high on that duo.  There will be a few downsides on the listen leaving you feeling it was well-balanced. There?s both a *bummer* component and absolutely a hopeful component.


This a Sam Vicenies podcast, btw.  Watch 55 minutes or so (and then can watch them talk about the Lakers overpays). 
 

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ADUKNZmm9HM&pp=0gcJCWQCo7VqN5tDiggUQAFKEFVoOU5HNE5BTWRWWVRUZzY%3D&ra=m

[ozgod]

I've been hearing this on talk shows and over the radio today and it's an interesting point. Tatum turned 28 recently, and usually for most NBA players their "peak years" tend to be between the ages of 27-31. By making this move and basically admitting they are looking to splurge in 2028 with their acquired picks + George's expiring deal, I'm a little worried they are just gonna waste this period. I don't really see a path into Finals contention in the next two years. Sure, they could acquire a big name next summer but even that feels like a gamble similar to Giannis and if it doesn't happen, well then they are stuck again.

I'm also worried this private equity ownership is gonna continue to cut costs and not be willing to make the moves necessary since these kind of firms prioritize profits and being competitive but not going all the way (look at the Red Sox). In which case, you run the risk of Tatum feeling frustrated too and him asking out 2-3 years from now, and once he does that it's curtains.

I suspect part of the issue is aligning 3 things: a) Tatum's prime; b) finding complementary players who are available for trade during Tatum's prime, who can be obtained without gutting the team; and c) aligning the spending window to a) and b). That's why financial flexibility, having the right mix of contracts and draft assets to all line up with this prime is important, and needs a lot of forward planning.

Also, the days of having a 5-year prime where you break the bank are gone now, with the second apron. You have to pick maybe your 2-3 year window where you can really push for it, then reset for another window. Or you keep contending but you reset with cheaper players. Because if you hold on too long it becomes almost impossible to reset.

[Phantom255x]

Not sure if this is the right place for this podcast, but all should listen IMO.  It?s a really well balanced analysis of both Cs and Sixers post-trade. Pretty pragmatic assessment of the Cs present and short-term future, and somewhat surprising but accurate IMO assessment of the value of the Philly #1s.   Got to listen past the Philly analysis which is also great, as they go back to the Cs at around 47 minutes and there?s a really good piece on Q and Mitchell Robinson. Really high on that duo.  There will be a few downsides on the listen leaving you feeling it was well-balanced. There?s both a *bummer* component and absolutely a hopeful component.


This a Sam Vicenies podcast, btw.  Watch 55 minutes or so (and then can watch them talk about the Lakers overpays). 
 

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ADUKNZmm9HM&pp=0gcJCWQCo7VqN5tDiggUQAFKEFVoOU5HNE5BTWRWWVRUZzY%3D&ra=m

Thanks! I'll check it out. I would still love to add another big man to the frontcourt in case of any injuries. Even with Queta/Robinson/Garza, one more body would make me feel a little better. We saw how quickly that group looked extra vulnerable when someone got in foul trouble or they had to suddenly rely on Garza for big minutes

The guards and wings spots feel fine to me, with a veteran in Conley added and potentially the emergence of Hugo, Baylor and Harper. Tatum, White and PP obviously head those units.

[Who]

If ...

(1) they blow the trade opportunity with PG13's expiring deal, and,

(2) they blow the cap room in free agency after PG13 expires by giving long term contracts to undeserving players

Then yes, I could see them being in a bad position. And that resulting eventually in a Tatum trade demand. Those are some big "ifs" though. A lot of things need to go wrong to end up on that road.