OKC Thunder TIP3 heads south to Mexico City with Nets expert weighing in prior to tip
TI Q3: Trade time will result in?
Brooklyn accumulated some strong assets and interesting roster pieces through the above mentioned savvy of Sean Marks. Unfortunately D’Angelo Russell’s injury postponed his ascension into what we can assume will be his team to run. Spencer Dinwiddie has used the opportunity to capitalize on the true nature of precisely what ‘next man up’ was meant to embody. Caris LeVert continues to grow. Hollis-Jefferson’s confidence is palpable as he becomes presumably the defensive leader of the squad.
An earlier schedule and trade deadline means top tier teams are already in assessment mode. Management is determining which roster hole needs to be filled to shore up their squads for the post season. Brooklyn has a few very viable candidates who may draw ample attention. Trevor Booker offers energy and tenacity. DeMarre Carroll is a 3 and D specialist with playoff experience (and one year left on his contract). A myriad of assets could blossom into viable contributors or flourish on the right roster like Dinwiddie or LeVert.
So, a two part question:
Who do you think Marks considers as the core (untouchable) versus who the team would be willing to shop? And, what do you think Marks objective will be during this process. Will Marks want to add draft picks or would he rather add established players?
Maniego offers an insiders peek at the future:
The untouchable list starts with D’Angelo Russell. Russell, while he may be out for today’s game, is the future of the Nets. He seemingly has taken it upon himself to prove doubters wrong, with a line of 20/5/5 on the season. The Nets gave up their franchise player of the present (Brook Lopez) to make way for their franchise player of the future (Russell.)
Other young players like Caris LeVert and Jarrett Allen would probably need a home run of a deal to even be considered in trade discussions. The two may still be unproven, but the flashes they’ve shown have been eye-opening. LeVert’s playmaking ability as a wing, and Allen’s athleticism as a big are traits the Nets have valued in all their personnel.
Trade block material?
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On the opposite end of the spectrum, the Nets may be willing to shop some of their veterans – simply because of a possible big return. Trevor Booker is a free agent at the end of this season, and the Nets may look to trade him to a team in need of an energy bench big. DeMarre Carroll only has one year left on his big deal – and he’s been playing like the Carroll we remembered in Atlanta.
If Carroll sustains his play, he could also be a piece worth trading to a contender for a young player or draft pick. Even lesser players like Quincy Acy and Sean Kilpatrick could be shopped as well – albeit for a smaller return.
Above all else, Sean Marks will be looking for talent. Last trade deadline, the Nets traded Bojan Bogdanovic for the draft pick that became Jarrett Allen. This past summer, the Nets acquired a seemingly established player, Allen Crabbe. If the Nets want to be a contender in the future, they’ll have to look everywhere, whether it’s the Draft, G-League, International or on the ends of other team’s benches. I don’t think there is a preference for draft picks or established players – the Nets will mine talent from anywhere. If they fit the team’s mandate for versatility – and have the right attitude – it may not matter.
Finally, who wins the match tonight and by what margin?
I know, the Thunder may be struggling as of late, but they still have a big talent advantage. Even Steven Adams could have a big game because of the Nets’ relatively thin frontcourt. They also play a style conducive to Mexico City’s (insane) altitude. Carmelo’s slower game could be helpful! I feel like with the pace the Nets play at, they could wear down quickly in the altitude. I see the Thunder winning by 8. I’m feeling a 98-90 game.
That wraps up TIP3 for December 7. Big thanks to Charles Maniego again for his insight and taking the time to answer our three burning Net’s questions. Tip off in Mexico City is at 10:00 PM EST. Paul George is out tonight so the starting lineup will offer up some insight. We’ll learn which player is making an impression on Billy Donovan. Catch the full pregame analysis from Lawrence George here and make sure to visit our Twitter in game as well as Thunderous Intentions post game and constant daily articles on your favorite team and players.