Lopo, what is your game plan overall? Build for future of win now mode?
What do you want for them this next year? Playoff team? Lottery pick? Win a playoff series? What would make you happy?
I want our Utah Jazz to win a title. I want to win the whole thing. So to your questions:
1. What is your game plan overall?
First, I want to use our 2019 1st round pick. I would only trade it for two things - to get up in the draft or to pick up what would seem to be a higher pick in 2020 or 2021.
Second, I pursue almost all of the best free agents in this order: Tobias, Kemba, Brogdon, and Russell using the max then Randle, Rozier, Jabari, and Lamb only if the number is fair. Even the 2nd group entices me more than most trade targets because we get to keep our picks. All 8 of those players are improvements over Rubio.
Third, if we strike out on free agents, we pursue all the trade targets. I'm looking Miami Heat players, seeing if Jrue is available, Blake Griffin, Dinwiddie, Josh Jackson, TJ Warren, and other guys who emerge who aren't being discussed right now.
Fourth, we identify the next level of free agents who might have long term potential or are really good fits for a cheaper contract. Guys like Jabari, Portis, Gay, Thad Young, Beverley, etc.
Fifth, if we can't sign one of my free agent targets or trade for a great player via trade, we start debating ideas like Conley, Paul, Love, etc. VS picking up a 1st rounder for taking a bad contract (Biyombo, MKG, Olynyk, etc.).
Overall, my game plan is to improve our roster without having to sacrifice a 1st round pick.
2. Win now or build? I would rather make moves with the next 5 years in hand than the next 2. I would rather build for the future than have a goal that can't go any further than getting blown out in the Western Conference Finals. If we make moves that help us win now (Tobias, Kemba, etc.), then heck yeah. However, I don't want a move that just focuses on the now.
3. What do you expect next year? I expect to make it to the 2nd round at the least. Donovan, Royce, Grayson, and Exum should improve. Even if we took a salary dump in order to pick up a 1st, I expect the 2nd round. We really don't have anybody on our roster who should take a step back. Without Rubio, we should still win 50 games this year if we draft a contributor and sign any capable BAE type PG. Our franchise players (Rudy and Donovan) should good enough to carry us farther than the 1st round even if we lose Rubio for a BAE type PG.
4. What would make me happy? Competing in the 2nd round while also
identifying one more long term piece that goes next to Donovan and Rudy. We found one in Royce, but we need to find another 5-10 year key guy for a Jazz dynasty. If we aim for instant gratification and fizzle out in the 2nd round, I'm not excited this time next year. If we add more assets and at least one more long term piece, I'm encouraged by a competitive 2nd round exit next year.
