The Lakers made Tarik Black a restricted free agent by tendering him a qualifying offer earlier this week. With the market moving quickly, however, and big men signing for some big dollars through the first 3 days of free agency, the Lakers did not wait for Black to sign an offer sheet and instead have signed him outright:
Vertical Sources: Free agent Tarik Black has agreed to a two-year, $12.85 million deal to re-sign with the Los Angeles Lakers.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 4, 2016
I really like this signing. With the type of money being thrown around in free agency so far, inking him to a deal that averages slightly over $6 million a season is a nice value. Who knows if the Black could have gotten more on the market, but if he was about to be offered a larger deal or the Lakers had a sense they wouldn’t want to match a figure higher than that, getting him on board without having to go through those issues is a smart, proactive move.
(Update: Shams Charania is also reporting that Black’s contract can be issued using his “Early Bird” rights, meaning the Lakers can keep his cap hold on the books and, if needed, go above the cap to sign him to this deal. Further, Charania is also reporting Black’s contract has a trade kicker and a “guarantee date” for the 2nd season, implying that year 2 is either partially or non-guaranteed. Assuming all this is true, this is even a more team-friendly deal and shows a bit of creativity on the Lakers’ part. While I do not expect the Lakers will need to use his Early Bird rights to execute this deal, they do maintain some flexibility to pursue other free agents who can take up their remaining cap space before inking Black.)
Black, though buried and out of the lineup for much of the season for Byron Scott reasons, has shown he is a viable back up big man in the league. With his signing, the Lakers’ are now starting to have their rotation take place. Black can instantly be slotted behind Mozgov as the team’s primary back up big man and can continue to grow with the rest of the young core.
Lakers’ fans should be familiar enough with Black’s skill set, but if there are any questions as to why he’s such a good fit with this group, one only need to see how he attacks the rim as a roll man in the P&R and how hard he works defensively to protect the paint and to get after rebounds on both backboards. Black still has a ways to go in terms of developing the type of craftiness undersized big men like him need to be full time rotation players, but what he lacks in savvy he makes up for with a high motor and by always playing hard.
One last note worth mentioning is that Tarik Black also has a history with Luke Walton. During the 2011 lockout season, when the owners and union were negotiating a new deal, Luke Walton moonlighted as a college assistant coach on Josh Pastner’s Memphis Tigers team.
Tarik Black was key player on that Tigers’ team, averaging nearly 11 points and 5 rebounds a game. Black has mentioned Walton as one the people who told him he had a chance to make it in the NBA and how that always stuck with him. Now, they are reunited on the Lakers.
Msway says
Our roster is taking shape now. Nice young player to keep developing on our roster,I think there may be a bunch of upside here,A nice 4th of july gift could be one of the portland players,Maybe a G.State player?Just keep moving the needle up on our talent pool.
rafisher1 says
Once Zubac and Ingram deals are done, all 8 kids are put to bed.
NRSJD says
I like how we can encompass so many feelings and thoughts into the phrase “Byron Scott reasons”.
Msway says
I was just looking at Blacks highlights and its true this guy can play,Flat out play,I think bass is a stud also and I bet the battles in practice between these two must of been entertaining at worst.I think Byron went with the veteran,you can only play 5 at a time. Bass is on the back end of his career and this kid is 24,Nice
Altemawa says
thanks DS, i like the last note about how he and Walton are somewhat connected.
i like this signing, Black has always been a hardworker, when he’s on the floor. he hustles and gives a decent D inside. i hope he keeps developing his P&R play more and own the rebound department.
Msway says
NRSJD If Anthony brown develop s and then zubac has got game,this could be sweet,I like this brew time to age.
matt24 says
So they can exceed the cap with this deal, that’s a good deal then. It’s just hard to believe tarik black is gonna make 6 million this season.
Msway says
matt24 Looks like this is close to the new NBA minimum
PeterForseth says
I LIKE HIS HUSTLE.The nba however is gonna regret all these inflated salaries. I can see a lockout coming over this,if the min, salary spikes to 3 mil or whatever it will be.
Renato Afonso says
This is a good sign. It seems they’re learning from past mistakes
Michael NP says
Nice signing. Black deserves the deal. He hustles, and that is reason enough for the Lakers to keep him.
bleedpurplegold says
6mill WAS around the full MLE last year….so i’d say great deal for us. He is still young, competes hard and can defend inside.
