The NBA Finals are about to start, but there are now 28 teams sitting at home with nothing to do but twiddle their thumbs, watch LeBron, and wait for next season to start.
For their sake, we wanted to look ahead with the next edition of the OFFSEASON BLUEPRINT series. In each, we'll preview some big decisions and make some recommendations for plans of attack along the way. Today, we're looking at the Phoenix Suns.
step one: don't underestimate the bubble boy
The idea that the NBA finished their season in a "bubble" made the whole exercise feel a little strange and surreal. There may be a tendency to write it off entirely. What happens in the bubble stays in the bubble. I mean, seriously, would Milwaukee get stomped in the playoffs in normal circumstances? Would some random ass team like the Phoenix Suns have gone 8-0 in the real world? Asterisks, all around!
Obviously, Phoenix isn't going to go 82-0 next year, but it'd be a mistake to dismiss their breakout as an abberation. They had shown stark improvement even prior to the bubble, rising up to mid pack in most advanced stats. That may not sound like anything to crow about, but that's a HUGE step up from last season (when they finished bottom 3 in SRS, bottom 3 in offense, and bottom 3 in defense.) No doubt, coach Monty Williams and PG Ricky Rubio helped provide some stability and professionalism that helped rise the tides all around them.
Moreover, Devin Booker proved that he's more the real deal than not. His raw stats were awesome as always -- 26.6 points per game and 6.5 assists -- but the hardcore stats are starting to back him up as well. He's putting up those scoring numbers with some real efficiency, logging a 62% true shooting percentage. He dominated at the free throw line, hitting 92% on 7.3 attempts per game. And while his 35% from three doesn't sound elite, we have to remember he's taking a lot of shots off the dribble and above the break (only 9% of his attempts came from the corner.) The defense is still bad, no doubt, but ESPN RPM's metric still considered him a top 15 player in terms of total wins added this year.
It's time to take Devin Booker and the Phoenix Suns seriously. It's time to take the kid gloves off. Booker will be entering Year 6 next season, so he should be in his prime. The Suns need to transition from a rebuilding mindset to a "win now!" mindset to take advantage of that.
step two: try not to spend "big" money in free agency
Sophomore center Deandre Ayton is primarily known for being "NOT Luka Doncic," but he's clearly an enormous talent in his own right. He just averaged 18.2 points and 11.2 rebounds per game -- at age 21. He looks a lot older than that, both in terms of his physical appearance and his skill set. Even by the standards of All-Star centers, he's further along than most were at this age. Even his defense has improved, as his fluidity and finesse has started to work to his advantage on that end. So when we talk about "big" decisions, we're not talking about Ayton. Ignoring an injury or PED suspension, we can lock him in for 30-35 minutes a night.
The question is: what's the best use of their remaining frontcourt minutes? The Suns will need to answer that riddle in a hurry, because a lot of their PF-Cs are free agents this offseason. Dario Saric. Aron Baynes. Frank Kaminsky. It doesn't make sense to re-sign them all, because there won't be all that many minutes to go around.
In a vacuum, Dario Saric may be the most valuable. He's a quality shooter and underrated passer. At age 26, he could be in line for a contract that pays him nearly $12-15M a season. That said, I don't know if he's the best fit for Phoenix specifically. Among the three free agents, Saric is the most traditional PF-only. Meanwhile, the Suns are going to play young forwards like Mikal Bridges and Cam Johnson more minutes at PF, meaning they may not need 30+ for a PF like Saric. It would make sense to retain Saric at a reasonable price, but the team shouldn't get into a bidding war here. Fortunately, Saric is a restricted free agent, which should help Phoenix in this situation. They can match all reasonable offers for him but back away if another team overpays him.
As far as Baynes and Kaminsky go, it's probably an "eitheor" proposition. You'd like to re-sign Baynes on a short-term deal, but his improved shooting may boost his free agent stock past the point where you're comfortable. He's 33 right now, so I'd be careful not to go past a 1+1 deal for him. If Baynes demands too much, the Suns can default back to Frank Kaminsky (and his $5M team option.) Kaminsky may be a poor man's version of Baynes, but he's only 27 and presumably will be a decent reserve for the next 2-3 years at least. He also seems like a nice, goofy kid to keep in the locker room.
All in all, I'd try to pinch pennies when it comes to these three players. In the long term, the Suns will probably be best served playing Deandre Ayton and 3 big wings, so over-investing at PF/C isn't the way to go.
step three: flirt, but don't fall in love
One of the reasons that the Phoenix Suns need to save some money for a rainy day is because they'll be ponying up for big extensions for their young core down the road.
The question is: should we consider Kelly Oubre part of that core? It's a critical and urgent question, as Oubre's contract will expire at the end of next season.
At first glance, you'd say that the team should lock up Oubre. Oubre has the look of a star (as the bi boys on the sub will tell you), and the stats back that up to some degree. At age 24, he averaged 18.7 points and 6.4 rebounds per game. The Suns' starting five lineup also played well as a unit according to net ratings.
Personally, I'm skeptical, for some reasons detailed and stolen from my older post. Oubre scores, sure, but he doesn't do it with particular efficiency. His three-point percentage (35.2%) and true shooting (56%) are all solid numbers for a volume scorer, but they're about league average as a whole. Aside from the scoring, Oubre doesn't contribute a ton. He's not a great ball mover (1.4 assists / 1.5 TO ratio in his career), and he's not a great defender. His defense looks OK based on the eye test, but analytics suggest he's a net negative on that end. In fact, EPSN's real plus/minus lists his defensive impact as a -2.5 per 100 possessions. That ranks 95th out of 100 qualifiers at SF.
We also saw Phoenix thrive in the bubble -- notably without Oubre. With Oubre injured, the Suns started a forward combination of Mikal Bridges and Cam Johnson, a pair that may be better matched for their stars. Bridges is the prototypical 3+D player. Johnson's more "3" than "D," but boy can this kid "3." Last year at UNC, Johnson hit 46% of his distance. He hit the ground running in the NBA, hitting 39% as a rookie. It's not an exaggeration to say he could be one of the best shooters in the entire NBA in a year or two's time. Better still, Bridges and Cam Johnson are more of "low-usage" players, which complements their stars Booker and Ayton well.
Oubre still has value as well, but it's just a question of how much? And how much is that worth on the open market? If I ran the Suns, I wouldn't panic or make a firm decision one way or another. I'd want to see how Bridges and Johnson looked next year; I'd want to see what I'm getting from my draft pick. If Oubre is still thriving, then you can lock him up. But if you're getting cold feet, then it may be the right decision to trade him or let him fly the coop and hit the open market. Presumably, plenty of teams out there would swipe right and take him as their own.
step four: make a final "point"
The Phoenix Suns can take some stabs in free agency and in the trade market, but overall I'd expect them to retain the vast majority of the rotation.
Their biggest "add" will likely come via the draft. The Suns are fortunate that the NBA decided that the bubble games wouldn't count in draft standings, which kept the team with the # 10 pick despite ending up with a better record than several teams behind them. While this isn't a great draft, you never know how these things shake out. A top 10 prospect could turn out to be a good rotational player or a potential starter down the road.
The point guard position could be a point of emphasis in the future. Veteran Ricky Rubio played well this year, but he's turning 30 in a month. He'll be under contract for two more years ($17M + $18M), after which he may lose a step and transition into more of a backup role. It'd be great if the team could develop and groom his replacement in the meantime.
To that end, the team brought in Ty Jerome, the 24th pick in this past draft. No doubt, Jerome benefited from timing. His selection came on the heels of Virginia's title and on the heels of former Virginia PG Malcolm Brogdon's breakout. In theory, Jerome projected as a Brogdon-type point guard with good size (6'5") and steady shooting ability. In reality, he struggled mightily to keep up with NBA athleticism. It's too early to judge a rookie like Jerome one way or another, but this next season should be telling. The Suns need someone to step up, because it hasn't come from Jerome or fellow youngsters Elie Okobo or Jalen Lecque yet.
In fact, all three got usurped in the bubble by an unexpected source: Cameron Payne. Payne's been on the fringes of the NBA lately, but he came in to Orlando like gangbusters and hit 52% of his threes. He looked electric off the bench. Is that legit? Eh. It's hard for me to imagine Payne became a fundamentally different player at age 26, but who knows. Sometimes point guards have longer learning curves.
If the Suns don't feel like the heir apparent to Ricky Rubio is on the roster, this 10th pick may be a nice place to find it. This is a PG rich class. The top names -- LaMelo Ball (U.S./Australia), Killian Hayes (France), and Tyrese Haliburton (Iowa State) -- likely won't be there. Still, the Suns could have the option of a few steady eddie types like Nico Mannion (Arizona) or Tyrell Terry (Stanford), or they could roll the dice on upside scorers like R.J. Hampton (U.S./New Zealand), Cole Anthony (UNC), Kira Lewis (Alabama), or Tyrese Maxey (Kentucky). Frenchman Theo Maledon could be a name to file away as well. He's projected later than 10, but he has good size and defensive potential. You presume Devin Booker will have the ball in his hands a ton, so a 3+D guard would make a lot of sense. Haliburton is such a perfect fit, you'd even consider trading up a few spots to snag him.
Another reason I may be forcing the issue here at PG is because of the roster construction. With Devin Booker, you don't necessarily need to pour in huge money at guard. With Deandre Ayton, you don't need to pour in huge investments at center. Your hope is that your wings develop into studs, but if not, then a free agent wing could potentially push you over the top. The Suns will have a lot of cap space in 2021 and beyond, at which point they're going to be serious players in free agency. Booker has a lot of respect from his peers -- Monty Williams has a lot of respect from the players. Phoenix may not have a great owner or great nachos, but they have the type of roster that's bound to generate interest regardless.
previous offseason blueprints
ATL, BKN, CHA, CHI, CLE, DAL, DET, HOU, IND, GS, LAC, MEM, MIL, MIN, NYK, ORL, POR, SA, SAC, TOR, UTA

After tonight's lottery, I figured I would post a two-round mock draft. I didn't make any trades. I tried to go based on what I thing teams will do, not necessarily what I think they should do, though my opinions obviously impact the decisions as well. I also included my personal grades and some undrafted fits that I liked. Let me know what you think!

