I liked what SVG did in DET.
He took over a team that had won between 25-30 games for 5 years, after the glory years.
To build around young Drummond and KCP, SVG brought in some defenders (Joel Anthony for Will Bynum swap; drafted Stan Johnson).
Traded Singler and DJ Auggie for Reg Jax. Drafted Dinwiddie in the 2nd round.
Unfortunately, StanJohn was a terrific defender, fast break finisher and athlete ... without an NBA ability to score.
(the 3 picks ahead of StanJohn were all marginal, but MyTurner and DevBook were the right calls)
Reg Jax looked ready to have a team of his own, but got injured a lot and just always made mental
mistakes on both ends. Maybe injuries sapped his confidence/development.
RegJax - KCP - Stan John - ___ - Drummond
Looked like solid building blocks. But Bulldog Drummond never dominated and was sluggish on D.
KCP a solid player but passive, not the borderline all-star they were hoping for.
In a heist, picked up Marcus Morris, Reg Bullox and took on Granger's hefty deal for a 2nd rounder 5 years out.
Picked up Ilyasova for old Caron Butler. Traded Jennings and Ilyasova for Tobias Harris.
Reg Jax/Dinwiddie - KCP - StanJohn/Bullox - Marcus Morris/Tobias - Drummond/Baynes looks good
(but Reg Jax missed 30 games and the team regressed).
Added Ish Smith as a backup PG, blew a draft pick on supposed shooter Ellenson (#18 pick)
Drafted Kennard. Traded Morris for A Very Bradley and signed Galloway to defend PG's,
preparing for RegJax missing time.
Stuck around .500, with KCP & Drummond not progressing, Reg Jax oft-injured, Stan John regressing,
DET hit the panic button and traded Tobias, A Very, and a 1st rounder (later ->Miles Bridges) for Blake Griffin.
Only two mistakes stand out, identifying Tobias but then trading him away.
Drafting Dinwiddie 2nd round but then moving on from him too soon.
Maybe if Reg Jax could have stayed healthy they could have been more patient at backup PG.
And kept Morris instead of bringing in Bradley.
Needed to keep one of Tobias/Morris.
It didn't work out, but I like most of the moves, until the Blake panic trade.
Reg Jax/Dinwiddie - KCP - StanJohn/Bullox - Marcus Morris/Tobias - Drummond/Baynes
That could have been a strong team . . .