Cho On Pain And Patience Of Rebuilding

[Proudiddy]

He basically says it himself here... For those of you with optimism and hope for some immediate results, we're looking at 2 more horrible years.

http://blogs.charlotte.com/inside_the_nba/2012/02/bobcats-general-manger-rich-cho-on-pain-and-patience-of-rebuilding.html


Rod Higgins and Rich Cho, the Charlotte Bobcats’ top two player-personnel executives, say the 4-28 record at All-Star break won’t change their plan: There won’t be some panic move that eats up major salary-cap space or bargains away assets for a quick-fix.

If you’re wondering why they wouldn’t panic, Cho offers a good answer: Because he’s been there, in a remarkably similar circumstance, when he was No. 2 in the front office of the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Let him describe, harkening back to the summer of 2007:

“OKC has the best record in the league right now, but people forget how hard it was when we started out that first year of the rebuild. There are a lot of parallels’’ between that and the Bobcats now, Cho described Wednesday.

“We traded Ray Allen (to Boston) and drafted Kevin Durant and Jeff Green. People forget we won only 20 games that year. We had a 14-game losing streak, an 11-game losing streak and an eight-game losing streak. We started out the season 9-36.

“So we go back into the lottery and draft (Russell) Westbrook. And we start out 3-29. We have another 14-game losing streak and an eight-game losing streak and a seven-game losing streak. Wind up the season 23-59.

“So we go back into the lottery and draft James Harden. There’s a whole process and it’s not easy going through this process.’’

Cho’s point: Without a plan and the patience and conviction to stick to it, the Bobcats won’t get markedly better. That plan is about drafting wisely, managing the salary cap and looking for
trades that add draft picks or young prospects.

“Rod and I are definitely on the same page as far as where we are with the team,’’ Cho said. “We’re fortunate to have an owner who is very supportive and on the same page. It’s not easy going through it, but that’s part of the process.’’

What about the criticism in the short run?

“If you don’t have a thick skin, you shouldn’t be in the business,’’ Cho replied.

Much more from Higgins and Cho in Sunday’s Observer about the season so far, coach Paul Silas’s job security, Tyrus Thomas’s struggles and how realistic is it that a big-name free agent would choose to sign with the Bobcats?

[SWedd523]

My favorite three people associated with the franchise:


1. MJ
2. Bismack
3. Cho



Without a plan and the patience and conviction to stick to it, the Bobcats won’t get markedly better.
Absolutely, 100% correct. Many fans need to realize that

[Pepperz]

Its going to suck going thru all of this but its worth it in the end (2 years from now). If we dont get cheated out of the draft, we will take Davis with the 1st pick. That is going to set up an interior D that is going to terrorized teams for a LONG LONG time. Pretty much force them into becoming jump shooting teams. Get that offensive weapon to go along side Kemba and we are set for those title runs.

Viva El Cho!!!

[Plowright]

This is just what i have been saying all year. It's the OKC mold that we are going for.

[Chef]

This is just what i have been saying all year. It's the OKC mold that we are going for.

now we just have to pray that there is a durant and westbrook type player in these drafts AND they end up on the cats. that is a alot to ask for. just saying. it may take more than a few years.

[spectre]

Its going to suck going thru all of this but its worth it in the end (2 years from now). If we dont get cheated out of the draft, we will take Davis with the 1st pick. That is going to set up an interior D that is going to terrorized teams for a LONG LONG time. Pretty much force them into becoming jump shooting teams. Get that offensive weapon to go along side Kemba and we are set for those title runs.

Viva El Cho!!!

I agree with everything...but just remember we went thru this exact same thing only 6-8 years ago. This time however we have a guy in Cho who might possibly have a clue on how to build the right way.

Old hat to us. Piece of cake.

[dav7z]

I agree with Cho but i thought we was futher along than we are . I was thinking in 2013 we was going to start on a up swing . But i guess we shouldn't expect to return to the playoffs til about 2015 . The way im hearing we going to be bottom feeding in 2012 and #13 I havn't even thought about the #13 draft , Have no idea of how good its going to be. We may as well keep all thease bad contracts [TT] and just continue to draft. I could see why DJ wants out . Isn't he all ready about 26. By the time we get good hes going to be in his late prime.

