Me being the site’s resident optimist is bizarre to say the least.
Folks…I see the point. We will be missing an all-time great in Buckets. We will certainly be a DIFFERENT team as a result. There is no “understudy Buckets” in the wings.
But different does not mean worse. By position:
PG – Improved because Cat knows its his team. Yeah, TAFKAWBS was still starting down the stretch…but Cat almost always FINISHED our wins, didn’t he? Advanced metrics showed he was superior on offense and defense. He has room to improve. And if we sign Graham (I am VERY optimistic on that front), we’ve strongly upgraded the backup PG. A better player who will work hard and not bitch about backup minutes…and step up when circumstances call for more.
SG – Strong upgrade. We played BSW out of position here, and he was hopeless guarding opposing 2s. We basically had to choose between “some offense, no defense” and “some defense, no offense.” We’ll see whether Trevor Lacey is very good or merely solid – but he won’t be THAT. And if Des doesn’t improve, Graham can get minutes here.
SF – Strong downgrade, but only because Buckets was so great. BSW should thrive here, and if he ends up only being a designated shooter, we can turn to KW, Twin A, and/or Twin B. Options everywhere.
PF – Upgrade – Same dudes, more physical and game wisdom maturity. KW and Le Nard have a wide array of skills, and will give 40 excellent combined minutes.
C – Strongest possible upgrade. I wouldn’t trade the KH/Abu tandem for any in the league. It’s going to be special, I promise you that.
Keep a few things in perspective – this is finally a roster that is built for transition, and to defend credibly. Two VERY GOOD recruits are only #s 10 and 11 in the rotation (assuming Graham comes). Yes, we won’t have a designated “go to guy” in every situation. But we will have balance, depth, and skill all over the court.
