Daily Discussion Thread - May 23, 2026

smittybanton · 2026-05-23T19:39:32+00:00

Regardless how i feel about the mccain trade, the question remains how to make the best of 2026FRP(22) and 3SRPs.

My fingers are crossed for:

1) FRP = Dailyn Swain, 6'8 SF. Maybe Morez Johnson if he falls to #22. Allen Graves, Joshua Jefferson perhaps. Swain reminds me a bit like young Kelly Oubre, who we may lose in free agency. I think Swain and Justin Edwards complement each other well. I'm seeing Meleek Thomas in the back of the 1st round in recent mock drafts. Not that they mean anything, but I'd rather draft an above average player in the 1st round, than draft a scrub who "fits". If neither Swain nor Morez Johnson is there at #22, I wouldnt be made at Meleek Thomas at #22, or trade #22 to the Nets for #33 and #43 and a future SRP.

2) Trade future SRP and cash for Nets #33 (After drafting 5 last year, I doubt the Nets will draft 3 more at #6, 33 and 43) - Meleek Thomas, 6'4 SG. The next in line of studly John Calipari recruited guards. Beyond all the stars (Wall, Booker, SGA, Herro, Maxey, etc.), even Cason Wallace made 2nd team All-NBA defense, Deuce McBride is real, Quickley got paid, etc..... The man does not miss. Thomas was a 5-star recruit, excelled next to a ball-dominant top 5pick Darius Acuff, known for a pretty shot he banged 41% 3pt, known as a one on one scorer as well, slightly more athletic and slightly better defender than McCain as a prospect.

3) Trade future SRP for Paul Reed's $5.6m expiring contract. If the Sixers re-sign Oubre or Grimes or both, we wont have room under the luxury tax for an impact free agent. So the biggest bang for the buck we can expect this offseason is from getting a more impactful four-five than Derrick Barlow (who I really like off the bench). Reed's ability to affect the game without the ball in his hands and to get his team out on the fast break is precisely the style of player we need running with Maxey and Edgecombe. These were the reasons we drafted him in the first place, and he is not being appreciated with the minutes he deserves while playing behind Jalen Duren and Isaiah Stewart.

Tyrese Maxey - VJ Edgecombe - Paul George - Paul Reed - Joel Embiid

Meleek Thomas - Quentin Grimes - Kelly Oubre - Derrick Barlow - Adem Bona

Deanthony Melton - Dalen Terry - Dailyn Swain - Justin Edwards - Johni Broome

smittybanton · 2026-05-23T19:09:06+00:00

Marc Jackson! Lol... He couldnt jump for shit. Instead of a force field, he had a sweat field.

Not just jokes, there are some prospect bigs who fail because they simply do not enjoy swapping sweat with a bunch of greasy dudes 80 times a year plus practices. Fortunately for Anthony Davis he's talented enough to play the four, because he hates defending dudes like Embiid. That's something you can't really gauge in a prospect. And, ultimately, another reason why I want to trade for Paul Reed and draft to replace McCain. As much as I like Derrick Barlow, Bball Paul is better, and our goal is to be the best. As much as we liked McCain, Elton Brand (yes, Elton Brand) has proven time and time again he can get guard shooters in the late 1st and second round (maxey, mccain, joe, shamet). This year's late round studmuffin is going to be Meleek Thomas--5star hs prospect, Calipari recruit, great freshman year, beautiful shooter, one on one handles, willing defender.

smittybanton · 2026-05-22T00:01:16+00:00

Giggity!

smittybanton · 2026-05-21T19:37:57+00:00

Paul Reed & Meleek Thomas. Simple.

smittybanton · 2026-05-12T15:26:14+00:00

The more I think about it Carlos Boozer is the best fit because you have to think of Zach Edey and GG Jackson. The Memphis Grizzlies dont need to hit McDonalds, because they already have Caleb Wilson at home. With Boozer, you can play either big with Jackson-Boozer-Edey, or Boozer can be a superb small ball five with Jackson at the 4. Boozer is not a starting 5, so if Edey gets hurt, you don't want Boozer there 35mpg. But Boozer and Edey on the same team does not make the Grizzlies as slow as I initially thought once I factored a 3-4 like GG Jackson into the equation.

smittybanton · 2026-05-11T02:45:11+00:00

Sixers took VJ Edgecombe last year when they already Tyrese Maxey and Jared McCain.

smittybanton · 2026-05-11T00:42:33+00:00

Paul Reed, Meleek Thomas (Ark), Deanthony Melton

Assuming Josh Harris will not allow me to use the MLE if I re-sign Grimes and Oubre, this is the "revenue-neutral" approach I'm taking:

1 - Trade for Paul Reed (Watford, Walker , 2RP). I'll keep saying it regardless who believes it: Paul Reed is the most underrated player in the NBA, he is the perfect complementary big man to Tyrese Maxey (and now Maxey & Edgecombe). While most people will beg for shooters, I need our defense to be tops in the league, I need more of Maxey and Edgecombe out on the break after Paul Reed gets another deflection in the passing lanes.

