I like the prospect of fuller and wiser Knox and Mitch playing big roles in our frontcourt.
In 3 years when they need to get paid.
One problem with drafting young guys (Knox, Franco) and projects (Mitch) is that they usually take a few years to pan out and are then looking to cash in on their next contract before they've proven much.
At this rate, Franc won't be expensive -- and it looks more and more like he won't be here long anyway. Too early to say much for sure on Knox, but by the time he gets more consistent, adds muscle and grows into his body and learns NBA defense, he'll likely be looking ot get paid before really performing. Hope I'm wrong and his development is faster than that. But that all takes time . . .
Everytime I saw Zubac, dating back to last season, he looks good. But the Lakes brought in TyC (when they already had JaVale), crimping Zubac's minutes. And then they moved Zubac for Muscala. Not sure why they didn't trust Zubac. Young guy with good touch, solid rim protector though a little foul prone at times, fairly mobile, good in the PnR.
I rather like Muscala. He has some range that LAL covets (they also brought in Bullock), and I've seen him defend and bound well some games. But Chicken Muscala is also pretty inconsistent. Might have a big game one night and then disappear the next.
Just not sure why the Lakes didn't like Zubac. Maybe LeBJ feels there are too many yutes and he wants to win now. But that won't/wouldn't be the case if they pulled off the AD deal.
Really for NO, I would have taken Ball, Ingram, Kuz, Zubac and one 1st rounder if that was available. Boom, an instant team around Jrue.
A fast rebuild.