1. MIN - LaMelo Ball PG (NBL) - LaMelo is the best player in the draft and is worth the gamble for the Timberwolves. It is reasonable to be concerned about his fit with their roster on both ends, but that concern would be fair regardless of who the Timberwolves select. Their defense would probably struggle with either LaMelo or Edwards. The fit with D'Lo would be clunky with either LaMelo or Edwards. LaMelo is a great passer and an underrated off-ball player. He played off-ball in high school and is a high IQ player on that end of the court. I expect him to be able to adjust to sharing time on ball with Russell. The offensive potential, particularly the two-man game with Towns, is far too enticing to pass up on at this spot.
2. GS - Anthony Edwards SG (UGA) - Edwards adds depth to their backcourt that is lacking in talent outside of Steph and Klay. He can also gives them another ball handler to take some pressure off Draymond. The Warriors’ closing lineup has Draymond at the 5, so having Edwards on the roster could allow for him to play important minutes in a lower-usage role where he plays next to both Steph and Klay. The Warriors are a well-run organization and I expect them to get him to buy in on the defensive end and be more of a team player on offense, where they can take advantage of his underrated cutting abilities.
3. CHA - James Wiseman C (MEM) - Wiseman will help anchor the Hornets’ defense for the foreseeable future. He fits well with Washington, who is big enough to provide weakside rim protection but also quick enough to guard the 4 and space the floor on offense. Wiseman can be a quality roll-man for Rozier and Graham and can help those guys get open by setting screens with his 7’1” frame.
4. CHI - Deni Avdija SF (BSL) - Deni is a great fit for a Chicago team that needs a wing who can help their pieces fit together. He is a competent defender who plays hard on every possession, though his lack of length may limit his upside on that end of the floor. Offensively, he is a very good cutter and a capable ball handler. Even though he is not a good shooter, he is an intelligent floor spacer and knows where to be on the court. He can do a little bit of everything, and if his skills coalesce, he should be able to provide the Bulls with their wing of the future.
5. CLE - Isaac Okoro SF (AUB) - Okoro is a great pick for the Cavaliers here at 5. They get one of the best defensive players in the class and fill a very substantial need in their roster, that being wing depth. Okoro is a good ball-handler and passer, which could help take some of the pressure off of Sexton and Garland, both of whom are probably undersized shooting guards, not true point guards. If Okoro is developed properly, he could turn into one of the best players in the class and could be an important building block for the Cavs in the future.
6. ATL - Tyrese Haliburton PG/SG (ISU) - Haliburton can be the secondary ball-handler the Hawks desperately need. He is a smart defender and can help make up for some of Trae’s shortcomings, particularly if he is able to add strength. He will keep the ball moving and help make their pieces fit together better. He can play both on and off the ball thanks to his shooting ability, which is a plus for his fit next to Trae offensively.
7. DET - Obi Toppin PF (DAY) - At the 7th pick, Obi will probably be viewed as the best available player. The fit with both Blake and Wood is less than ideal, but Obi has a bunch of avenues to being an effective offensive player. This is probably not a draft where you can get high level talent, particularly at pick 7, so it makes sense to go with a high floor player who can be an important piece of their multi-year rebuild. They can grab a star in next year's draft, and Obi will hopefully fit in with that player.
8. NY - Killian Hayes PG/SG (BBL) - Though the Knicks unfortunately fell, they will still have the ability to acquire a good player for their future. I view Hayes as a tier 1 prospect, and although the consensus is lower on him than I am, I expect Hayes to be the pick for New York as they continue with their rebuild. He can run their offense and create for himself and others in the PnR. He is a good defender both on and off the ball. Surrounding Hayes with shooters will be crucial to the success of the Knicks in the future. The two-man game with Robinson looks like it could be a great way for the Knicks to reliably generate offense.
9. WAS - Onyeka Okongwu PF/C (USC) - Okongwu is a great addition to the Wizards frontcourt and can be an anchor for the defense in the short and long term. Thomas Bryant has been relatively inconsistent and they lack depth outside of Bryant at the center position. Okongwu will be a good PnR partner with Wall and should be a solid paint presence for the Wizards.
10. PHX - Devin Vassell SG/SF (FSU) - Vassell and Mikal Bridges on the court at the same time will be hell for opposing wings. Both are such instinctual and smart defenders who can get in passing lanes and disrupt the flow of the offense. Vassell is a capable offensive player, particularly on the perimeter, and if his off-the-dribble shot-making flashes are real, he could be a valuable secondary creator for a team lacking in creation outside of Booker.
11. SA - Patrick Williams SF/PF (FSU) - I trust the Spurs development staff to mold Williams into the incredible player on both ends that he has the potential to become. They needed to improve their front court and Williams can provide value at the 4 spot with his elite weak-side rim protection. He has shown some ability to create off the dribble and his shot profile looks solid enough for me to believe in him as a capable floor spacer. Williams could turn into one of the better players in this class and his youth and athleticism would be great for a Spurs team in need of both.
12. SAC - Aaron Nesmith SG/SF (VAN) - Nesmith would add much needed wing depth for the Kings. He has a 6’10” wingspan and may be able to guard some bigger players because of it, particularly if he is able to add strength. His off-ball movement coupled with Fox’s ability to create advantages off the dribble would be a lethal combination. Nesmith will be able to find a nice role on the Kings and be productive from day 1 as a lethal shooter and valuable floor spacer.
13. NO - Cole Anthony PG (UNC) - Cole can provide a scoring punch off the bench for the Pelicans and give some clarity to their backcourt situation, as he can play both on and off the ball and should be successful with either Lonzo or Jrue as his backcourt partner. He would not be expected to be a big decision-maker for the Pelicans, which should help him integrate into the NBA more seamlessly and allow him to focus on his high-level shotmaking that should take the Pelicans’ offense to the next level.
14. BOS (via MEM) - Tyrese Maxey PG/SG (UK) - The Celtics need bench scoring (they finished 29th this year). Maxey isn't a point guard in the NBA, but he wouldn't have to be one in Boston. His 3-level scoring will be a great addition to their bench and his defensive abilities would bolster one of the best defenses in the league. He can play off of Smart, Hayward, and Tatum on the offensive end and benefit from the advantages that Tatum can create. Watching he and Smart terrorize the other team on the perimeter would be amazing.
15. ORL - Kira Lewis Jr. PG (ALA) - For a team that doesn’t have a ton of young offensive talent, Kira could be a very welcome addition and he fits reasonably well next to Fultz. His rim pressure could certainly help break defenses down and create open looks for shooters or dump-offs to their forwards. His small frame isn’t a huge concern when placing him on a team with such a deep and defensively versatile frontcourt.
16. POR - Saddiq Bey SF/PF (VILL) - The Blazers have needed wing depth for the entire season, but the bubble certainly helped bring his issue to light. Bey is a great fit with the Blazers as he should be able to play either the 3 or the 4 and he can knock down perimeter shots. He may not be the wing stopper that the Blazers desperately need to compete in the West due to his limited lateral mobility, but he is still a better option than most of the players they have on their roster currently. He is a polished player who will be ready to help the Blazers compete from day 1.
17. MIN (via BKN) - Precious Achiuwa PF/C (MEM) - Precious is a pretty good fit next to Towns if he can be a solid interior defender. He had a lot of moments where he was a good rim protector this season. He is also ostensibly switchable and should be able to bolster the Timberwolves’ defense. On offense, he fits well with Towns as well because Precious can play on the interior and Towns can space the floor.
18. DAL - Jalen Smith PF/C (MD) - After losing Dwight Powell to an Achilles injury that could keep him from being 100% for a good portion of next season, it makes sense to invest in the frontcourt. Smith will be able to space the floor and should be able to provide rim protection as well. It may be difficult to play Smith and Porzingis simultaneously because Smith doesn’t move particularly well, but Smith should be able to provide floor spacing with Porzingis off the court. A frontcourt of Kleber and Smith might be among the better shooting frontcourts in the league and will help open up the floor for Luka and the rest of their perimeter players.
19. BKN (via PHI) - Josh Green SG (ARIZ) - Brooklyn could definitely benefit from some wing depth, and with a backcourt of Kyrie and Dinwiddie, they are going to need some guys who can defend the other team’s guards. Green is very athletic and has great hips, making him one of the best on-ball wing defender in the class. If his shot comes around, Green will be a contributor for the Nets for a long time.
20. MIA - Théo Maledon PG (LNB) - Though Kendrick Nunn had a productive rookie year, he struggled in the bubble and it might make sense for the Heat to invest in a better long-term option at point guard, as Maledon is about 6 years younger. Maledon is a good fit for Miami to strengthen their backcourt, which could be pretty thin if they don’t hold onto Goran Dragic. If they can develop him, Maledon could turn into a very effective guard for the Heat with his potential to dribble, pass, and shoot at a high level.
21. PHI (via OKC) - Tyrell Terry PG (STAN) - Though I have soured a bit on Terry’s fit with the Sixers, particularly because I think he might be too weak to contribute in the short term, this is still a good pick for Philadelphia. Terry is one of the better shooters in the class and someone who can score from the outside both off the catch and off the dribble. Has some playmaking ability and fits very well next to Simmons. The Sixers’ size should be able to make up for his poor frame in the short term; as he develops physically, he should be able to be a competent finisher around the basket due to his high-level shooting touch.
22. DEN (via HOU) - Jaden McDaniels SF/PF (WASH) - McDaniels is a great addition to a Nuggets team that is deep enough to take a risk on a high-upside prospect. Though there may be some overlap between McDaniels and MPJ in terms of role, McDaniels is not the shot-creator that Porter is and would likely end up playing a more complementary role, without the ball in his hands. He has shown potential as a weakside rim protector, which is helpful next to Jokic, especially as Millsap ages. McDaniels could be a fantastic 4th option for the Nuggets in the future if he is able to develop properly.
23. UTAH - Aleksej Pokuševski PF (GBL A2) - Poku probably doesn’t fit the timeline that the Jazz are currently operating under, but he is worth the swing anyway. They desperately need athleticism in their frontcourt and although Poku isn’t a ridiculous athlete, he is still a very fluid mover and is highly coordinated for his size. If he is able to hit a high-end outcome, the Jazz should be a dangerous defensive team moving forward with Gobert in the middle and Poku providing weak-side rim protection. His floor-spacing potential should also open things up for Mitchell even more.
24. MIL (via IND) - RJ Hampton PG/SG (NBL) - Milwaukee can take a swing here because of how well their roster is already built. RJ can develop his shot and decision-making in the G-League as a rookie and can then slide into a bigger and bigger role as Bledsoe gets older and he gives them the option to move on from George Hill at the end of next season if RJ can develop as I think that he can.
25. OKC (via DEN) - Desmond Bane SG/SF (TCU) - With Gallinari potentially walking this summer and the Thunder being near the bottom of the league in terms of 3PT attempts, Bane makes a lot of sense as a 3&D player who may end up being the best shooter in the draft. Couple that with the playmaking flashes he has shown and you’re left with a really solid player who fills a clear need for the Thunder.
26. BOS - Xavier Tillman PF/C (MSU) - Tillman is the smartest player in the class and would greatly bolster the Celtics interior defense. He is very strong and had a lot of success against bigger centers in the Big 10 this year like Garza and Oturu. I expect him to be able to carve out a similarly valuable role in the NBA. He will be able to do a lot of the little things that Theis does well, such as helping to give Tatum cleaner driving looks by sealing off in the paint. He's also a good passer and ball-handler for a big and may be able to fill some of the void left by Horford's departure. The Celtics have done a good job teaching big men to shoot (Olynyk, Baynes, Horford), and if Tillman can be a respectable shooter, he should be an incredibly valuable role player.
27. NY (via LAC) - Robert Woodard II SF (MSST) - The Knicks could absolutely use a 3&D wing, and Woodard is one of the better ones available at this spot in the draft. He is a capable off-ball defender and is fairly athletic. Woodard shot 43% from three this year and has shown flashes of passing and ball-handling. He is exactly what the Knicks need and can be a valuable piece as they move forward.
28. LAL - Grant Riller PG (COFC) - The Lakers lack self-creation from any of their perimeter players outside of LeBron. Adding Riller, who can get to the basket and finish better than any player in the class, would be a great addition to their offense. Riller could take some of the creation load off LeBron as he ages and he will provide them with an entirely new avenue of offensive opportunities, particularly with LeBron on the bench. Riller is an older prospect and is ready to contribute right away for a team that will be competing for the title next year. He has been good on spot-ups (albeit on limited volume), and continued success in that regard will be crucial to his fit with the Lakers.
29. TOR - Zeke Nnaji C (ARIZ) - It is unlikely that the Raptors will be able to retain both Gasol and Ibaka barring one of them taking a massive pay cut. Adding Nnaji to their frontcourt would be a great move. He is mobile, can play on the interior on offense, and has shown some signs of being able to develop as a floor spacer, though there are better bets at this point in the draft if that is the desire. He is a smart big who can play a meaningful role for the Raptors long into the future.
30. BOS (via MIL) - Leandro Bolmaro PG/SG (ACB) - Bolmaro is another draft-and-stash prospect (possibly for multiple years, if he wants) and could end up as one of the best players in the class. He's a high level passer already and as he matures, he should only get better in that regard. He's a phenomenal on-ball defender and that skill should be able to translate to the NBA, especially as he gets older and stronger. If he is able to hone his scoring craft overseas, he would be a great addition to this team in a year or two to take care of some of the ball-handling duties, especially as Kemba ages.
    
31. DAL (via GS) - Jahmi'us Ramsey SG (TTU) - Ramsey can provide the Mavs with his perimeter shotmaking, particularly off the catch, and is a fairly dynamic athlete, which would be a great boost for a Mavs team that lacks traditional athleticism in their backcourt. Ramsey struggles to get to the basket, but Luka is good enough to create advantages and open looks for Ramsey. He still has a fair amount of room to grow as an off-the-dribble shotmaker, but he should be a valuable scorer for the Mavs. There are question-marks about his defensive awareness, but he is a good enough athlete to where he should be able to improve on that end of the floor.
    
32. CHA (via CLE) - Elijah Hughes SG/SF (CUSE) - Hughes outside shot-making will be great for the Hornets. He can operate effectively as a catch-and-shoot player, but he may be given an opportunity to show off his off-the-dribble shotmaking as well. He probably needs to improve as a movement shooter and show that he can consistently defend outside of a zone in order to be a meaningful contributor on the Hornets, but Hughes is a great selection to add some wing depth in Charlotte.
    
33. MIN - Tyler Bey SF/PF (COLO) - Tyler Bey is a smart and athletic forward who can complement Towns very well. He consistently makes great rotations and has a 40-inch vertical, making him a guy who can be a solid weakside rim protector next to Towns. The fit with Achiuwa is sub-optimal, but with a core of LaMelo, D'Lo, & Towns, the Timberwolves have to find impactful defenders wherever they can get them.
    
34. PHI (via ATL) - Malachi Flynn PG (SDSU) - Though it may look strange to double dip at PG, especially when the two guards are broadly similar players, Flynn is too good of a fit with the Sixers to pass up. He is one of the best PnR players in the class and provides a lot of abilities that the Sixers are otherwise lacking. Flynn can be the Sixers answer at PG in the short term while Terry takes the time to develop his body and decision-making.
    
35. SAC (via DET) - Daniel Oturu C (MINN) - With Harry Giles hitting free agency, Dwayne Dedmond getting traded earlier this year, and some reasons to be concerned about the durability of Richaun Holmes/Marvin Bagley, it makes sense for the Kings to invest in a big man who can grab rebounds, potentially space the floor, and add some depth. Though I am skeptical of Oturu’s defensive IQ and his offensive projection at the next level, he can slide into a fairly comfortable role with Sacramento where he doesn’t have a ton of responsibility.
    
36. PHI (via NY) - Paul Reed PF/C (DEP) - Reed is among the better 2nd round bigs for the Sixers to select. This might be a bit of a reach considering his draft stock at the moment, but Reed is athletic and fairly coordinated. He should be able to hold things down on the defensive end when Embiid is not on the floor and has shown some ball-handling ability that makes me cautiously optimistic about his ability to develop some sort of perimeter game that would allow him to play some minutes with Embiid.
    
37. WAS (via CHI) - Tre Jones PG (DUKE) - Though the Wizards might opt for a wing at this point in the draft, Jones is a borderline first round talent and a guy who can provide value for the Wizards as a backup point guard right away. He can defend on the ball and has improved greatly as a shooter. He also provides some assurance should John Wall be less that 100% after his injury. This is good value at this point in the draft.
    