Really baffling offseason so far. We have 2 of the worst deals in tha nba on our resume, but also 2 of the best with clarkson and black.
wwlofficial says
You won’t find too many Laker fans hating this deal. Tarik Black is well-loved and his contract is commensurate for a guy who has upside, but still has things to prove. Overall, good one.
Fulofunk says
I have always liked TB since we got him from Houston. When he went missing from the building for long stretches last season, I was bummed because I always felt he played all out whenever he was on the court and couldn’t figure out why he wasn’t being developed……well….that was just one of many frustrating rotation decisions we all lived through the last several years. I hope this year TB can show his game in a big way….I am glad he might possibly,finally get the chance.
RobertBass says
Cool better than those two signings of Timothy and dang imo
matt24 says
How about
chandler parsons 4 years 94 million
Evan turner 4 years 70 million
Bazemore 4 years 70 million
Noah 4 years 72 million
Biyombo 4 years 72 million
Mahinmi 4 years 64 million
Compare to our bad contracts
Deng 4 years 72 million
Mosgov 4 years 65 million
Mid Wilshire says
Good signing. This makes a lot of sense at several different levels.
1) The Lakers needed a solid back-up center. They just got one by signing Tarik Black.
2) Black provides a nice contrast to Mozgov and gives the Lakers a different look when he’s on the court. Timofey is a traditional, 7-1, back-to-the-basket big. Black is 6-9, very mobile with a high motor who can cover a lot of ground defensively and can play the role of small-ball center when the occasion arises.
3) Mozgov and Black may very well come close to splitting time 50/50 at the center position. Mozgov has never averaged more than 25.6 minutes per game and Black has never had his skills and endurance used to their fullest advantage.
4) Both players should help Ivica Zubac simply by playing against him in practice for the next 2 years That way, Zubac will know how to body up the Mozgovs of the world and chase around a more active player such as Black. This should be a good thing for the young player.
The roster is starting to take shape. My prediction is that they’ll re-sign Huertas (or bring in another PG) and then sign an end of the bench combo guard. Nick Young will then be waived (via the stretch position).
Time will tell how the pieces fit together. But this is already looking like a more coherent unit than last year’s team.
rafisher1 says
Mid Wilshire Good post!
Keep in mind that they may keep a roster spot open to take a look at some guys who come to training camp, and Huertas may have to go through that as well. Also they may keep one open roster spot going to the season to accommodate trades, or that could be Young’s spot where they trade of waive.
benkosharek says
“Who knows if the Black could have gotten more on the market…”
Ooooops
_Craig W says
bleedpurplegold
As I have said before, I think we fans react to the ‘talking head’ idiots and take our lead from them. The Mozgov signing was the first one ‘out of the gate’ and it was a Laker signing to boot. Sticker shock started for the ‘talking heads’ too. Since he didn’t play as much last year it was assumed his skills – everyone conveniently forgot he brought 2 1st round picks to Denver – had declined and he was breaking down.
Mozgov played for Shaw and against Luke – both knew his type of game. The Lakers weren’t going to sign any of the most popular players. IMO, this was a very good signing for what Luke wanted to do. Put it together with the Black signing and our 2nd round draft pick and we have depth and a plan going forward to match up with all kinds of clubs into the future.
Looking at any of these signings in isolation doesn’t really give the front office much credit. They have drafted well over the last three years, Mitch has always been able to do well in trades (Jeremy Lin for example), and block-buster free-agents have never been a major part of the Laker capability in building a club (Shaq & Kareem being the exception – and Kareem depleted the club so much it too 5 years to compete for a championship again.
new rr says
Durant has announced that he is signing with Golden State. One of teh last calls he took was from Jerry West.
Mid Wilshire says
Kevin Durant to the Warriors:
https://www.yahoo.com/sports/news/sources–kevin-durant-decision-222621654.html
30twhite40 says
A Kevin Durant tweet from 2010
Now everybody wanna play for the heat and the Lakers? Let’s go back to being competitive and going at these peoples!
Looks like he does not want to go at the best teams and would rather join them.
J C hoops says
Darius,
Nice write up. I especially liked the phrase “for Byron Scott reasons”.
I agree this is a quality signing – I really like Tarik’s motor and attitude. I thought it was shameful how he was being buried on the bench under Byron.
Also love hearing stories like Walton encouraging Black while Black was playing in Memphis. It’s a nice behind the scenes look at Walton’s ability to motivate and the beauty of encouraging others.
Durant to GS!
Wow. Wow.
Msway says
What would we like from Golden states roster before oak city and Dallas Moves
Msway says
He doesn’t leave unless westbrook told him .
