Guru Gazette #4 (November 2020)
Nov 9, 2020 19:09:17 GMT -6
Dallas Mavericks, Portland TrailBlazers, and 1 more like this
Post by Phoenix Suns on Nov 9, 2020 19:09:17 GMT -6
Welcome to the 4th edition of the Guru Gazette, published
I am the Phoenix Suns, Editor-in-Chief, and host of the roundtable discussion.
I am here today with the Dallas Mavericks, Minnesota Timberwolves, Toronto Raptors, Chicago Bulls, Sacramento Kings, and Portland Trailblazers.
Welcome!
Mavs: Thank you for having me.
Raptors: Looking forward to talking basketball!
Wolves: Honor to be here!
Bulls: Happy to do it!
Kings: Appreciate being asked to join.
Blazers: Can't wait to discus--
Wizards: --I'M HERE TOO! DID YOU KNOW DARIUS BAZLEY AVERAGED OVER 1.2 STOCKS PER 36 LAST SEASON? IT'S TRUE! HE'S THE BEST!
Get out of here, Wizards! Get out! Shoo! Shoo!
Wizards: Nyehehehehehehe...
Sorry about that, where were we...
Mavs: You were going to ask us leading questions trying to validate your NBA 2k Micky Mouse championship
Blazers: Notice he didn't invite Nuggets to the roundtable, his most vociferous critic
Wolves: Wait a second, Nuggets isn't here?
First question: My 2019-2020 championship, would you describe it as: A) a perfectly valid, non-asterisked title B) a masterclass in roster construction C) the hardest road
Raptors: ...
Bulls: good lord
Kings: Ehhh, he hasn't brought up the Kings passing on Luka, this is still an upgrade over most NBA conversations I have.
Just kidding. Let's get this started! Which 2 players in the Rookie Draft do you find most interesting, and why?
Mavs: In order of interest:
LaMelo Ball - Insane passing skills for his age. Has great height for either guard position. The question will be: Does he listen to his coaches?
Anthony Edwards - One of the youngest incoming freshmen, he’s a 6’4 combo guard with elite level athleticism and already has an NBA body…what’s not to like? Seems like he even has a serviceable jumper too
Ah, another Mavs L____ Ball smokescreen, like the Maesters sending out white doves from the Citadel signaling the end of summer, we can be sure the Rookie Draft is upon us
Mavs: I can neither confirm nor deny that.
Blazers: I also choose LaMelo Ball for obvious reasons I won't go into (BIG BALLERS ONLY).
(For reference, the Blazers and Mavs spent months throwing up smokescreens against each other in 2017, possessing the #1 and #2 picks in the draft, and Lonzo Ball and Markelle Fultz projected to go 1/2. See the full rookie draft review here.)
Killian Hayes because I think he's got the best potential to be the best player in the draft. His feel for the game and current skill level is above anyone else in the draft I think. The glaring problem is his reliance on his left hand, but I think that's easy to correct.
Mavs also has a glaring problem with his left hand.
Mavs: ;)
Wolves: I’m gonna be honest, this’ll be my second consecutive year not drafting in Guru, and as such I have not spent very much attention on it at all. Deni Avdija used to come up a lot in conversations about who the Blazers could grab, so it’s interesting to me that he’s risen so much the past few months. Beyond that, hard to imagine anything more interesting than adding more Ball family to the NBA. Is he better than Lonzo?
What about you, Kings?
Kings: Patrick Williams and Aleksej Pokusevski (Poku) are probably the players I’ll be most interested to see in terms of development.
Williams is the youngest American prospect and Poku the youngest International. Both have exceptionally unique skill sets, but lots of work to do to be able to maximize their abilities. They are also among the best off-ball defensive playmakers in the draft, but I’m more interested in how they develop offensively. Williams has a smooth, but slow stroke, and has shown some ability to shoot and even create off the dribble, too. If he manages to improve his footwork and accelerate his shooting motion, there’s something very special there. But there are certainly concerns about getting it all to come together; he’s not a fast processor and could benefit from working to establish a clear offensive role for himself first.
Poku, easily the most unique player in the class, will also require lots of effort from his team to mold him into an NBA player. With a lightning quick, manipulable stroke, there’s a path for him to become the tallest sharpshooter ever, but then you’ve got all of his creation abilities and un-guardability in transition. He’s got long strides and excellent vision, so the ceiling for him on that side of the court is truly sky-high.
Both outside The Ringer's Top 10, interesting choices!
Raptors: I'm with Mavs, I think LaMelo Ball is hands down the most interesting to see how he does. LaMelo on a team where there aren’t any other options is fascinating, especially if it’s a big market team (if he gets there in a trade or something).
Deni Avdija – I think a lot of people are expecting him be the next Doncic. He isn’t, he’s more of a point forward than an oversized point guard. However, what people say about his skillset and vision is pretty intriguing, especially if he lands on a team like the Warriors.
Bulls: Ooh, Raptors and Wolves took my pick! Definitely Avdija, along with Okoro! I'm not saying they're the best picks in the draft, or that I'm interested in picking them at all, but they're definitely interesting basketball-wise for sure!
For Avdija, he has wonderful playmaking ability, and whenever I watch highlights he always seems to find the right man. Off-ball, he's a great cutter, and he's fantastic in transition. What makes him interesting is his weaknesses – he doesn't really have the creativity to create space 1-on-1, and his lateral movement is a little off. I'm really excited to see how the mix of great strengths and huge weaknesses works out!
For Okoro, he seems like an NBA-ready player who won't really translate well to fantasy. He's a great defender, but he doesn't really put up many blocks/steals. He's always in the right rotation, getting shot contests, etc., but those won't help in Guru! Offensively, he's good enough to stay on the court – his 3 is passable, but he struggles to create off the dribble well, and he's not great at the rim. I'm interested there in seeing whether or not he translates to fantasy well, and just how "NBA-ready" he really is!
Wow, a lot of Deni Avidija love! Anyone else scared of the depth and breadth of Kings answers?
Mavs: I have deleted a lowball offer I was about to message him.
Blazers: Meh, I've seen better. *backspaces furiously*
And I just noticed, Bulls said that Avidija's "lateral movement is a little off"... that just triggered a siren! It's a...
Let's ignore fantasy for a second. Who do you think the Golden State Warriors should take at #2, and why?