38. NY (via CHA) - Devon Dotson PG (KU) - Grabbing Dotson at 38 is a steal for the Knicks. With a bevy of point guards and relatively small number of teams in need of one, it makes sense that some might fall. Dotson can provide rim pressure that the Knicks do not have on their roster outside of Barrett and can be a menacing defender despite his small size. The fit next to Hayes is probably better than one would think at first glance because they add value in different ways; Hayes will succeed in a PnR-heavy offense, while Dotson will probably be maximized being able to drive to the basket and finish, which Hayes can struggle with at times.
    
39. NO (via WAS) - Cassius Stanley SG/SF (DUKE) - The Pelicans could use added wing depth and Stanley has the ability to provide that for them. There are reasons to be concerned about how he adapts to the pros given how raw he is for his age, but he is at least a decent 3PT shooter and is a ridiculous vertical athlete. If he can put his tools together, he and Zion would make for an incredibly athletically impressive frontcourt.
    
40. MEM (via PHX) - Isaiah Stewart PF/C (WASH) - Stewart may be viewed as one of the best players available at this spot and he fits reasonably well into the Grizzlies’ long-term plans. He is a solid rebounder, which they need next to Jaren Jackson, and has flashed some ability to space the floor, which could create space for Ja to drive. It may be hard to get him minutes in the short term with Valanciunas and Dieng ahead of him, but it is reasonable to assume they will move on from Dieng when his contract is up and Stewart can then get more minutes. JJJ and Clarke should be able to cover for some of his mobility issues, and Stewart should be able to provide a hard-nosed edge to their frontcourt that has defined Memphis basketball for a long time.
    
41. SA - Vernon Carey Jr. C (DUKE) - Carey may be viewed as one of the best players available at this spot, and although his playstyle does not fit seamlessly within the modern NBA, he is certainly talented enough to carve out a role for himself. Compared to other bigs such as Stewart & Oturu, Carey is a much more willing passer and may be able to conduct some offense out of the post if his awareness improves. There are reasons to be concerned about his defensive IQ, but he is fairly nimble for someone his size and may have more success than one might think on the defensive end after the Spurs coach him up.
    
42. NO - Abdoulaye N’Doye PG/SG (LNB) - N’Doye is among the better 2nd round stash prospects, and although he is relatively old, he has many avenues to becoming an impactful NBA player in the future because of his combination of size, length, and ball-handling. Because the have 3 2nd round picks, adding a stash prospect makes sense for the Pelicans, even if he is only stashed for one year. If N’Doye’s jumper can improve, he may end up as a steal for the Pelicans.
    
43. SAC - Nico Mannion PG (ARIZ) - Mannion is a very capable decision-maker and will benefit from being in NBA offenses with more spacing. Yogi Ferrell’s contract expires after this year and Cory Joseph’s contract isn’t guaranteed after next year. Nico could easily slide into the backup point guard role and fill that role perfectly. If his shooting can develop, he may be able to play off-ball next to Fox due to his ability to move without the ball.
    
44. CHI (via MEM) - Isaiah Joe SG (ARK) - The Bulls struggled to make 3s last year, but Joe should help to solve that problem off their bench. He will probably have fewer opportunities to create with the ball in his hands, which he was pretty good at in college, but he is a very good off-ball player as well, which should be great for the Bulls offense. Defensively, Joe can hold his own with his 6’5” frame and plus wingspan, though he may have to take fewer gambles in order to be successful on that end of the floor. The Bulls get a first round talent in the second round and begin to shape up their roster nicely.
    
45. ORL - Cassius Winston PG (MSU) - Double dipping at PG might not look like the best decision, but Winston and Lewis fill different roles. Winston’s outside shooting is something the Magic are in need of, particularly if Fournier doesn’t re-sign. Winston also proved to be a great PnR playmaker with Tillman this year, and I expect him to have similar levels of success at the NBA level off the bench with Gordon, Vucevic, or even Bamba. Though they probably won’t ever play together, Winston and Lewis could be a very interesting contrast of offensive styles.
    
46. POR - Skylar Mays SG/SF (LSU) - Mays is another solid addition to the Blazers roster to add to their wing depth. While Bey is ostensibly a 3/4 tweener, Mays should be able to play the 2 or the 3. He is another mature, smart player who produce in a relatively small role. He can hit open 3s, defend both on and off the ball, and take advantage of his craftiness to make a play with the ball in his hands. He is not a high ceiling player, but he is what the Blazers need for their roster.
    
47. BOS (via BKN) - Udoka Azubuike C (KU) - The Celtics tend to struggle against big men who dominate in the paint (as we have seen with Embiid this week). Azubuike is not a high-minutes player, but he can play a necessary role in the NBA and fills a void on the Celtics roster as a rim protector, post defender, and lob catcher. He's much better than Tacko and could easily be given a 2-way and contribute meaningfully in small minutes.
    
48. GS (via DAL) - Killian Tillie PF/C (GONZ) - If Tillie is fully healthy, he is a first-round talent. He can provide floor spacing, is a capable passer, particularly in the post, and is one of the more mobile bigs in the class. I really like the fit next to Draymond and if he is able to be the passer that I think he can be, Steph and Klay should be able to use their off-ball movement abilities to get open, where Tillie will easily find them. This pick has the potential to be a steal for the Warriors.
    
49. PHI - Jordan Nwora SF (LOU) - Nwora is 6’7” and will probably shoot 40% from 3 in the NBA. That alone makes him worth taking a look at, though his ancillary skills are lacking. The Sixers could use a sharpshooter, and Nwora could be that player for them. He is not the best defender, but the Sixers have a number of high-level defenders who could make up for some of his deficiencies.
    
50. SAC (via MIA) - Boriša Simanić PF (KLS) - With their 4th pick in the draft, the Kings will probably take a draft-and-stash candidate. Simanić is a solid stretch big with really high level shotmaking instincts. He could potentially fill a role similar to Bjelica should the Kings move on from him in the future, and if Simanić can be more aggressive offensively and improve defensively, he could be a welcome addition to their frontcourt.
    
51. GS (via UTAH) - Yam Madar PG/SG (BSL) - Looking forward, the Warriors could greatly benefit from adding another ball-handler. Madar is one of the better 2nd round stash prospects and should be able to be a capable 3rd guard once he comes over. If the Warriors can improve upon his shot, he would have the potential to be a very productive player as a solid 3-level scorer and aggressive defender at the NBA level.
    
52. OKC - Reggie Perry PF (MSST) - Perry could add depth to OKC’s frontcourt and give them another dimension on offense. Perry showed some ball-handling and passing abilities with team USA and if those abilities can translate, he should be a valuable piece for the Thunder moving forward, particularly because their frontcourt depth is lacking. Perry should also be able to bang in the post a bit and provide value off the bench.
    
53. ATL (via HOU) - Payton Pritchard PG (ORE) - The Hawks are very thin at PG after Trae, particularly because there are concerns about whether or not Haliburton can be a full-time point guard and because Teague is unlikely to be in their long-term plans. Adding Pritchard, who can dribble, pass, and shoot at a high level will be a good addition to their backcourt. He doesn’t defend all that well, but the Hawks are accustomed to having a poor defender at the PG position.
    
54. IND - Immanuel Quickley SG (UK) - Quickley may be viewed as one of the better players available at this spot due to his shooting ability and the defensive upside he showcases thanks to his wingspan. The Pacers could use another guard/wing, particularly if Oladipo continues to have injury issues, and Quickley may be able to be that player. He can find a role on the team as a sharpshooter and floor spacer.
    
55. BKN (via DEN) - Mamadi Diakite PF/C (UVA) - Diakite is one of the better shot-blockers in the class and should be able to provide value for the Nets in that regard. Though he lacks the size to play full time center, the Nets already have Allen & Jordan, and Diakite's mobility is pretty good for a big, making me think he could play a bit at the 4. He showed some ability to stretch the floor this season and knows what it takes to win a championship, meaning he should be able to be a valuable role player for the Nets as they aspire towards a championship.
    
56. CHA (via BOS) - Mason Jones SF (ARK) - Rozier and Graham had FTr’s of .202 and .242 respectively, which are not good. Enter Mason Jones, who, although limited athletically, was an exceptional off-the-dribble creator at Arkansas, leading him to an absurd .668 FTr. He can provide another avenue for offensive creation for the Hornets and is a great pick at the end of the 2nd round, despite the obvious defensive concerns.
    
57. LAC - Nick Richards C (UK) - The Clippers could greatly benefit from a rim protector and paint presence, and Richards should be able to provide that for them in a low-minutes role. I have some concerns about how his game translates to the NBA, but he posted relatively good block rates during his time at Kentucky. Richards should be able to be a solid role player for the Clippers when they need to guard 7 footers.
    
58. PHI (via LAL) - Georgios Kalaitzakis SF (LKL) - With a total of 5 picks in the draft, it makes sense for the Sixers to go with a draft-and-stash. Kalaitzakis doesn’t shoot the ball very well, which is particularly concerning with this Sixers team, but he is good ball handler and defender. If he can learn to shoot, he should be a solid bench contributor.
    
59. TOR - Ty-Shon Alexander SG (CREI) - Ty-Shon is a great fit for the Raptors, regardless of whether or not VanVleet leaves in free agency. Ty-Shon has shown some ball handling ability but can also play off ball and spot up on the perimeter. He is a good 3&D prospect and will add another quality perimeter defender to a team that is already loaded with them.
    
60. NO (via MIL) - Naji Marshall SF (XAV) - The Pelicans struggled defensively this year, so adding a versatile defensive wing in Marshall should help them in that regard. He will probably have to improve as a shooter in order to get real minutes in their rotation, but if he can, he will be a great addition. Given the success they have had with Ingram as a ball-handler, it may make sense for the Pelicans to take one of the better wing ball-handlers in the draft in Marshall, as he can slide into that role with Ingram on the bench or if he misses time due to injury.
    

​
Mock Draft Results by team (& my personal grades)
Atlantic
Celtics - Tyrese Maxey (14), Xavier Tillman (26), Leandro Bolmaro (30), Udoka Azubuike (47); GRADE: A
Nets - Josh Green (19), Mamadi Diakite (55); GRADE: B
Knicks - Killian Hayes (8), Robert Woodard II (27), Devon Dotson (38); GRADE: B+
76ers - Tyrell Terry (22), Malachi Flynn (34), Paul Reed (36), Jordan Nwora (49), Georgios Kalaitzakis (58); GRADE: B+
Raptors - Zeke Nnaji (29), Ty-Shon Alexander (59); GRADE: A-
​
Central
Bulls - Deni Avdjia (4), Isaiah Joe (44); GRADE: B+
Cavaliers - Isaac Okoro (5); GRADE: B
Pistons - Obi Toppin (7); GRADE: B-
Pacers - Immanuel Quickley (54); GRADE: B
Bucks - RJ Hampton (24); GRADE: A
​
Southeast
Hawks - Tyrese Haliburton (7), Payton Pritchard (53); GRADE: B-
Hornets - James Wiseman (3), Elijah Hughes (32), Mason Jones (56); GRADE: B-
Heat - Théo Maledon (20); GRADE: B+
Magic - Kira Lewis Jr. (15), Cassius Winston (45); GRADE: B+
Wizards - Onyeka Okongwu (9), Tre Jones (37); GRADE: B
​
Northwest
Nuggets - Jaden McDaniels (21); GRADE: B
Timberwolves - LaMelo Ball (1), Precious Achiuwa (17), Tyler Bey (33); GRADE: B
Thunder - Desmond Bane (25), Reggie Perry (52); GRADE: B
Trail Blazers - Saddiq Bey (16), Skylar Mays (46); GRADE: B+
Jazz - Aleksej Pokuševski (23); GRADE: A
​
Southwest
Mavericks - Jalen Smith (18), Jahmi’us Ramsey (31); GRADE: B-
Rockets - N/A; GRADE: N/A
Grizzlies - Isaiah Stewart (40); GRADE: C+
Pelicans - Cole Anthony (13), Cassius Stanley (39), Abdoulaye N’Doye (42), Naji Marshall (60); GRADE: A-
Spurs - Patrick Williams (11), Vernon Carey Jr. (41); GRADE: B+
​
Pacific
Warriors - Anthony Edwards (2), Killian Tillie (48), Yam Madar (51); GRADE: A-
Clippers - Nick Richards (57); GRADE: C-
Lakers - Grant Riller (28); GRADE: A-
Suns - Devin Vassell (10); GRADE: A-
Kings - Aaron Nesmith (12), Daniel Oturu (35), Nico Mannion (43), Boriša Simanić (50); GRADE: B-
​
Undrafted fits that I like (Only NCAA players were counted for the undrafted pool; no international players were counted; I assumed every player who has declared but was not drafted was eligible):
Bucks: Anthony Lamb; Bulls: Lamar Stevens; Cavaliers: Kaleb Wesson, Kristian Doolittle; Celtics: Justinian Jessup; Clippers: Jordan Ford; Grizzlies: Nate Hinton; Hawks: Ashton Hagans; Heat: Caleb Homesley; Hornets: Kahlil Whitney, Nathan Knight; Jazz: Yoeli Childs; Kings: Jay Scrubb; Knicks: Jalen Harris, Jake Toolson; Lakers: Malik Fitts; Magic: CJ Elleby, Nate Darling; Mavericks: Trent Forrest; Nets: Rayshaun Hammonds; Nuggets: Trevelin Queen; Pacers: Dwayne Sutton; Pelicans: TJ Holyfield; Pistons: Markus Howard, KJ Martin; Raptors: Lamine Diane; Rockets: Emmitt Williams; 76ers: Jon Teske; Spurs: Tres Tinkle; Suns: Saben Lee, Freddie Gillespie; Thunder: Myles Powell; Timberwolves: Josh Hall; Trail Blazers: Sam Merrill; Warriors: De’Riante Jenkins; Wizards: Christian Vital