Msway says
Mid Wilshire Can I Hear some theories out there about why some would save cap space now,in this market.I’m thinking we still hold about 20,Around 20 coming next year, could that be Westbrooks salary?
craytos69 says
I view the signing of Durant as the failure of Lakers Mgmt. How do you allow a Genius like Jerry West go to your enemy and become the closer to get Durant to come to Oakland?!!!! Jerry West is ours and should have been retained but they failed to do so and allowed Jim Buss in charge of Personnel Decisions. The Chickens Have Come Home to Roost. They need Jim Buss to do as his father before him and let Basketball People Make Basketball Decisions.
HMMURDOCK says
Wow. Now everyone should see that we would have had an incredible chance at Mr. Hollywood fashion, style, and personality. Mr. UCLA himself Russell Westbrook. All we had to do was not panic fill up the roster with some dependable veterans that don’t cost 140 million. Tell him next year “hey we have all this cap space and the kids were more competitive (hopefully) go ahead bring some of your other max buddies to play with you.
Your arguments will be “no one knows the future or that Durant would leave”. I’m not talking about knowing the future I am talking about playing it cool. What was the downside? You would miss out on wrapping up 30 something’s Luol Deng and that stiff Mozgov until 2020? Now Golden state has to dump contracts and we might’ve made a play for Bogut and his cheap short contract.
Please write another column about what great contracts Mozgov and Deng were. Use statistics analytics, with a pareto analysis to show how we can get to 26 wins next year. All we had to do was exercise some patience and see what happened as free agency moves along. Chances are you get Mozgov cheaper and if not who cares? Instead the Jimmy deadline got to Buss and Mitch and they flat out panicked.
Ultimately your responses will follow the line that we have been swinging for the fences we need to build slowly. You don’t build with a stiff and a past his prime good guy at $140 mil. The plan should have been for 2017 and if that doesn’t work go do not lock yourself in to mediocrity until 2020. We are the Lakers and we make moves to “compete” for Championships, not to get to 30 wins.
I am reading these posts and thought I was on a Milwaukee Bucks site circa 1990’s.
Alexander_ says
What a good time to be rebuilding, it’s not like anyone other than the Warriors is going to win the West or the Finals for years to come. Guessing from KD’s deal structure of 1+player option, they can retain everyone except the RFA’s.GSW now features possibly four of Team USA’s starters (and Australia’s center ;)), a world-class coach and org, and a tremendous bench – Iggy, Livingston, Thompson, and even two rookies I liked a lot for us.
Where the heck is David Stern / Deal Voider when 29 teams need him?
Mid Wilshire says
Msway Mid Wilshire
Msway,
Good question. One can only guess. But I would say that the Lakers are still not finished building their team and gathering talent. Also, next year’s FAs are supposed to be a level higher than this year’s as a whole.
Finally, the chances of Russell Westbrook leaving OKC next year just rose dramatically.
So the Lakers are still playing the long game. They’ve got to think 2-3 years ahead. By that time they’ll be competitive (hopefully). So they’ve still got to keep their powder dry rather than burning through all their money this summer. If they keep from spending their remaining $20 Mill, then they’re being smart.
At least, that’s the way I see it.
_Craig W says
craytos69
Look at your history. Jerry West had issues with Jerry Buss (not Jim) and Phil Jackson. He left and went to Memphis to help them rebuild. When he retired from there, he was available, but he didn’t want to upstage his protegee – Mitch. New GS ownership offered him a consulting position, with a % of team ownership and Jerry Buss was still alive. The Buss family only owns 50.x% of the Lakers and cannot grant anyone any ownership shares without the possibility of losing control of the franchise – that ain’t gonna happen until they sell out.
Jerry West was not going to come back to the Lakers – no matter what. Stop the carping.
matt24 says
That’s dumb
matt24 says
Ezeli and barnes likely go to Dallas
Alexander_ says
HMMURDOCK We will be able to move LWill eminently reasonable $7m/yr deal, have a few mil left now, plus next year’s projected $20m cap increase. Enough for one max in 2017.
matt24 says
If the warriors don’t win the title, , lol
Msway says
Mid Wilshire Msway how much should be spent this year,? and what is our priority needs wise/
fern16 says
KD is going to make less that “superstar” Mike Conley
fern16 says
So, KD signing with the Warriors is the Lakers fault. Hmmm ok
matt24 says
Poor clippers got no chance
Mid Wilshire says
Msway Mid Wilshire
I think we’ve already done the majority of our spending so far.
