East exec talks about Rondo's trade value and Smart

[RJ87]

I agree with the scout's assessment, and I also think Rondo and Smart can play together as long as you have reliable shooting around them - especially at the forward spots.

As far as Smart being a PG or SG - obviously it's way too early to make any claim but I could see Smart becoming more of a Tyreke Evans type of player with better defense and higher motor.

[Kane3387]

I truly think the most gettable guy is melo. I think at some point he and Phil will mutually agree it's time to part ways. Melo wanted that fifth year $$$ and didn't want the accusations of quitting on NY. Phil would rather get assets for melo then let him walk but it has always seemed like carmelo is not a Phil Jackson guy.

The Knicks are a sinking ship and soon everyone will realize if they haven't already that there is no bandaid for the Knicks. There is no quick fix to make them a contender. Another year of no playoffs won't sit well with melo at this point in his career.

In the next 4-6 weeks Melos PR ppl and Jacksons PR ppl will start making the case how the other guy isn't doing what he's supposed to and is to blame for the Knicks lack of success.

Boston has the assets to get melo if nyc is willing. KO would be a nice fit in the triangle.

Knicks have a boat load of cap space next summer.

How well (or how badly) the Knicks do with that money will decide whether Melo becomes available in the near future or not.

Knicks are actually in a pretty good position to turn around their team and to do so very quickly. Carmelo's future not doomed there.

Only if a FA joins them and outside Marc gasol who really moves the needle? I for one don't forsee love or aldridge going to a new team next year. I don't think gasol leaves Memphis either. It's like 2010 all over again for nyc.

I mean honestly cap space rarely ever works. Just ask the lakers.

[GratefulCs]

I question the credentials of any team exec who thinks that two guards unable to shoot a lick can coexist in the same backcourt successfully.

I didn't realize a 20-year old work horse couldn't improve his shot.

Because it worked so great for Rondo, right?

Because they're the same person, right?

[Csfan1984]

I question the credentials of any team exec who thinks that two guards unable to shoot a lick can coexist in the same backcourt successfully.

I didn't realize a 20-year old work horse couldn't improve his shot.

Because it worked so great for Rondo, right?

Also, how is that related to some exec thinking that he can put Smart and Rondo on the court right now and it can work?

I see agree with your points on Rondo and Smart working Koz. Though apparently a few posters have got all defensive and taken the position of potential being "near realizing reality".

Yes potential, they may not work now, but that doesn't mean they can't develop together especially if Smart gains a jumpsot.

Got to think about how long will it take for Smart to be efficient at shooting.  AB, Kidd, and other PGs that developed better shooting took years. Is that history telling us to say Rondo and him can work? Given how long Rondo has as a dominant PG is probably 4 more years and Smart is likely 4 years from being a good shooter I feel it's not a good mix.

[Rondo9]

I question the credentials of any team exec who thinks that two guards unable to shoot a lick can coexist in the same backcourt successfully.

I didn't realize a 20-year old work horse couldn't improve his shot.

Because it worked so great for Rondo, right?

Also, how is that related to some exec thinking that he can put Smart and Rondo on the court right now and it can work?

I see agree with your points on Rondo and Smart working Koz. Though apparently a few posters have got all defensive and taken the position of potential being "near realizing reality".

Yes potential, they may not work now, but that doesn't mean they can't develop together especially if Smart gains a jumpsot.

Got to think about how long will it take for Smart to be efficient at shooting.  AB, Kidd, and other PGs that developed better shooting took years. Is that history telling us to say Rondo and him can work? Given how long Rondo has as a dominant PG is probably 4 more years and Smart is likely 4 years from being a good shooter I feel it's not a good mix.

Smart is a good free throw shooter and he's 20, It's a process but I think it can work.

[Monkhouse]

Someone mentioned this before, but free throw shooting is usually a good indicator of probable developing three point shooting in the future. I think Smart can improve his shot. Bradley did, and Smart has a far higher ceiling. I don't think Bradley will be here if we ever contend. He's on his way out, the moment a superstar is on the trade block. Always entertained the thought if Love does opt out, that he could come here. We don't look like the biggest FA destination, but we have the assets and pieces to do so.

I would love to contend, but I trust Ainge. If Rondo isn't the future, and Smart is, I hope we contend before I hit 30. (24 now.)

[TheFlex]

I question the credentials of any team exec who thinks that two guards unable to shoot a lick can coexist in the same backcourt successfully.

I didn't realize a 20-year old work horse couldn't improve his shot.

Because it worked so great for Rondo, right?

Also, how is that related to some exec thinking that he can put Smart and Rondo on the court right now and it can work?

Because it worked so great for Derrick Rose and numerous other PGs/SGs, right?