I really love this show! Sped through it. I thought it was gorgeous, captivating and creative.
I do wish they had fleshed out some of the character relationships though.
Not that the writing was bad. Or that I think the show as a whole felt rushed either. But sometimes I felt they skipped ahead in the progression of characters relationships that it felt like I had missed something. They didn’t devote enough time building the connections and didn’t showcase important conversations/moments. That they didn’t live up to their potential and lacked clarity and meaning. So in the end the portrayal of the relationships felt sadly superficial and unsatisfying.
Some examples:
With her adopted father leaving, it all happened basically offscreen. It felt odd. There was no good explanation for his actions and motivations. I hoped for more context on choosing to adopt her, his abandonment, and a better confrontation between them.
Her adopted mother and her don’t truly open up and bond with each other. There was hardly any scenes of them actually getting to know each other, even after the ‘grow into being a mom’ scene. The mother didn’t really try get to know her (at first, not buying chess sets, ugly clothes..) or ever sharing things about their pasts. I kept expecting more touching and vulnerable moments between the two, a richer relationship, but even though they were clearly fond of each other, they did feel like acquaintances. I hoped for more of their adventures together travelling for the tournaments, but it was unfulfilling. I know she did love her, but in most scenes it just seems like toleration or very muted.
Once she leaves the orphanage, she hardly mentions her best friend Jolene or Mr Shaibel. Her major supporters in her childhood, and once she’s swept away to be adopted without very emotional goodbyes, they’re not really featured again until the final episode.
Jolene had limited screen time but was easily one of the most compelling and charismatic characters. She’s believes that Beth and her are ‘family.’ But Beth isn’t shown to be contacting her or thinking of her after being adopted. Jolene just reappears in Beth’s hour of need, to provide money, kinda in the ‘magical negro’ trope. Saying ‘you’d do the same for me.’ But when in the past Beth was successful and wealthy, she didn’t reach out to Jolene (or Mr Shaibel), who as far as she knew was most likely in worse circumstances, having never been adopted.
Mr Shaibel also deserved more screen time after episode 2. I wish Beth had thanked him or they could have met after some of her tournament success. And following his funeral, Beth is stunned to find his sweet collection of newspaper clippings. Beth understandably would be very touched, but her overwhelming shock seems very weird. He first ‘discovered’ her - of course he would follow her career and be proud of her success?
Harry played with her seemingly once and then years later, when he offers to train with her, he’s apparently been in love with her for years. I liked the growing companionship between them in her Kentucky home, but he confesses he has been waiting for her and he spent his tuition to fix his teeth for her? It felt slightly bizarre and out of nowhere.
With Benny, she never seems to actually ask what his situation is. Why is he living in squalor /dingy apartment (NYC wasn’t as expensive in the 1960s as it is now)? Where did his winnings/book earnings go? I guess we’re meant to assume gambling after seeing he enjoys betting on chess games. But that gives a hypocritical spin to his critique of Beth’s drinking (he didn’t have much fair reason to worry about possible substance abuse anyways; only seeing her drinking beers in the bar). If he can’t control his finances and a possible addiction to gambling to his own detriment, it’s weird he was so strict about alcohol (although he was right! But in his limited experience with Beth, it’s over the top). Little things like her obviously stunned about the state of his apartment but she never actually says anything. This lack of expected actual conversation is really frustrating. And they slept together just the once? Was that all it was? And then he drops her when she won’t return to NYC to him - but he didn’t talk about him joining her in her big house in Kentucky?
With Townes, again she claims to be in love with him, but other than a clear crush, I didn’t understand why she attached such magnitude to their small interactions. It just didn’t feel convincing. I wish they had stated their ages clearly somewhere, because he seemed in his thirties from the start, whereas she grew from a teenager to early twenties. Of course he wouldn’t get with her. And why did he apologise to her? I’m guessing maybe for leading her on (but it didn’t read that way to me) when he was really in a relationship with Roger. But him saying that encounter ‘broke his heart’ again seems really over the top to me? How so? They had spent almost no time together and the time they did wasn’t very affecting. And it was a missed opportunity not to talk about him having to hide his homosexuality in the 1960s. They just ignored that complexity completely. That could have been really interesting and moving.
I also thought we’d have a better scene explaining her origins and parents. Guessing her dad was already married when he fathered her? And refused to take Beth in when her troubled birth mother wanted to kill herself? So she decides to kill them both. I thought this would be referenced more. Like there would be an emotional scene where she finally says out loud the nature of her birth mother’s death, maybe to a friend? Like a cathartic step. Or as part of the reasons for her substance abuse. The adoption home, her adopted parents, and any other acquaintance never address it. And how did her birth mother lose all her money too? They hinted but never explained. I know good writing is to ‘show; don’t tell’ - but I don’t think Queen’s Gambit did either effectively.
I hope I’m not too negative! I do love this show, and Beth and all the supporting characters, despite the ‘not-like-other-girls!’ rhetoric.
Am I mad? Or dumb to have just missed brilliant character development in front of my eyes? Does anyone else feel this way? I do love this show but it’s not as satisfying as it could have been.

Undertaking a fairly large project here. The aim is to give each team a plausible trade, signing, and draft pick over the 2020 NBA offseason in order to boost each team's prospects in the upcoming 2020-2021 season. While I can't promise they all will be, I'll try and keep the trades as player-specific, rather than something like "Knicks trading up to draft Ball" or something like that.
I will also try (no promises) to do the trade in conjunction with one another. So it would ideally be proposed as 3-moves to make together, not 3 separate moves to make. Again, no promises, and I'll clarify if I'm suggest one as an alternative, but that will be the aim if I can find a pattern I like.
Also, some players listed in free agency signings do have player options, so we'll treat them all as possibilities to a certain degree. And also, just because your team's player is listed as a trade move for one team doesn't mean they are moving them, just that there either have been rumors they'd be available, or simply that the listed team would be interested in acquiring them.

Atlanta Hawks

Draft Pick: G/F Isaac Okoro, Auburn
With plenty of promising scorers, the Hawks should target Okoro to add to their defensive capacity on the wing. Okoro is a very selfless player, and would fit well into a lineup with Trae Young, John Collins and Clint Capela, amongst other promising young players. While ultimately, the Hawks may actually be best suited packaging this pick in a trade, if they stick at #6 overall, Okoro sure would be a good addition for Atlanta.
Signing: F JaMychal Green, Los Angeles Clippers
The Hawks have a few players who can fill minutes behind John Collins at the 4, such as De'Andre Hunter. But adding a clear backup for Collins would round the depth a bit cleaner. Insert JaMychal Green, a quality shooter (39% last season), who still be able to keep the post clear for Clint Capela, will giving Atlanta an excellent depth addition should he decline his player option in LAC and seek out a new opportunity.
Trade: G Victor Oladipo, Indiana Pacers
Oladipo would be interesting backcourt partner with Trae Young. In addition to being a high-caliber defender, Oladipo also has the ability to handle the ball when Young isn't on the court. While Indiana risks losing Oladipo down the road for nothing, shipping him off to the rising Hawks, who will be angling for a playoff run next season. Oladipo could be a big piece of that run, and perhaps even help them contend for more if returns to his All-Star form.

Boston Celtics

Draft Pick: F Patrick Williams, Florida State
The Celtics have one of the deepest rosters in the NBA, and selecting back at #13 overall means they'll really just be able to target the best player available. If Patrick Williams is available at 13 however, he should definitely be considered, as his versatility would help continue loading up the Celtics bench. And with Williams being a bit raw offensively, the Celtics can afford to take a chance on his upside and develop him under Brad Stevens further.
Signing: F Joe Harris, Brooklyn Nets
A 6'6 sharpshooter, Harris would be a fun add to the Celtics rotation. It may take some small moves to create the space for him, but adding the career 3-point marksman would fit in well with the versatile athletes around him like Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum, and help the second unit stretch the floor when he comes off the bench.
Trade: C Myles Turner, Indiana Pacers
Turner seems like he has been connected to the Celtics for a little while now, and it makes plenty of sense. The Pacers will likely be looking for players who fit better around Domantas Sabonis, and that could give an opportunity for the Celtics to move for Turner. Turner would fit well in the Celtics lineup at the center position, where right now the Celtics have some quality role players, but no star. By adding Turner, the Celtics would have one of the best all-around starting 5's in the entire league (Kemba-Smart-Brown-Tatum-Turner).

Brooklyn Nets

Draft Pick: G Josh Green, Arizona
Finding players who can work alongside Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant will be key, and Green's defense and off-ball ability make him well suited to this role. Picking #19 overall will make it difficult to add an instant impact rotation, but Green would have a good chance to find minutes with his skill set.
Signing: C Aron Baynes, Phoenix Suns
Should the Nets see themselves dishing out C Jarrett Allen in a blockbuster trade for a third star (see below), then a backup center becomes a big priority for the Nets. The solution here is Baynes, a hard-working center who had a career season shooting the ball. He'd fit nicely behind DeAndre Jordan.
Trade: G Bradley Beal, Washington Wizards
If Beal is available, the Nets should be keen to add him to the mix. Able to offer the most enticing players to any blockbuster package (Spencer Dinwiddie, Caris LeVert, Jarrett Allen), the Nets could find their third star to pair with Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant when the two return next season. Adding Beal to the mix would immediately vault the Nets all the way to Finals contenders, if the return of Durant and Irving themselves don't already accomplish that.

Chicago Bulls

Draft Pick: PG LaMelo Ball, Australia
If he's on the board at the #4 overall pick, the Bulls should be keen on bringing LaMelo in to the Windy City. Perhaps the Draft's best playmaker, he could fit well with scoring guards like Coby White and Zach LaVine, while operating a dangerous pick and pop with big guys like Markkanen. With the size and athleticism to match up well defensively, LaMelo's playmaking ability would help turn the Bulls into a legitimate playoff threat in 2020-2021. If LaMelo is off the board, the Bulls could go in several direction, perhaps even trading the pick if they find a suitable offer.
Signing: C Meyers Leonard, Portland Trail Blazers
The Bulls could use some depth in the frontcourt, and Leonard's range and 3-point ability make him a great player to add into a rotation that ranked in the bottom third of the league in their percentage from deep, and could potentially lose F Otto Porter if he opts out, one of their better marksmen. The question will likely be centered on how much money Leonard is aiming for, but if the numbers work, Leonard should be a serious target for Chicago.
Trade: C Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers
Embiid may or may not be available, there have been reports going both ways. But if the former Jayhawk is on the block after the 76ers quick exit from the playoffs, then Chicago should be very interested in acquiring him, even if means shipping out Wendell Carter and some other assets. With Markkanen capable of spacing the floor (34.5% shooter from deep), an Embiid addition would give Chicago two versatile bigs, given Embiid's proficiency from deep as well (34.8%). But most importantly, he'd be a scoring machine that would be the focal point of a fun, versatile Bulls roster that could push into playoff contention quickly with him leading the way.

Cleveland Cavaliers

Draft Pick: F Obi Toppin, Dayton
With it almost assured that neither LaMelo Ball nor Anthony Edwards reaches Cleveland at #5, their hope should be in Toppin making his way past the Hornets and Bulls. A dynamic forward who excels in multiple facets of the game, he'd represent the best player available at this point in the draft, and an ideal addition for a talent-needy Cavaliers team. Whether replacing Kevin Love, or playing alongside him in looks, Toppin should stay in Ohio if at all possible.
Signing: F Derrick Jones Jr., Miami Heat
The Heat need cap space for upcoming extensions, so it's likely that Jones Jr, a versatile role player, will hit free agency. Cleveland is already reportedly interested, and it makes sense why. Providing quality defense on the wing, he's 23 years old, which fits Cleveland's rebuilding timeline, and should have time to round out and improve his offensive game (8.5 ppg, 28% from 3). The name of the game for the Cavs is to acquire talent, and Jones Jr. provides them with an intriguing piece with room to grow.
Trade: Moving Kevin Love for Assets
After landing a dynamic replacement for him, the Cavaliers are a team that doesn't necessarily have a specific player to target, but rather figure out what they could get for someone like Love, who shot 37% from deep last year. His salary could be problematic here, but even adding second round selections has proven useful for Cleveland (Kevin Porter Jr.).

Dallas Mavericks

Draft Pick: G Tyrese Maxey, Kentucky
Maxey may not be a lethal shooter by any means, but his defense should make him a desired player for a Mavericks team that could use a defensive stopper to pair with Luka Doncic down the role. Maxey brings athleticism, ability to finish at the rim, and a decent mid-range game to the table, which should be enough, along with his defense, to make a desirable player for Mark Cuban's Mavericks.
Signing: SF Bogdan Bogdanovic, Sacramento Kings
Limited to what they can make happen with the Mid Level Exception or in a sign-and-trade, the Mavericks should get creative and add Bogdan Bogdanovic to the roster. The 27-year old wing would fit right at home with Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis, a high caliber shooter, especially on catch and shoot situations. If Sacramento doesn't believe they can fit Bogdanovic in with upcoming deals for Fox and Bagley, along with Hield potentially, landing some assets in a sign-and-trade would make sense. If no sign-and-trade, perhaps a 3&D wing like James Ennis (Orlando) could be an easier fit financially.
Trade: PF Aaron Gordon, Orlando Magic
Whether Kristaps Porzingis fills more time at the four or the five, finding a way to pair him and Gordon together in a frontcourt would be fun to watch. Gordon's resurgence for the Magic this past season was a large reason they managed to make it into the playoffs. His defensive versatility and 3-point ability would make him an ideal third star to pair with Luka and Kristaps.