We’ve gotten a center, a SF, and re-signed Clarkson and Black. We’ll probably bring back Huertas and bring in another combo guard.
Finally, we have some new additions via the draft — Brandon Ingram and Ivica Zubac.
That’s a lot of change for one summer…not to mention a new coaching staff and a new system.
Now’s the time to put the pieces together and develop the kids. Next year we’ll be able to put the finishing touches on the team. In two years or so, for all we know, Ingram and Zubac could be starting.
Right now, I don’t see the Lakers spending much more money. They’re probably close to a holding pattern…I think.
Msway says
Mid Wilshire Msway I understand your theory,I agree that it’s wise to keep your powder dry, However I count 3 roster spots available after huertos and ingram I see 10 left interesting
mattal says
Opportunity missed … GS will need to dump Bogut. I’d take a broken down Bogut, on his expiring deal, over 4 years of Mozgov.
Our FO panicked one minute into free agency. Goodness gracious!
new rr says
Looking at the new game board: Boston is set up perfectly to trade for Westbrook now.
fern16 says
Im indifferent to KD signing with GS. Now if he signed with the Celtics thats another thing. But on Mozgov, despite what the NBA wants to make people believe teams and players talk before the FA period starts, im positive the Lakers knew Bismark, Whiteside, Hortford and Noah’s intentions before the deadline. That’s why they moved quickly to secure a big man. Last year the complain was that the Lakers didn’t move fast enough to sign FAs now is that they moved too quickly.
craytos69 says
_Craig W craytos69
You look at the history Jerry Buss worked with Jerry for years and built Championships. For the most part Jerry Buss stayed out of the way West and Kupchak – Jerry West was upset after Magic was offered Part Ownership. The Lakers very easily could’ve offered West the same Role if not more than the Warriors.
You do not know for a fact that West would not come back. It’s not carping for pointing out the truth that Jim Buss should let Basketball People make Basketball Decisions. Regardless Jim Buss is a failure.
matt24 says
Somebody beat you! And you go there?
Superstar not doing that man….
Classic tweet
Msway says
fern16 An interesting thought is that a GM may be light years away from being able to communicate with a 20 something kid about finances and fit etc,It’s the GMs relationships that he builds with Agents, that might be the most important aspect.Who Knows what phone calls are made in the nite,the NBA has’nt a clue.No wonder Mitch keeps his mouth shut,He was trained by the Best.
Mid Wilshire says
Msway Mid Wilshire
That’s correct. As it stands right now, with the impending signings of Mozgov and Deng and the possibility of bring back Huertas (and releasing Nick Young), the Lakers would have 12 players on board — 3 centers, 2 PFs, 3 SFs, and 4 guards.
As I understand it, teams must have a minimum of 13 players on their roster and a max of 15. So…I expect the Lakers will bring on one more (an end-of-the-bench guard, I think) and keep 2 roster spots open.
That means that if someone gets injured, they’ll be able to bring on a new player or 2 on to the team. They’ll still have room if they go with 13 or 14 players at the beginning of the year.
Mitch has used this strategy before. And it seems to work.
_Craig W says
craytos69 _Craig W
If you were around when Jerry West left you would know the situation was very tense – neither Jerry Buss nor Phil Jackson wanted Jerry West around. Jackson wasn’t yet attached to his daughter and Jerry Buss was hitching his team to the HOF coach.
Jerry West was burned out and not ready to fight the battles necessary to continue in this organization. Even with Phil gone, he wasn’t going to rejoin the Lakers.
Jim Buss is what he is, but none of the Jerry West saga has anything much to do with Jim.
Msway says
_Craig W craytos69 Well said and thorough too.
A Horse With No Name says
Not even. Middling players and middling picks won’t net a top five player. That’s Boston. Westbrook may be in play (more likely than not given that he’s a FA next spring), but it’s going to take a young player with star potential and other assets to get him. A hypothetical team wanting to trade for Westbrook now would also run the risk of losing him to free agency. Said team would also have to consider the mileage on Westbrook and the two knee surgeries. There wouldn’t be any shortage of suitors though–he’s just so damn good.
Shaunis007 says
Alexander_ Totally agree – perfect time to rebuild …. would be nice to make the playoffs but the West will be ruled by GS for like at least the next 5-6 years
Shaunis007 says
craytos69 disagree completely – GS has 3 All NBA players on their roster and we have a bunch of kids – they have everything to sell and we don’t – we just couldnt compete with where we are at in our rebuild
A Horse With No Name says
Yeah, that keeps me up at night . . . U0001f602
craytos69 says
_Craig W craytos69
I’m not seeking to go through the West – Phil Power Structure. West felt under appreciated. But with Phil out of the picture. West would’ve brought instant credibility back to the FO. FYI, Jerry nor Jim trusted Phil especially after he started dating Jennie.
