Let's Assume Rebuilding Begins in Earnest This Summer

[Kwhit10]

If we want Dwight Howard at all we have to trade Rondo + Clippers #1 and whatever else to get Chris Paul.  Sign him to an extension, then when everyone left over comes off the books for 2012, Howard will be more likely to sign here that year.

So next year you can still contend with CP3 at point and the aging big 3.  His offense can really help and he is still a good defender.

Then in 2012 you have a core of CP3, DH, PP and Avery Bradely.

That's the best way to keep this team at the top.  None of the free agents will come here on their own.

Who is this franchise's best free agent signing ever?  Rasheed Wallace? Everyone that has been on this team has been from trades or draft...Since the beginning of this team way back when.

[Assassin70]

If we want Dwight Howard at all we have to trade Rondo + Clippers #1 and whatever else to get Chris Paul.  Sign him to an extension, then when everyone left over comes off the books for 2012, Howard will be more likely to sign here that year.

So next year you can still contend with CP3 at point and the aging big 3.  His offense can really help and he is still a good defender.

Then in 2012 you have a core of CP3, DH, PP and Avery Bradely.

That's the best way to keep this team at the top.  None of the free agents will come here on their own.

Who is this franchise's best free agent signing ever?  Rasheed Wallace? Everyone that has been on this team has been from trades or draft...Since the beginning of this team way back when.

I have to agree.

[jay]

I think it would be smart to keep the big 4, retool the bench a little, and give them one more shot at it.  Keep only Green, Delonte, and Jermaine.

In the process, add young pieces that can be used to rebuild around Rondo.

Draft this guy to replace BBD:

http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Matthew-Bryan-Amaning-6333/

KG could mentor this big, athletic guy and he could give us some size and energy at the backup 4. 

Roster so far:

Rondo  Delonte
Ray   
Pierce  Green
KG   Bryan-Amaning
?     Jermaine


Make Greg Oden your big free agent target. Over pay him, sign him to the mid level with the max raises for 4 years.  no one wants to give him 4 years.  you have to have a guy that can help protect the rim.  Bryan Amaning will do a better job than BBD at this (outside of taking charges) but we have to have a center than can do it too.  Its worth the chance, theres no other way to get a center that can replace Perk.  Maybe DeAndre Jordan takes the same deal from Boston, I dont know?

The other thing that is missing is a tough two guard to come off the bench that can guard Dwayne Wade or Derrick Rose some.  Of course those guys cant be stopped, but were missing that Tony allen type player that can spell Ray and Paul some and do some of the defensive workload.  Of course thats guy would be hard to find, but find someone and try them.  Probably Aaron Afflalo.

Might also sign a scoring guard for an extra backup two: kyle weaver or marcus thornton.  someone to put in when the second unit is struggling to score.

12th spot would be for a 3rds string center because you cant count on Jermaine/Oden being healthy alot.  Hilton Armstrong.   

The chance for this team appears good if there is a lockout.  More rest for the big 3 + Jermaine and more time for Oden and Rondo to get healthy.  Play a short season, then give it everything you have in the palyoffs.  After next year, let KG and Ray walk, rebuild around Rondo, hopefully that includes Oden, Green, and Bryan-Amaning.  Keep Pierce around for two more years or whenever he retires.

2012:

Rondo  Delonte
Ray     Afflalo   Weaver
Pierce  Green
KG   Bryan-Amaning
Oden    Jermaine   Armstrong   

2013:

Rondo  Delonte
Afflalo   Weaver
Pierce  DraftPick
Green  Bryan-Amaning
Oden    Armstrong


Of course after 2012 or 2013, use and cap room gained by the loss of Ray/KG/Jermaine and make a run at the best player you can get to go with Rondo.  It doesnt really matter what position 2-5.