Raptors: Honestly I think they’re going to trade the pick, but if they don’t then I think they should draft Wisemen. I know they have reservations paying that much for a center, but to me Ball and Edwards just don’t make sense and I just don’t buy that Avdija will be better than what Wisemen is capable of.
Bulls: Hmm, it really depends on what they want to do! They still have Steph and Klay, and if they want to make one or two last runs... well, they should trade it to get a Jarrett Allen or a Khris Middleton or someone. But if they had to pick, probably James Wiseman. He seems the most NBA-ready out of the big men and wings, and they really need a big man or a wing here!
If they want to tank, on the other hand, probably Anthony Edwards. The Warriors are pretty good at player development, and if there's anyone who can figure out his upside it's them – and when you're tanking you need upside for sure.
Kings: Edwards and Wiseman should be their #1 and #2. Edwards is the most talented player in the draft, and would thrive in an organization like Golden State. Wiseman is an athletic specimen and fulfills a position of relative need, but talent-wise he’s nowhere near Edwards. If they don’t trade down, I think it should be a straightforward decision.
Blazers: I think the Warriors take the best player available (whoever it is) and package the pick with Wiggins for a better player. So Wiseman or Ball... one of the two will be picked here.
Wolves: Is it cheating to say I think they should glue that pick to Wiggins or, dare I say it, Draymond, and make a trade for a player that fits in their “window?” I know it’s hard to think of the Warriors even having a window, but Steph is thirty-something now, the rest of the league isn’t slowing down, and their draft record the past handful of years isn’t particularly inspiring.
Wizards: DO YOU KNOW WHO THE WARRIORS SHOULD TRADE FOR IF THEY WANT TO WIN ANOTHER CHAMPIONSHIP? DARIUS BAZLEY! DID YOU KNOW THAT ON SEPTEMBER 3RD, 2020 DARIUS BAZLEY HAD MORE POINTS IN 10 MINUTES THAN JAMES HARDEN DID DURING THE ENTIRE GAME? IT'S TRUE!
GET OUT OF HERE WIZARDS -- YOU'RE NOT EVEN PART OF THIS ROUNDTABLE! SHOO, GET OUT OF HERE. SHOO!
Wizards: Nyehehehehehe...
The panel seems close to unanimous on Wiseman and Edwards. You know what they say about great minds... they're... pretty, pretty great.
Let's switch back to Guru for a moment. Name the franchise you think will make the biggest leap upwards this season, and which franchise will have the biggest fall -- relative to their performances last season?
Kings: Chicago is probably a safe bet for a big improvement standings. They’ve got a young team with plenty of talent and guys who should have more opportunities next year. On the other hand, I expect Denver to be comparatively worse. Dinwiddie will be forced to return to the bench (at least until Kyrie gets injured again), Holiday is just on a team with too much young talent, as well as being a plausible trade target for other teams, and Gallinari should return back to his injured self.
Kings, I agree with the Nuggets being worse (5th to 7th), but couldn't disagree more with the Bulls being better. I have them finishing 9th right now, 100 points a week back of the 8th seed. There are eight legitimate playoff contenders trying to win, and I don't see a rebuilding team like Chicago sneaking in.
Wolves: The Knicks is for sure my pick to make the biggest leap in the standings this season-- between Steph coming back and some contracts expiring, that team has got plenty of firepower. OKC landed at 6th *without* KD last year, so they’ll be a team to watch too (there’s just fewer spots for them to leap over).
There have been some early signals that the new leadership for the freshly rebranded Kings is willing to tank, and that franchise has had the capacity for it for a while. I expect we’ll see some pretty low lows there.
Knicks no, OKC yes. I think the Thunder and Blazers will make the biggest gains. Agree with my assessment, Porty?
Blazers: Yes. Glad you brought it up before I did, to be honest.
I'm not being vain when I think my team is a good candidate for biggest leap compared to last season. The Markksman has a new and *competent* coach, MPJ seems to have broken out, Bags is *fingers crossed* not perpetually injured, ditto for Blake, and hoping to see continued improvement from Fultz + Mitchell Robinson + Simons.
Bulls: For the biggest leap, I've gotta go with the Knicks, by virtue of Steph coming back! It's hard to really make a choice here, since rosters haven't changed much from last year, but getting a star back and having enough space to sign another one makes an intriguing team.
For the biggest drop, can I say myself? :joy: I wasn't actually intending to make the playoffs last year! I'm not complaining about getting into the playoffs in the first year of my tank competitive retooling, but I also wouldn't mind a top 3 pick right about now ;P
In the real NBA, name your 4 Conference Finalists, and why.
Mavs: For the East, I'll say Milwaukee and Boston.
Westward, the LA Lakers and LA Clippers (I'd like to see the Battle for LA actually happen, I'm sure the major broadcasting stations would agree.)
We already had the Battle for Los Angeles. It ends with Zach de la Rocha telling everyone to fight the power and reject capitalism while cashing $10 million dollar checks from RATM merchandise sales.
Wolves: In the West, Golden State (because I didn’t forget) and Portland (because we all know this one is happening). Everything that didn’t go wrong for LA does this time, twice over for the Clips.
This is the way.
May the Force be with you.
In the East, Milwaukee and… I don’t know? Miami actually made it to the finals and I still don’t really get it, so I’m chalking it up to Disney Bubble Magic. Philly and Toronto are going to be different, so it’s hard to know what to expect so...let’s say Boston?
Kings: In the East, Boston and Milwaukee. Both the Bucks and the Sixers are under a lot of pressure to make some big moves, but I think the Sixers are farther than people think from championship contention. The personnel changes should help somewhat, but their roster construction is too far from what it has to be. Boston showed that they’re legitimate this year, and they’ll have internal improvements as well as draft picks to improve their team.
In the West, Lakers and Denver. Lakers are the best team in the league, and Denver has everything you want from a championship team: a star, shotmakers, a good coach, depth, and chemistry. The Clippers or Warriors could challenge here, but I like picking the younger team with more room to grow.
Blazers: Assuming no significant changes to rosters...
West: Blazers + Lakers
East: Nets + Sixers
No explanation needed for the Blazers. They're the best team in the NBA and will win the championship every year. It's a no brainer. Lakers are the returning champs with LeBron and never bet against LeBron.
The Nets will have a healthy KD + Kyrie combo (or at least as healthy as Kyrie will be). I think the Sixers with a change in leadership stand a good chance at making the ECF this time around.