[Mustachio]

I agree with Cho but i thought we was futher along than we are . I was thinking in 2013 we was going to start on a up swing . But i guess we shouldn't expect to return to the playoffs til about 2015 . The way im hearing we going to be bottom feeding in 2012 and #13 I havn't even thought about the #13 draft , Have no idea of how good its going to be. We may as well keep all thease bad contracts [TT] and just continue to draft. I could see why DJ wants out . Isn't he all ready about 26. By the time we get good hes going to be in his late prime.

Yep, this is why I say that DJ isn't part of our process. He has hit his ceiling it appears and we wont be relevant until 2014.

I am glad that the front office is finally coming out and acknowledging what most of us knew. I hate arguing with someone about how bad the Bobcats are when they refuse to understand what tanking is and how it usually works.

At the game people screaming at me because we get beat by 20 and I'm still happy cause Kemba had 8 assist and Bis gets 8 blocks. At this point, I just go to monitor their development.

[Proudiddy]

Its going to suck going thru all of this but its worth it in the end (2 years from now). If we dont get cheated out of the draft, we will take Davis with the 1st pick. That is going to set up an interior D that is going to terrorized teams for a LONG LONG time. Pretty much force them into becoming jump shooting teams. Get that offensive weapon to go along side Kemba and we are set for those title runs.

Viva El Cho!!!

But, see here is the problem with being us... How come the years we suck bad enough to get a Top 5 talent, there is no Durant, Westbrook, or (name of a proven scorer here)... The best player everyone's talking about at #1 is Anthony Davis. Dude is a beast on defense, but historically, we've sucked on offense. We will not win games unless we find a go-to scorer. OKC got two of them. Kemba could end up being that guy, but he's got to get his FG% up a little...

I just don't feel like the guys available this coming draft are anything like a Durant or Westbrook. Davis seems like he'll be a solid defender, but will even take time to grow into that because if he turns sideways you can't see him. Dude is a stick figure. He will NOT be Dwight Howard, or anything close to it.

We need a scorer.

[Mustachio]

But, see here is the problem with being us... How come the years we suck bad enough to get a Top 5 talent, there is no Durant, Westbrook, or (name of a proven scorer here)... The best player everyone's talking about at #1 is Anthony Davis. Dude is a beast on defense, but historically, we've sucked on offense. We will not win games unless we find a go-to scorer. OKC got two of them. Kemba could end up being that guy, but he's got to get his FG% up a little...

I just don't feel like the guys available this coming draft are anything like a Durant or Westbrook. Davis seems like he'll be a solid defender, but will even take time to grow into that because if he turns sideways you can't see him. Dude is a stick figure. He will NOT be Dwight Howard, or anything close to it.

We need a scorer.

i generally agree with this. But Davis is good enough at defense that it makes him worth the pick. But you are right... dude has zero offensive game. Thats why I think Barnes might be the better pick for us. I don't think Davis will gain as much as everyone likes to say either. I see more Zo/Camby than Howard/Shaq (nothing to smirk at but not a dominant player)

I'm not so worried about it. Picking in the top 3 will give us a solid player. Thats the point of this whole tanking deal, acquire solid assets.

[superb1]

I agree with Cho but i thought we was futher along than we are . I was thinking in 2013 we was going to start on a up swing . But i guess we shouldn't expect to return to the playoffs til about 2015 . The way im hearing we going to be bottom feeding in 2012 and #13 I havn't even thought about the #13 draft , Have no idea of how good its going to be. We may as well keep all thease bad contracts [TT] and just continue to draft. I could see why DJ wants out . Isn't he all ready about 26. By the time we get good hes going to be in his late prime.

Wow, I did not think of that in our plans and even players we have now maybe be reaching if not reached their prime. I was wanting us to keep DJA if he wants to be here, but he may want out eventually anyway.