Riley was in talks to return to the Lakers but then declined when he learned Buss was trading Shaq. But what does that matter now.
The Lakers could’ve easily brought back West he felt under paid and Money Cures All Ills – but since you’re his agent I’m sure you can provide the details as to why he would’ve turned down the Lakers millions.
KenNewport says
Funny that owners 6 years ago moved to stop dynasty type teams like the former Lakers. Now they allow a all-star team right in their face. I feel this hurts the league as we all know who wins the next few years. As for the Lakers, they have zero chance of any finals for years. Hope the owners are happy. Might as well change name to the NWA.
National Warrior’s Association.
Manuel MdT says
I’m hoping Mitch is on the phone trying to offer a package of young players and picks for Westbrook. The Thunder should have a long look at trading him to get something in return. He is very likely to walk after next season. Better to start the rebuild now if they are smart.
KenNewport says
All correct. Nice
craytos69 says
Shaunis007 craytos69 I’m saying you hire someone like West two or three years prior. You have to build for success there is no one that Demands any Respect in the FO. Basketball People understand Kupchak is just a figurehead with no Teeth. Mitch is a fantastic FO guy but he’s not allowed to do his Job.
There is a reason no FA of any consequence has come to the Lakers the last 3 years. I give Jim Buss credit for the CP3 trade and things we have worked out different if Stern would’ve butted out. But that was 4 years ago and if he would’ve waited till the Owners left NY the deal probably would’ve held up.
new rr says
A Horse With No Name
Uh-huh. Chris Paul ultimately got traded for Chris Kaman, Eric Gordon, Al-Farouq Aminu and a pick that was used on Austin Rivers. NO saved the deal by winning the Anthony Davis lottery.
Boston has Brooklyn’s pick unprotected in 2018 and can pick-swap this year. Westbrook will probably walk, so if Presti wants to stay competitive, he can probably add Thomas, Crowder, another guy or two and the picks. Ainge would be looking at the downside risk of giving up the package and then seeing Westbrook come to LA, either with the Lakers or the Clippers with Doc. But Westbrook might be worth that risk.
KevTheBold says
Manuel MdT
Westbrook could not win with Durant so what is he supposed to do here?
Gutting our team of our kids would not accomplish anything, but bringing him here to lose and wiping away any chance for us to win in the future.
J C hoops says
Craytos
Exactly right
I’ve been saying all along that if they’d waited even like 12 hours to announce the CP3 trade that everyone would have been on a plane or starting back to work on their own teams and the backlash wouldn’t have been so severe. And they wouldn’t have been able to get in Stern’s face so easily.
KevTheBold says
matt24
Agree matt,.. I have lost all respect for Durant, the little I had at least, as I always thought that it was Westbrook with the vast majority of heart on that team.
Funny how the Warriors, prior to their epic choke, when asked about Durant to the Warriors, would look insulted and say “Why?!?!?”.
Now they lose one finals appearance, and pretty much restructure their team just to take in another super star? Pathetic!
I also agree with those that say this move unbalances the NBA far more than our obtaining little ol, CP3.
J C hoops says
Like Craig says
It’s too late
West is never coming back here
But we do have his son Ryan!
KevTheBold says
HMMURDOCK
Yes, “play it cool” like we did for the past 3 seasons.
You can say what you want, but it’s easy to talk after the fact, like hindsight isn’t 20/20.
I for one am not that hyped on Bogut regardless,.. we tend to forget that the Cavs were minus two of their three stars last season which probably would have made this whole hyped warrior player frenzy non-void.
KevTheBold says
craytos69
I’m not so hyped on West’s pitch as the reason Durant went to GS.
I thought it was pretty weak personally.
No, Durant went there for- easy rings please – , as in fact his legacy will take a hit for selling out, at least to the true NBA fans, {not the bandwagon variety}.
Clay Bertrand says
KevTheBold craytos69
Kev, you didn’t hear the content of Jerry’s speech. It centered on his own pains of constantly falling short in the Finals. He talked about how it tortures him to this very day. It hit home with Durant.
Clay Bertrand says
The Dallas Mavs should just go ahead and sign Mark Jackson to coach. They’re getting all the other Golden State rejects!!!!!!
