Taking a deeper look, Mitch himself might be more of an asset than Turner. How much do we wind up paying him if we think he can stay healthy?
I really like Turner.
But watching some MSG replays of Knicks games from last season, while we were waiting on the Finals and the draft, Mitchell was really raising his game significantly before and after both injuries.
Let's remember that Bill Cartwright broke his foot twice, and went on to three rings.
As for people reflexively dumping Obi? He improved enough to earn Thjbs trust in the playoff. Julius didn't have enough gas in the tank to raise up.against Hawks double teams, and a lack of offense from everyone save Rose.
Noel raised his game significantly with starters minutes. Of course the culmlinative load was too much for him.
I believe we will see 18-22 a night from Mitchell and Nerlens, with Obi or Taj taking up the remainder in/against small ball alignments.
Likewise, I look to a 32/16 split give or take between Julius and Obi. One way or another, Obi needs to grind 16-20 a night to advance.
Likewise, with Fournier and Burks, as well as Knox and Grimes, look for RJ to be more in the 25-32 range.
As for PG, I would look for Rose and Walker to both be in the 18-22 range, as I believe the Knicks are going to try and fast track McBride, both to keep our PG ancient mariners ambulatory and fresh for the playoffs, and because Deuce was a steal at #36.
Phantasy trades are fun. But I am more excited about extending on what we built upon from last season, learning our lessons from the HAWKS Series, and nurturing the talent we have.
I'm not precluding moves, but I believe proceeding as if this is all a prelude to the arrival of a superstar is pissing into the wind.
Not like we're not positioning ourselves. Kawhi? Zack, Bradley, Dame?
New Orleans is currently fucking up in a major way. Might they open the door to Zion in 2024?
In the meantime, we don't SPEND assets, we NURTURE and PROPAGATE assets. We build a sustainable culture.
The likes of Myles Turner is a fine player. Does he significantly move the needle?