I saw this article earlier and was rest assured what many loyal fans knew without having to say a word.

Also maybe next year we could get two picks next year too.

[adam187]

A lot of you are saying we need to get lucky in the draft (very true), but OKC made very wise drafting decisions especially in regards to their picks after Durant. Both Westbrook and Harden were considered kind of unconventional and questioned at the time, sometimes even questioned today, but they blossomed. I think a lot of that has to do with OKC's commitment to player development, something I don't know if I've ever seen the Bobcats really have. It sounds like Cho knows that developing the talent is just as important as drafting it and is very focused on getting the right guys with the right mindsets. I can only hope the organization as a whole is as committed as it must be for this rebuild to be a success.

Here's a great article on the Thunder, something that gave me a lot of hope, especially knowing how involved Cho must have been with that process (it's a lot more than just advanced statistics, despite the title): http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/7599274/nba-oklahoma-city-thunder-become-legit-nba-contender-thanks-analytics-espn-magazine

[Pepperz]

I agree with everything...but just remember we went thru this exact same thing only 6-8 years ago. This time however we have a guy in Cho who might possibly have a clue on how to build the right way.

Old hat to us. Piece of cake.

Also being the new team on the block, we did draft a lot on gimmicks. The UNC duo. The Great White Failure, I mean Morrison. It seem liked we try to put people in the seat the wrong way. We as an organization had no clear direction. If we worried about building the team the right way, we wouldnt have been in this mess. Now that MJ has to put his money where his mouth is, he has smarten up a bit. I know this may sound crazy but Im glad that MJ made some of these kind of mistakes early in his career in the FO. I hope he learns from each and every one of these experience so we dont repeat them ever again. It reminds me of the E:60 documentary on MJ with his Motorsports team he owns. In the beginning, his team was not that good. It took him a couple of years but he learned about what he needed to do as a owner to build a winning product and he did. People can hate on MJ and joke the man all you want but in 5 to 10 years from now, people are going to look like fools for doubting this man.



But, see here is the problem with being us... How come the years we suck bad enough to get a Top 5 talent, there is no Durant, Westbrook, or (name of a proven scorer here)... The best player everyone's talking about at #1 is Anthony Davis. Dude is a beast on defense, but historically, we've sucked on offense. We will not win games unless we find a go-to scorer. OKC got two of them. Kemba could end up being that guy, but he's got to get his FG% up a little...

I just don't feel like the guys available this coming draft are anything like a Durant or Westbrook. Davis seems like he'll be a solid defender, but will even take time to grow into that because if he turns sideways you can't see him. Dude is a stick figure. He will NOT be Dwight Howard, or anything close to it.

We need a scorer.

I agree we need a scorer but defense wins titles more so then offense. Dwight was not that big coming into the league either. He was very skinny himself but with the right work ethic, he changed that. Give Davis some time and you will see him bulk up some. Also, he hasnt been that big for long. He grew those 8 inches in senior year if im correct. Give the man some time and he will develop and respectable offensive game. But really, its that D that really intrigues me. We also didnt try to develop talent that much either. Its not completely just about drafting a guy and hoping he turns out to be great but you have to build the right environment for the person too. In order to be a great organization, it starts from the top. We have to install that into the front office and I hope we did that with Cho.

[dav7z]

A lot of you are saying we need to get lucky in the draft (very true), but OKC made very wise drafting decisions especially in regards to their picks after Durant. Both Westbrook and Harden were considered kind of unconventional and questioned at the time, sometimes even questioned today, but they blossomed. I think a lot of that has to do with OKC's commitment to player development, something I don't know if I've ever seen the Bobcats really have. It sounds like Cho knows that developing the talent is just as important as drafting it and is very focused on getting the right guys with the right mindsets. I can only hope the organization as a whole is as committed as it must be for this rebuild to be a success.

