Grilled Mamba : The Actual Article

[MexicanMamba]

Word Count: 3,674
 
(For anyone who reads this, do me a solid and let me know in the comments or just in the chat if you enjoyed this and think it is something that would be worth me continuing in the future! I enjoy writing articles but I’d also like to tailor them a little bit to stuff you guys would actually care to read more of.  Gracias!)
 
Have you ever wanted to know what a pre-season presser on steroids looks like?  Well, then you have certainly come to the right place because that feels like exactly what you are about to get!  Perhaps weird timing considering all pressers are starting to be posted at the time of this writing, but I am just trying to take advantage of everyone being in such an inquisitive state of mind.  If this ends up being entertaining to those of you who read this, it may end up being something I stick with every season much like my Dead Wrong Playoff Predictions.  That is getting ahead of myself though!  So, what I am hoping this can become is a place to take questions that people would want long form, thoughtful responses to (obviously from my unique perspective).  I’ll do my best to make these answers worth your time and thoughtfulness as well. 
 
“What types of players in the league tend to be overvalued and/or undervalued?”
-          #1 Dodgers Fan in the Universe
 
I have two answers to this question for you, one for each sub-topic.  First thing though is that all of these responses are very situation dependent and obviously built around my experiences in the league so far.  Also, the reason one type of player is undervalued could be explained by why I believe others are overvalued.  So, I can understand why the league is the way it is, but still can point it out.  This is also very dependent on the person running a team.  Our value systems and our interpretations of the league are all over the map.  With all that out of the way, let me dig in.
 
OVER VALUED: Anyone who is not changing your team’s fortunes
 
This could be boiled down to the infatuation with color over the actual substance of a player’s skillset, which is a topic of discussion that I have seen several times since I have started here.  Most of us know that not all blues are built the same, but there are plenty of times where they are paid and sough after like they are.  On that same note, sometimes purple players are not going to do anything to really alter your team’s present or future no matter how pretty those purple squares look next to that player’s name.  For instance, we’ve seen that a healthy De’Aron Fox can really pull a team lacking depth up from obscurity and become a player in the league. No, you are not guaranteed a championship with him, but if you at least give him a few pieces that really work around him and you game plan around him properly, you are at least likely be in the championship discussion.  Last season’s MVP, Quintin Kidd, was an absolute terror last season and led the Wizards to their first championship.   Those guys are genuine, bonafide superstars that an attentive GM can build top level teams with.  Now compare the impact those two players have had with someone like Luka Doncic.  Before Luka lost his purple status this training camp, he was (and will continue to be) an incredibly effective player.  A 20+ point per game scorer, solid defender, ball handler.  The kind of guy that you’d certainly like on your team.  However, He’s not been a leader of dominant teams often, not an All-League type player, and only a two time All-Star.  So, that is only to say that there are levels to this. 
 
It is this confusion of color and the difficulty of really deciphering who is really built to make you a winner that causes prices of players to go up, even the ones that have no business making max type money.  Of course, I understand it.  We all can’t have those superstars because they are rare for a reason.  On top of that, we all have salary cap space to fill and that money must go somewhere and often to keep a non-max player, you must pay max prices because if you don’t someone else will and then you’re left with nothing to show for your work.  It’s a vicious cycle that we will just always deal with as long as we play this game. 
 
UNDER VALUED: The aging star
 
Why is it that as soon as a guy hits 29 years old, people start to freak out about trading for them if it means having to give up anything useful?  I understand how harsh training camp can be, for sure, but in this case, I am even talking about stars that you know are not going to tank in production.  Sure, I just saw Randy Abney go green/green in TC at 31 years old, but Randy Abney is just a decent piece you can run out onto the court and give you good minutes.  After I won my championship, Boban and Bryce Dejean-Jones were still high-level pieces that could start and put in work for a title contending team.  To be fair, I did get great pieces back in my deal for Boban.  Terry Sterner has been and will continue to be one of the foundations going forward and I just flipped Zeke Nnaji into the dynamo, John Stoll.  In general, though, once players hit 30 and up, they turn into salary filler and dumps for points.  I know Charlie was trying to move Boban last season repeatedly, but people seemed to be afraid to bite, and he was only really asking for points for him in a season where he was still scoring at a supreme level.  And I know for a fact he could have helped a few contenders possibly get over the hump.  BDJ has been moved a bunch since that title too (mostly between Nick and I) and it has been for minor things here and there and he just had a playoff run where he averaged 17 points 9 assists 8 rebounds 2 steals.  So, while I do not believe these types of players should have the bank broken open for them, feels like there should be a bit more of a market for them than there generally is.  Granted, bloated contracts stemming from the first topic could have a hand in this too!
 
