Everyone played well. I, like most, am wondering about Mann.

On to tonight’s game. Beat the Bulls.

If we can only make one move with our limited assets it should be for a backup Big for two reasons: #1 we already have guards in house who could at least get streaky and/or make up for their offensive warts with other things like defense and rebounding. Dunn for example can’t throw it in the ocean but he impacts the game at a high level in many other ways. Kawhi and T Mann can also handle these duties if stars are properly staggered. #2 there are a lot more smaller floor general types than quality 7 footers in this world, so the odds of there being decent floor general types available at the buyout are higher than quality backup centers.

Per tonight’s analysis if Zu rolls an ankle and has to sit for a game or two in a playoff series we are finished. So backup Big is the most critical need. I like the Steven Adams thought but would prefer someone who could stretch the floor and give us a different look. Robert Williams is too injury prone and not much of a floor stretcher either.

Rob commented that Olynyk is having a down season which is true. But frequently veteran guys lose interest when they are on crappy teams. Just think about how washed both Reggie and Nico looked when they were on Detroit and Charlotte respectively. Both became incredibly productive and beloved Clippers given the chance to play. I think that’s all that’s going on with K.O. and if he could be landed at a bargain it would be a coup.

Getting more bulk to deal with 44 minutes of Joker does make some sense. But having additional length to cover MPJ and AG is also important. It could be Chet and Hart on the floor together too and JJJ/Edey is another potential matchup nightmare. So we need to get a center who can also play stretch 4 regardless of whether they start or not. I would just like us to have that arrow in the quiver.

Kawhi still looking really spry out there and has basically been unstoppable when he’s on the floor. I have noticed he’s not going up for dunks the way he would’ve in the past, but he’s still working his way back and if the poster dunks are the sacrifice he has to make to stay on the floor that’s well worth it.

Zu was huge tonight and the Lakers had no one who could matchup with him (Zu outplaying AD essentially meant the Lakers had no chance), and Norm did his usual bucket-getting. Harden didn’t have an efficient shooting night, but considering how much of the offense he shoulders that’s understandable.

The issue I’m still wondering about is what’s going on with Mann – is Ty still experimenting by alternating between him and KPJ? Is Ty saving him for tomorrow’s game against Chicago because he knew James was gonna have to play too many minutes tonight? Is a trade in the works? Just something to monitor going forward…

Overall I still don’t think we should be in the market for a splash move, but if we could find an upgrade at backup PG/PF/C for PJ and at least one of Bones and Kobe, I think the FO should pull the trigger.

When I try to put him into Fanspo trade machine trades they fail and this comes up:

Recently Signed
Terance Mann cannot be traded because 6 months have not passed since he was signed to an extension. He will be eligible to be traded after Mar 26, 2025.

I’ll bet Lucas knows the answer to this.