Cavalry Candidates

benhogan

Granite Truther
SoSH Member
Nov 2, 2007
20,112
Santa Monica
Kyle Kuzma has started every game for the Wizards and has played 200 minutes more than the next guy on the team. Where is this bench scorer moniker coming from?
It's coming from the perspective of a Playoff team, which may offer a first to the Wizards for them to embrace the Victor Race.

A good place to hide Kyle's defense while letting him score in the playoffs would be from the bench.
 

Smokey Joe

Member
SoSH Member
Apr 9, 2001
1,155
It's encouraging to see his occasional updates (and that he's with the team), but I'll be shocked if we see him at all this year. He's 34 with an injury history, and the finals will be approximately 9 months after his ACL tear, an injury that usually takes 12+ months to recover from. If he's somehow available and 90% healthy by the time the playoffs start he's undoubtedly the best addition we could get (and he provides things that Hauser doesn't, even if the latter snaps out of his current funk), I just can't see it happening.
Recovery is 6-9 months. On his previous acl tear he had the ACL Repair on January 21, 2014 (as opposed to the meniscus repair) and was in the opening day lineup on October 27, 2014. He was clearly participating in practices before then.
Now, as you quite rightfully pointed out, he is considerably older now, but the 8 year age difference doesn’t really make a big difference in healing time, and he is motivated. This is probably his best chance to get a ring and it is with the team he was a fan of when he was a kid.
 

Euclis20

Member
SoSH Member
Aug 3, 2004
8,017
Imaginationland
Maybe it's me, but it always seems like longer than that. Some cases in recent years of big name players tearing their ACLs late in the season or playoffs (Jamal Murray, Klay Thompson, Kawhi Leonard) all resulted in those guys missing the entire following year. At least in the cases of Murray and Leonard, their teams could have definitely used them in the playoffs (and in all three cases, their injuries occurred 3-5 months earlier in the year than Gallo's), so there was some incentive similar to Gallo's, but it didn't happen even with many months of extra recovery time.

What's the fastest an NBA player has ever recovered from a torn ACL? A 6-9 month recovery would indicate that there's a decent chance he returns this season.
 

benhogan

Granite Truther
SoSH Member
Nov 2, 2007
20,112
Santa Monica
I'd probably be more looking for a defense first wing over a big.
J.Jackson + 2nd (PDX) for Javonte Green (after CHI fades)

or Derrick Jones Jr (if they want to spend a few Wyc shekels)

Recovery is 6-9 months. On his previous acl tear he had the ACL Repair on January 21, 2014 (as opposed to the meniscus repair) and was in the opening day lineup on October 27, 2014. He was clearly participating in practices before then.
Now, as you quite rightfully pointed out, he is considerably older now, but the 8 year age difference doesn’t really make a big difference in healing time, and he is motivated. This is probably his best chance to get a ring and it is with the team he was a fan of when he was a kid.
His defense was bad before the injury, not very optimistic if he rushes back.

If they get anything from Gallo that would be a happy surprise
 

Jakarta

Member
SoSH Member
Dec 18, 2020
241
I can’t think of anyone who came back after missing significant time and didn’t struggle immediately (maybe KD?). The thought that Gallo is going to be able to get used to game speed in the playoffs after being out for 9 months doesn’t make sense to me.
 

the moops

Member
SoSH Member
Jan 19, 2016
4,700
Saint Paul, MN
ACL recovery used to be in the 6-9 month time frame, but as pointed out above, it is typically in the year + range now. At least for the stars it is. Gallo, being on what may be his last true chance to be a part of a contender, may push it closer to the 9 month thing
 

benhogan

Granite Truther
SoSH Member
Nov 2, 2007
20,112
Santa Monica
Burks puts up 32 on 10/11 shooting.
He's been a pretty good offensive player since 2019-20. Positive BPM, +/-, ON/OFF, 40% from 3 trending up
The kind of bench scorer a contender should covet. Has the size/quickness to not get hunted on defense