Bulls: Hmm. In the East, I've got to go with the Bucks and the Celtics. The 76ers are good, but I don't know how well Morey will mesh with their roster, and while I'm rooting for Brooklyn and Miami, I don't know how well KD will come back, and I don't know if lightning will strike twice. The Bucks and Celtics seem most poised for a real championship run next season, both in star power and depth.
In the West, I've gotta say the Lakers and the Mavericks. The Lakers because, duh, they just won the championship. The other spot is as wide open as anything – the Clippers, Warriors, Rockets, Nuggets... pretty much anyone save the Wolves, Suns, Grizzlies, and Spurs can plausibly make it. But the Mavericks have as good a shot as anyone, and I want them to get in so there.
I'm not hearing a no on the Blazers.
Wolves: :)
Blazers: :)
Bulls: Oh, I forgot they existed. No.
Wolves: :(
Blazers: :(
Raptors: In the West: The Nuggets and the Clippers (I think Ty Lue will bring some much needed focus to a roster that’s already clearly good enough, and for the Nuggets just have so many weapons. The Lakers will be good but I don’t see them staying that healthy to go all the way again).
In the East: Milwaukee and Philly (cause Daryl Morey will pull off something crazy and Giannis will drag the Bucks there single-handedly… he’s due.)
Moving back to Guru, If I gave you 1 contract for free, which if these seven players would you take?
Tobias Harris (35 FPPG): 11m 11m 11m 11m
Andrew Wiggins (36 FPPG): 8m 8m 8m 8m
Kyrie Irving (45 FPPG): 21m 21m 21m 21m 21m
Wendell Carter Jr. (30 FPPG): 2m 3m 4m
PJ Washington (25 FPPG): 2m 2m 3m 4m
Zach Lavine (40 FPPG): 16m 16m 16m
Collin Sexton (28 FPPG): 3m 3m 4m
Blazers: I've gotta go with Sexton. Cheap contract, stellar sophomore play as the #1 option, and an good opportunity to improve even more.
Philly will be so happy someone other than Philly hyping Sexton. First time for everything!
Bulls: Hmm. Me personally? Probably Wendell Carter. I'm not high on Harris or Wiggins, and Lavine's too good to tank with! I don't know, I just prefer losing 10 FPPG if it means I save 13m a year. That being said, if I were contending, I totally get why someone might want, say, Wiggins or Lavine there, but I am definitely not contending quite yet.
Kings: Wiggins. He’s one of those players who’s much more fantasy friendly than IRL friendly, and he’s in by far the best situation of his career at GSW. Combine that with entering his prime years and a cheap four year contract makes this a fairly easy choice for me. PJ Washington could be a steal though, I just don’t have as much confidence in his counting stats increasing by that much.
First rule of fantasy: Never go full Wiggins.
Mavs: Kyrie Irving. Honorable mention goes to Wendell Carter. You have to go with the best, proven player on the list and I feel like adding Kyrie to a roster that has Luka, Kristaps, Ja Morant, and Brandon Ingram would solidify a championship for the Mavericks.
Raptors: I would gamble on WCJ if he can stay healthy. Plus having Donovan as a coach instead of Jim Boylen (who was a ridiculous coach). In the right situation, WCJ could be an 18 and 10 player (not saying it will happen, but it could happen). And for that contract.
Wolves: I’m a million percent sticking with my guy WCJ from this list. The coaching change in Chicago is gonna be good for a lot of these guys (and I think that just means LaVine plays *to* that contract while WCJ surpasses his).
Seems like the consensus is
His mother Patty and his godfather OJ Mayo will be pleased to hear about what a fine young hamburger he's become.
Kings: You may be suffering from a Baconator addiction, Suns. Trust me, it's a dark road (although not as dark as being a Kings fan.)
Mavs: Maybe we should take a snack break? I could use a refreshment!
Wizards: YOU KNOW WHAT ELSE MAKES FOR A DELICIOUS DRINK?
"ONE PART DARIUS, ONE PART BAZLEY,
GOES DOWN SMOOTHER THAN PATRICK SWAYZE!"
Get out of here Wizards! Nobody wants your Darius Bazley updates -- shoo!
Wizards: Nyehehehehehe...
Moving on...
What are your thoughts on the 2020 Guru Rookie Draft? Are you looking to trade in? Trade out? Does having a top 5 pick suck this year? Does having a 6-10 pick rock? What's your feeling on it?
Wolves: I know I already mentioned that I have done zero research, but I’ll try to get in there, because drafting is fun and not drafting makes me feel sad. I probably shouldn’t, but I will.
Blazers: I don't want anything to do with this draft's first few picks. It's too expensive to trade into there for little return. Trading out would be a nightmare because no one's going to offer anything substantive *and* the class is significantly weaker. Top 5 absolutely sucks. I'd even argue 6-10 sucks too, but at least the public perception's a bit better there.
Yeah this draft is not music to my ears. More Anthony Bennett than Tony Bennett.
Mavs?
Mavs: Pretty weak draft class.
*crickets*
Nobody?
Kings (aside): How old is this guy?
Bulls (whispers): Don't ask, it's a touchy subject...
Ok let's get back to the question. What say you, fellow kids?
Bulls: I'm not quite as low as everyone else is on it, I just think the top ~10 picks all have similar value. There are a few guys in the top 5 or so that I might want to trade up for, but overall I don't mind too badly if I miss out on [whoever would've been picked #3] and get [whoever's picked at #9] instead. At that point, the players in this draft are just personal preference! I'm really happy with picks 9 and 10 – I'd rather them over just having pick 1 by itself, to be honest!
Kings: We’re going to be active for sure. There’s value to be had everywhere, so I don’t think where you pick matters too much as long as you make a good one. My assistant and I both have some strong feelings on prospects, but we’ve worked hard to sort it out and I think we’ll come out of the draft feeling like we did the most with what he had.
Love the enthusiasm. Raps?
Raptors: A top 2 pick would be nice but as long as you’re in the top 6 you can get a good player. That could change after we know what teams players are actually going to though.
Along similar lines, what's your excitement level on the group of Free Agents in Guru this off-season. Are you a buyer, or are you standing pat?
Bulls: I've got a few guys I'm particularly high on! CP3's still got a good amount of value, IMO, and he might go undervalued because of his age and his successor on the Thunder in SGA. Turner's another guy I might want to get if I can, and Oubre and Harrell seem pretty good! Other than that, I probably wouldn't want many people on long-term deals there. This isn't a particularly good draft or FA class!
