u/ATLCoyote

Granted, our record in those six matches, across all competitions, is only 3-2-1. So it doesn’t matter if we’re controlling the run of play if we can’t convert our chances and avoid the occasional defensive lapses that convert possible wins into losses or draws.

But, dating all the way back to the New England game, the team has started to gain an identity and confidence and generally looked like the better team for most of the game. Last night for example, we out-shot Orlando 21-7 and led in xG, possession, corners, tackles, you name it. And what I find encouraging over this stretch is that we’ve played most of it with just 1 DP on the field as ELL only started 2 of those 6 games.

Point being, we might finally be just a player or two away from contention. We’ve thought that before only to end up disappointed, so it’s on the front office to make the right moves this summer and finally produce a winner. But lately, we’ve been showing that this team can compete.

Granted, he's not anywhere near the elite, franchise player he was supposed to be when taken #1 overall by the Suns. But he's a solid 7-footer, he can create his own shot and is a good scorer from 15-feet in, he's good in the pick and roll, he's quick enough to switch and defend on the perimeter, he can alter shots around the rim, and he consistently averages over 10 rebounds per game despite only playing about 28-30 mins. Plus, he's only 27 years old and he played 72 games this year. And with OO, we could split his time and manage his workload.

His value is being overlooked because he's on a team with LeBron, Luka, and Reaves, but he brings a lot to the table.

There are no elite centers in this draft. So, take the best guard available and add an established player like Ayton to the front court.

It seems highly unlikely that he'll exercise his $8.1 million player option when he could easily make more by becoming an UFA this summer. Not sure how much money he'd expect, but if he hits the market, we should probably be involved.