Tommy Sheppard and the big decisions
Thus far, Tommy Sheppard has already done more work on the margins than Ernie Grunfeld did in sixteen-plus years on the job. He has nailed several of these transactions – namely taking on Davis Bertans from San Antonio for cash and finagling his way into the Anthony Davis trade (and getting Bonga, Wagner, and a future Lakers second-rounder for his troubles).
That’s the easy part. A general manager is ultimately defined by the far more consequential moves, and right now it’s fair to scrutinize Sheppard on some of these decisions. While the 2019 draft was bereft of talent outside of the top-two, the selection of Hachimura at 9th overall looks extremely questionable.
Letting Tomas Satoransky walk (3 years, $30 million offer sheet with the Bulls) may have been ok, but did they really need to commit $6 million a year to a more ball-dominant point-guard in Ish Smith? The Bryant contract from last offseason is a probably a negative value, especially with the glut of offense-only centers on the market. He may rue holding on to Bertans at the trade deadline, we’ll see what he ultimately fetches in free agency. I wouldn’t exactly be chopping at the bit to pay his next contract.
This brings us to the offseason. Sheppard’s comments indicate that they will prioritize defense and athleticism, which is an encouraging sign. The Bradley Beal situation looms over everything – he seems to have no shortage of suitors around the league – they can afford to wait things out longer. But how much time do they really have?