**• On GG Jackson: “*****Not just FLASHES but really stringing it together…*****”**
OUCH. ZK has been reading this subreddit, adopts the language of frequent posters **and, thus, poor Ziaire Williams catches a stray**…
**• On JJJ at the 5…**
It was interesting that he clarified this notion in the context of playoffs and small-ball. He —*as a proxy for the organization itself*— seems to be indicating that they see Trip as a small-ball 5 rather than a 5 generally speaking. Like, not a 5 like Stevo and not a 5 like Jokic or Wemby, Not a 5 like Embiid. Or Sabonis. But can be a 5 in small ball situations.
It was a diplomatic answer that doesn’t criticize Trip’s ability or in any way validate assessments of his FIBA play or whatever (*much like Stevo’s diplomatic answer about Trip rebounding, saying it was, instead, his job to rebound and Trip’s job to be the rim protector*).
**• On the message he wants to send to Jake and Z given these moves: “*****Pack your bags…*****”**
Okay, he didn’t say that. But let’s examine what he also **did not say** in terms of what he ***did*** say about other people.
On GG & Vince, he called them **by name** and clarified that the organization saw them in terms of the long term success (*which should be a given since they signed them both to long term contracts* ***this*** *year*). Marcus Smart, same thing. He mentioned Brandon Clarke in those terms as well. He even said Luke was a great fit for the team. When it came to Jake and Z, though, he **didn’t** speak that way. He said he’s “*excited about what will transpire the rest of the way*” and that “*guys will have opportunities*” and “*nothing’s been ruled out*” and blah blah blah. That’s not exactly a ringing endorsement of their place on the team. I’m reminded of how after the rumors about what they (*didn’t*) say about not resigning Brooks came out, he didn’t give a full-throated statement about Dillon Brooks **definitely** being a part of the long terms success of the club. In hindsight, it’s clear why.
So it’s not “*Yeah, we’re going to trade them…*” but if I was either one of them, I would **NOT** get comfortable. Maybe hold off on buying that condo overlooking the river.
**• On the opportunity with the draft…**
He did sort of keep all possibilities open whether it be drafting, trading the pick, trading more players. But it was notable that he said that in terms of “*We have a unique opportunity with our young core coming back to get this pick, wherever it is…*” which, if nothing else, clarifies that the organization is cognizant of the fact that a team with players this good wouldn’t usually have the opportunity to get a lottery pick.
He didn’t telegraph that trading that pick is off the table but it’s hard to think the organization **wants** to give it up. Perhaps it would be a key component of a summertime trade for some established big but I think that the chance to sign a young, talented newcomer who would be alongside GG and Vince in next version of this team (*when Des’s and JJJ’s contracts expire; Ja, it seems, is very committed to staying with Memphis long term but whether the other two will remains to be seen*) is one the organization would jump on.
Kuzizira
He answered my questions, so I’m happy. The people I want to stay look like they are staying, the people I want gone are gonna be gone pretty much (Z and Jake) and he’s said that we pretty much aren’t too certain on our pick for next draft, which I’m happy with because it means we could trade it or we could try and get sarr, I more hope we trade it though. The only way we get Sarr is if we land 1st or 2nd pretty much. The only other questions I wanted answered were about Santi and jitty in if they are long-term or trade assets depending on the situation. I hope we trade them personally. Other than that, I’m happy.
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LET HIM COOK
Ever since someone pointed out to me how frequently Kleiman says “y’know” I can’t make it through a single minute of him speaking.
**Some post-interview thoughts (*****yeah, we’re going there*****)…**
**• On GG Jackson: “*****Not just FLASHES but really stringing it together…*****”**
OUCH. ZK has been reading this subreddit, adopts the language of frequent posters **and, thus, poor Ziaire Williams catches a stray**…
**• On JJJ at the 5…**
It was interesting that he clarified this notion in the context of playoffs and small-ball. He —*as a proxy for the organization itself*— seems to be indicating that they see Trip as a small-ball 5 rather than a 5 generally speaking. Like, not a 5 like Stevo and not a 5 like Jokic or Wemby, Not a 5 like Embiid. Or Sabonis. But can be a 5 in small ball situations.
It was a diplomatic answer that doesn’t criticize Trip’s ability or in any way validate assessments of his FIBA play or whatever (*much like Stevo’s diplomatic answer about Trip rebounding, saying it was, instead, his job to rebound and Trip’s job to be the rim protector*).
**• On the message he wants to send to Jake and Z given these moves: “*****Pack your bags…*****”**
Okay, he didn’t say that. But let’s examine what he also **did not say** in terms of what he ***did*** say about other people.
On GG & Vince, he called them **by name** and clarified that the organization saw them in terms of the long term success (*which should be a given since they signed them both to long term contracts* ***this*** *year*). Marcus Smart, same thing. He mentioned Brandon Clarke in those terms as well. He even said Luke was a great fit for the team. When it came to Jake and Z, though, he **didn’t** speak that way. He said he’s “*excited about what will transpire the rest of the way*” and that “*guys will have opportunities*” and “*nothing’s been ruled out*” and blah blah blah. That’s not exactly a ringing endorsement of their place on the team. I’m reminded of how after the rumors about what they (*didn’t*) say about not resigning Brooks came out, he didn’t give a full-throated statement about Dillon Brooks **definitely** being a part of the long terms success of the club. In hindsight, it’s clear why.
So it’s not “*Yeah, we’re going to trade them…*” but if I was either one of them, I would **NOT** get comfortable. Maybe hold off on buying that condo overlooking the river.
**• On the opportunity with the draft…**
He did sort of keep all possibilities open whether it be drafting, trading the pick, trading more players. But it was notable that he said that in terms of “*We have a unique opportunity with our young core coming back to get this pick, wherever it is…*” which, if nothing else, clarifies that the organization is cognizant of the fact that a team with players this good wouldn’t usually have the opportunity to get a lottery pick.
He didn’t telegraph that trading that pick is off the table but it’s hard to think the organization **wants** to give it up. Perhaps it would be a key component of a summertime trade for some established big but I think that the chance to sign a young, talented newcomer who would be alongside GG and Vince in next version of this team (*when Des’s and JJJ’s contracts expire; Ja, it seems, is very committed to staying with Memphis long term but whether the other two will remains to be seen*) is one the organization would jump on.
He answered my questions, so I’m happy. The people I want to stay look like they are staying, the people I want gone are gonna be gone pretty much (Z and Jake) and he’s said that we pretty much aren’t too certain on our pick for next draft, which I’m happy with because it means we could trade it or we could try and get sarr, I more hope we trade it though. The only way we get Sarr is if we land 1st or 2nd pretty much. The only other questions I wanted answered were about Santi and jitty in if they are long-term or trade assets depending on the situation. I hope we trade them personally. Other than that, I’m happy.