 
“Who are your top 2 teams in each division?”
-          Juan, from California
 
Well, let me get the easy one (at least as of the moment of this writing) out of the way first. 
 
Kemp Division: Los Angeles Clippers, Phoenix Suns.
 
Feels weird to leave the Bulls off such a list after all the dominance that has come their way since I have been a part of the league, but it is what it is.  Could I see a scenario where he starts trading his younger pieces to surround Chris Ridley with adequate talent?  Absolutely! Josh is a great GM and can flip his fortunes quickly if he is motivated to do so.  For now, though, this looks like a two-horse race.  The Suns went out and grabbed the two best Point Guards on the market in David Leiker and Silky Johnson, which should make a dynamic pairing though there are questions about how two true PGs fit together.  They were also able to re-sign King Kaldurahm and already have Pearman on the roster.  Unfortunately for them, Ben Franklin left them high and dry to join his pal Jordan Johnson in New Orleans.  If not for that defection, the Suns would likely be the odds-on favorite for the division.  My Clippers certainly will be coming at them to challenge them.  I believe I have the guard play to at least challenge Leiker and Silky in Stoll, Sterner and BDJ and Cobb is going to be a nightmare matchup for the division to deal with.  Beyond these two (and Chicago’s potential) the rest of the division did very little to level up enough to truly compete. 
 
Hardaway Division: Minnesota Timberwolves, New Orleans Pelicans
 
This is one that I had trouble deciding on.  With both the Heat and Pistons taking steps back (and they both may continue to trade pieces away) it is leaving this division wide open with several capable teams going for the crown.  Though I am listing the Pelicans and Wolves, I am very tempted to put the Raptors in this top 2.  I love the trio of Dangerfield, Turney and Laredo (who is prepping for an MVP caliber stretch, I feel) and have always been a fan of Jaren Jackson Jr.  If Laredo breaks all the way out like I feel he could, I won’t be shocked at all if they take this thing.  More proof is needed though, so I am going to go with the two choices listed.  The Wolves once again had several young players take yet another big step forward while also bringing back the core pieces that made them such a dangerous team last season.  I have a feeling that banking on natural progression will work out for them.  The Pelicans finished their raid of Phoenix in grand fashion by stealing away Ben Franklin.  Which, thank you! Because it may make my go at my division a bit easier! 
 
Mourning Division:  Milwaukee Bucks, Philadelphia 76ers
 
Much like the Hardaway division, I am really tempted to put a third team on here.  The Magic were a dangerous squad last season and should be once again.  However, with the addition of Tex Harrison and the fact that they have been open about their willingness to move on from big pieces, I am not 100% sure what their path may be.  I could see them moving Schumann to put another young piece with Harrison to allow them to build together.  If that happens, I am sure Candelaria would be gone soon after.  I could say the same thing about the Bucks, since both Fox and Morant have been put on the block as well, however until I see him moved, I will bank on Fox getting one of the top spots in the division.  The 76ers are also a strange case due to the toll that training camp took on them.  Obi Toppin had an absolutely appalling camp not long after dealing with an ugly injury as well.  Wiseman also took a bit of a hit which can’t help.  However, I still believe that the core of the team will be very good and capable of being on the better teams in the division and conference.  Like the other two however, the team has made it known that they won’t be afraid to make big changes this season.  So, really, who the hell knows!
 
Johnson Division: Washington Wizards, San Antonio Spurs
 
The Nuggets could certain enter this conversation due to Sabo and RJ Barrett, but I am not sure Ryan knows exactly how he wants to attack the season and may eventually concede trying to asset build.  The Wizards still have Quintin Kidd and Tony Cucone, which means they will be in every conversation that we want to have this season.  On top of that they managed to trade a massive contract for a cheap, young player, who quickly morphed into a better player than the one they moved … highway robbery at its finest! As for the Spurs, they’re going to be a problem.  Forget what their GM wants you to believe, okay? Lewis and Yandell will make life hell on everyone they come up against and once he gets a taste of some of that success, I won’t be shocked if he gets a bit more proactive in adding more winning pieces around them. 
 