Here's a great article on the Thunder, something that gave me a lot of hope, especially knowing how involved Cho must have been with that process (it's a lot more than just advanced statistics, despite the title): http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/7599274/nba-oklahoma-city-thunder-become-legit-nba-contender-thanks-analytics-espn-magazine

Cho was the one who really wanted SMACK .. I see a lot of the traits in SMACK thets in the artical . Work ethic, First in last out of the gym. In interviews all ways putting team first , A vocal leader attitude. I see the Cho effect in that draft pick. If Cho is making the desisions on talent . I could see us making the unpopular choice in the draft picks such as picking a Barnes over a Davis . Because hes putting a puzzle toghter . We are just looking at a player . Im sure hes going to make a few moves thets unpopular but after reading that artical . Its going to be hard to question any of his moves for the next few seasons.

[Dcarnys]

Cho is the best thing to happen to this team. I can't wait to see how the future pans out.

[bes628]

I don't like that guy. Just something about him that pisses me off when I look at him or read/hear his name. He's strike me as a guy who's never played basketball and is a math geek.

[MadBOBCATfanUK]

Also being the new team on the block, we did draft a lot on gimmicks. The UNC duo. The Great White Failure, I mean Morrison. It seem liked we try to put people in the seat the wrong way. .

So no Harrison Barnes or the Zeller Brothers then ?

[MadBOBCATfanUK]

I don't like that guy. Just something about him that pisses me off when I look at him or read/hear his name. He's strike me as a guy who's never played basketball and is a math geek.
Having an analytical mind crosses many barriers I mean look at moneyball

[anton273]

I love the situation we are in, much more exciting than following Houston or Atlanta who are stuck at being 6-8th seeds n never gunna make it further unless they start over again!

Least we are all positive and looking to the future!

Any word on a new coach next year?

[MadBOBCATfanUK]

I love the situation we are in, much more exciting than following Houston or Atlanta who are stuck at being 6-8th seeds n never gunna make it further unless they start over again!

Least we are all positive and looking to the future!

Any word on a new coach next year?
Apparently Silas Snr might retire and let his son Silas junior take over citing personal reasons

[dav7z]

I don't like that guy. Just something about him that pisses me off when I look at him or read/hear his name. He's strike me as a guy who's never played basketball and is a math geek.

He is a math geek . He basis his picks on analtics . Not just athletics though talent is factored in . Lets use TT . H e has all the abilitys but is a headcase . So with Cho thats factored in . See how he factored in Westbrook and Hadren. So if we pick say a Zeller 1st in the draft Cho has a reason . Its hard for some fans to accept but i love this approch. I could see Cho very esaly giveing NO the number#1 Pick for the 3rd and the 12th pick . With Cho wanting Barnes all along over Davis . Or Cho thinking is #3 and #12 is worth more than one . Useing analtics.

[dnbman]

The other thing to remember is that if Davis isn't a significant game changer right away, we're right back in the lottery to get that go-to scorer. Same for '13. As long as we don't commit to mediocrity by signing marginal players, we just keep drafting until we get that game changer. It's a frustrating process, but I agree we have to commit to it if we're going to be successful in the future.

[BETCATS]

Right now, we are not Thunder-esque. We dont have a Durant or Westbrook or even a Harden/Ibanka. Our best asset is Bismark (who I doubt will ever be the best player on any team he is on, I dont mean that in a negative way, it is just true) and Walker/DJA/Henderson seem like guys who also don't have what it takes to lead the team. Until we manage to get 2-3 more guys that at least have the potential that Bismark has, I do not think we can even consider the team to be in rebuilding mode; it's more like "sucking until we get the pieces to rebuild" mode.

[superb1]

Right now, we are not Thunder-esque. We dont have a Durant or Westbrook or even a Harden/Ibanka. Our best asset is Bismark (who I doubt will ever be the best player on any team he is on, I dont mean that in a negative way, it is just true) and Walker/DJA/Henderson seem like guys who also don't have what it takes to lead the team. Until we manage to get 2-3 more guys that at least have the potential that Bismark has, I do not think we can even consider the team to be in rebuilding mode; it's more like "sucking until we get the pieces to rebuild" mode.

part of rebuilding means demolition, leveling, re-framing, etc. We are not going to look like the final product.
in the mode we in, players we have may not be part of the final product or they may be used some other way. That is why we have assets, some more valuable than others, some valuable in as expiring contracts, role players to contending tems, etc. It is too early to say what we will turn out to be but it is too early to judge.