KevTheBold says
Clay Bertrand KevTheBold craytos69
I read his spiel,..
It centered on how Durant’s other skills are overlooked like rebounding ect.
Then West said that once he wins, all of his other contributions will be noted.
What he failed to say however was how Durant, like Lebron {prior to this past season} will be looked at as a sellout who has not the confidence to win on fair terms.
Tra 35 says
Pau looks to be headed to the Spurs. Which probably is a good indication that Duncan is calling it a career.
Clay Bertrand says
KevTheBold Clay Bertrand craytos69
Awash in the endorsement money for his even making a move to a big market in California no less and winning multiple rings, I doubt he has to answer to any of us as to whether he is a sell out.
He sold out losing in exchange for winning.
I do know what you mean though. In the old days, guys took it on THEMSELVES to make a team great. They didn’t look to go to ready made situations as often or as blatantly as they do now.
I’m certainly not rooting for them to win ANYTHING. I hope they fizzle. I hope Boston rots in hell!!!
Clay Bertrand says
Tra 35
Pau and LMA’s 2 pointers are still gonna lose to Steph, Klay, Draymond, and uhhhhhhhhh oh yeah DURANT’s 3 POINTERS!!!!!!!!!!!!
Pau should just sign where the money is right and the weather is good. He ain’t winnin unless he’s in Golden State!!!
KevTheBold says
Clay Bertrand KevTheBold craytos69
To some of us, “How” you win means something. Some said that no one would care about ‘how’ when Lebron went to Miami,.. but many did care, and Lebron felt it deeply.
That was his reason for going back to Cleveland.
Now however his legacy has been upgraded to full legend status. Something we would never have had if he didn’t go back to the scene of his failure to sweat blood and regain his respect.
Shaunis007 says
Manuel MdT I think this is when Boston pounces and offers up a big haul for OKC … Nets pick next year, maybe another 1-2 picks maybe brown or Smart … would make them a top 3 team in the east + a good chance at signing griffen next year who probably wont want anything to do with competing in the West after next years FA class … East becomes West , West becomes east after 2017
Warriors will be like this years Cavs and East will get a lot more competitive
Paul leaves for the banana boat in 2017 too
Tra 35 says
In no way, shape or form am I insinuating that, due to the signing of Pau, the Spurs are better prepared to knock off the Dubs. With the way that it currently stands, the Warriors are positioned to have the league in a chokehold for the next few years. Suffocating the rest of the Association. As others have mentioned, it’s the perfect time for our Lakers to be rebuilding.
Clay Bertrand says
Tra 35
Agreed bro!! I wasn’t saying you were claiming Spurs dominance. I am more claiming Too Little Too Late for the Spurs IMO. Or more snarkily, Too Old, Too Big, Too Late!!
Clay Bertrand says
new rr A Horse With No Name
Dudes, maybe the big name that could be in play for us down the road after the Durant to Dubs deal isn’t Westbrook……but PRESTI.
matt24 says
Thunder got rid of ibaka and durant in the same offseason, how genius! That was their plan all along. Now bring in wade and nowitski. ..
_Craig W says
KevTheBold matt24
The CP3 was a unique situation – which Phil Jackson predicted when the league took over NO – and will not be repeated. David Stern’s reputation took a huge hit and his name now has an asterisk labeled “The Veto”.
No one else can or will make this mistake again. Let’s move on – this is old news.
_Chris J says
It was also on July 4 a few years ago that the Lakers landed Steve Nash, which set the ESPN talking heads into a dither talking about upcoming title runs (plural) in L.A. — and that was with Bynum still in the fold. Once Howard was acquired in August 2012, the stupid talk about “greatest team ever” arose, again, all before training camp.
The parallels between the Lakers then and Golden State today are similar in that so many are already set to crown the Warriors as 2016-17 NBA champions. Again, all before training camp.
I’ve no doubt the Warriors will be in the mix, but keep in mind the games are played for a reason. Injuries happen (see Nash, Steve) , egos can complicate a locker room (see Howard, Dwight), and skill sets may not mesh as first envisioned (see Brown, Mike — coincidentally, Steve Kerr’s new top assistant).
As I see it, there are still some questions related to this year’s Warriors, notably:
Size: People can talk all they want about small ball and the “lineup of death,” but as Cleveland (and to a lesser extent Adams and OKC) just showed, when there’s no size to clog up the middle you’ll have problems on defense. Losing Bogut and Ezeli leaves them with what size, beyond a 6’7 Green? Mo Speights? Perhaps I’m overly old school, but there’s still a need for size and rebounding in this league. The Cavs had nine more rebounds than the Warriors in Game 7. You don’t think that stat was critical in a four point win?