Right now it "works" because the other three starting positions are occupied by guys who can shoot either a midrange jumper or the three ball.

But the definition of "works" is incredibly flexible in this case. I don't think anyone believes that the Cs are close to contention right now. When I read that comment I interpreted it as "for a team that's just trying to win 40-42 games, Rondo/Smart's defensive tenacity and general offensive firepower overcomes their shooting woes and possible spacing issues." Those spacing issues are slightly quelled by Sully/KO's spacing ability. If we were trying to contend, however, fixing the spacing issues with sharpshooting bigs who can't protect the rim poses a seriously problematic Catch 22.

After we've acquired a rim protector among other pieces to push us to the verge of contention, then yes, Smart's fulfillment of his potential to develop a reliable jump shot will be key to determining whether or not such a backcourt can work. It seems rash to me to pessimistically dismiss the idea of Smart + a jumper just because other guys have failed in attempting to gain such a skill.

[KGs Knee]

I truly think the most gettable guy is melo. I think at some point he and Phil will mutually agree it's time to part ways. Melo wanted that fifth year $$$ and didn't want the accusations of quitting on NY. Phil would rather get assets for melo then let him walk but it has always seemed like carmelo is not a Phil Jackson guy.

The Knicks are a sinking ship and soon everyone will realize if they haven't already that there is no bandaid for the Knicks. There is no quick fix to make them a contender. Another year of no playoffs won't sit well with melo at this point in his career.

In the next 4-6 weeks Melos PR ppl and Jacksons PR ppl will start making the case how the other guy isn't doing what he's supposed to and is to blame for the Knicks lack of success.

Boston has the assets to get melo if nyc is willing. KO would be a nice fit in the triangle.

Knicks have a boat load of cap space next summer.

How well (or how badly) the Knicks do with that money will decide whether Melo becomes available in the near future or not.

Knicks are actually in a pretty good position to turn around their team and to do so very quickly. Carmelo's future not doomed there.

Only if a FA joins them and outside Marc gasol who really moves the needle? I for one don't forsee love or aldridge going to a new team next year. I don't think gasol leaves Memphis either. It's like 2010 all over again for nyc.

I mean honestly cap space rarely ever works. Just ask the lakers.

I'd say "rarely ever" is a bit inaccurate. It may work out less often than it doesn't work out, all teams considered (in terms of max-level FA's), but it still seems to be a legit avenue for teams to pursue.

In 2010 the heat signed both Lebron and Bosh, the Knicks signed Amare, and the Bulls signed Boozer. Now, as it turns out, Boozer and Amare added up not really being what they were billed as, but you can't always predict that. Houston signed Howard with cap space, that seems to have worked out ok for them. I'm sure there are other examples I'm not thinking of right now, too.

But yes, the team with Bird Right's usually does have a significant edge. And, as it may turn out, the Knicks might be setting themselves up to have cap space in the wrong off-season, as most of the available max-level FA's may very well stay put. But the you don't always know with these things.

[KGs Knee]

As huge of a fan of Rondo as I am, I have a hard time seeing him having the type of trade value Ainge will be looking for. A saturated PG market coupled with Rondo's expiring deal make it tough for very many teams to realistically be able to rationalize giving up what would probably be "fair value" otherwise.

As far as a Rondo/Smart backcourt pairing being a good combo going forward, I am not entirely sold. Smart will need to develop his perimeter shot for it to work, but I'm not sure there is enough time left in Rondo's prime for that to happen while it is still worthwhile.  I'd be more inclined to go with the Rondo/Bradley if trying to "win now" and attempt to trade Smart, and other assets, for a legit #1 scorer type superstar.

If that plan fails, a re-signed Rondo will be much easier to get a reasonable return for in a trade. Having that long term security will open up many more trade possibilities.

[LooseCannon]

Only if a FA joins them and outside Marc gasol who really moves the needle? I for one don't forsee love or aldridge going to a new team next year. I don't think gasol leaves Memphis either. It's like 2010 all over again for nyc.

Cap space is more likely to work in a scenario like this: Portland spends too much time negotiating new contracts for LMA and Matthews.  Someone swoops in to use cap space to propose overpaying Robin Lopez to the extent that Portland is not sure if they can avoid the luxury tax once a Lillard extension kicks in.

[Lucky17]

Only if a FA joins them and outside Marc gasol who really moves the needle? I for one don't forsee love or aldridge going to a new team next year. I don't think gasol leaves Memphis either. It's like 2010 all over again for nyc.

Cap space is more likely to work in a scenario like this: Portland spends too much time negotiating new contracts for LMA and Matthews.  Someone swoops in to use cap space to propose overpaying Robin Lopez to the extent that Portland is not sure if they can avoid the luxury tax once a Lillard extension kicks in.