[bes628]

He is a math geek . He basis his picks on analtics . Not just athletics though talent is factored in . Lets use TT . H e has all the abilitys but is a headcase . So with Cho thats factored in . See how he factored in Westbrook and Hadren. So if we pick say a Zeller 1st in the draft Cho has a reason . Its hard for some fans to accept but i love this approch. I could see Cho very esaly giveing NO the number#1 Pick for the 3rd and the 12th pick . With Cho wanting Barnes all along over Davis . Or Cho thinking is #3 and #12 is worth more than one . Useing analtics.

See you lost me, cause TT to me is not athletic and possesses no skill at all. He wouldn't even be on my team this long.

[CarolinaBlue704]

i generally agree with this. But Davis is good enough at defense that it makes him worth the pick. But you are right... dude has zero offensive game. Thats why I think Barnes might be the better pick for us. I don't think Davis will gain as much as everyone likes to say either. I see more Zo/Camby than Howard/Shaq (nothing to smirk at but not a dominant player)

I'm not so worried about it. Picking in the top 3 will give us a solid player. Thats the point of this whole tanking deal, acquire solid assets.

I can agree with the Davis/Camby comparison. I, however, don't see any resemblance between Davis and Mourning. Zo was a consistent low post scorer who could get you 20 points a night. And was probably one of the strongest players in league history. At this point the only thing that Davis has in common with Mourning is shot blocking.

But I am leaning toward wanting the Bobcats to draft Davis if they have the opportunity to do so. Just as long as he waxes his unibrow.

[ND22]

See you lost me, cause TT to me is not athletic and possesses no skill at all. He wouldn't even be on my team this long.

I think at this point Cho doesn't want TT either, but there isn't an offer out there to move his 5yr $40 million dollar contract.

Let's use Biyombo as an example. Cho discovered him a few years ago and kept his eye on him. Cho's mindset: Biyombo is incredibly raw but has incredible strength and athleticism on top of an extremely high work ethic. With a few years of development, the investment will pay off.

So what if Cho has never played basketball, or comes off as a geek? We had the greatest basketball player of all time making one poor decision after another for years, relying on emotions rather than rational thought, forcing us into this situation. Cho's approach works for our team; I can't promise every decision he makes will turn into gold but his strategy is sound.

[adam187]

just thought i'd throw in another article here:

http://www.newsobserver.com/2012/02/25/1885273/charlotte-bobcats-president-rod.html#storylink=rss

has some interesting tidbits, i especially like the last couple of paragraphs.

[BETCATS]

part of rebuilding means demolition, leveling, re-framing, etc. We are not going to look like the final product.
in the mode we in, players we have may not be part of the final product or they may be used some other way. That is why we have assets, some more valuable than others, some valuable in as expiring contracts, role players to contending tems, etc. It is too early to say what we will turn out to be but it is too early to judge.

OKC/Seattle went from Ray Allen and Rashard Lewis straight to Durant and Green after they saw the team wasnt going to do anything anymore. That was the core. They always had positive veterans in the locker room telling the young guys not to give up. Then they drafted Westbrook. They got Thabo and Eric Maynor through trades. They drafted Harden. They exchange the role players they need for similar types of players. They saw they needed size to beat the Lakers/Mavs and Green pretty much reached his potential so they brought Perkins in.

We do not have a core. We went from Wallace and Jackson to Bismark and cap space. Nobody else has proven they can be a part of something we are building around because their is no consistency. Mullens, DJ White, and UPS are good bench pieces for any team but that is about it. In addition the attitude of the front office seems to have all the players expressing in interviews they have no idea what is happening. That is not a positive environment because everyone in our starting lineup knows they might not be here for the long haul.