Mavs: Not excited. I'm standing pat this season and will look to come in towards the end to scoop up some more great signings like Goran Dragic and Marcus Morris. None of the above guys you listed really pique my interest, with the exception of Myles Turner.
Wolves: Here’s your look into Wolves HQ:
Picturing it as we speak...
Wolves: You know I have a full-time job as a teacher, right?
You're right, you couldn't afford a fully detached house with wood floors.
Wolves: >:(
Anyway, we’ve got three max contracts this season and we are keeping them. That’s $63/$90 million. WCJ and JJJ are staying (even though I recognize I’ll only have the re-signs for one of them) and no one has come with a serious offer for my mid-dollar contracts (yet). We are unlikely to be major players in FA, but I do think there will be some good value contracts to scoop up on the edges this year. That said, I think our league is more competent than ever, and that could make the operation harder.
Blazers: Considering I'm in the negatives cap wise, I'm not likely to be a buyer. I'm ME7O.
It'll be interesting to see what CP3 goes for in our league. He's on the tail end of his star play, but how long does he have left before running off a cliff? Conley's another intriguing play. He majorly sucked on the Jazz, but surely he's got a decent chance at returning to form this season? Last two I'm keeping an eye on though are Turner and Allen. Both young and full of potential centers, I think there might some overpays there.
Zach Lavine (37 FPPG) and TJ Warren (30 FPPG) set the market for 24-25 year olds hitting the open market with $16m x 4 and $9m x 4 deals so I agree with you, they'll go for an arm and a leg.
Raptors: Let's see...
*channels her inner Tolstoy*
Hassan Whiteside – Don’t even know where of if he’ll have a job
Chris Paul – I don’t think you’ll see him matching this year’s production
Kelly Oubre Jr. – Always a little excited about Oubre but now that Phoenix is doing better I don’t know if he’ll have some miraculous star turn.
Terry Rozier – First year in Charlotte was disappointing (considering Devante Graham surpassed him) but I think there’s room to grow and justify his contract.
Montrezl Harrell – He was pretty disappointing in the playoffs but he was late to the bubble and had other stuff going on so I’m not down on him yet. He’s been one of the players I’d most like to see get a bigger role for a while now.
Al Horford – His fit in Philly doesn’t excite me.
Jarrett Allen – He got gentrified out of a role with Brooklyn, I’d be more enthusiastic about his role if he changes teams
Derrick Rose – Probably going to get traded and will probably be more of a bit role player but on a better team so less enticing for fantasy purposes.
Evan Fournier – I don’t imagine he’ll have a better opportunity than he’s had with the Magic these last couple of years.
Myles Turner – Hard to be enamored with Myles Turner after last year, however there seemed to be some upside early on. His biggest problem is that Sabonis is just better than him. I’d be intrigued to know where he lands if/when he gets traded.
DeAndre Jordan – Getting older. He could play a fun role on a team that’s really good in the East but I’m not banking on him for fantasy purposes.
Mike Conley – Can’t be any worse than last year.
Larry Nance – I like Larry Nance, it’s just a shame that the Cavs have 38 centers.
WCS – What team does he even play for now? I’ve lost track.
Jeff Teague – Teague has become somewhat irrelevant, mostly because no one wanted his contract but now that he’s a FA there’s hope that he’ll get a nice role on a team that matters. Maybe then he’ll be relevant again.
OG Anunoby – I keep waiting him for to be a bit more than he has been. I think he’s developing nicely but like any creation developed in Nick Nurse’s cauldron, it’s been slow and gradual.
Kyle Kuzma – Kuzma’s first few years in the league were a mirage, facilitated by the Los Angeles market and the sheer absence of talent on those pre-LeBron Lakers teams. He’s a wall flower on a championship team. Wake me up when Rob Pelinka trades him to Detroit for D Rose and he Most Improved Player Whose Value Had Previously Been Unconscionably High.
Dario Saric – I am all for the random mid-March weeks when Saric suddenly and inexplicably averages an empty 18 and 8 for whatever basement dwelling team he’s on at that exact moment in time but it’s hard not to accept the fact that his ceiling is lower than we maybe could have hoped for a few years ago. Does he even stay in Phoenix after this offseason? Do the Suns punt his qualifying offer and renounce his rights in an effort to shed his cap hold and free up the payroll to make a run at a free agent? I just don’t see where Saric fits other than as a decent player on a terrible team or a fringe rotation piece on a contender. Perhaps, if the latter, he can eventually fill a role like Danilo Gallinari but that’s a big perhaps.
Josh Hart – I don’t watch people stream Fortnite.
Eric Gordon – Curious to see Gordon’s role now that Mike D’Antoni and Daryl Morey are out in Houston. It’s legitimately annoying to have to keep remembering that Gordon exists and is capable of hitting nine threes against you.
Bryn Forbes – No fantasy value but he’s a top two or three former Michigan State Spartan that can check into a playoff game and randomly ruin your night with an untimely hot streak.
HOLY BAGUMBA! RAPTORS FROM THE TOP ROP! ABSOLUTELY SAVAGE. WITH NO REGARD FOR HUMAN LIFE!
"Josh Hart - I don't watch people stream Fortnite" Fuckin' LOL
Remind me not to get on your bad side...
Raptors: >:)
Bulls: You offer Raps and a trade and 5 seconds later she be like:
Haven't seen Wizards lately.
Wizards: TOO SCARED OF RAPTORS. BE BACK LATER
Next question. Which Hot Take from last year's Gazette was worse: Wizards on the Rockets, or Nuggets on the Lakers:
Age before beauty. Mavs?
Mavs: Wizards. The Westbrook - Harden combination never really worked out in my head. I would have liked to see the Rockets keep Chris Paul for a little bit longer. I don't think the Nuggets' take was worse than the Wizards because the Lakers are kind of screwed if LeBron starts deteriorating (father time is undefeated, right?) since AD can jump ship and go elsewhere. What talent will the Lakers have if that happens?
Raptors: I can actually offer somewhat tepid defenses for both, but to answer this question the Nuggets take on the Lakers stands up the least. Rings overshadow anything, even Nuggets’ correct analysis that the Lakers franchise would be in a better long-term position had they waited until now to chase a UFA AD. Sorry, that’s just how life works. As for the Rockets, I think the Westbrook deal was okay, once they found a way to free up the paint to let Westbrook work inside it looked a lot better than it did early on. It’s not like they were going to do any better with Chris Paul.
