I think our biggest issue is just Julius Randle as a player. He can’t buy into what our identity was last season. He is not capable of that defensive effort. Not to say he can’t get his stats or be a good offensive player, but his effort clearly affects this team. I could be wrong, and would love some optimism.
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I said it from day 1 of the trade and still believe this is true. Randle is the cap flexibility piece to this whole thing. No way they traded KAT to lose Naz (maybe even NAW) a year later. I think Randle is gone at the trade deadline.
We want him to start and play well to improve his trade value, so I don’t see them ever benching him. Worst case scenario he will be traded for peanuts (probably expiring deal) to save money for Naz and NAW.
Sorry for not being optimistic, unless trading Randle is for you.
We’ll be fine. Mark my words.
The team doesn’t look cohesive like they did last year. A lot of hero ball going on instead of moving the ball around. KAT seemed like the glue that held everything together, when Rudy or Ant got mad at each other KAT would level the field, or vice versa. Randle doesn’t seem to be anywhere near gelling or even fitting in well with his teammates. His little spat with Gobert last night was embarrassing and likely cost us the game. We only win when we try hard, otherwise we look like an uncoordinated mess and finch is afraid of playing our young players. I love watching them play, but it’s getting painful in a bad way.
It was painful to watch some of those Denver games and the dallas series last playoffs. But when they played well they were exciting to watch. This year they feel flat. The only excitement is when it’s forced by nearly losing to mediocre teams and winning at the bell. I miss blowing out these mediocre teams setting up good games. Now I’m not even looking forward to getting embarrassed in Boston. If we can’t beat the raptors there, there is zero chance we beat Boston there, 8-8 incoming. I miss the cohesion and FEEL of last years team and I think KAT was the biggest piece of that puzzle.
I recognize the need for cap space and a trade had to happen, we couldn’t be in the second apron. But, I also feel like the wrong trade was made. Naz was due up and so was NAW. But Mcdaniels is playing like shit, his defence isn’t even what it was last year which is what made him so good. It’s hard to justify keeping his expense on when giving up the heart of the team. I miss KAT and I think so does the team frankly.
Just gotta meme our way through these trying times.
You guys were one of my favourite teams to watch in the West last season (I actually picked ya’ll to win the chip in my bracket). It sucks to see things go south for you so quickly, but I have faith you’ll turn it around.
If nothing else, Ant is an absolute stud and if you have to restructure the team, I don’t think it will take long to get back to being a contender. I know this isn’t helpful, but trying to send some positive vibes.
It’s not that bad. Ebb and flow. Everyone gets online and starts spiralling, next game is a new game! We move
Julius can’t even pretend to care about defense, he’s just enjoying his seats on that end of the floor.
8-7 with new major pieces. The sky is not falling. Anyone who imagined this team would gel right away hasn’t watched nba basketball very long. Shit takes time. We’ll be just fine.
The real mistake was giving Jaden Daniels 30 million.