Complacent Deac
Well-known member
I had thought it was more of a question mark as to whether or not Pau Gasol would exercise his player option... Had read somewhere that he might be better served opting out and signing a 3 year deal elsewhere at similar money. Not sure if any potential suitors have backed away, be it seems like it's a near certainty that he's going to be back next season. I don't think he's as washed up as many here apparently do. His numbers were down a bit in a decreased role, but he's still an asset on offense (and on the glass).
That makes it highly unlikely that anything major will happen with the Spurs this offseason... Mills probably leaves (unless they overpay) and they probably re-sign Simmons given the Arenas rule.
So you are looking at a similar roster in 2017-18 (probably without Mills, Dedmon, and maybe Manu)... Murray gets more minutes and maybe they bring Hanga over from Europe. They'll also probably sign a PG for until Parker comes back (or in case he doesn't). CP3 is not coming to San Antonio. Lowry also a longshot, though an interesting thought. Same goes for Rose & Holiday.
With Aldridge and Green having player options for 2018, I'd expect them both to opt out to sign bigger long-term deals (elsewhere). That means next offseason would be a better opportunity to build around Kawhi w/ a bigtime free agent (or two)... Cousins/George/Westbrook?
So another ho-hum 50+ win season in 2017-18 w/ a 2nd or 3rd round playoff exit... A "down" year.
Yeah but Pau is getting worse and worse on the pick and roll defense. One block per game helps, but giving up 4-5 easy shots quickly offsets that. I get what you are saying as losing Dedmon and Pau may be too much for Pop to manage as they get real small.
Also, what do we know about Hanga and Multinov (sp). Can they play? Maybe I'll google them lol...