Mann only enters the conversation as a substitute for a 1st round pick. Next level upgrades like John Collins or Kuzma. But I don’t believe we need or should take the risk beyond Boucher and/or/if possible Olynyk upgrade.

I’m not content with just a backup big like time lord or Valenciunas because sooner or later this undersized starting front line is going to get exposed and neither can deliver as a stretch 4. My reasonable and realistic dream acquisition is Olynyk, but he would probably only cost slightly more than Boucher. A couple of 2nds or one of Mann or DJJ. I wouldn’t want to let DJJ go but I would trade him over Mann for sure.

Start Zu, Olynyk, Kawhi up front and then slide Olynyk over to the 5 to relieve Zu with the second unit. Boucher could fill this role too but cheaper. Not as tall as a backup center but ok.

We will never be faster or slicker than the Thunder or Rockets or Grizzlies or Celtics. But we can be bigger and stronger and smarter so we need to lean into this approach.

All any Clipper fan needs to reflect on is Trez getting clowned against Denver in the bubble. All the lob dunks in the world are fine in the regular season but don’t mean shit in the playoffs. I want tall guys who can disrupt clearance and get boards.

Sorry for the long post.

Memphis Receives – T Mann

Utah Receives – Luke Kennard, PJ Tucker, Kevin Porter Jr, Memphis 2027 1st Rd Pick, LAC 2030 1st Rd Pick

LAC Receives – Colin Sexton & Walker Kessler

This trade would solve the backup big and 2nd unit ball handler issue that plagues this team.

Norm stepping out and hitting a deep 3 was a great start, and he was sharp throughout. Teams will put a high priority on taking that weapon away, but it’s going to be a lot tougher when Kawhi is playing. Ayton plays better against Zu than against any other team, it seems, and he got off to a quick start, but Zu made great adjustments (JVG!), playing him closer and adding activity (Ayton finished -26).

They put a graphic up on the broadcast showing the Clips defense and point differential in 2nd & 3rd quarters the last two games. This time the Clips already had a 10 point lead after 1, and they were pressing the advantage again (POR had 38 points at the half) before they let Portland go on a run at the end of the 3rd.

It was good to see TMann back, able to play. He started out in a smaller role, hit a nice 3, and then made a nice series of plays and buckets. Terance is already above 40% shooting 3s now. KPJ had a bonehead TO or two, but he didn’t take a lot of shots (3-5) and he was +20 in 14 minutes, so he deserves some credit. DJJ seemed more aggressive too. Looking ahead to the Lakers now.