But don’t rule out Kawhi, he has had more rest than other normal seasons so hopefully load managing will be replaced with a stellar season.

And I already think that last season was great.

When healthy, team was rolling last year. Nuggets aside, we were not a rubish team, top5 in defense and offense.

We have improved, particulary with the playoffs in mind.

Kennard > Shamet
Ibaka >>> Trez
Batum >> McGruder

JaMychal was not replaced but between Oturu and Fi we can scrape something together. He was much more essential last year because of Trez, he would get less time this year, even if we resigned him.

I am also enjoying that we are not labelled the favourites by most members of the press.

#backtotheshadows

I think we will perform better as underdogs in redemption/revenge story. Better narattive.

Here’s my last crazy trade idea for awhile I promise. If we could get Kyle Lowry I truly believe he would make us favorites over the Lakers. The cost would be high but it is doable. He’s an UFA after this season and will walk on Toronto so there’s some incentive for them to move him. He’s a deadly shooter (with a deep three), elite playmaker, stout defender, allstar, NBA champ and former teammate of Kawhi and Serge. He’s also a vocal leader and primetime killer. Although 34 he’s aging well like CP3. They lost both their centers in the offseason and have a huge void there and VanVleet is their future at point guard so here goes: We move Zu, Lou and Pat for Lowry. Losing Zu sucks but he would have to be the cornerstone to make it attractive. Probably a couple 2nd rounders too. That package keeps Toronto in legitimate playoff contention while they lock in their future at center. There’s not much cap risk for them because Lou is expiring and Bev is only two more seasons. With Luke and Terrence, Batum and Reggie (if desperate) we still have a solid guard rotation. The gamble obviously is whether Fi and Danny can stitch some rim protection together off the bench but there are always calculated risks in any deal.

What I like best about this is there’s no rush to do it because Lowry would be a plug and play veteran so we could see how we look for awhile before making that decision.

Some will argue that we could get Rondo for a lot less and I agree except that he’s just another grumpy guy on an already grumpy team. Lowry is just as tough but with more talent IMO and would bring a collective joy to the team that it so desperately needs.

Sorry for the novel.

Reggie’s contract is guaranteed–if they cut him, they have to pay him. Also the Clippers could have totally had RHJ two weeks ago when Reggie and Rondae were both free agents, and Rondae taking a non-guaranteed deal almost certainly indicates that the Clippers weren’t willing to give him guaranteed money.

Regarding the two-way, Rondae has 5 years of NBA experience and isn’t two-way eligible.

“… one has to like the Clippers’ chances. Even now, this is a team that can play big or small, can put out lineups for defense or offense and always has a trump card in the matchup game because of Leonard.

… on paper, this is the best team in the West.”

And thanks for having the beat writers on. Hope you make this a regular thing.