If we are like any other team it is the Wizards. They went from Gilbert/Jamison/Hughes to pretty much nothing for a bit. Now they have John Wall but the team still sucks. I'm worried we will end up like them unless something drastic happens.

[dav7z]

See you lost me, cause TT to me is not athletic and possesses no skill at all. He wouldn't even be on my team this long.

TT has tons of raw ability . But Cho would have never wanted him in Charlotte. 1,Hes not consistant, 2 Hes a head case., 3 He gets lost in games . TT is a Higgins sign another one i wish was gone yesterday. But Cho isn't going to take on more salery to move him . Cho will either cut him , Let his contract run out ,or trade him for a good player with a favorable contract . The days of signing vetran crap are gone as far as Cho is concerned.

[dnbman]

If we are like any other team it is the Wizards. They went from Gilbert/Jamison/Hughes to pretty much nothing for a bit. Now they have John Wall but the team still sucks. I'm worried we will end up like them unless something drastic happens.

I understand the concern, but I think you're overstating what the Sonics used to get their pieces. Yeah, Ray Allen was traded for Green (and Green didn't really pan out for them very well), but Lewis was traded for a second round pick and a trade exception. They did a lot of smart things to acquire young talent and then paid for inexpensive veterans that could help the team.

What this whole strategy really relies on is getting the right young talent, which Cho seems pretty good at.

[BETCATS]

I understand the concern, but I think you're overstating what the Sonics used to get their pieces. Yeah, Ray Allen was traded for Green (and Green didn't really pan out for them very well), but Lewis was traded for a second round pick and a trade exception. They did a lot of smart things to acquire young talent and then paid for inexpensive veterans that could help the team.

What this whole strategy really relies on is getting the right young talent, which Cho seems pretty good at.

I mean, Jeff Green was the perfect player to put next to Durant. They complimented each other really well and it helped Durant develop as a player. I would argue he and KD had the same type of chemistry Oakley and MJ had. They wouldn't have traded him unless it was a move that would put them over the top in the West, which Perkins might do.
My point is, collecting young players without a core doesn't mean much of anything. Look at Washington or NJ after Kidd/RJ/Vince. Look how long it has taken Golden State since Davis/Jackson/Richardson. Right now we don't have a core although I think if anyone can find it, it will be Cho. The Jackson trade was good, as was getting Mullens. I just don't know what comes next and I'm not sure anyone in the draft is going to be better than anything we currently have.

[SWedd523]

Of course we aren't going to look like the Thunder. It took them three years of sucking (07--Durant/Green, 08--Westbrook, 09--Harden) PLUS one year of figuring out the playoffs before becoming a contender.


We're in the first full year of a rebuild and our fans are acting like the world is going to end. You don't just start with a core. You have to spend multiple years building it. Last year was the tear down phase. Kemba and Bismack started the new "core". They need time

[BETCATS]

Kemba and Bismack started the new "core". They need time
He may prove me wrong, but so far I do not see Kemba turning into a starter for a top NBA team.

[SWedd523]

He may prove me wrong, but so far I do not see Kemba turning into a starter for a top NBA team.

Whether that's true or not, they are the players that mark the beginning of a new core.

[dav7z]

KEMBA proving not to be a starter ??



Don't know if its true but heard Kemba was a MJ pick while SMACK was a Cho pick.
Though i think Kemba gets it,, and after two more years will be much better than DJ. What part of his game keeps you from thinking he won't become a starter . Kid has all ready had a tripple dobble. Hes shooting 45% the last few games and his assist has been jumping to about 5 per game. His numbers seem to get better each game . He plays better defence than DJ right now . Hes posting the 2nd highest point average on the team . I just feel its way to early to box him into a 6th man role after just 33 games ,. Did you expect him to post all star numbers ?

With that said i still think DJ has become a solid point . And his game has showed much inprovment this season.

[Mustachio]

KEMBA proving not to be a starter ??