Denver Nuggets

Draft Pick: F Jaden McDaniels, Washington
The Nuggets were patient in bringing along Michael Porter Jr., who has stepped up big time during the Bubble. And with several Nuggets wings likely to depart in free agency (Millsap, Torrey Craig), adding a high potential piece like McDaniels to develop and even rotate in behind Grant and Porter Jr. would give Denver the opportunity to take a chance on someone like McDaniels.
Signing: C Thon Maker, Detroit Pistons
If Plumlee is in fact priced out of a return to Denver, finding a suitable replacement at center will be important. While Bol Bol could claim that spot, it's not a certainty, and thus, adding a three-level scorer at the 5 would be a wise insurance policy for the Nuggets.
Trade: G Jrue Holiday, New Orleans Pelicans
A high caliber veteran on a rebuilding roster, Holiday could be a great partner to pair with Jamal Murray in the backcourt. Less costly than someone like Bradley Beal, Holiday would be a much more realistic third star to bring in. A lineup with Holiday-Murray-Porter Jr.-Nokic and whoever else you want in that fifth spot seems deadly. With Gary Harris and plenty of other assets available, the Nuggets could offer an intriguing package for Holiday.

Detroit Pistons

Draft Pick: G/F Devin Vassell, Florida State
This may break from the mock drafts a bit, which usually have the Pistons adding a point guard. However, Vassell could be an interesting piece for Detroit to select, especially considering that the top point guard in the draft (LaMelo Ball) will not likely be available for Detroit at #7 overall. Instead, Detroit adds a long 3&D piece that could fit nicely in between Luke Kennard and Sekou Doumbouya long-term. And as for a point guard. . .
Signing: PG Fred VanVleet, Toronto Raptors
Reuniting Dwane Casey and VanVleet seems like an ideal pairing, especially the major need Detroit has at point guard. With Blake Griffin still a high caliber player when healthy, adding a win-now veteran like VanVleet could perhaps boost Detroit all the way to the playoffs next season if Griffin is playing. And at 26-years old, he's both an instant impact veteran as well as a possible long-term solution at the position.
Trade: C Mo Bamba, Orlando Magic
The Pistons may have found themself something with C Christian Wood, who emerged as a quality option for them in the wake of the Drummond trade. However, Wood's emergence was a very small sample size, raising some questions over how much stock Detroit would put into it. Acquiring Bamba would give them another starting caliber option, who has proven himself as a decent player off the bench behind Vucevic if Wood does manage to build on his promising play.

Golden State Warriors:

Draft Pick: C James Wiseman, Memphis (kinda)
Should the Warriors not move this pick, Wiseman makes more sense than LaMelo Ball in terms of fit and need. Though both have questions of maturity and consistency, Wiseman's size and length would offer the Warriors a weapon they haven't really had alongside Steph Curry and Klay Thompson. If Wiseman can fit in the frontcourt with forward Draymond Green, and Golden State makes the pick, it should be Wiseman.
Signing: PG D.J. Augustin, Orland Magic
At 32-years old, Augustin likely won't command more than any of the exceptions that Golden State would be able to muster up. However, he still can make an impact, running the Warriors second unit when Curry and Thompson (both returning from injury) need a breather. A quality shooter as well (35%), Augustin to the Warriors makes plenty of sense as they attempt to return to their place at the top of the Western Conference.
Trade: PF John Collins, Atlanta Hawks
While the Warriors seem to be another team interested in acquiring All-Star G Bradley Beal, perhaps a move for John Collins would be more feasible. The beauty for Golden State is that they would likely be able to orchestrate this trade more along the lines of a pick swap than an outright deal using their #2 selection. If the Hawks are interested in pairing Trae Young and perhaps LaMelo Ball or Anthony Edwards, this could the way to get there. Collins' 3-point shooting and athleticism would make him a quality fit in Golden State.

Houston Rockets

Draft Pick: - - - No Selection in Upcoming Draft - - -
The Rockets could always try buying a second round pick to add someone like C Nick Richards (Kentucky) or F Paul Eboua (Italy), but for now, they do not possess a pick.
Signing: C DeMarcus Cousins, Los Angeles Lakers
The Rockets have found success operating without a center, but should look to find a big man or two who fits alongside Russell Westbrook and James Harden. Cousins' season was derailed by injuries, but his ability to stretch the floor as well as battle big men like Davis or Jokic in the West make him an appealing option for the Rockets.
Trade: F/C Kevin Love, Cleveland Cavaliers
Likely dependent on whether or not they made the signing above, the Rockets could also choose to trade for a big man to help stretch the floor. A decorated veteran, Love has plenty of experience playing with ball-handling stars, and so long as he continues to shoot a good clip from deep and rebound the ball, he'd be an invaluable piece for Houston as they attempt to win a title.

Indiana Pacers

Draft Pick: F Killian Tillie, Gonzaga
The Pacers do not posses a first round pick this year, so finding a useful rotational piece at #44 overall will be the challenge here. For the Pacers, finding a clean backup for Sabonis would be a welcome add. Tillie is a floor-stretcher at the four, hitting over 40% from deep every season at Gonzaga. Mixing him into the second unit with Doug McDermott on the wing and Gaga Bitadze at center should give the Pacers the depth they need to make a run.
Signing: G/F Kent Bazemore, Sacramento Kings
Should the Pacers decide to move Victor Oladipo before he departs in 2021 free agency, then adding a wing like Bazemore should help fill in the depth after Jeremy Lamb steps into Oladipo's spot. Bazemore saw his 3-point percentage climb after moving to Sacramento (38%), and if he's able to continue hitting at a quality rate like that, he'd be a valuable two-way wing that would be helpful for a hopeful contender like the Pacers.
Trade: G Bradley Beal, Washington Wizards
The Pacers have several very intriguing pieces that they could potentially move, notably G Victor Oladipo and C Myles Turner. Should they move Oladipo, perhaps using him as the centerpiece to a Bradley Beal piece would give Indiana a shot at the player who would most likely elevate their team beyond first-round playoff exits. Swapping Oladipo for Beal should be discussed if the Wizards find themselves willing to move Beal.

Los Angeles Clippers

Draft Pick: F/C Kaleb Wesson, Ohio State
If JaMychal Green departs, finding another power forward would make sense for the Clippers to look for. Picking so late in the draft, #57 overall, limits their options in terms of finding an immediate contributor. Rather, targeting someone more developed like Wesson would be their best bet of finding a contributor, though they could easily opt for someone with more raw potential. Either way, Wesson's 3-point ability makes him an interesting option to develop into a rotational piece.
Signing: F/C Marvin Williams, Milwaukee Bucks
While the most likely signings for the Clippers will revolve around internal free agents, notably Marcus Morris and Montrezl Harrell, they still will have a bit of room for a smaller addition like Williams. If Harrell does depart, the Clippers could use another big to add to the rotation, and Marvin Williams would be a quality small ball center option for any teams looking to contend for a title, like the Clippers.
Trade: G J.J. Redick, New Orleans Pelicans
The Clippers have a very deep roster already, but Redick is exactly what you'd want to bring in to bolster your chances of winning it all. An elite, established marksmen, his shooting off the bench would be a big plus, and the defensive-minded Clippers already can compensate for him on that end of the floor. If they can make the money work, reuniting Redick and LAC would make sense as they chase a title.

Los Angeles Lakers

Draft Pick: G/F Desmond Bane, TCU
Picking at #28 overall, the Lakers would be wise to target Bane here, as his crazy 3-point rate (43%) would make him an energizing option off of the bench. The Lakers have a handful of wings as well on expiring deals, and should they lose someone like Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, bringing in Bane to boost their mediocre 3-point numbers could help LeBron win another title.
Signing: C Bismack Biyombo, Charlotte Hornets
The Lakers have had DeMarcus Cousins, JaVale McGee, and Dwight Howard all on the roster in 2019-2020. McGee has an option for 2021, so the Lakers could see some turnover at the center position if any of the aforementioned don't want to run it back with LeBron and AD. If they need a new center, Biyombo's defensive chops would make him a good fit as a backup or rotational center to help the Lakers win a title.
Trade: PG Derrick Rose, Detroit Pistons
Ensuring that the Lakers can generate offense with their stars getting a breather is crucial for any contender. Derrick Rose may no longer be the star he was, but he's still a valuable piece off the bench, and would fit quite well leading the Lakers second unit, should Rajon Rondo decline his player option.

Miami Heat

Draft Pick: C Jalen Smith, Maryland
The Heat have found tons of success with Bam Adebayo at the five, but for a team as deep as Miami, bringing in a high potential big man like Jalen Smith could give them a fun piece to develop. A quality three point shooter already, ironing out his defensive inconsistencies would give the Heat a quality contributor with the #20 overall pick.
Signing: F Dario Saric, Phoenix Suns
With Adebayo more of a playmaking Energizer Bunny, bringing in another big who can play alongside Adebayo, or relieve him, would be wise. The Heat will likely focus on bringing back players from their current roster, which would likely take them out of the running for Danilo Gallinari, for example. Instead, Saric could provide the same style of play at a more affordable cost. And that's important because....
Trade: Nothing Big...for now
Miami has a claim to one of the deepest rosters in the league. Their system works and they have the financial flexibility and assets to go big game hunting. With a poor free agency market this year though, the Heat should hold tight for another season and take a shot at a superstar like Giannis Antetokounmpo, and then pair him (or whoever) with one of the stacked free agents on the docket (Kawhi, LeBron, Beal, Gobert, Paul, etc). Adding DeMar DeRozan right now may be tempting, but don't do it, hold tight...for now.

Milwaukee Bucks

Draft Pick: PG Devon Dotson, Kansas
With multiple guards on expiring contracts, the Bucks should aim for a guard capable of providing them minutes in the Draft. An absolute blur, Dotson is one of the most physically impressive prospects in the Draft, though he'll need to work on deep range shooting before pairing up with Giannis. For now, he'd be a fun piece to add off the bench, able to push the ball in transition opportunities.
Signing: F Joe Harris, Brooklyn Nets
With a physical freak like Giannis leading the charge, surrounding him with shooters is the best course of action, and Harris shoots incredibly well. The Bucks may need to get create to afford Harris, but if they can make the money work, they likely won't find anyone as impactful as Harris in their pursuit of an NBA title.
Trade: F Nemanja Bjelica, Sacramento Kings
Bjelica had a quality season for the Kings, and while they'd likely want to hang onto him, the Bucks should consider making a call and working something. A 6'10 big with fantastic floor stretching ability (42% from 3), he'd represent a significant upgrade from the older Ersan Ilyasova. All about adding shooters, and even relative upgrades should be considered if the Bucks can afford it.

Minnesota Timberwolves

Draft Pick: SG Anthony Edwards, Georgia
This is a fairly easy one, as the Timberwolves hold the top pick and will have their choice of player here. The most likely, and most logical, is Edwards, who would pair with D'Angelo Russell in a high upside backcourt in Minnesota. While not an elite shooter, Edwards finds plenty of ways to score, and should continue to do so in the NBA, as Russell and Karl Anthony Towns take up the most attention from opponents.
Signing: F/C Montrezl Harrell, Los Angeles Clippers
The Timberwolves could give themselves a defensive boost by bringing in Harrell, the reigning Sixth Man of the Year. Whether playing the four or five, Harrell would give the Timberwolves a high intensity option that can play alongside Karl-Anthony Towns or relieving him when he's off the floor.
Trade: G/F Josh Richardson, Philadelphia 76ers
If the 76ers do enter a fire-sale, the Timberwolves should put in a call for two-way wing Josh Richardson. Still only 26-years old, Richardson has plenty of upside for a relatively young team like the Timberwolves. Adding him to the mix would give them another capable weapon around their stars.

New Orleans Pelicans

Draft Pick: F Aaron Nesmith, Vanderbilt
A 3-point marksman to fill in on the wings would be the exactly the type of player to put around a playmaker like Zion Williamson. Nesmith's large wingspan (6'10) would be an asset as he develops into a top two-way wing, and doing so in New Orleans would be an excellent move for the Pelicans to pursue with the #13 overall selection.
Signing: PG Austin Rivers, Houston Rockets
If the Pelicans look to accumulate assets by moving Lonzo Ball or Jrue Holiday, than bringing a quality shooting point guard makes a lot of sense. Rivers shot 36% on 4 attempts per game in Houston, and showed the ability to play with more ball-dominant players in Russell Westbrook and James Harden, which would suit him well in a lineup featuring Zion Williamson. And at 28 years old, Rivers still has plenty of good years left in him as the Pelicans work towards contending status.
Trade: Whatever Assets They Can Get From Redick or Holiday
The Pelicans don't bring a specific target to mind, but rather as a team who should aim to accumulate assets. Gathering picks or promising young players would position them well to make a move for a bigger superstar down the road, one who, paired with Zion Williamson, would propel them into championship contention. And with both Redick and Jrue Holiday in town, the Pelicans have some intriguing pieces to dangle for teams looking to win now.