Balls: No, I’m not talking about Durant’s lack of them, as evidenced in his declining to lead his own team and instead becoming Curry”s third banana… No, I’m talking about the leather Spalding ones that bounce on hardwood courts. Last I checked, there’s only one per game, and sharing it among so many volume shooters will make for an interesting dynamic next season. What happens with Green doesn’t get his touches? Who carries the load own the stretch? Whose team is it? As we saw in Miami, sometimes it’s not as easy as one may assume to get those issues sorted out. Eventually the Heat found a workable pecking order, but it took a season and a half for it to really click.
I’m not suggesting the Warriors won’t be very good, nor am I saying they can’t win it all. But I am saying they aren’t bulletproof. To read ESPN headlines like “How many titles for Warriors?” just reeks of hubris. I hope they flame out again come next May and June.
craytos69 says
KevTheBold craytos69 The Results are all that matters. It only matters that Durant liked his Pitch – Like it only Mattered Shaq liked his Pitch. Who would rather have in the room attempting to close a huge deal for your franchise Jim Buss or Jerry West?
I understand that you’re not co-signing Jim Buss I’m just making an example.
Busboys4me says
It took LeBron coming home to Cleveland for the NBA fan to forgive him. KD leaving for Golden State will never be revered or respected as much as LeBron. He would’ve been respected if he has finally broken through in Oklahoma City and won the championship. They were only one game away from making the finals and then the moves that they made and free-agents would’ve allowed them to compete for the finals. Now he has all but guaranteed that he will be looked at as a ring chasing, deserter.
Busboys4me says
Our FO did nothing wrong. How were we to know KD would leave? This new CBA landscape was directed as us and how we did business better than anyone else. We had CP3, saved $40 million in salary, and were going after D12. We were screwed by Stern and we still feel the the effects. But it’s like when you think about how your high school girlfriend cheated on you and broke your heart, it’s old news, get over it and move on.
HMMURDOCK says
KevTheBold
Missed my point just a bit as it has nothing to do with Bogut, but he is a better player than Mozgov especially at 1 year and $11 mil v 4 and 64. I use that as an example of what we could have done with a “contending” mindset along with giving Harrison Barnes a max deal which initially I was hoping against, but now would love to do as opposed to locking up a 31 year old that is on the downside of his career. I mean Deng is a quality guy, but he is being lauded as Yoda/religious figure that will make D’angelo be aggressive and give Randle a jumper and right hand. The only question should’ve been…who can we bring on that will attract one or two top 15 guys next year. Mozgov (never) Deng certainly, but not age 31-34 for such a huge number.
That isn’t hindsight because good management would’ve waited and not made Timofey the 1st call at Midnight (don’t let him slip away). I hate to say it but see Cuban and Donnie Nelson.
Also I am not talking about 20/20 hindsight, rather I am talking about anchor contracts that won’t end until 2020. (c’mon ya set me up for that one)
medias_res says
Lakers need more swingmen but need to sign them without compromising the max cap room for next season. Langston Galloway is a solid player and for maybe 5-6mm/yr as a 1+1 would be nice.
HaleHailHell says
Move the team back to the Emerald City, Durant jersey burners. What are they mad about anyway? Mr. Sonic is still on the roster.
Earn that money Tarik. No shadow of Scott to hold you back.
CHearn says
Ben Simmons!!!!!!!!!
KevTheBold says
HMMURDOCK KevTheBold
I think the point is that Westbrook would do nothing for us, and especially the reverse.
Neither would any short term contract made up with players who are not deep in NBA experience.
The problem is that your plan is a bit short sighted.
Our kids will not be able to seriously compete for another 3 to 4 years, no matter who we bring in. Even if we would have brought in two max players, we would still lose, but would have sacrificed our future on impatience.
We require experienced players who were willing to give up any hope of rings to stay with our core until they are ripe, teaching them and showing them by example.
You can’t do that with short term deals, because the veteran players would never feel secure and thus have zero vested interest, and no incentive to pass on what they know to players who will probably using what they have learned, against the veterans who taught them.
The front office is finally looking ahead, and I for one am gratified.
Now that’s looking ahead with 20/20 vision.
KevTheBold says
craytos69 KevTheBold
Here we are back at square one: You say West was the reason, and Durant may or may not say the same. Yet I don’t believe it. I think Durant revealed himself as a simple ring chaser.
