I don't think Ainge is going to buy anyone out.
1. Prince, Bass and Thornton all seem content to be in Boston.
2. It's already too late to tank. Boston would probably have to go 2-29 the rest of the way to significantly improve its lottery odds.
3. For the first time in forever, Boston is going to have significant cap space next year and the year after. The rules are now set up to discourage major free agents from switching teams but there's still some value in making yourself as attractive a destination as possible.
4. Ainge has a lot invested in Stevens and any coach eventually needs to win some games or players stop listening too them.
5. If Ainge buys them out, the players can then sign with anyone. Why take the chance they wind up helping a team that owes Boston a pick?
Mike
1) Does it matter if they are content? Are any of them going to be here next year (probably not)
2) I am not advocating a tank job. I am advocating giving the youngsters a chance to increase experience and value.
3) No matter what we do with these guys it doesn't affect the cap unless we re-sign them.
4) So if we win a few more games because we are keeping vets around that aren't going to be here next year and end up losing more games next year due to a total youth movement, does that help this situation?
5)I could care less what we do or don't do for other teams. The focus needs to be on our rebuild and any moves we make should reflect that, not the standings of another team.
1. The point is that none of them are complaining about playing time or whatnot, so they're not damaging team chemistry or morale.
2. The only young player on the roster not getting significant minutes is James Young. He won't turn 20 until this coming August and he's also clearly NOT READY for major NBA minutes. Force feeding minutes to guys who aren't ready is the #1 way NBA players form bad habits.
3. You're missing the point. Boston with 35 wins and the ability to go over the cap to resign Prince, Bass and Thornton is going to look much better to any free agent than winning 28 games and not being able to bring those guys back.
4. As I said, getting rid of the vets for nothing likely isn't going to improve our lottery odds. On the other hand, going 14-17 the rest of the year rather than 9-22 would make a huge difference in Brad Stevens' credibility. And not only with the players on this team but with other players around the league.
5. We own the Clippers 1st round pick this year unprotected. Them grabbing Prince and Thornton could easily make the difference between that pick being #24 or #20. And if we buy out guys and they sign with a new team, that team has the advantage in keeping them next season and the seasons after that. Which means if we just let them go, it could increase the chances they help Dallas or Brooklyn or Cleveland, making the picks we're getting from them less valuable.
Mike
1) So are you saying that removing these guys from the locker room somehow diminishes chemistry. To me it would solidify the chemistry with the youngsters we already have in place.
2)We could easily take the minutes given to the vets split them between KO, Crowder, Zeller and smart and keep them under 30 minutes add ten minutes to young and keep him under 20 minutes a game. As stated by Danny and Brad, it is about process not wins.
3)I think you missed my point. Guys on the wrong side of 30 is not the direction this team is headed. Personally, I am all for keeping Bass at a reasonable cost but, the other 2, not so much. While yes we could use Thornton in a S&T and maybe get a pick out of it, I don't do it for the sake of wins or a pipe dream of a first round playoff defeat. Do you honestly believe that Danny would use cape space to sign any of these guys, except maybe Bass?
4)As I stated, I am not doing this to gain wins or add to the loss column. I am doing this to give the young guys as much playing time as possible and shortening Brads rotation. All the while building experience for the young guys. I honestly am not to worried about Brads frame of mind, he is secure in years of contract, again he and Danny have both stated that this is not about wins and losses, it about process and building value.
5) The only way any of these guys affect draft picks is the Clippers, who are severely capped out and missing one of their all-stars. I am not so sure that they are willing to double down on cap dollars for Thornton and Prince just to try and hold on to the 7th or 8th seed.The other teams you mention have no bearing as we don't even sniff their picks till 16 at the earliest and all are most likely to be late picks anyways. Brooklyn is in sell mode not buy mode and are willing to dump just about anything on their roster but, again, no affect until 16.
I understand where you are coming from as far as treating vets the right way but, is the right way to make them linger in a losing situation knowing they are probably not going to be back here next year anyways or is it to give them the opportunity to go have a chance in the playoffs? I guess that would depend on the vet. I also believe that Danny has already told Prince that if he can't trade him, he will buy him out, I know that this is a belief and not a fact.
We do know that Danny treats this as a business and has not shown any type of proclivity to treat it any other way. I do know that if he can see that keeping any of them rather then giving them up for nothing will benefit us long term, he will do it. Personally, I just want to expedite the process as much as possible and imo, that is playing the kids as much as possible.
1. Losing destroys chemistry. And putting young players on the court in non-competitive games is how bad habits develop.
2. Again, the only young player NOT playing significant minutes is Young and he's 19 years old.
3. The point is Boston with 35 wins and the ability to go over the cap to resign vets like Prince, Bass and Thornton is more attractive to free agents than a team with 25 wins without that ability.
4. Again, the young guys are playing.
5. Guys who are bought out usually sign elsewhere for minimum dollars. Prince, Bass and Thorton would all be big help to the Clips horrible bench.
Mike
Topic: If Danny cant trade Thornton, Prince and Bass. Will they be bought out? (Read 15297 times)