New York Knicks

Draft Pick: PG Tyrese Haliburton, Iowa State
Unless the Knicks trade up to acquire PG LaMelo Ball (which they are reportedly looking at), the Knicks should feel comfortable picking the best guard on the board at #8 overall, as there are several quality options. Haliburton, however, is the ideal target here, as he's a high IQ player with a good 3-point shot and excellent defense, he would fit Thibodeau's style pretty well, and presents less of a risk than Cole Anthony or Killian Hayes for example.
Signing: F Danilo Gallinari, Oklahoma City Thunder
With Mitchell Robinson not a shooting threat in the slightest, the Knicks should target someone who can stretch the floor from the four position. The best name available there is OKC's Danilo Gallinari, who nearly went to the Heat, but now is a free agent. Whoever the Knicks end up with at point guard will be well-aided by the floor stretching capacity of Gallinari, a 40% shooter the past two seasons.
Trade: PG Chris Paul, Oklahoma City Thunder
Another name out of OKC, the Knicks should feel no issues drafting a point guard and trading for Chris Paul. First and foremost, the Knicks need to rebuild a winning culture, and bringing in Paul and Tom Thibodeau are good first steps towards that end. Likewise, even if the Knicks do select a point guard in the draft, Paul has shown himself quite adept at sharing the floor with other ball-handlers, like he did in Houston with James Harden, and as he did this past year in OKC with Shai-Gilgeous Alexander and Dennis Schroeder. A great leader, player and mentor, Paul would help the Knicks build the right environment to end their playoff drought.

Oklahoma City Thunder

Draft Pick: C Isaiah Stewart, Washington
If the Thunder move Chris Paul and Danilo Gallinari walks, they could be in for a rebuild. Stewart may be raw and underdeveloped offensively, but at 19-years old, he has time to develop his offensive game. Meanwhile, his wingspan, strength and motor give him major upside as a defensive stopper in the post. With Nerlens Noel potentially departing OKC, there could even be minutes for Stewart to step into as a rookie and get his feet wet.
Signing: F Otto Porter, Chicago Bulls
The Thunder could possibly be losing their best shooter (Gallinari) and their best defender (Roberson). Finding someone who can provide a little bit of both could work for them, with Porter shooting 38% last year in Chicago. An easy fit in between OKC's high powered guard duo and center Steven Adams, Porter could serve as either a reinforcement for another playoff run, or a piece with some long-term upside.
Trade: F Nemanja Bjelica, Sacramento Kings
If the Thunder aren't able to retain Danilo Gallinari, perhaps bringing in Bjelica could give them a similar styled replacement. As mentioned already, Bjelica is a floor stretching forward (42% clip) that would put another dangerous shooter around Chris Paul and Shai Gilgeous Alexander.

Orlando Magic

Draft Pick: G Theo Maledon, France
The Magic need someone to boost their struggling offense, and Maledon's craftiness as a ball-handler and off-ball shooting ability (37% from deep) should peak the Magic's interest. While Markelle Fultz has rebuilt himself into a potential long-term point guard, Maledon should seamlessly fit in next to him, and even provide minutes backing him up when Fultz heads to the bench.
Signing: G Wesley Matthews, Milwaukee Bucks
If Evan Fournier opts in, the Magic won't have the money to add bigger names, but Matthews would fit in well after finding a role as a rotational two-way guard. And even if the Magic do see Fournier depart elsewhere, Matthews' veteran experience could help their young core figure things out.
Trade: G/F Caris LeVert, Brooklyn Nets
If the Nets have interest in bringing in Aaron Gordon to add to the Irving-Durant duo, the Magic should be intent on getting Caris LeVert shipped to them as part of the deal. Only 26 years old, Levert averaged 19 points per game while fueling a KD-less Nets team to the playoffs. A young core of Fultz, Levert, Isaac, and Bamba is a group that you can build around.

Philadelphia 76ers

Draft Pick: G Cassius Stanley, Duke
The 76ers could use guards and shooting, and with limited financial flexibility, may need to find it in the NBA Draft. Thus, Stanley to Philly, where his elite athleticism and quality range (36%), would be a welcome addition to the 76ers. If he's still on the board at #21 overall, Stanley would make plenty of sense for the 76ers.
Signing: PG Goran Dragic, Miami Heat
The 76ers management has said they intend to keep Simmons and Embiid together, but if they don't keep that intention, bringing in Dragic to run the offense could be the move to make. Still productive for the Heat at 33-years old, Dragic would likely pair with Embiid better than Simmons did, as indicated by his shooting ability (37%).
Trade: PG Chris Paul, Oklahoma City Thunder
Breaking the mold here, should the 76ers decide to move Simmons, but not bring in Dragic, perhaps a bigger move would solve the question better. While the Knicks are the one most often linked to a move for Paul, the 76ers may want to consider adding the veteran PG to the mix, especially if they decide to breakup the Simmons-Embiid duo, and ship Ben Simmons out. Paul's veteran experience and versatile game should make him a much better sidekick for Embiid than Simmons managed to be.

Phoenix Suns

Draft Pick: PG Kira Lewis Jr., Alabama
The Suns needs someone in the backcourt, preferably someone who can work with Devin Booker, and run the offense when he's off the floor. That someone could be Lewis Jr., who averaged 19 points per game at Alabama and was able to knock down over 36% of his threes over two seasons. Finding a quality playmaker to carry the load could give them the breakthrough they need.
Sigining: F Moe Harkless, Los Angeles Clippers
Current starting wing Mikal Bridges was a solid compliment to Booker and Ayton this past season, but adding some more depth, especially a defensive geared piece, would give the Suns some switchy wings who can help them slow opponents down in the playoffs next year. Harkless will be a fairly cheap way of doing so.
Trade: F Lauri Markkanen, Chicago Bulls
Putting Markkanen in an offense led by Devin Booker and DeAndre Ayton could give him the space he needs to regain some of the production he had earlier in Chicago. Able to shoot off the pick-and-pop, Markkanen won't need to crowd in on Ayton to be an effective piece to the Suns offense.

Portland Trail Blazers

Draft Pick: F Saddiq Bey, Villanova
With two picks in the first round (16 and 29), the Blazers will have the flexibility to fill multiple needs with the most talented players on the board. For that first selection, Bey would be a quality addition, giving the Blazers wing defense and reliable shooting. A second team unit featuring Trent, Little and Bey would be very versatile. Then, with that second first rounder, targeting a big man like Jalen Smith would be a quality Draft for the Blazers.
Signing: C Mason Plumlee, Denver Nuggets
With Hassan Whiteside hitting free agency, it's likely the Blazers could find themselves in need of a backup center if Whiteside is unwilling to accept a role as a backup. Thus, Mason Plumlee could be an option, as a veteran big with a quality motor who has been a serviceable option for Denver. Plumlee may not fill up the stat sheet, but in Game 6 of the Playoffs, made a direct impact for Denver with a handful of offensive rebounds and high energy. That kind of team player who work well for the Blazers rotation.
Trade: PG Patty Mills, San Antonio Spurs.
The Blazers have a quality starting lineup with Lillard-McCollum-Ariza-Collins/Melo-Nurkic. What they still could use is a backup point guard to help generate some points when Lillard takes a breather. Perhaps swinging a deal to bring in Patty Mills to an actual contender would be a good match. Mills currently backups Dejounte Murray in San Antonio, but his quality production and veteran leadership could be a boost for the Blazers.

Sacramento Kings

Draft Pick: G/F Devin Vassell, Florida State
With De'Aaron Fox running the point, the Kings need to surround him with shooters like Vassell. A 6'10 wingspan and 42% clip from deep, Vassell would be an ideal fit on the wing, and could help the Kings make the push into the playoffs by bolstering their offense and defense.
Signing: F Jerami Grant, Denver Nuggets
If Grant opts out of his deal in Denver, he'd give the Kings a two-way option at the 3 or 4, an excellent depth addition to add in rotation with Jabari Parker, Bjelica, and Harrison Barnes. And of course, important to note when playing with De'Aaron Fox, Grant has a quality shot from deep, hitting 39% for the Nuggets this season.
Trade: F Kyle Kuzma, Los Angeles Lakers
If the Kings are moving G Buddy Hield, then perhaps he could interest the Lakers, who would likely want to acquire a more high profile guard to compliment LeBron and Davis. Thus, a move for Kuzma could be in play, as he'd give the Kings a versatile wing to pair with Harrison Barnes. Kuzma would also compromise a promising young trio along with De'Aaron Fox and Marvin Bagley III.

San Antonio Spurs

Draft Pick: F Deni Avdija, Israel
If there's any team that should be angling to move up should Avdija slide, the Spurs would likely be one of them. An excellent distributing big wing, capable of giving the Spurs minutes at the 4, Avdija seems like a tailor made fit for a Gregg Popovich offensive system. Between his schematic fit and his upside, he'd be the ideal player for the Spurs to come away with on Draft day.
Signing: F/C Bobby Portis, New York Knicks
Portis has plenty of upside if he can get straightened out, and if anyone is going to get the most out of Portis and teach him to play in a system, it's Gregg Popovich. If he succeeds, the Spurs find themselves with an offensive forward who can score in multiple ways, or even another trade piece if they want to sell high. Either way, taking a gamble on Portis could pay off for a program needing a new direction.
Trade: As Many Picks as They Can Get
The Spurs run is over for now. They did well to bring in some fun pieces in the Kawhi trade, but the Spurs need to enter a rebuild or risk an extended play in no man's land. Selling on DeMar DeRozan, LaMarcus Aldridge, Rudy Gay, Patrick Mills, and Marco Belinelli should be the aim. Get picks, get promising young players, and set yourself up to rebuild quickly. If one of these guys can even help you move up and select Avdija, do it.

Toronto Raptors

Draft Pick: F Robert Woodard II, Mississippi State
An athletic forward with a good build, Woodard could be a steal if Toronto is able to land him at #29 overall. After taking a major leap in between his freshman year and sophomore year, Woodard developed an outside shot (43%). For a team that may not be able to retain Serge Ibaka, finding another big to provide some range on the outside would give them a quality replacement.
Signing: PG Austin Rivers, Houston Rockets
Should Toronto be unable to retain Fred VanVleet, finding a guard capable of picking up minutes at point guard and shooting guard would serve them well. Rivers may not the same caliber of VanVleet, but can provide the versatility needed, along with a quality enough shot from deep (36% in 2019-2020).
Trade: SG Luke Kennard, Detroit Pistons
Thinking outside the box here, if the Raptors aren't comfortable paying VanVleet the rate it'd take to retain him, perhaps a sign-and-trade for a team like Detroit could send them back something useful, rather than letting VanVleet walk entirely. A sharp shooting guard (40% over his career, Kennard could fit well in Toronto, either as a long-term solution, or a piece to flip as part of a package at the deadline for a bigger star post-Kawhi.

Utah Jazz

Draft Pick: C Aleksej Pokusevski, Serbia
A unicorn big-man, Pokusevski is a mobile center with fantastic height (7'0) and the ability to knock down shots beyond the arc (32% shooter). While he'll need to get bigger (only 205 lbs and lanky), he's still very young and should be able to develop into a starting caliber player down the road. And selecting at #23 overall, that's really what you're looking for.
Signing: G Langston Galloway, Detroit Pistons
While the main signing priorities for Utah will be re-signing Jordan Clarkson and extending Donovan Mitchell, the Jazz could also look to add another guard into the rotation, and Galloway's versatility and shooting make him an easy player to fit into any rotation.
Trade: PG Dennis Smith Jr., New York Knicks
The Jazz would have some quality offers if they did move C Rudy Gobert. But assuming they keep Gobert, the Jazz target someone to give their second unit a boost, especially as an aging Mike Conley drops off from the All-Star player he was. Smith looked much better earlier in his career, averaging around 15 points per game through his first three seasons. If he can recapture that, he could even play his way into the direct replacement for Conley.

Washington Wizards

Draft Pick: F Isaac Okoro, Auburn
This one makes more sense than a lot of these other picks, in my opinion. The Wizards are horrendous on the defensive end, and Okoro is the best wing defender in this year's Draft. Being able to lock up opposing team's top scorer will allow Beal and Wall to go to work on the offensive end, lightening their load a good deal.
Signing: F Moe Harkless, Los Angeles Clippers
Bringing in one defensive minded rookie won't solve the defensive woes of the Wizards. With not a ton of cap flexibility, the Wizards should aim for someone relatively cheap, who can fill a clear role, and help develop young players like Rui Hachimura. That someone would likely be Moe Harkless.
Trade: The Biggest Haul They Can Get for Beal
I know the Wizards have said they want to see what Beal and Wall can do next season, rather than moving Beal now. But I personally think that's a mistake, and that cashing in on Beal, and getting a jump start on the rebuild is the way to go. The Wall-Beal duo didn't accomplish anything before Wall tore his Achilles, and the longer they wait, the more likely they get screwed over. If they can land two of Caris LeVert, Spencer Dinwiddie, or Jarrett Allen from the Nets, I think that would be the best package, but the aim is less so a specific target than just hoard what they can get.
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Anyways, this took a little while to put together, so I hope you don't totally hate it. Let me know if you agree, disagree, think someone would fit better!