$10.5M team option on him for next season is decent value IMO
 

Jimbodandy

Member
SoSH Member
Jan 31, 2006
11,405
around the way
I can’t think of anyone who came back after missing significant time and didn’t struggle immediately (maybe KD?). The thought that Gallo is going to be able to get used to game speed in the playoffs after being out for 9 months doesn’t make sense to me.
I think that there are so many variables that it's hard to be sure. Even without wishcasting, it really depends on the surgery, the injury itself at the time of the trauma, how Gallo's body responds, and what he needs as part of his game. As a relatively static shooting big type, he's not as reliant on explosiveness as if this had happened to someone like Ant Edwards or Jalen Green. And maybe he didn't have a lot of disruption to the cartilage or other tissues when the ACL tore. And maybe he's hitting the weights and bike like a Rocky movie montage. It wouldn't be the strangest thing in the world if late season Gallo largely resembles pre-injury Gallo. I wouldn't bet on it, but it's not exactly "struck by lightning while being bitten by a great white shark" odds.
 

wade boggs chicken dinner

Member
SoSH Member
Mar 26, 2005
30,500
It's coming from the perspective of a Playoff team, which may offer a first to the Wizards for them to embrace the Victor Race.

A good place to hide Kyle's defense while letting him score in the playoffs would be from the bench.
Remember the good ol' days when LAL fans were trying to make the case that Kuzma was going to be as good as JT? :)
 

wade boggs chicken dinner

Member
SoSH Member
Mar 26, 2005
30,500
Gallo is still the most likely addition. He has chosen to rehab in Boston and travels with the team. His original return estimate was March to June and he is clearly motivated. I have not heard any recent updates though.
December 23: some video of him shooting.

View: https://twitter.com/BConn63/status/1606322354073772032


December 24: he posted this tweet (love the effects):

View: https://twitter.com/gallinari8888/status/1606570908721766400


December 29: he's on the treadmill and he's shooting (shot looks locked in!)

View: https://twitter.com/ByJayKing/status/1608487550766686208


View: https://twitter.com/MainTeamSports/status/1608498544914178050
 

chilidawg

Member
SoSH Member
Jan 22, 2015
5,934
Cultural hub of the universe
What about Torrey Craig? Would be great wing depth, which I think is our biggest need. Good shooting numbers but terrible on/off #s.

On an expiring 5M contract, so I'd imagine that makes a trade pretty doable. Would Phoenix turn seller if their current swoon continues?.
 

Euclis20

Member
SoSH Member
Aug 3, 2004
8,017
Imaginationland
What about Torrey Craig? Would be great wing depth, which I think is our biggest need. Good shooting numbers but terrible on/off #s.

On an expiring 5M contract, so I'd imagine that makes a trade pretty doable. Would Phoenix turn seller if their current swoon continues?.
I can't see Phoenix bailing unless Booker ends up missing the whole year, but they definitely have some interesting pieces if they decide that the Chris Paul team is done competing. They need to make a decision on Crowder before anything else, I think.
 

HomeRunBaker

bet squelcher
SoSH Member
Jan 15, 2004
30,096
What about Torrey Craig? Would be great wing depth, which I think is our biggest need. Good shooting numbers but terrible on/off #s.

On an expiring 5M contract, so I'd imagine that makes a trade pretty doable. Would Phoenix turn seller if their current swoon continues?.
Nah. Craig is the type of guy Phoenix wants of their bench in the playoffs. If they were looking to dump him that would be a major red flag to me.
 

chilidawg

Member
SoSH Member
Jan 22, 2015
5,934
Cultural hub of the universe
Nah. Craig is the type of guy Phoenix wants of their bench in the playoffs. If they were looking to dump him that would be a major red flag to me.
I agree that he's good off the bench for them in the playoffs, I think he would be for us too. Phoenix is a game out of the play-in currently, and trending south. I think there's a reasonable chance they end up sellers.
 