Tepid defense, BAI GAWD THAT'S TRAE YOUNG'S MUSIC!
Blazers: I know you think you're insulting my player, but calling Trae's defense tepid instead of putrid is actually an upgrade, so thanks ;)
As for which hot take was worse, definitely Nuggets. Basketball is dominated by superstars and never bet against LeBron.
100% agree with you and Raptors. What say ye, Lowly Squire of House Kangz?
Kangz: Hey, we don't deserve this kind of shabby treatment!
Kangz: Okay, we do deserve this kind of treatment...
Kangz: But we got paths to get better!
Kangz: Bagley might be the real deal!
Kangz: Luke Walton knows how to get the most out of his players!
Kangz: Harry Giles knees could hold up!
Kangz: Buddy might wanna stay!
Kangz: Ownership is putting the right people into the front office!
Kangz: Ownership is trying to put the right people into the front office...
Kangz: Ownership is putting people into the front office
Kangz: How is that wrong?! All I said was people!
The new head of your scouting department is a golden retriever
Kangz: Oh dear god, this franchise is doomed...
What about the question -- whose hot take is worse?
Kings: Nuggets’ is definitely worse. Davis and LeBron are top 8 players in the league, and the front office proved that that pairing could work when they won the championship and were the clear best team in the association. They’re also going to resign Davis, so they’ll be contenders for at least a couple more years, or until LeBron slows down.
Wolves: I agreed with Nuggets’ Lakers take at the time and still think, even now, it’s easy to see where that goes wrong this past season. Hell, it’s easy to see where it goes wrong this upcoming season, too. LeBron and Father Time can’t BOTH stay undefeated for ever, even if I’m not betting on either losing.
If you were the IRL Lakers GM, would you trade Danny Green, some salary cap filler, and a future 1st for Chris Paul? His contract:
$41,000,000
$44,000,000 (player option)
It would take up pretty much their entire cap, and they'd only be able to sign veteran minimum players around Lebron, AD, and CP3.
Kings: No. Chris Paul is a negative asset in my opinion, and your team just won a championship so there’s no need for change. Let the Sixers or Bucks trade for him and struggle when he misses loads of games next year.
Bulls: Yes. I've always thought that, in real basketball (not Guru), you need to trade anything you can get for a star. It'd be tough, but you can get role players out of nothing if you're a good GM. You can't get stars off of the waiver wire. I say pull the trigger.
Mavs: Yes. Veterans will want to come and play in LA and CP3 looked good last season.
Raptors: Yes. Although what does that trade even look like? Green, KCP, Bradley, McGee and the ghost of Luol Deng? You’d need somebody like Eric Pincus to quantify it. But if the question is would you want to see CP3+AD+LeBron plus a bunch of vet minimum players (ME7OOOOOOOOOO) and Alex Caruso, then the answer is yes.
Blazers: Yes. If I'm Rob Lowe, I do that in a heartbeat. Danny's garbo, who cares about a 1st, and filler's filler. CP3 improves so much about the team. A capable playmaker while LeBron's sitting out, improves team chemistry, and the obvious two-way skills. The team right now is full of veteran minimum players anyway.
Oof. Kings out on an island over here, but I think I'm with Kings, that contract is yikes and his age and size means he can fall off a cliff any second, and Rondo gets you 70% of what he does for 10% of the cost. Close call, it definitely intrigues me too, but I think it's a bit too rich for my blood!
Outside of Zion Williamson and Ja Morant, who are the best 3 assets from the 2019 Rookie Draft?
Raptors: RJ Barrett, Brandon Clarke and Tyler Herro.
Bulls: So you're asking who I drafted, basically? :p seriously, thought, this was a tough draft! I'm still high on Brandon Clarke and PJ Washington, as I've espoused a hundred thousand times! Clarke's just so damn fun to watch, man. He's got a great touch, and he's amazing on defense, all while developing a passable 3-shot. If he was 20, he would've been the first pick, I'm telling you! And PJ's just so fun to watch around the rim, too – his passing could improve but he's showing signs of being one of those perennial 19/6/3 guys, and I am definitely not complaining about that! As for a third, it depends if you want upside or current talent, but I'd probably have to go with Coby White. He lit Chicago on fire the last month of so of the season, and he's showing great athleticism there as well as really stepping up to floor general! I wish I had taken him over Garland :p
Yeah Clarke's age scared me a bit, but he's been fantastic. Celtics really killed it at the draft taking Coby White and Tyler Herro.
Kings: Reddish, KPJ, and PJ Washington. All are legitimately good players and have enough potential to where you’d expect improvements for at least the next several years. They also project to be multipositional in fantasy, which is always nice, too.
Mavs: Brandon Clarke, Tyler Herro, and Matisse Thybulle are the best 3 assets from the 2019 rookie draft.
Nice to see four straight GMs name-checking their own players :D
Truly some objective analysis hahaha. Good to see gamesmanship is alive and well in Guru. How about you, Porty?
Blazers: Coby White, Rui Hachimura, and I'd have to say Tyler Herro. Coby's probably had some of the best games out of this class and looks to improve on them. Rui has the international man of mystery appeal and seems quite well rounded through his rookie year. Lastly, Tyler Herro showed off in the playoffs and will hopefully build on that going forward.
Wolves: Brandon Clarke, PJ Washington, and...who am I kidding, I’m just here for Wizards’ Bazley rant.
Wizards: DID YOU KNOW BAZLEY SMALL BALL 5 WAS ACTUALLY SUPER EFFECTIVE? THE THUNDER WERE +137 PER 100 ON A SAMPLE SIZE OF 17 SECONDS. AND THAT'S JUST THE BEGINNING.
BAZLEY AT THE 4? THE NEXT KEVIN DURANT
BAZLEY AT THE 3? BRANDON INGRAM BUT BETTER
BAZLEY AT THE 2? STRETCH ARMSTRONG DEVIN BOOKER
BAZLEY AT THE 1? HE WAS A POINT GUARD IN HIGH SCHOOL AND DEVELOPED HIS HANDLES EARLY, BASICALLY TONY PARKER BUT DOESN'T REFER TO HARRY POTTER'S WAND AS A BAGUETTE
*Swats broom*
Get out of here, Wizards! Someone close the door after I herd him out. Shoo! Shoo!
Wizards: Nyehehehehehehe...