Notes and Highlights of Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear’s Live Update August 12, 2020
Notes by mr_tyler_durden and Daily Update Team
Note: We may need to paraphrase, but the notes are accurate
Watch here:

• Youtube: Update (YT Channel)
• Facebook: Update (FB Page)

Headlines

• 36,945 Cases (+1,163), 790 Deaths (+7)
• New Cases by County: 526x Jefferson, 57x Fayette, 34x Warren, 31x Madison, 29x Hardin, 24x Daviess, 19x Kenton, 19x Pulaski, 19x Scott, 18x Bullitt, 15x Perry, 14x Graves, 12x Christian, 11x Boone, 11x Greenup, 11x Knox, 11x Lewis, 10x Campbell, 10x Floyd, 10x Nelson, 9x Henderson, 9x Rowan, 8x Barren, 8x Casey, 8x Logan, 8x Russell, 8x Woodford, 7x Franklin, 7x Grayson, 7x Harlan, 7x Jessamine, 7x Shelby, 6x Bell, 6x Cumberland, 6x McCracken, 6x Oldham, 6x Washington, 5x Adair, 5x Carroll, 5x Fulton, 5x Hart, 5x Spencer, 4x Bath, 4x Boyle, 4x Knott, 4x Larue, 4x Meade, 4x Montgomery, 4x Wayne, 3x Allen, 3x Anderson, 3x Calloway, 3x Carter, 3x Edmonson, 3x Elliott, 3x Garrard, 3x Laurel, 3x Marion, 3x Muhlenberg, 3x Ohio, 3x Owen, 3x Taylor, 3x Union, 2x Bourbon, 2x Boyd, 2x Clark, 2x Clay, 2x Fleming, 2x Grant, 2x Green, 2x Harrison, 2x Hopkins, 2x Letcher, 2x Magoffin, 2x Mercer, 2x Monroe, 2x Pendleton, 2x Powell, 2x Rockcastle, 2x Trigg, 2x Whitley, 2x Wolfe, 1x Breathitt, 1x Breckinridge, 1x Clinton, 1x Hickman, 1x Jackson, 1x Johnson, 1x Lawrence, 1x Leslie, 1x Lincoln, 1x Marshall, 1x McLean, 1x Metcalfe, 1x Owsley, 1x Pike, 1x Trimble, 1x Webster
• New deaths by county: 87 F Jefferson, 80 M Oldham, 71 M Barren, 73 F Christian, 85 F Jefferson, 71 M Meade, 75 F Fayette
• Second, we want to give an update on our travel advisory. This is when we ask Kentuckians not to travel to certain states because they have a really, really high percentage of positives throughout their state, more than 15% (percent). Here are the new states that currently fall within it. Again, cancel your vacation. With everything we’re trying to do and everything we’re trying to get back to, with us making a push to decrease and get a hold of our cases, every time you travel to Florida, risk exposing yourself, but also your community when you return.
• Do you know how much of today’s count is a result of the undercount and with those numbers, how can you say masking is working? -- We believe of today’s- you know it’s really hard to, today either we would have the 1,163 today or doing our best we would have it roughly 1,092 two days ago- and so the difference in the 7 day average is gonna be relatively unchanged.
• Going back to schools, What are your thoughts on public schools that think they might move on ahead? Or even give students an option to opt-out of those classes? -- I hope they will reconsider and follow what I think is a well-thought out plan that provides the best safety not just for their kids but also for their teachers. These opt-out plans, where a family can choose not to or a family takes the risk on, doesn't opt out the employees of that school, doesn’t opt out the grandparents who might have that reaction, doesn’t opt out everybody else that’s going to be touched and impacted by it. It doesn’t opt out businesses that could lose a quarter of their workforce if a large group of their students and their families have to quarantine.
• Slides from Update

Summarized (Full) Notes

• Today we are showing our spirit by sharing the Ludlow Panther mask. This is from the Ludlow Panther school district, sent to us, we want to show our support for our public schools, the fact that we are going to work with them to safely get our kids back to in-person classes. We will talk a little bit about that as we proceed.
• Let me start by thanking everyone who was sending me thoughts yesterday during what was a nerve racking time for both myself and mainly my family, especially waiting to see about my kids. I’m happy to report that both the first lady and I, our kids, and everyone that is working around us tested negative for COVID yesterday but we tried to take every precaution that we would want anyone else to do. That is, immediately upon starting to feel a little different, a little bad, and my wife did the same, of immediately making sure that we weren't in a position to spread the virus. I’m back at about 80%, but 80% some days is what I'm going to have to make sure we can continue our fight against COVID.
• I want to start out today with positive news- we all like and want to hear positive news. And today it’s about AD Districts, our Area Development Districts, that carry out such an important purpose in KY. The Dept of local government was just awarded $6M from the Economic Development to reimburse our 15 area development districts for expenses related to COVID-19. Funding will be apportioned evenly totally roughly $390M per AD. The AD’s are invaluable partners, they foster important relationships, create strategies, and economic development opportunities across the Commonwealth. The EDA recognizes the urgency to address the economic hardship caused by COVID-19 and this is going to help some of our most important entities out there.
• So they made this funding non competitive, and available to former recipients with the ability to respond quickly to the pandemic. Our AD Districts are the perfect candidates to do just that. They’ve worked hard to develop and help our families through the pandemic by delivering meals to senior citizens- over a million meals, much more now, have now been delivered. Providing support for local businesses and so much more. With this funding I’m confident that this group will continue to help our communities, both to get through COVID-19 and to plan for a very bright future afterwards. So the AD Districts are going to use this money to fund regional disaster economic, recovery coordinators for a 2 year period, develop a disaster resiliency economic plan focused on pandemic recovery, improves short term and long term economic development plans, provide technical assistance and capacity for building up local governments and businesses impacted, and offer organizational support for COVID-19 responses. Again, I want to thank everyone who helped make this happen all across KY. We see various entities, stepping up, filling the gaps, helping out Kentuckians, and we see the federal government recognizing them whether it’s in CHFS and some announcements we had the other day, or whether it’s the great work of our AD Districts. I like to say, this isn’t money given, this is money earned. And our AD Districts have earned it.
• Second, we want to give an update on our travel advisory. This is when we ask Kentuckians not to travel to certain states because they have a really, really high percentage of positives throughout their state, more than 15% (percent). Here are the new states that currently fall within it. Again, cancel your vacation. With everything we’re trying to do and everything we’re trying to get back to, with us making a push to decrease and get a hold of our cases, every time you travel to Florida, risk exposing yourself, but also your community when you return.
• So today’s update is both good news and bad news and the bad news is pretty tough. I believe today will be our single highest number of cases that we have had.
• Positive cases today: 1,163 - This includes numbers we would have expected today as well as those that we had not gotten through because of the glitch that we talked about a couple of days before. Our original plan was to try to allocate those over the last couple of days where we thought they would have come in and what we learned was it wouldn’t make a difference. Either we would have this number today or, I think, yesterday was going to be over 1,000 as well. The most accurate thing we can do in the way that we’ve reported as to when they are processed by us, they go on to our site. Today we set a record we never wanted to set and we never wanted to get over 1,000 cases.
• Probable cases: 2,530
• Total confirmed cases: 36,945
• Children Under 5: 39 Kids. The youngest is about 3 months- but we are continuing seeing a surge in our young people testing positive.
• New Cases by County: 526x Jefferson, 57x Fayette, 34x Warren, 31x Madison, 29x Hardin, 24x Daviess, 19x Kenton, 19x Pulaski, 19x Scott, 18x Bullitt, 15x Perry, 14x Graves, 12x Christian, 11x Boone, 11x Greenup, 11x Knox, 11x Lewis, 10x Campbell, 10x Floyd, 10x Nelson, 9x Henderson, 9x Rowan, 8x Barren, 8x Casey, 8x Logan, 8x Russell, 8x Woodford, 7x Franklin, 7x Grayson, 7x Harlan, 7x Jessamine, 7x Shelby, 6x Bell, 6x Cumberland, 6x McCracken, 6x Oldham, 6x Washington, 5x Adair, 5x Carroll, 5x Fulton, 5x Hart, 5x Spencer, 4x Bath, 4x Boyle, 4x Knott, 4x Larue, 4x Meade, 4x Montgomery, 4x Wayne, 3x Allen, 3x Anderson, 3x Calloway, 3x Carter, 3x Edmonson, 3x Elliott, 3x Garrard, 3x Laurel, 3x Marion, 3x Muhlenberg, 3x Ohio, 3x Owen, 3x Taylor, 3x Union, 2x Bourbon, 2x Boyd, 2x Clark, 2x Clay, 2x Fleming, 2x Grant, 2x Green, 2x Harrison, 2x Hopkins, 2x Letcher, 2x Magoffin, 2x Mercer, 2x Monroe, 2x Pendleton, 2x Powell, 2x Rockcastle, 2x Trigg, 2x Whitley, 2x Wolfe, 1x Breathitt, 1x Breckinridge, 1x Clinton, 1x Hickman, 1x Jackson, 1x Johnson, 1x Lawrence, 1x Leslie, 1x Lincoln, 1x Marshall, 1x McLean, 1x Metcalfe, 1x Owsley, 1x Pike, 1x Trimble, 1x Webster
• Total tests conducted: 717,370 (PCR: 672,245, Serology: 44,569)
• Positivity Rate: 5.62% This is positive news, we need to get it lower though. It is still much higher than we would like and it makes it unsafe, in the current environment, to engage in some activities.
• Total hospitalized: 4,091
• Currently hospitalized: 683
• Total in ICU: 1,279
• Currently in ICU: 143
• Currently on a Ventilator: 95 - That’s a tough number. We want to think about all of those individuals.
• Total recovered: 8,893
• New deaths today: 7
• Total Deaths: 790
• New deaths by county: 87 F Jefferson, 80 M Oldham, 71 M Barren, 73 F Christian, 85 F Jefferson, 71 M Meade, 75 F Fayette
• All losses are a loss for Kentucky. Let’s light those houses up green and let’s ring those bells at 10am. This is a reminder that we are thinking of the Kentuckians we’ve lost, their families, and their communities. It’s the color of compassion and renewal as their souls move from their bodies to a better place.
• Racial breakdown of all cases: 78.79% Caucasian, 12.38% Black or African-American, 2.24% Asian, 6.00% Multiracial
• Ethnicity breakdown of all cases: 86.63% non-Hispanic and 13.37% Hispanic
• Racial breakdown of all deaths: 81.46% Caucasian, 14.42% Black or African-American, 1.51% Asian, 2.61% Multiracial
• Ethnicity breakdown of all deaths: 96.12% non-Hispanic and 3.88% Hispanic
• Long Term Care Facilities: 21 new residents and 7 new staff positive from yesterday, 1 more death, and 3 fewer facilities.
  • Total facilities: 281
  • Total deaths: 495
  • Total recovered: 3,322
  • Active cases: 389 residents, 246 staff
  • Total cases: 2,823 residents, 1,629 staff
• Now when we talk about 1,100 new cases and 7 new deaths again we get caught up in the numbers. Are the numbers going down? What’s the positivity rate? I really want us to remember these are people. And by now, they’re people that you know, that I know. I have a friend that is on a ventilator right now that I’ve known for about 10 years and she’s fighting for her life, and I'm praying for her everyday. Across the Commonwealth, these are people that we know, and that we care about. And their battle is real, and I'll tell you based on yesterday with just a scare, what people go through mentally and physically when they contract this virus is something that we have got to make sure that we consider when we make all of these decisions. When I think about 900 kids, teachers, and families quarantining in one Georgia school district, there's a lot of trauma that’s going along with each of these families. There are a lot of businesses in that district that are not going to have workers show up because that whole family is at home. And we need to make sure as we make these complicated decisions, we also think about all the emotional and mental trauma widespread quarantining does, and to make sure that we are doing things at a time where we can minimize the risk of spread and for people having to go through that.
• But today we are honoring William “Curtiss” Ice who died at 72 in Bardstown. After fighting a hard-fought battle with COVID-19, William Ice, or Curtis or PawPaw, passed away at 72. Born in Nelson County, Curtiss served as a guardsmen in the KY Battalion 138 field artillery before a career as a manufacturing engineer for GE. After retiring Curtiss returned to his passion of farming where he remained active in agriculture and beef cattle until he passed. Above all else, Curtiss was proud of his family and loved helping people in need. People who knew him would describe him as intelligent and down right jolly. You would often see him supporting his grandchildren through sports or academics or using his leadership qualities in organizations throughout the area. Curtiss is survived by his loving wife of 49 years- Wanda, his 3 children, 7 grandchildren, and 10 siblings.
• I know family friends of Curtiss and of that family. They talk about him glowingly. And originally, I think this is a family, that because of the stigma that may come with COVID was wondering about sharing this, but I know in the end they chose to honor their grandad, their PawPaw, their dad, their husband, and I hope that serves as an example the fact that we cannot, allow those that are suffering from this, or have lost from this to suffer any for of stigma. I mean this family has lost enough. So make sure we take all of our energy and put it into lighting those green lights, that we ring those bells at 10am, that we send nothing but positive thoughts to this family to all of his relatives, let’s make sure we remember him, and everyone else for the people they were and how they lived. And not simply that COVID contributed to their passing. Today we remember Curtiss.
• Now given that we’ve had 1,163 new cases today, I wanna make sure that I still emphasize that I believe masks are working. Where we were headed, and at the end of this week, I think we will still be able to show you that we are not on that exponential trajectory that we were on but that doesn’t mean that just because we found something that works and works well that it’s gonna work overnight, or even work within one week. One of the reasons I made the recommendation I made on Monday, and I’ll talk about it in a little but, is we simply need more time. To make sure we can get this virus under control, so that we can safely welcome children back in their classroom. It’s something we're seeing in the data. And while I believe that facial coverings and other steps are working, it doesn’t mean it makes things safe overnight. It doesn’t. Right now we have so much of this virus out there and spreading. We need that couple of weeks, we need that time to make sure there’s less of it in our community. Because even if we wear masks, if there’s a ton around us, there is still a higher probability that we will get it than if we allow this work for a little bit longer and we tamp it down it will significantly help stop the spread.
• But given today there is tough news, I want to give some of our positive news. Remember to post to Social Media! Let’s show our fellow Kentuckians positive vibes
• Hashtags: #TeamKentucky #TogetherKY #Patriot #HealthyAtHome #HealthyAtWork #HealthyAtSchool
• This is the first day back for JCPS teachers, this is actually from a couple of days ago. But showing that they can do it in a safe way. Making sure they can create a safe environment for their kids, which I know they hope to welcome back as soon as they can.
• You know we have asked our journalists to help us out. They are always in here, wearing their masks, doing their parts, so this is Mario Anderson tweeting out a number of these pictures and has been promoting wearing masks like I know all of our journalists are. Please keep it up, it’s a PSA just having people see you in them.
• This next is the Stuff the Bus Foundation where board members are dropping off 4,000 face masks for kids and a grant check to help make sure that we can keep everybody safe.
• The next one is our kids spending their time, not only making masks, but showing even in their play how they can adapt to this new normal. With that picture, how could we not show that one?
• The next photo is from Johnson County Public Library showing chalk art showing Hands, Face & Space. They get it. Wash your hands, use hand sanitizer, don’t touch your face, wear a mask, stay six feet apart, and we can get better control of this virus.
• I’m going to talk a little about schools, and I know there will be a lot of questions about that. Then I will go deep in the weeds to talk about what the Department of Fish and Wildlife is doing. I know for most of you, all that is going to be further in the weeds of government than many of you want to go so this is the only time I’ll say this: After we get done with the school part if you turn it off I won’t be upset at all.
• On schools, listen, Monday was tough. I know Tuesday was tough for a lot of reasons. And I know today was tough too. It’s tough because as a parent, I desperately want to get my kids back in class. Distance learning is not the same. My kids are of the age where they are losing out on important developmental opportunities, where not going to school impacts their emotional health. I’m sure they’ve fallen behind in a lot of their classes. I’m not just somebody sitting over in the governor’s office or in an ivory tower making decisions without knowing the personal toll that it takes, and going through the worry I go through every day of them not being there. Growing up, school was one of the most important things taught to me about its importance, by my parents, we are an education-first family and we always will be. I believe our school system is the most important system in place in KY. But I had to make my recommendation on Monday because I have a responsibility. I have the responsibility as the Governor of KY to make the toughest calls and to take whatever comes with it. Being a parent that desperately wants them to get back in school but I also know that right now COVID is as hot as a firecracker in KY. That we are, what I hope is the peak, heck we just had the largest number of cases today, and if we allocated them over the last 3 days then we would have had the largest number of cases 2 days ago. Regardless, this is where we are. And the idea that we would take this step while we are at our peak? Simply not a smart move to make. Here’s the other thing, when we moved to reopen the economy, we decided we weren’t going to be the fastest. We were going to be the smartest. And we were going to learn from other state’s mistakes, so that we could do it better. School districts that will be opening Monday the 17th or next week are gonna be some of the earliest in the country. Which means we are not going to see the mistakes that other groups will make and learn from it. That means these districts will make mistakes with the health, and hopefully not, the lives of the students and teachers and how about the highest number of grandparents per capita raising their grandkids that we have in KY verses anywhere else. All the recommendation is, is a chance to make sure it’s moving it a month for most schools. One month. And that’s just with in-person learning, start with distance learning, but move it one month so we can see mistakes that other schools make, so we can avoid mass quarantines where, 800-900 in one school district are home, we don’t know how many have the virus but they aren’t leaving their house for 10 days. I don’t believe we gamble or experiment with our kids. And while we are all desperate to get it back, I also want it to work. I’ve heard from a lot of school districts, and they are right, they have put a lot of time into their plans and we appreciate it. They are going to need it because even September 28th we are still going to be dealing with COVID. But even the very best plans aren’t going to work if the virus is at such a level that it’s gonna overwhelm even the best of plans. I want our schools, when they return to in-person classes, to be successful. I want them to be able to create the type of environment that they do, I want our teachers to be able to do the amazing work that they do, for our principles to run, what I think are some of the best schools in the country. I love our educators and what they do. But I want to make sure they’re safe, and that we have a real chance of success. So I'd like to think that while it stirs a lot of passions, that we all agree, we don’t want to be the canary in the coal mine with our kids. That the states that we would be starting at the same time with are states like GA, FL, TX, and we saw what them trying to be first in other areas did. And that we just be smart about this. That’s all we’re asking right now- is one month. One month to not make mistakes with the health of our children, their parents, or our teachers. And this is not just some parent choice issue, to accept the risk for your kids, and by the way, this isn’t like letting your kids play in the rain, where there is a risk they can get a cold but you choose to take it, but this is sending your children out at the height of a lightning storm. That’s where we are with COVID. But that decision isn’t just that family’s decision, it’s a decision that impacts teachers, that impacts janitors, that impacts bus drivers, and it can impact the entire community around them. And, can have a massive impact if we see the levels of quarantine we are seeing in other places. And for those counties, that think there’s not an issue there? There’s at least one county that’s talking about going forward that is in the “red”, (corrects himself: 2) over 10% positivity rate according to the WH, and there’s a number of others in the “yellow”, which is between 5-10%, what’s the testing plan? I mean if you’re going to go ahead when it’s hot, I would hope you have testing plans for your teachers. So, listen, I want to get my kids back as much as you do. And this isn’t about- I mean suddenly this is a political thing too. I’m trying to make the best recommendation, that’s what it is, I’m not shutting a school down that doesn’t agree with it. Unless, of course, they have a massive outbreak and they’re not doing the right things and the health department doesn’t do it. If somebody opens and has a huge outbreak, and it’s threatening the lives of people, we’ll take the steps we have to to protect our kids and teachers. I mean my goodness. Let’s step back, let’s step back and let’s do the right thing to make sure we are truly putting our children first and we will get them back to in-person classes. I want to get them back to in-person classes but let’s be wise about how we do it.
• (Governor Beshear speaks in depth on the Department of Fish and Wildlife. We decided to skip this segment and rest our fingers for the questions section since it’s not COVID-19 specific. You can watch this here)