I suspect that Paul Allen will pay the luxury tax to keep the Portland core together.

Put differently, if Allen publicly cries poor while letting Aldridge walk, this city will rise up and tear him limb from limb the next time he sets foot in the Moda Center.

[Who]

I might be in the minority but I am in agreement with whomever this is when they say they see Smart as more of a 2 than a PG. I don't see him having the court vision, passing ability, and command to handle an offense at the PG spot. He might be a great play maker but I see him doing that as a 2 guard.

I don't see Smart as a playmaker at PG.

I see him as a destroyer type. A top defensive player and rebounder who provides good scoring (in the future -- like 15-18ppg) and solid floor leadership (setup guard rather than playmaker) from PG position.

That is what I am hoping for out of Marcus Smart.

[nostar]

Knicks have a boat load of cap space next summer.

...

Knicks are actually in a pretty good position to turn around their team and to do so very quickly. Carmelo's future not doomed there.

They have a little more than 1 max deal in space under next years projections. They have an aging superstar (Melo is 31 next season) and they have no pick in 2016. Their best bet is to cash in this season with a lotto pick and try to lure a big name FA (Marc Gasol) to come to NY with Melo.

Assuming everything breaks for them and they get Gasol and a top-3 pick this season then, yeah, they probably compete next year. The thing is, you can say that about a lot of teams. If we add Gasol to Rondo and get a top-3 pick we're arguably better than the Knicks because we have tons of picks, a younger star in Rondo and better role players around him. Also a coach and GM that have at least some success at their current positions

And let's not forget that we have a fair amount of cap space next season. Including Rondo's cap hold we'll have $11M. Stretching Wallace's deal puts that number at $17.5M. If we stretch Wallace and move ET this off-season we'll have virtually the same cap space the Knicks will. That is the genius of Danny Ainge. He has short term money tied up with tons of flexibility and a war chest of assets.

I'm pretty convinced that the Knicks are boned for at least another year. It's possible they land Marc Gasol, get a high pick and flip it for the 3rd piece, ala the Cleveland Cavaliers, but it's certainly not likely at this point. Gasol has said he is comfortable in Memphis and wants to stay. The Knicks are still futilely trying to make the playoffs this season. They have a ball-hog superstar, a guy in the locker room no one likes, a rookie coach and a rookie GM.

I wouldn't stay my prime on that. Maybe Gasol will.

[PickNRoll]

I might be in the minority but I am in agreement with whomever this is when they say they see Smart as more of a 2 than a PG. I don't see him having the court vision, passing ability, and command to handle an offense at the PG spot. He might be a great play maker but I see him doing that as a 2 guard.

I don't see Smart as a playmaker at PG.

I see him as a destroyer type. A top defensive player and rebounder who provides good scoring (in the future -- like 15-18ppg) and solid floor leadership (setup guard rather than playmaker) from PG position.

That is what I am hoping for out of Marcus Smart.

My thinking exactly.  I wasn't sure when he came out because it seemed like he had a far better slashing/penetrating game in college.  That part hasn't shown up at all yet, but he can still be effective.  I like the "destroyer" moniker.

[crimson_stallion]

The main thing I disagree with in this article is that Rondo is not a Max contract player.

This article suggest that a Max contract guy should be your best player, and a guy who can carry your team, and that Rondo is not that.

Gordon Hayward?  Chandler Parsons? 

Rajon Rondo has absolutely proven he can carry a team, he did so in the playoffs on numerous occasions when the big 3 were still around.  When KG was out and Boston went through that grinding playoff series against Chicago, RR averaged a triple double to carry Boston through that series - he was absolutely dominant - there was no other word for it.  Just because he didn't dominate by averaging 30 PPG, doesn't mean he didn't dominate.  There is not one other PG in this league (yes I said it - not one) who could have held a candle to Rondo's performance in that series.

A Max contract also is about more than just box scores.  It's about having a guy who can lead your team with the intangibles.  Rondo's competitiveness, mental toughness, work ethic and basketball IQ are all up there among the absolute elite of this league.  There is no player in this league (outside of maybe Kobe Bryant) who is tougher that Rondo when it comes to willingness to play through pain, and I don't know if there is a single player in the league with a higher basketball IQ.

To put it in to perspective, Rondo is currently averaging 10.8 points, 11.3 assists and 8.2 rebounds and 1.7 steals per game - ridiculous stats that I haven't seen for decades.  He's also shooting a solid (for a PG) 45% from the field, 39% from three (the latter easily a career high).  His PER of 19.3 is the highest of his career.

Worth considering that his "points generated from assists" stat works out as 26.3 per game so far this season.  Add that to his 10.8 PPG and you're talking about a total of 37.1 points per game that he's been directly responsible for. 

Yes, he's a max player.