KevTheBold says
CHearn
Ben Simmons exits his 1st summer league game with cramps.
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2650093-ben-simmons-injury-updates-on-76ers-stars-calves-and-return
Shaunis007 says
zach lowes piece on the trade would be worth reading … essentially the NBA has never seen a team lile this with 4 top 15 players entering their prime all at once
zazas a big, speights is a big, durant is 7ft tall (taller than cousins btw)
also morw top tier vets will flock there
GS only downside is making mike brown an associate coach … might take them a step backwards
sald0gg says
Kills me that we could’ve gotten Bogus or Zaza for a fraction of Moz’s contract and left us more 2017 salary :-/
new rr says
_Chris J
I know you are not really making a direct comp per se, but the 2012-13 Lakers were not remotely comparable to what Golden State has put together. Nash was 38, Kobe was 34, Pau was 32, and Howard was coming off back surgery. That team had concerns with age, fit, health, coaching, and depth. If the Lakers could have gotten those four guys together in 2007-2008, that might have been an All-time great team.
Golden State, however, has gotten their four guys together in their version of 2007 for the Lakers’ four guys. As noted below, Golden State has 3 of the Top 10 guys in the game, all in their 20s, and another guy who is an All-Star, who is also in his 20s. They have guys who have won the last three MVP awards. They have two of the greatest scorers/shooters in league history in an era defiined in many ways by the 3. They picked up Pachulia to play the 5, and they still will have Iguodala and Livingston. There are very mild concerns about lack of size, skill overlap, and Durant and Curry’s injury histories, but those things will be the differences between 64 wins and 74. On top of that, Durant came to them from one of their top 3 competitors.
So, this team will be a prohibitive favorite to win the title and has a real chance to be the greatest team in NBA history.
new rr says
KevTheBold HMMURDOCK
I would be more convinced by the mentoring/culture narrative if I had heard it more often before July 1, and if I had seen a lot of posts/articles saying that Mozgov and Deng should be top priorities.
Since I didn’t, I think part of what we are hearing/seeing now is simply an attempt by some to take whatever the FO did and present it in the most positive possible light. Some people have been doing that at this site for years now.
As to the merits: sure, Deng and Mozgov will probably help some to develop the young guys. But having them signed to deals of this length and size will make it tougher for the Lakers to be ready to move on a star in FA, and these two guys will be 33, and 34, respectively entering the 2018-19 season, when, we hope, the Lakers will be thinking about competing. And frankly, there are good arguments that other centers are simply better values/players than Mozgov will be.
That said, the fate of this team depends on Russell and Ingram, and Deng and Mozgov will not, in all likelihood, hurt them, and could help them. So, these deals are not obvious mistakes like Young, Kobe, or Byron’s deals were, or head-scratchers like Williams’s was.
If Russell and Ingram reach their ceilings, then they could be the guys who could draw the Anthony Davis or Paul George, who could get the team back to contention. But I would rather the FO had taken its chances with mentors in support roles, added some younger talent, and/or saved some money for later, instead of committing 136M to Deng and Mozgov
CHearn says
KevTheBold CHearn
Yes, but he will indeed be fun to watch. Simmons is not NBA conditioned, but he had a nice form on his jumper, and his floor vision was Magicesque.
craytos69 says
KevTheBold craytos69 Wait a minute! Are you telling me its Inconsequential that Jerry West is in the Room making the Pitch making the Final Call?!!!! He is Jerry Freaking West! The Logo!!!!! Are you kidding me! He has more stature than anyone in the GSW FO. Anyone! And by the way he has helped form this franchise for over 3 years! Not just today. Jerry West makes all the difference.
I do agree Durant prolly would’ve left regardless and he is a Ring Chaser! I am not agreeing at all with Durant but West put the team together for over 3 years he was behind the scenes molding this Squad. I’m just giving props to the Great Jerry West and the Lakers should’ve found a way to bring Jerry back to the fold especially after Pops passed away and Phil left.
DieTryin says
Every expectation was that Durant was going to stay in OKC. His leaving is a surprise development. You cannot make real time decisions with the benefit of hindsight. Last year the FO waited too long to sign free agents, waiting on the likes of Aldridge, which they had no chance at. This year they rightly chose to not make the same mistake.
Travis Y says
I literally lol ‘ ed and wish I thought of that.
But really I wish we could scoop some Warriors on our roster.
lalaker14 says
new rr _Chris J or the biggest flop. That’s why they play the games.