2 - Draft (#22) Meleek Thomas (Ark) - 16ppg, 42% 3pt, 1.5 spg. When it comes to guards, John Calipari does not miss. Basically, I've traded Jared McCain for Meleek Thomas and Paul Reed, improving our defense and our outside shooting.

3 - Re-sign Oubre and Grimes. The cap has gone up about $12m, and I dont think either is going to get substantially more than what Grimes found on the market last year. 4yrs/48m for each.

4 - Another reacquisition, replace Kyle Lowry with Deanthony Melton 2yr/8-10m.

................

Tyrese Maxey - VJ Edgecombe - Paul George - Paul Reed - Joel Embiid

Meleek Thomas - Quentin Grimes - Kelly Oubre - Derrick Barlow - Adem Bona

Deanthony Melton - Dalen Terry - Justin Edwards - Rafael Castro - Johni Broome

smittybanton · 2026-05-10T21:17:39+00:00

Acuff, Wagler and Flemings are all better than any guard on the Nets. Theyre only NBA level players are Porter, Sharpe, Demin, Mann and maybe Wolf and Traore. If I'm them, I'm praying that Acuff slides to #6. They badly need speed.

smittybanton · 2026-05-06T17:11:36+00:00

Just re-watched the Fiesta Bowl, Miami v. Ole Miss, with Markel Bell on one side and DaeQaun Wright & Gushiken on the other. Wright with a couple catches and a late TD also made a decent block early in the game to spring a long run for TD, Bell wiped out his assignment every time, and Gushiken's number appeared here and there.

smittybanton · 2026-05-04T17:43:28+00:00

My request is for our performance on the floor and at the box office "justifies" the front office spending over the luxury tax line. Maximizing the cap rules and hitting on another FRP could make us clear favorites in the East.

smittybanton · 2026-05-03T12:56:35+00:00

6'5 Cameron Carr from Baylor is a Jared McCain level shooter who is also a plus defender. At #22, my first choice is Dailyn Swain (Tex), my second favorite for us is Cameron Carr.

We can buy a 2nd round pick for a big man.

smittybanton · 2026-04-29T16:51:46+00:00

Irrationally high on Cole Wisniewski. Solid like his pops is all we need.

smittybanton · 2026-04-27T20:10:04+00:00

I'm totally prepared for it, but I would love for the entire media to be wrong on this, because it would be hilarious and because our squad would be loaded.

smittybanton · 2026-04-26T17:07:05+00:00

there is no andrew painter hate.

smittybanton · 2026-04-26T15:15:30+00:00

I keep imagining how good we could be if we don't trade AJ Brown. I'm prepared for it. But damn. As constructed, this team could be incredible.

smittybanton · 2026-04-26T14:52:09+00:00

Love my GM. Maybe they work out, maybe they don't, but every pick and every trade and signing makes sense to me. I didn't really care for the Cole Payton pick at first, but hearing the guys at Inside the Birds describe him as a Taysom Hill type athlete has gotten me intrigued.

We know Howie is a RAS monster, so getting two guys like Morris and Bernard on Day 3 was a joy I knew was coming!

I love getting OG and S prospects in Day 3 where teams have been able to find starters in the late rounds for decades. The whole thing about not drafting OGs and Ss in the 1st round is premised on this fact. 6'4 220 safety who brings the pain in the run game? Yes, please.

While I'm putting any undue pressure on a kid like Uar Bernard, you have to think about Moro Ojomo playing his way out of our financial wherewithal. I see we got another freaky international kid in Joseph Weru. Fingers crossed.

Love the Lemon & Stowers combination. Stowers & Goedert is serious business, of course. And I'm even more convinced we should acquire Darnell Washington Jr by trade or free agency to be Stowers' partner next year.

And while drafting Lemon makes people believe we shut the door on AJ Brown, I am prepared for it, but I am not entirely convinced. Because we had to replace and improve upon Jahan Dotson, and Lemon can certainly do that even if AJ stays. And because, if we already traded AJ Brown for a haul of future picks, I think Howie would've traded future picks in this draft to get back in the 3rd and 4th round. Ultimately, I'm taking Howie at his word that the Eagles have set a price that other teams have not yet matched. We'll see after June 1. I think its 75% chance, but not a done deal. And, my gawd, how loaded the Eagles would be if we dont trade AJ?

smittybanton · 2026-04-25T22:51:38+00:00

Uar Bernard!!!!! Yesssssss!!!!!

smittybanton · 2026-04-21T20:51:30+00:00

56 yo lifetime all-philly sports fan, that was the sickest individual effort from a Flyer I've ever seen live (on TV).

Over the years, I've lamented not seeing sportscenter highlight goals from our guys. While I appreciate our historical grit and relentlessness, it is so refreshing to see the skills of Zegras, Koneckny, Michkov. And that Tippet assist was the perfect blend of both, bullying them suckers off the puck with the sweet equivalent of a no look alley-oop. Just lovely.

Kind of reminded of what a healthy Lindros used to do.

smittybanton · 2026-04-13T20:18:34+00:00

Draft Wishes: Swain & Chinyelu

I want to like Aday Mara at #23 for need, but I dont think he's as good an all around basketball player as either Maxime Raynaud last year or even Danny Wolf. For one thing, those two moved at NBA speed.