benhogan

Granite Truther
SoSH Member
Nov 2, 2007
20,112
Santa Monica
I agree that he's good off the bench for them in the playoffs, I think he would be for us too. Phoenix is a game out of the play-in currently, and trending south. I think there's a reasonable chance they end up sellers.
for Wing D: Javonte Green
for Wing O: Alec Burks

both are friends of Tatums'
 

HomeRunBaker

bet squelcher
SoSH Member
Jan 15, 2004
30,096
I agree that he's good off the bench for them in the playoffs, I think he would be for us too. Phoenix is a game out of the play-in currently, and trending south. I think there's a reasonable chance they end up sellers.
No chance they are sellers. The only reason the Suns are one game out of the play-in is bc Booker and both of their PGs have been out. They should have everyone back in a week or two.
 

Eddie Jurak

canderson-lite
Lifetime Member
SoSH Member
Dec 12, 2002
44,476
Melrose, MA
I don't see the Celtics making a trade unless there is some sort of injury issue. I think they may look to sure up their depth via the buyout market.

Players being bought out want 3 things: money, chance to win, playing time. The Celtics are at the top of the list for chance to win and money (because of the Gallo exception), so if they want to the will be able to add someone chasing a title.
 

RorschachsMask

Member
SoSH Member
Aug 23, 2011
5,204
Lynn
“However, one organization emerges every deadline as a key hub for the entire NBA. This season, it could be San Antonio. Spurs center Jakob Poeltl has gained significant trade interest from teams such as the Toronto Raptors and Boston Celtics, according to league sources who, like all the other sources in this story, were granted anonymity so that they would be able to speak freely.”
View: https://twitter.com/ShamsCharania/status/1615358541124206592?s=20&t=iI6gZM8VlWpadcXO4gIqOA
 

128

Member
SoSH Member
May 4, 2019
10,016
I guess this would make sense if the Spurs value Grant as the main piece in a deal, and the Celtics would rather pay Poeltl than Grant. Outside of that, hard to see a way it works--doubt the Celtics want to encumber future 1sts for a marginal upgrade like Poeltl.
I think Poeltl would be more than a marginal upgrade, especially given Time Lord's injury history.
 

lovegtm

Member
SoSH Member
Apr 30, 2013
11,997
I think Poeltl would be more than a marginal upgrade, especially given Time Lord's injury history.
If that's your evaluation, then maybe you do think about spending a future 1st. It is true that they could re-sign both Grant and Poeltl mostly just using the money coming off Horford's deal, and then look to trade Grant down the road possibly.

If the Cs really like Poeltl, they can probably get this done.
 

the moops

Member
SoSH Member
Jan 19, 2016
4,700
Saint Paul, MN
I guess this would make sense if the Spurs value Grant as the main piece in a deal, and the Celtics would rather pay Poeltl than Grant. .
Or maybe the Celtics realize that they can't/won't pay Grant or Poeltl but think that their chances this year are better with Poeltl than Grant
 

PedroKsBambino

Well-Known Member
Lifetime Member
SoSH Member
Apr 17, 2003
31,191
Or maybe the Celtics realize that they can't/won't pay Grant or Poeltl but think that their chances this year are better with Poeltl than Grant
I agree one scenario is they don't think they can sign Grant and would flip him for Poeltl. Though they are very different players, and in execution they aren't really interchangeble. Given how good the team is this year I'd rather keep Grant and his role intact and risk losing him in offseason than disrupt rotation (and potentially spacing) just to get value out of him. So to make that swap you really have to believe Poeltl is an upgrade at 4/5 defensively and on boards as you're losing offensively (especially given his atrocious FT shooting).

A different possibility is Spurs don't expect to re-sign him and want to be sure they stay in bottom-three of the lottery odds and thus are willing to dump Poeltl for best package of future stuff that is out there. Celtics may well not have it, but I wouldn't rule out that is their strategy...Grant doesn't fit it all that well. A PP/flotsam and pick combo would fit better. I wonder what level of relaxing the restrictions on the pick sway might matter to them?