“Who are some of your favorite GMs to talk trades with, and why?”
-          The Ry Guy
 
Sir, it is not becoming to go fishing for compliments …
 
Ryan, Denver Nuggets
-          Though our discussions have not always churned out a deal, I can say that there is no one that I have more trade discussions with.  On top of that, they always turn into discussion about things not involving trades at all, which is always a plus.  You’re also a Lakers fan, which makes you cooler than the rest of these nerds, amirite!?  In all seriousness though, I have never felt like you were ever trying to get over on me or anything like that.  I feel like we’re both upfront about what we want and need to make a deal work and then at least take into consideration other variations of that deal.  Our discussions are easy going, fluid and there’s never a lack of constructive dialogue going back and forth.  I look forward to many more fruitful discussions in the future!
 
Doug, Milwaukee Bucks
-          Doug is the first person that I made a deal with, I believe.  I really didn’t have much of an idea of what the hell I was doing at the time (and he tracked me down on Facebook to discuss it personally … that slimmer) but it was an incredibly positive experience.  If I had any regrets about that deal it would’ve been offering Jaren Jackson Jr. a max deal in RFA that led up to the bigger deal that we did make.  But that had nothing to do with the negotiations.  Since that deal, Doug and I have not come to terms on any other big money deals, though I did get Carl Howard in a salary dump at one point and being too quick to agree with him on a side deal cost me the opportunity to add Bronny James a couple days later.  We discussed trades for Glen Sabo (more than once), Charlie Porter, and I have inquired recently on a few of his big-name guys just to check the temperature.  For the most part, our trade talks are smooth, if not fruit bearing.  I (like everyone else) jokes about his Slime moniker, but I genuinely don’t feel that way about our guy here and will approach him again when the time is right to make another deal, without hesitation. 
 
Andy, Orlando Magic
-          My reasons for putting Andy on this list are different from why I appreciate discussions with Ryan and Doug.  With those two, we enjoy the discussion and haggling and negotiations.  Oftentimes, with Andy, things are much more forwards and straight to the point.  I ask if he’s interested in someone or if he is looking to move a player and he says yes or no quickly.  If he says no, its done and we move on.  If he is a willing trade partner, we get to the details and see what we can do.  As much enjoyment as I do get out of the interaction and negotiations, it is also very nice to engage with someone that it doesn’t take much effort with.  Bonus points for him considering our first deal for Boban helped grab me a championship, which, ya know, was pretty damn cool! 
 
 
“What could I have done differently to not get swept by you in the 2034-2035 Finals?”
-          Jon, from the Staples Center basement
 
Short answer? Nothing! It was meant to be! Na-Na-Na-Boo-Boo!
 
But seriously, part of this response will be tough to fully answer only because when I click on that season, the results stop in the 2nd round when I was playing the Pelicans, so I am unable to deep dive how the games played out via the index.  I’ll do my best though!
 
Lakers (57-25) vs. Clippers (65-17)
 
Starters:
 
LAKERS: Jerry West, Pete Maravich, Delmar Lopez, Scot Bulter, Jeronimo Vidal
CLIPPERS: Bryce Dejean-Jones, Hollis Wiley, Michael Garvin, Glen Sabo, Boban Marjanovic
 
Team Rankings:
 
CLIPPERS:  Points- 1st, Allowed- 7th, Turnovers- 2nd, Blocks- 1st, Steals- 8th, FG%- 9th, 3P%- 3rd, Pace- 3rd, Off Eff- 3rd, Def Eff- 3rd
 
LAKERS: Points- 10th, Allowed- 3rd, Turnovers- 17th, Blocks- 9th, Steals- 3rd, FG%- 8th, 3P%- 9th, Pace- 8th, Off Eff- 8th, Def Eff- 4th
 
I think we can get the story of how this went down through this bit of information.  Line-up alone, I think there was a case to be made that my Clippers had the two best players in that series, if not the 3 most impactful (BDJ, Sabo, Boban).  Jerry West was obviously still a fantastic player and could certainly be argued into that top 2 or 3, but that is an avalanche of top talent to have to contend with.  During the season, our defenses were close to each other in both points allowed and defensive efficiency.  Both offenses were incredibly effective, though we were certainly the top offense in the league.  The big differences come in turnovers and blocked shots, which is proof of my first point of BDJ, Boban and Sabo being too much.  BDJ was the ultimate Point Guard.  Pass-first, get other guys shots, could take the ball away and rebound while rarely every turning it over.  West was a SG playing the Point because you had no other choice and every time he would cough it up, BDJ and the rest of the offense was going to make you guys pay big time.  Same with the blocked shots.  You were relatively weak in the front court, especially at the PF position, which meant that not only would Boban and Sabo eat offensively, but they were great shot blockers as well, constantly creating more possessions for my run and gun offense. 
 