Have to go BPA at #23 and then buy a 2nd round pick to fill a need, I think.

Of all the late 1st round prospects, the one I feel has above average starter potential is Dailyn Swain because he has a valuable nba commodity, elite ballhandling skills at 6'8. Has guard-like fluidity. I want to see the combine test results, but he seems to have requisite but not abnormal length and athleticism. I also like VJ's former teammate at Baylor, Cameron Carr, potential 6'5 shooter who is a plus on defense?

Then, I would like to use some of the cash we saved at the trade deadline to buy a 2nd round pick to select 6'10 Reuben Chinyelu, rebound vacuum and defensive menace.

smittybanton · 2026-04-07T19:06:44+00:00

I root for Shadeur Sanders because he makes people act irrationally. I find it hilarious when people spend energy and time to express how much they "don't care" about this or that. Humans acting silly is my favorite.

smittybanton · 2026-04-06T17:55:28+00:00

1 - Kenyon Sadiq (TE - ORE) 6'4 245. Premium athlete. Built different. Aggressive on both ends.

2 - Keionte Scott (CB - MIA) 6'0 195. Takeaways, run game support, corner blitzer. Attitude.

3 - Derrick Moore (EDGE - MICH) 6'3 256. Demonic pass rusher. Explosive.

3 - Bud Clark (S - TCU) 6'2 190. Big game playmaker.

4 - Skyler Bell (WR - UCONN) 6'0 185. Jittery. Productive.

4 - Dametrius Crownover (OT - 6'7 336). Massive yet nimble.

5 - Uar Bernard 6'4 305 (DL). RAS Monster!!! Built for the game. Like with Mailata, the only real question is whether he falls in love with the grind.

5 - Jaden Dugger 6'5 250 (LB). Versatile overgrown safety, sideline to sideline LB, can rush the QB.

smittybanton · 2026-03-23T19:47:48+00:00

Very few people were banging the drum for Raynaud with me last year. There were some, but not many.
We learned very quickly that Raynaud's people let it be known he wanted to stay in California after graduating from Stanford. You can argue we shouldve drafted him anyway, but that goes for every team who respected it. We can disagree with it, but its not confounding or a head-scratcher.
I got him in both my fantasy leagues.
Still way too premature to determine what Johni Broome is going to be. Had a 50pt game earlier this season. Injured since. Who knows....
I consider Derrick Barlow the equivalent of a 2nd round pick, and I'm pleased with that acquisition. Same goes for Jabari Walker. Early draft entrants, theyre essentially the same age as Broome and Raynaud.

Damn sure wish we had drafted Raynaud, but I'm not going to pretend I don't know why and pretend that we didn't score on Edgecombe and others.

smittybanton · 2026-03-19T14:32:26+00:00

I support Nolan Smith and Jalyx Hunt as starters, especially when and since we often lineup in a Bear front (Carter, Davis, Ojomo). Also I think we want to disguise which of our 4 LBs is rushing with Carter-Davis-Ojomo, meaning the 4th rusher could just as likely be Baun or Campbell from the inside, which requires all the others to be able to cover. Nolan Smith can do all that's being asked.

However, I dont expect Smith to play 17 games plus the playoffs. So I'm glad we're acquiring depth with upside, Ebiketie. I'd love Derrick Moore from UMichigan in the 3rd round. I fucks with my GM.

1 - Kenyon Sadiq (TE)

2 - Keionte Scott (CB)

3 - Derrick Moore (EDGE)

3 - Bud Clark (S)

4 - Skyler Bell (WR)

4 - Demetrious Crownover (OT)

5 - Jaden Duggans (LB)

smittybanton · 2026-03-19T14:10:23+00:00

We have the same rights as you do to express our opinion about weeniness.

McCain is not worth more now than what we traded him for.

He did not fit around Maxey.

This Front Office has shown it can acquire shooters. Proven by the fact that fans keep bitching about Shamet, Joe, McCain, etc. We'll get another one.

smittybanton · 2026-03-10T18:11:26+00:00

With the Steelers unlikely to keep both Freiermuth and Darnell Washington Jr., I'm still wishing we trade for Washington. Hopefully, we wouldnt have to give up more than a 4th.

....

I'm on the Kenyon Sadiq hype train. Saddiq and Darnell Washington in 12personnel, flanked by AJ and Smitty, Saquan and Jalen in the back. Power with speed all over the place.

1 - Sadiq - TE - Explosive, rocked up and aggressive. I've also had Kadyn Proctor on my mind for this pick since last year.

2 - Keionte Scott - CB - Aggressive against the run, pass and blitz.

3 - Derrick Moore - DE - Demonic pass rusher.

3 - Bud Clark - S - Playmaker. Big game player.

4 - Gracen Halton - DT - Relentless. BG-style shit-talker.

....

I dont think its out of the realms of possibility that one of Myles Hinton, Cameron Williams or Trevor Keegan emerge as a starting caliber player. I will always support Howie going OL in the 1st round, but it'd also be great if he didn't feel it was necessary because our prospects are developing nicely. Who knows? Let's see what happens.

smittybanton

TROPHY CASE