The roundtable pretty much in agreement on Celtics and Bulls having the best hauls (although Bulls had half the picks...)
In your esteemed opinions, what was the worst pick of the 2019 Rookie Draft?
Blazers: This is a hard one. I actually think most of the picks made were at the right spot. RJ kinda sucks, but why wouldn't you pick him at #3? It's definitely possible he'll improve. Culver's ehhh, but the next batch of candidates are hardly gangbusters (other than Coby and maybe Rui?). Then we get into the late 1st and 2nd round. Alexander-Walker is a truly terrible player even for a rookie. The guy only looks to shoot the ball and isn't even halfway competent at that. I think, however, the worst pick in the draft has to go to Mavs picking Nassir Little at #20 and then NOT signing him. Tyler Herro went a pick later, Cam Johnson a couple picks later, Thybulle after that, and B A Z L E Y towards the end.
ixnay on the azleybay :|
Blazers: sorry :<
It's weird because NAW looked unbelievable before the season. Summer League strikes again!
Blazers: don't trust SL ;)
What say you, Wolves?
Wolves: De’Andre Hunter feels like a good reality/bad fantasy player. My actual answer is “every pick that happened before Brandon Clarke,” but Bulls picked something like half of them and still came up with Clarke, so that’s hard to hold against him.
Bulls: I still believe in Hunter, Wolves. As to the question, my #5 pick was a close second, only behind the #4 pick by Boston. It wasn't too bad at the time, but man are Culver and Garland not doing great! They're still young, so I'm not writing either off yet, but c'mon. They have not shown much promise so far. That being said, it wasn't that good of a draft, so unless you were reaching for Clarke or Herro, most picks weren't going to be especially great.
Mavs: It’s too early to say, but I would have to say it’s between RJ Barrett and Jarrett Culver. I’ll go with Jarrett Culver.
Kings: There’s a lot to choose from, but Sekou Doumbouya is who I’d go with right now. By all measurements he’s a bust, and with PJ, Grant, KPJ, and Herro still on the board at that point, this pick could prove especially erroneous down the line.
Choking Pels can't escape criticism even in death. RIP.
Raptors: Jarrett Culver at No. 6. I know that he had some good games when he was playing point for the Wolves but I don’t even know that they know what they’re doing. The fit makes no sense with D’Angelo Russell there. I don’t think this is an awful pick, just the worst one of a 2019 NBA Draft that doesn’t really have a lot of offensive misses. I just don’t really understand Culver’s upside on a Minnesota team pre- or -post Wiggins trade. What did they expect? Somebody like Cam Reddish could have been a more intriguing long-team asset (speaking solely from what their perspective would have been last year… obviously guys like Tyler Herro and Kevin Porter Jr. could be lumped in here too).
Looks like Culver has been culled!
Should the Mavs use a Re-Sign on Myles Turner this off-season? What about Denver with Jarrett Allen and Washington with Malcolm Brodgon?
Kings: Sure. You don’t want to end up with more Re-Signs than you can really use, so I’d say if you’re considering using it, then you should go for it. All three of these guys are actually good players who are fairly young and project to have large, defined roles in the future, so it’s not like you’re going to really regret re-signing them.
Bulls: Nah, I think there are at least 3 players he'd rather re-sign. He obviously needs to resign Doncic and KP, and I'd rather resign BI next year (or Morant in a few years) over Turner right now.
As for Denver, that's intriguing. He only really needs to re-sign Jamal Murray; Kawhi, Butler, and Capela will all be out of their primes by that point. I personally wouldn't, since I think I can trade for or draft another star or two, but I can see why he would.
Same thing goes for Washington: I just don't think Brogdon's good enough to waste a re-sign on. The only person he'd really need to sign is maybe Jonathan Isaac, but wouldn't you bet on having two more stars in the next five years?
Wolves: Myles Turner: not before we know where he’s playing. And even then, probably not. Ingram and Doncic are two in the bag for Mavs, and you’d have to think there’s a third one out there better than Turner, at least for me.
Jarrett Allen: not before we know where’s playing. Allen will be better someday than his FP this year, which could make it a value signing, but if he stays in Brooklyn it’s not happening this year.
Malcolm Brogdon: No. Washington is going to want those re-signs a couple years down the road--even if Broggo is his best player right now, he needs best players later rather than now.
Raptors: Myles Turner: No
Jarrett Allen: No
Malcolm Brodgon: No
Raptors current iPod Now Playing: Meghan Trainor - No
Nah to the ah to the, no, no, no
My name is no
My sign is no
My number is no
You need to let it go
Blazers: Myles Turner is 100% going to be a free agent and for good reason. Mavs has Porzingis right now, Ingram next year, Luka on the horizon, and Ja right after that in this re-sign window. Those are all significantly better re-sign targets than Turner.
Denver's decision is a lot murkier. Fournier's not a great target, so let's ignore him. That leaves Jrue, Jamal Murray, Derrick White, and Allen. Jrue averaged around 40 FPG last season and is clearly in his prime. Murray's not even close to approaching his prime but with this last playoff run looks to take a leap this next season. That leaves a decision between White and Allen. White is a great well rounded guard and looks to be the starter next to Dejounte Murray.
The easiest decision here is Malcolm Brogdon. That's an obvious yes for me.
Man, I am loving this. Interesting seeing how completely non-consensus these re-signs are. Opinions are completely across the spectrum!
Mavs: No to Myles Turner and Jarrett Allen.
Yes to Malcolm Brodgon.
I concur with Wolves, Bulls, and Raptors on Brodgon - he is a clear no. He's already 28 and not elite enough to justify a re-sign, especially on a tanking team. Five years is a long window, and opportunities will arise to trade into expiring players who are better and younger. He can do better.
Let's stick to the topic of young players.
How do you now feel about our Bucks signing Zach LaVine (40 FPPG) to a 4-year, 16.5m a year in Summer FA for free last season? Has that move improved in your mind or worsened? If you could go back in time, would you grab him at that price?
Wolves: I think it was a right move for the Bucks, a team that didn’t have a lot in the way of assets but with plenty of cap space. I still wouldn’t have made the move myself. LaVine just isn’t my guy.
Mavs: I just have one word: CAHOOTS
I don't know what you're talking about. I'm as innocent and virgin as the fresh snow atop the alps on a Christmas morn
Mavs: I buy the virgin part, at least.