I'm sure a lot of teams will ask about him. I'm less sure that there's an obvious/great fit among contenders. Clippers, perhaps? Not a lot of future assets to move, but maybe. Pelicans as a part-time guy is sort of intersting. Kings are interesting possiblity.
 

lovegtm

Member
SoSH Member
Apr 30, 2013
11,997
Is he a longterm Al replacement? He doesn't shoot 3s (and his FT% says he never will), which means he can't play alongside TL.
Right--the idea would be that TL is never going to play more than 25-29 mins/game in the regular season, will never play b2bs, and will be injured some, which would leave lots of time for Poeltl.
 

Cellar-Door

Member
SoSH Member
Aug 1, 2006
34,461
Poetl is interesting in some ways, but if playing him comes at the expense of Grant or Horford minutes I think it makes the team worse. A big part of how the Celtics have handled teams blitzing Tatum is having a big in the corner who can really shoot (Horford at 44%, Grant at 41), Poetl is a non-shooter. He's a TL alternative who can't ever share the floor with him.
 

HomeRunBaker

bet squelcher
SoSH Member
Jan 15, 2004
30,096
I think Poeltl would be more than a marginal upgrade, especially given Time Lord's injury history.
Sign me up for moving some future 28th picks in the draft for Poeltl as it would then make sense to start TL and Horford together so we wouldn’t have to rely on critical 4Q playoff minutes out of Kornet. He’s taking Special-K’s minutes and providing us TL insurance. The Spurs have no use for Grant’s expiring…..I haven’t looked at numbers but I assume this works without him.
 

the moops

Member
SoSH Member
Jan 19, 2016
4,700
Saint Paul, MN
Sign me up for moving some future 28th picks in the draft for Poeltl as it would then make sense to start TL and Horford together so we wouldn’t have to rely on critical 4Q playoff minutes out of Kornet.
I haven't watched Poeltl much. Is he that much of an upgrade to the 10 minutes Kornet may play in the playoffs?
 

Cellar-Door

Member
SoSH Member
Aug 1, 2006
34,461
Sign me up for moving some future 28th picks in the draft for Poeltl as it would then make sense to start TL and Horford together so we wouldn’t have to rely on critical 4Q playoff minutes out of Kornet. He’s taking Special-K’s minutes and providing us TL insurance. The Spurs have no use for Grant’s expiring…..I haven’t looked at numbers but I assume this works without him.
Gallo and Justin Jackson get it done. Do wonder if someone else will make a more attractive offer (better 1st, interesting young guy in the salary match, etc.)
 

HomeRunBaker

bet squelcher
SoSH Member
Jan 15, 2004
30,096
I haven't watched Poeltl much. Is he that much of an upgrade to the 10 minutes Kornet may play in the playoffs?
Yes significantly. The guy has really made a leap over the past two years. He was pretty much Kornet in his earlier days but no longer. He can also play longer than 10 min and would likely have a larger role on BA nights (Bad Al).
 

PedroKsBambino

Well-Known Member
Lifetime Member
SoSH Member
Apr 17, 2003
31,191
Sign me up for moving some future 28th picks in the draft for Poeltl as it would then make sense to start TL and Horford together so we wouldn’t have to rely on critical 4Q playoff minutes out of Kornet. He’s taking Special-K’s minutes and providing us TL insurance. The Spurs have no use for Grant’s expiring…..I haven’t looked at numbers but I assume this works without him.
Poeltl sort of has two roles, maybe a third:

1. He upgrades the 10 minutes Kornet gets, and allows for a few more minutes rest each for Horford and TL (and eliminates Grant at 5 for need reasons, though you still might occasionally see for matchup reasons)
2. He lets you comfortably rest TL for games without sacrificing too much defense, and he is a hedge against a TL injury
3. He gives you a bigger body vs Embiid, who is a unique and specific challenge the Celtics may face (and who Kornet is, to my eyes, not very well suited to handle)
 

HomeRunBaker

bet squelcher
SoSH Member
Jan 15, 2004
30,096
Gallo and Justin Jackson get it done. Do wonder if someone else will make a more attractive offer (better 1st, interesting young guy in the salary match, etc.)
I believe we also have the Houston and Atlanta 2nd rounders this year from the (gulp!) Bane deal. Pop loves his 2nd rounders.
 