Don't know if its true but heard Kemba was a MJ pick while SMACK was a Cho pick.
Though i think Kemba gets it,, and after two more years will be much better than DJ. What part of his game keeps you from thinking he won't become a starter . Kid has all ready had a tripple dobble. Hes shooting 45% the last few games and his assist has been jumping to about 5 per game. His numbers seem to get better each game . He plays better defence than DJ right now . Hes posting the 2nd highest point average on the team . I just feel its way to early to box him into a 6th man role after just 33 games ,. Did you expect him to post all star numbers ?

With that said i still think DJ has become a solid point . And his game has showed much inprovment this season.


I totally agree. Kemba Walker >>>>>>> than DJ Augustine at the same point in their careers. It seems incredibly short sighted to acknowledge DJ has become a starting point guard, but to write off Kemba after 30 games.


and having Cho in the front office for his analytical mind, paired with Jordan's knowledge of basketball seems like a perfect fit. Anyone who questions Cho's ability based on his looks or love of math is an idiot.

[Toocool]

Cho is like Nandos chicken. Proven to be bloody good.
The trend for scouts now is not only to look at how good the player is via tape+eye witness, but also look into his stats and heavy maths of their playstyle.
How does he do coming off more than one dribble and pulling up. Where does he take the majority of his shots. What is his ceiling analysing his athletic results compared to other athletic beasts.

And writing off Kemba in his first season? Please. If anything he's finally starting to get it

[spectre]

Cho is like Nandos chicken. Proven to be bloody good.
The trend for scouts now is not only to look at how good the player is via tape+eye witness, but also look into his stats and heavy maths of their playstyle.
How does he do coming off more than one dribble and pulling up. Where does he take the majority of his shots. What is his ceiling analysing his athletic results compared to other athletic beasts.

And writing off Kemba in his first season? Please. If anything he's finally starting to get it

Yeah I don't get it. Kemba's been thrown into one of the worst situations he could have been in and he's actually started showing some very good progress. I started out with blind faith for both he and Smack and I think it's becoming justified...yet some still want to ignore the progress being made for unknown reasons.

He's certainly progressed better in a shorter amount of time than either of his 2 predecessors at the same position.

Totally agree on Cho (tho I don't know about the chicken!). Compared to the previous strategy of "Spin the Bottle" and "Which number did you draw out of the hat" I find it and him damn refreshing.

[bes628]

Kemba's pretty legit. He proved he can play amongst his own peers. Once he gets a more consistent jumper then he should take off.

[Demon DeaCat]

I have faith in Cho and I appreciate the systematic approach he brings to personnel decisions, but I also think this whole "OKC model" thing is a bit overblown. Kevin Durant is arguably the best player in the league, and if not the best, he's certainly among the top 2 or 3. A player like that changes the entire trajectory of a franchise, and acquiring him had very little to do with strategy. OKC got lucky that Portland took Oden and he basically fell into their lap. Now some of the other moves they've made have certainly helped them become a contender, but those other moves don't amount to much if you take Durant out of the equation. More than anything else they were lucky. We've made plenty of stupid moves that have been well-documented, but we've also been pretty unlucky. When we had the #2 pick the BPA was Okafor. Even if we get the #1 pick this year, it's Davis, who I would agree doesn't project to be a Durant type star. As brilliant and analytical as Cho might be, we're going to have to get lucky at some point in order to turn this ship around.

[bes628]

I have faith in Cho and I appreciate the systematic approach he brings to personnel decisions, but I also think this whole "OKC model" thing is a bit overblown. Kevin Durant is arguably the best player in the league, and if not the best, he's certainly among the top 2 or 3. A player like that changes the entire trajectory of a franchise, and acquiring him had very little to do with strategy. OKC got lucky that Portland took Oden and he basically fell into their lap. Now some of the other moves they've made have certainly helped them become a contender, but those other moves don't amount to much if you take Durant out of the equation. More than anything else they were lucky. We've made plenty of stupid moves that have been well-documented, but we've also been pretty unlucky. When we had the #2 pick the BPA was Okafor. Even if we get the #1 pick this year, it's Davis, who I would agree doesn't project to be a Durant type star. As brilliant and analytical as Cho might be, we're going to have to get lucky at some point in order to turn this ship around.