Blazers: For free? Hardly. I don't think that deal's gotten better or worse and seems to be around the right price for Lavine's production. Going back in time though, I'd pay Anfernee even more. He's going to be one of the greats.
I wish these forums had an eyeroll emoji
Raptors: He can fill the statsheet in certain situations and he’s in a good situation in Chicago, but I’m not high on him because it’s really just points and nothing else. If the Bulls are actually going to be good, it won’t be with LaVine as their best player.
Bulls: I get the signing! He's a youngish player who should get plenty of runtime and FPPG. He's a good player, and while that might have been a touch overpriced you've gotta pay for stars. You can get 25FPPG guys off the waiver, but not 40FPPG guys. If I were Milwaukee, I'm happy about that signing. Not thrilled, to be fair, but happy.
Reasonable take. Personally, I like it, I think Lavine is far and away his best asset now. Proactively used his cap space and nabbed a trade piece. What do you think, Sacramento?
Kings: It’s probably fair. Lavine is one of those players who you want to stay on a bad team from a fantasy perspective which is never something you want to bet on, but he’s talented and young, so it’s not a bad contract. I don’t know if I would like taking this deal myself, but I don’t really think there’s a good enough reason not to want him at that price.
Next question.
Do you feel strongly about NOT declining any of these very real player options in Guru? What's the justification for keeping them if so?
Raptors: Let's see...
*cracks knuckles*
Kevin Knox (2m, 3m, 4m), - keep because there’s nowhere to go but up on the Knicks (even if the forecast isn’t looking great for him).
Josh Jackson (4m, 6m), - Decline: I like Josh Jackson but that’s a lot of money for someone who you can’t say for 100% confidence will still be in the NBA by the end of the season
Frank Ntilikina (3m, 3m), - Decline
Dario Saric (5m), - Decline
Danuel House (4m), - Decline
Evan Fournier (6m), - Decline
Naz Reid (1m), - Keep: He’s in a good spot and I think he could be the go-to backup big man in Minnesota
Malik Monk (3m, 4m), - Decline
Zhaire Smith (2m, 3m), - Decline
Chris Paul (14.5m), - hard to say because you don’t know where he’s going to be playing next year. If I knew he would stay in Oklahoma then I’d keep.
Mo Bamba (3m, 4m, 6m), - Decline
Lonnie Walker (2m, 3m, 4m), - Keep: I like his ceiling and think he could be a big part of the Spurs team if they rebuild.
Hassan Whiteside (13m), - Decline
Shake Milton (3m), - Keep: Nice and affordable for a player that had a good run at the end of the year
Nerlens Noels (3m), - Keep: Depending on which direction the Thunder go, he’s a solid young-ish player
Jeff Teague (10m), - Decline
DSJ (4m, 5m) – Keep: Nowhere to go but up on the Knicks!
Mavs: I would decline these options...
- Josh Jackson (4m, 6m)
- Frank Ntilikina (3m, 3m)
- Danuel House (4m)
- Naz Reid (1m)
- Chris Paul (14.5m)
- Hassan Whiteside (13m)
- Jeff Teague (10m)
Kings: The only contracts here I’d decline are Zhaire Smith and Jeff Teague. The rest are all young players on cheap deals, so there’s no reason to decline their options, and Paul, Saric, and Whiteside could probably net something in return.
I'm all for Whiteside netting something
Wolves: Strongly? No. But I can see the logic behind holding onto those ones that have two more options attached (Bamba, Walker, Knox) on the off chance they pan out, for a team that isn’t competing. Beyond that, I think there’s a pretty good shot that CP3 contract is fine/worth holding/tradable at some point this year, so I could see the case for picking it up, too.
Interesting. Blazers?
Blazers: Eh, I don't feel too strongly about any of these players really. I'd keep Knox as he still has decent potential. CP3 is probably worth keeping on a contender (it's an expiring!) Walker seems poised to get significant minutes on the Spurs this year. Whiteside is going to be severely overpaid as a bench player. I'd keep Milton if I can as he could be a good starter for the Sixers. Everyone else sucks. Jackson sucks, Ntilikina sucks, Saric sucks, House sucks, Zhaire sucks, Bamba sucks, Noel sucks, Teague sucks, and DSJ sucks.
Bulls: I personally wouldn't decline Knox or maybe Smith, since they're pretty small contracts and they've still got potential, but in general, yeahhhh none of those are great team options to accept. If you said you wouldn't resign any of them, I wouldn't argue with you.
The Declined Options and Fall of the Roman
Wizards: YOU KNOW WHO I WOULDN'T DECLINE?
Darius Bazley?
Wizards: No, I agree with the perspicacious evaluations of Portland and Chicago with regards to the unripened fruit of youth that is Kevin Knox (a rose by any other name), who shows excellent footwork and the ability to score from all three levels in flashes, and such a promising bud should be nurtured to its full potential.
Wow, Wizards, that's was beautiful and deeply insightful.
Wizards: And if we're talking about synergistic enterprises where the whole is better than the sum of its parts, the two-man game via a high pick and roll would work great between the aforementioned precocious talent that is Kevin Knox and THA MOTHERF---IN' GOAT DARIUS JULIUS IRVING BAZLEY, SEND FOXY KNOX TO THE OKC BIG BOYS BOX, BAZLES'LL SHOW EM HOW TO BALL AYOOOOOOOOOO #BAZLEYBOYS #BIGBAZLEYBRAND #BAZLEYWASABURGLE #THENEXT5YEARSAREMINE #IMTHEWIZ #NOBODYBEATSTHEWIZ
Alrighty then...
From a fantasy standpoint, which 3 players rose the most in your eyes over the course of the 2019-2020 season?
Mavs: I didn’t like anyone from your list and your question doesn’t stipulate picking from the list so (in no particular order): Luka Doncic, Brandon Ingram, and Bam Adebayo.
Two of those three players are on your team. Thanks, Koffing.
Wolves: I was pretty surprised Rozier managed to stay relevant all season, and that bodes well for him.
I hate Kelly Oubre and he was fantastic this year. I’m afraid that’s real.
I don’t buy any of that nonsense out of Washington this year, but of all of them, it seems like Bertans might be legit.
Ya Bertans fucking killed it. 43% on 7 threes a game! +3 +4 +3 BPM/RPM/PIPM offensively, 65% TS (full disclosure: I may own Bertans.) Blazers?