HomeRunBaker

bet squelcher
SoSH Member
Jan 15, 2004
30,096
My thought as well. Although the injury insurance factors too. I'm not ahuge GW fan but losing a rotation player means you then need to address that hole.
There is absolutely no reason we have to lose Grant in this deal. The Spurs want future assets not an expiring contract.
 

bakahump

Well-Known Member
Lifetime Member
SoSH Member
Jan 8, 2001
7,521
Maine
We should NOT be trading away wing Depth.
So if Grant is the ask then No. If he isnt....I think another wing might still be preferable to a Big Body C (which Granted is a concern).
Poeltl Seems like a "regular season acquisition".
I would rather we see if there are any "post season acquisitions" available as Kornet seems perfectly suitable for the regular season needs.
 

benhogan

Granite Truther
SoSH Member
Nov 2, 2007
20,112
Santa Monica
Poeltl as it would then make sense to start TL and Horford together so we wouldn’t have to rely on critical 4Q playoff minutes out of Kornet. He’s taking Special-K’s minutes and providing us TL insurance. The Spurs have no use for Grant’s expiring…..I haven’t looked at numbers but I assume this works without him.
100% this. He's the TL/Al insurance this team could use.

He's also one more body that can accept the inevitable Giannis & Embiid punishment in the lane. Memphis bangers may be the WC rep. It would also push Luke to 4th string center. Blake 5th string.

Grant is wing depth and should not be dealt.

Gallo + JJ + a 2nd + Begarin or PP for Poeltl is a nice haul for the Spurs.

You rarely get this much parity in the NBA. There isn't a great or 60-win team in the League. Brad needs to be ALL IN & get an asset from Gallinari's slot
 

lovegtm

Member
SoSH Member
Apr 30, 2013
11,997
Either way, I imagine other teams, who have a much bigger hole at Center (or backup C), will offer more for Poeltl
Which teams though? A lot of the possible candidates have issues in that they owe future picks elsewhere, and may not want to spend the one or two they have left in order to outbid.
 

HomeRunBaker

bet squelcher
SoSH Member
Jan 15, 2004
30,096
100% this. He's the TL/Al insurance this team could use.

He's also one more body that can accept the inevitable Giannis & Embiid punishment in the lane. Memphis bangers may be the WC rep. It would also push Luke to 4th string center. Blake 5th string.

Grant is wing depth and should not be dealt.

Gallo + JJ + a 2nd + Begarin or PP for Poeltl is a nice haul for the Spurs.

You rarely get this much parity in the NBA. There isn't a great or 60-win team in the League. Brad needs to be ALL IN & get an asset from Gallinari's slot
The thing is that we really don’t have anything to go “all in” with nor a need to do so. Gallo/JJ are salary filler, PP is a high floor/low upside small guard entering the final year of his contract. Doubt Bagarin carries much value aside from being a young interesting piece, and we don’t have any future 2nd rounders.

Our trade assets at this deadline amount to our 1st (28-30?), a high 2nd and a mid-2nd this year and 1sts in 2025, 2027 & 2029. Fans tend to overvalue these low 1sts and I’d have no problem using it for Master-P along with even a 2nd if we plan on retaining him.
 

benhogan

Granite Truther
SoSH Member
Nov 2, 2007
20,112
Santa Monica
Which teams though? A lot of the possible candidates have issues in that they owe future picks elsewhere, and may not want to spend the one or two they have left in order to outbid.
Golden State should go get Poeltl.