Pretty much.

[dnbman]

I have faith in Cho and I appreciate the systematic approach he brings to personnel decisions, but I also think this whole "OKC model" thing is a bit overblown. Kevin Durant is arguably the best player in the league, and if not the best, he's certainly among the top 2 or 3. A player like that changes the entire trajectory of a franchise, and acquiring him had very little to do with strategy. OKC got lucky that Portland took Oden and he basically fell into their lap. Now some of the other moves they've made have certainly helped them become a contender, but those other moves don't amount to much if you take Durant out of the equation. More than anything else they were lucky. We've made plenty of stupid moves that have been well-documented, but we've also been pretty unlucky. When we had the #2 pick the BPA was Okafor. Even if we get the #1 pick this year, it's Davis, who I would agree doesn't project to be a Durant type star. As brilliant and analytical as Cho might be, we're going to have to get lucky at some point in order to turn this ship around.

I don't think we have to land a Durant to be a great team. If we have a couple of great players, play great defense, and out hustle other teams, we can compete. Bottom line, if you can't get that start via free agency, you have to draft or trade for him. You're not likely to trade or draft him unless you have a high draft pick or assets.

[Toocool]

Totally agree on Cho (tho I don't know about the chicken!).

Where's my soap and water...

[BlockParty]

I have faith in Cho and I appreciate the systematic approach he brings to personnel decisions, but I also think this whole "OKC model" thing is a bit overblown. Kevin Durant is arguably the best player in the league, and if not the best, he's certainly among the top 2 or 3. A player like that changes the entire trajectory of a franchise, and acquiring him had very little to do with strategy. OKC got lucky that Portland took Oden and he basically fell into their lap. Now some of the other moves they've made have certainly helped them become a contender, but those other moves don't amount to much if you take Durant out of the equation. More than anything else they were lucky. We've made plenty of stupid moves that have been well-documented, but we've also been pretty unlucky. When we had the #2 pick the BPA was Okafor. Even if we get the #1 pick this year, it's Davis, who I would agree doesn't project to be a Durant type star. As brilliant and analytical as Cho might be, we're going to have to get lucky at some point in order to turn this ship around.

I agree, the Durant pick doesn't warrant credit to Cho, but his involvement in stock piling young talent, draft picks and avoiding any monumental FA screw-up signings allowed OKC to prosper under Durant and most importantly, allowed them to retain Durant on a Max deal WHILE retaining the core pieces around Durant. That is why it's so important for Cho and MJ to remain patient, stay the course, drown out the negative vibes from media, fans and other NBA GMs.

Pure Luck is involved, we have a 75% chance of not getting the top pick...but we have to have a solid plan and foundation moving forward, especially including 2nd round draft selections, free agent selections and trades. Cho greatly increases our chances of making the best of these opportunities.

[Scottley Crue]

I agree, the Durant pick doesn't warrant credit to Cho, but his involvement in stock piling young talent, draft picks and avoiding any monumental FA screw-up signings allowed OKC to prosper under Durant and most importantly, allowed them to retain Durant on a Max deal WHILE retaining the core pieces around Durant. That is why it's so important for Cho and MJ to remain patient, stay the course, drown out the negative vibes from media, fans and other NBA GMs.

Pure Luck is involved, we have a 75% chance of not getting the top pick...but we have to have a solid plan and foundation moving forward, especially including 2nd round draft selections, free agent selections and trades. Cho greatly increases our chances of making the best of these opportunities.

Agreed wholeheartedly. The ping-pong balls will do whatever they'll do; we have no control over that once the season's over. However, there are plenty of things that are in our control that can make us a long-term winning/contending team. Having salary flexibility is key (especially with this new CBA...I think it'll be more important than ever) to obtaining and then keeping those who make up a successful core. I am thrilled that Cho is here to help that happen because he can clearly set the table for sustained success.