Blazers: Miles Bridges, Duncan Robinson, Markelle Fultz. Bridges has proven to be a decent starter on both sides of the floor after a mediocre rookie campaign. Duncan was basically nonexistent last year but now headlines the NBA as one of the best sharpshooters. Fultz had a broken shot with DNPs out the door, but now it's looking like he's returning to Washington Fultz form.
Markelle Fultz, eh? *checks who owns Fultz* Owner: Portland Trailblazers
Press X to Doubt
Blazers: I pressed A to Accept :)
Kings: Luke Kennard, OG Anunoby, and Christian Wood. All three showed they were talented players on at least one side of the court, which translated into very fantasy friendly games. The latter two developed impressively while Kennard got the opportunity to carry some of the offensive load. With the Pistons destined to struggle for years to come, Anunoby developing into one of the best wing defenders in the league, and Wood set to hit free agency, all three have interesting futures ahead of them.
Yeah, wish I'd bid more on Wood in Guru. Raptors nailed it. Bulls?
Bulls: I'd personally argue for Duncan Robinson at #3 there. He's turned into a great player, and while he's 26 he should be getting plenty of runtime in Miami for the next few years.
At #2, I'd say Miles Bridges. He's put up amazing stats, and while he didn't take a huge jump skill-wise he showed that he can lead a team that has practically nobody else. Putting up 13/6/2 with Terry Rozier as your floor manager is pretty damn good.
At #1, of course, Christian Wood. He's taken a huge jump this year, and is almost guaranteed to get 25M thrown at him by the Knicks. He's really damn good, fun to watch, and he's going to make whoever gets him very happy (although not his contract when someone inevitably overpays for him :p)
Gurus got wood for Christian Wood!
Raptors: Fultz, Wood and Oubre
Seems like Kelly Oubre is set to become the next TJ Warren come Summer FA. Let the bidding commence!
Moving on...
What's the best non-rookie Guru contract (of a player producing less than 35 FPPG) that you wish you had on your team?
Blazers: As a homer, I'm obligated to say CJ, but from a non-biased perspective, Devonte Graham for sure. The guy comes out and averages 34 FPG in his second season after an essentially non-existent rookie year? Add onto the fact his contract is a cheapo $3.5M for 3 years... it's nuts.
Love it :)
Kings: Davis Bertans. He’s the best shooter at the four spot in the league and should get all of the volume he can handle next season even with Wall back. He might not get many peripheral stats, but on that contract he’s an absolute bargain.
Love it :)
Bulls: Definitely Devonte' Graham! He's been wonderful in fantasy and otherwise, and since he's on the Hornets, he's definitely going to get at least a few more years of run. He's just as good as anyone on that list, and much cheaper to boot.
Love it :)
Raptors: Devonte Graham (although it could be Caris LeVert if he gets traded away from Brooklyn)
Love it :)
Wolves: I’m gonna go off-list here and ask for Jusuf Nurkic. I’m not being subtle Kings: call meeeeeeeeeee.
I'm sorry, the correct answer was Devonte' Graham.
Mavs: I refuse to answer the question.
Google: Did you mean Devonte' Graham?
Mavs: On advice of council, I invoke my 5th Amendment rights.
Okay, final question!
Wizards: IS IT DARIUS BAZLEY RELATED?
No!
Wizards: DID YOU KNOW DARIUS BAZLEY'S COMING WAS FORETOLD?
That doesn't sound tru--
Wizards: --QUEEN PROPHESIZED OF THE BAZLEY'S ASCENSION IN THEIR HIT SONG BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY. HAVE YOU EVER LISTENED TO THE LYRICS CLOSELY? I MEAN REALLY LISTENED. HERE LET ME GIVE YOU A TASTE...
No, that isn't really necessary I'll take your word for--
Wizards: --OK here I go!
I see a little silhouetto of a man
Shai Gilgeous, Shai Gilgeous, will you do the Fandango?
OKC Thunder and lightning, very, very frightening
(Gallinari) Gallinari, (Gallinari) Gallinari, Gallinari Figaro magnifico
But I'm just a Bazley, everbody loves me
He's just a Bazley won the gene lottery
Spare his enemies from this monstrosity
Easy bucket, easy scor', will you him me go?
Bazleys rights? No, we will not let him gooooooo
Presti let Bazley go! We will not let him go
Presti let Bazley go! We will not let him go
Damnit Wizards, get out of here! Get out! Shoo! Shoo!!
Wizards: Nyehehehehehe...
Last question. Here we go.
Excluding the Mavs, Suns, Wolves, Blazers, Nuggets, 76ers, Bulls, Thunder, and Pelicans -- which franchise would you be most excited to take over if you had your choice?
Blazers: The Lakers seem like a fun choice. Dunn's most likely gone + Hart and Lyles are not likely to be re-signed. This leaves $37.2 million remaining to play around with after an AD re-sign. Paired with Tatum + a healthy Wall, there's a number of fun avenues going forward here.
Raptors: Obviously the Raps! Come for the game, stay for the free healthcare
Mavs: Lakers. The reason why is because it's a blank slate with two established stars. The roster allows for a lot of creativity and moves to be made. You decline Bullock, Jackson, Ferguson, and Ntilikina and you're left with AD, Tatum, Hardaway Jr., Dunn, and Wall along with 52.8m in cap space (assuming Lakers comes online and re-signs AD).
Wolves: Give me that Lakers roster: AD and whole pile of cap space? That could look pretty nice, pretty fast.
Bulls: Definitely the Raptors. She's got the best young group in that list, with Zion/Barrett/Wood/Bryant, and a good older group of DeRozan/Lowry/Valanciunas/Kemba to back it up. I'd trade my team for that! The team has the best total value out of anyone on that list, and it appeals for my innate desire to always tank no matter what with that young core too.
Kings: Kings :)
But seriously, I think we have enough assets to give us some leverage over the direction of the team and I trust our ability to make the right decisions to put the team in a good position to succeed at some point. Whether that be the short-term or long-term is up in the air, but we have the best player in fantasy basketball at the moment and a slew of valuable depth guys on reasonable contracts. After next season we’ll have loads of cap space, too, which gives us loads of flexibility.
Looks like Lakers get the nod, closely followed by the Raptors. Amazing stuff from the entire roundtable, great read!
Thanks to Blazers, Raptors, Mavs, Wolves, and Bulls for their in-depth answers, and a big welcome to Kings on joining Guru -- looking forward to
Don't forget, the Rookie Draft is next week, and Free Agency comes right after!