Unless they are still delusional about Wiseman
 

HomeRunBaker

bet squelcher
SoSH Member
Jan 15, 2004
30,096
Either way, I imagine other teams, who have a much bigger hole at Center (or backup C), will offer more for Poeltl
We’ve got all night…..let’s break down the teams with this need. We can eliminate some right off the bat.
 

Smokey Joe

Member
SoSH Member
Apr 9, 2001
1,155
I like Poeltl quite a bit, but I have a hard time using up our assets to upgrade our 3rd string center slot. Especially because we already have a good 3rd string center.
 

benhogan

Granite Truther
SoSH Member
Nov 2, 2007
20,112
Santa Monica
The thing is that we really don’t have anything to go “all in” with nor a need to do so. Gallo/JJ are salary filler, PP is a high floor/low upside small guard entering the final year of his contract. Doubt Bagarin carries much value aside from being a young interesting piece, and we don’t have any future 2nd rounders.

Our trade assets at this deadline amount to our 1st (28-30?), a high 2nd and a mid-2nd this year and 1sts in 2025, 2027 & 2029. Fans tend to overvalue these low 1sts and I’d have no problem using it for Master-P along with even a 2nd if we plan on retaining him.
If San Antonio see's Luke as a future Poeltl with a better stroke, it may be as simple as DG + Kornet + 2nds

Brad & Co have used late Firsts to heist multiple years of Brogdin, White, & Horford while unloading some chaff. I'm not sure they are using a First for half a season of a 3rd string BIG. I'll take the easy way out and say I'm 100% behind whatever PBS does. Brad has exhibited high-level finishing skills.

Poeltl is cheap and good defensively, POI for these teams:
Boston
Golden State
Miami (Dedmon punching his ticket out)
Toronto (they are fading fast)
New Orleans (unless they view Nance as a backup 5)
 

RorschachsMask

Member
SoSH Member
Aug 23, 2011
5,204
Lynn
If San Antonio see's Luke as a future Poeltl with a better stroke, it may be as simple as DG + Kornet + 2nds

Brad & Co have used late Firsts to heist multiple years of Brogdin, White, & Horford while unloading some chaff. I'm not sure they are using a First for half a season of a 3rd string BIG. I'll take the easy way out and say I'm 100% behind whatever PBS does. Brad has exhibited high-level finishing skills.

Poeltl is cheap and good defensively, POI for these teams:
Boston
Golden State
Miami (Dedmon punching his ticket out)
Toronto (they are fading fast)
New Orleans (unless they view Nance as a backup 5)
I can’t imagine they see Luke as a future Poetl, or anywhere close. JP is one of the post/rim defenders in the league, and he’s younger than Kornet.

I don’t see any way to get him without giving up a first, plus a Begarin or Pritchard. Teams who would want to keep Poetl long term will give up more, I’d think.
 

lovegtm

Member
SoSH Member
Apr 30, 2013
11,997
I like Poeltl quite a bit, but I have a hard time using up our assets to upgrade our 3rd string center slot. Especially because we already have a good 3rd string center.
If the Cs do this, it's because they've decided that Al is a 4 from here on out, due to his rim protection having noticeably declined, while his other skills are still good.

That would make Poeltl the 2nd-string center, with a 1st-stringer who has significant availability issues, and a cheap-enough contract that paying for his backup is fine.

Having 2 elite rim-protecting centers makes it a lot easier to play smaller elsewhere.
 

The Mort Report

Member
SoSH Member
Aug 5, 2007
6,883
Concord
Gallo and Justin Jackson get it done. Do wonder if someone else will make a more attractive offer (better 1st, interesting young guy in the salary match, etc.)
People constantly keeping using Gallo's contract to get Poeltl. I was under the assumption he can't be traded to SA for a year since they waived him this offseason. Am I wrong and it was only the Dec 15th deadline?