Closing that gap would have taken several moves, but chief among them would be getting a Point Guard that could set your offense up without turning the ball over, while allowing West to play his natural position.  After that, you needed more beef up front to really make Sabo and Boban work for everything they got, the way the Kings did the season prior.  Hard to remember who would have been on the trade block that season now, but if you could have gotten another big man and a Point man, you may have made it far more interesting. 
 
And Final Question …
 
“What do you think were the top 5 moves made this off-season, whether it was a trade, free agent signing, draft selection, etc.?”
-          X Gonna Give It To Ya
 
Yes, this is another easy, maybe sort of generic one to respond to but we are just getting out of the off-season and it seems the most appropriate to answer.  Plus, maybe I’m a simpleton but I always enjoy these kinds of questions being answered. 
 
In no particular order though, because its all relative
 
The Bulls sign Chris Ridley in UFA

-          Josh was prepared for an almost complete tear down, with the exception of Felicio.  What signing Ridley did for him is open up so many avenues for him to attempt to go down this season and beyond.  Ridley seems to be the type of player you can build a team around and now Josh has the ability to do just that, or he could move off of him and get a haul in return to further help his rebuild on a timeline that is better suited for his other young players. 
 
The Pelicans steal the warmth of the Sun(s)

-          Getting Jordan Johnson to spurn a Super Max from the Suns last off-season was quite the feat.  Doing it a second straight year, this time with Ben Franklin, is almost criminal.  Not only does this give the Pelicans the ability to trot out two Purple players, it put a serious dent in the conference rival Suns, who were making moves to go all-in and take over the conference.  Moves made with and since this signing have also been incredibly positive for the team’s season outlook. 
 
The Suns winning the lottery

-          Perhaps this is not the kind of move you were thinking of but this one had a few different ramifications.  For one, it annoyed the hell out of the Rockets and Knicks fanbases and management.  Two, it led directly to the Leiker trade, as without this miracle happening, you may very well have seen Leiker playing in a Clippers uniform this coming season.  The Leiker trade then emboldened Garrett to go get Silky Johnson as well and both of those trades became incredibly important for the Suns once Franklin bolted because without these trades, the Suns would very possibly be looking at another lottery season.   
 
The Clippers trade for Dominick Cobb and John Stoll

-          I almost left the deals that I made off of the list just to be sure to show other people some love, but I genuinely do think these two moves together are a fairly big off-season deal.  I mentioned it in my pre-season presser, but a huge missing component to my roster last season was reliable scoring outside of Terry Sterner.  Stoll and Cobb offer that in spades and with the uncertainty of the Bulls and the Suns losing out on Franklin, it could mean big results for my guys in Los Angeles. 

Wizards work their voodoo that they do so well

-          The trade: Paul Cassel, #10 overall pick, 10 points from the Cavs going to the Wizards for Shareef O’Neal.  I can say that even before training camp wrecked O’Neal, I was not a fan of this deal from the Cavs’ perspective.  Though O’Neal is a massively big body, I have never found him to be all that exciting of a player.  Seems like he does a number of things fine, but nothing GREAT to make him truly stand out, especially when considering the fact that he is due to make $150+ million over the next 3 seasons (team option will almost assuredly be declined now though).  Cassel of course promptly took TC to go full Blue, has 100 INS, 85 ORB and 96 PSD.  AKA all of the things you want a big man to do while also only making $10.8 million.  The Wiz will have to pony up this off-season when he hits RFA, but it still won’t be as much money as Big Reef is set to make. 
 
 
And now, to quote a fantastic basketball player whose name I can’t remember …
 
THAT’S ALL FOLKS!
 
 


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[greepleairport]

I have a lot of pressers to read (and one to write) so though I skimmed for stuff involving me (duh), I think you delivered excellent detail and analysis for each question, right down to stats on our finals match many moons ago. It was a really fun read!


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[garbageman]

Definitely a good read and always cool to hear your analysis and take on stuff.

TBH, I'm not a huge fan of the hodge-podge of questions mailbag format unless it's Sam Smith's mailbag on Bulls.com. I'm not even huge on it for Horns and Fangs, but it's a lot easier than having to come up with a flow and format ourselves and plan it in advance for just BSing about fake basketball.

Since the answers you gave were great and interesting to read, I'd have loved to see you really zero in on maybe your favorite question or issue and pull off a full article on that to be more of a standalone piece (the top 2 teams from every division would be a good candidate was really good, but I think an article about your experience trading with more than those 3 GMs could be MEOTY material)

But in terms of this format...one piece of advice would be to really split up the sections. Let those bold and title tags work for you and don't be afraid to mash that return key to break things up a bit.

[false9]

+10