QUESTIONS

• Apparently Senator McConnell called another round of aid to states “A slush fund” on the floor today? -- I think those are very unfortunate comments. Certainly that hasn’t been a part of any of our discussion or our staff. State stabilization is needed so we can fully fund education. So we can ensure people have healthcare during this crisis. So that we can afford our economic development tax incentives, So that we can move our state forward. It’s similar to what happened in 2009, and you didn’t see any “slush fund”. You found us making sure that the economy didn’t collapse further. This is absolutely necessary aid and it’s not just blue states or red states, it’s in every state. And to claim that they aren’t going to give it because of “years of fiscal mismanagement” in different places, fine, say that we have to use it all in certain areas that makeup the vast majority of our budget. Say that we need to use it in education, in Medicaid, in law enforcement, in others, but no, if we don’t get this, Kentuckians will suffer. I don’t know if it will be like bankrupting the Commonwealth but it won’t be helpful. I hope this is a negotiating tactic and that’s it.
• On schools: The Diocese of Lexington announced that their catholic schools would begin in person classes. What’s your take on that? And also, are there any more recommendations that they need to consider? -- Let me say I disagree with their decision, I don't believe it’s safe. We just had 1,100 cases. I hope this is the hottest time we have on the spread of COVID but opening when number 1, we haven’t seen the mistakes made by other school districts and number 2 the peak (not having seen it), I don’t believe it’s a responsible decision. I don’t believe they think they are intentionally making a decision that- and I sure they don’t believe it is unsafe. I think there are good plans out there but if the rate of how things are spreading and just the amount of COVID, especially right now in Fayette County with as large as it is, it can overwhelm the best plan and I want their plan to work when they open. So I certainly hope that if they decide to open at this time that they regularly test teachers and students. I know some private schools and I think some catholic schools have had trouble with COVID in sports teams. I think that says something, but not doing this right right now, can have a major impact on their community. I hope that given today that they will reconsider. Again, we’re asking for one month that will help us better protect the lives of our kids and of their teachers. And finally I’d say to them, I want my children back in school as much as any other parent. But I am making what I truly believe, based on all the advice I have been given, is the right recommendation even though it’s gonna be an unpopular one, my job during this crisis is to do the best I can and not worry about the popularity piece.
• Have you talked to any of the schools that have decided to go back early? One is going to use the “pod” system, and another is cutting off the number of students in the classrooms, does that make anybody feel better, that they kinda went with a daycare type plan?-- So any school that decides to go back, I want to use the best practices. I don’t want them to fail. I worry that at this point, I’m convinced that it’s going to be very hard in this week and in the next week to do it successfully, but any extra step they’re going to take- I want them to take, because I want the students there to be safe and their teachers. The more “pod” you can do, the smaller the number of kids, the better. I’m not going to argue with the steps being made, because again, I’m not worrying about being right, I’m worried about our kids being safe. If folks are going to make a decision that I think is the wrong decision, I at least hope they do everything they can to protect the kids.
• I’m hearing from people, people who signed up for the test and ended up not going and received letters saying they were positive. It has happened at least 3 times that I’ve heard of Jefferson, Christian, Hopkins -- If you can, Tom, get that letter. These things have popped up before, when we have learned about these specific examples, and we request to see those- and when you read through the entire letter there is a lot more language in there that talks about why the statement was made at the top and the fact that they missed an appointment and what else it can mean. So if you can, get those, because if that issue is out there we wanna stop it and we want to address it. But the ones where we have seen an actual letter in, thus far, have a lot more information when you go further down it.
• How did today’s meeting with the Sec of State go? How close are we to reaching an agreement on the general election? -- This is about the Sec. of State and I meeting, or you could say negotiating, I like to think we are working together, on creating a safe environment for our elections, and hopefully continuing what we’ve seen which is a lot of success, in having more people than just about ever, vote. We had a very productive meeting. I believe we are very close to coming to an agreement, I think he said 48 hours to someone earlier, and I think that’s fair and reasonable. And it was more of a discussion than a negotiation. I think we have a lot of the same ultimate goals, and right now I am confident we can reach a good agreement. I don’t want to get into the particulars we are talking on now, I want to hash those out. I believe that we can come to a good resolution. He is acting in good faith in all of our negotiations and I think I am too.
• Why is it safe to allow 23,000 fans at Derby and not have schools have in-person classes on the same day? -- This is one of those false equivalencies that we talk about where people say, if I can go to Walmart, my kid can be in school for 6 hours amongst the same group and have that extra exposure. So, right now, it looks like Churchill Downs will be down to less than 15 percent occupancy in their facilities. I don’t know of a school plan that is going down to 15% capacity. Most of those people are being moved outside and are being spread out significantly in my understanding of the plan. Again I think it’s a really false equivalency over 200+ acres at 15% capacity to say that is somehow the equivalent of kids being in schools and listen, those that are upset about starting hopefully with in-person learning, and then pushing it back one month, they can point to Derby or Walmart, what I’d ask them, “is one month worth it? To learn the mistakes that others are making and make sure they’re not making those mistakes on your kids or mine?” it certainly is to me. And I think it's the right decision from a public health standpoint and we can change our calendar as needed to make sure we get as many instruction days back in. We are also going to learn some from other schools that open. I hope those schools that open are really honest when they have the positives that they're going to take this step and when that happens that they put people’s health first.
• Do you know how much of today’s count is a result of the undercount and with those numbers, how can you say masking is working? -- We believe of today’s- you know it’s really hard to, today either we would have the 1,163 today or doing our best we would have it roughly 1,092 two days ago- and so the difference in the 7 day average is gonna be relatively unchanged. And remember we look at these through the week. We have lower numbers on Sunday and Monday, we have a lot more that come in in the middle of the week. I think we need to look at where we are at the end of the week. Can you put the stair-stepper graph up? The one with purple steps?. . So the reason we think that masks are working, isn’t because we immediately have fewer cases. It’s that we are stopping the escalation. So we were going increase over increase, over increase. 40%, 50%, truly headed towards the type of spike we saw in other states. This isn’t the one, this is missing this week. I’d say come on Kenneth, but it’s James... The reason is we have stopped the type of exponential growth that we were seeing. And the reason is definitely wearing a mask. Now where are we gonna plateau? Are we going to plateau or are we going to continue to go up by 4%, 5%? Listen, that’s a heck of a lot better than 52% and so that’s how we can show that masks are working but you don’t immediately start heading back down.
• Do you believe the Supreme Court’s Eviction Diversion Pilot Project in Jefferson County is a sufficient substitute for the Indefinite Evictions Moratorium? -- I believe that this is a very good program. It’s got some dollars that have been put up by Jefferson County and their CARES Act. I think it will resolve a lot of the claims, to where, instead of just a moratorium, people will come out of this epidemic not way behind and not immediately needing to catch up. We have in fact, are in talks in the supreme court, about being able to do more of this statewide, what it would do, is create a third party that could truly get people to the right place. We hope to have more news in the near future about coming to a resolution on where evictions are, that will protect people, that will make sure people aren’t gaming the system, and also help make up for the lost revenue for those that have been patient and reasonable- but their businesses have been hurting too.

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