Opinion The NBA Thread

[wicksy]

Cavs signed Ricard Jefferson, so currently:
PG: Irving, Williams
SG: Shumpert, Harris, Miller
SF: James, Jefferson, Pointer
PF: Love, Varejao, Jones
C: Mozgov, Haywood, Chrsitmas

what I'm hoping for:
PG: Irving, Williams, Delly
SG: Shumpert, JR, Harris
SF: James, Jefferson, Miller
PF: Love, Thompson, Jones
C: Mozgov, Varejao, Kaun

Champion calibre

 

[Knightmare]

Anyone following the Shaq v Scottie Pippen discussion re. the greatest team ever? and more specifically the greatest Bulls v greatest Lakers?

My take is the Lakers would win the matchup. They have had the most talented individual players of any franchise when you look back at the greats. The Bulls at SF would have the Lakers covered with Pippen better than any Laker to play that position with James Worthy probably the better player the Lakers have had at that position, and MJ was greater than Kobe. But on the other side of things Magic beats Rose, Wilt beats Artis Gilmore who was the Bulls greatest ever big man and Kareem who would play the power forward alongside Wilt who would be greater than any second big man the Bulls have had - be it Dennis Rodman, Horace Grant, Toni Kukoc, Joakim Noah, Paul Gasol or whoever you put in that conversation.

What seems to have been left out of the discussion is Shaq in my view even with his prime played with the Lakers should not start with Wilt and Kareem both better bigs. Wilt was past his prime. But even so, he still at that advanced age rebounded and defended to a significantly higher level than Shaq offered at any stage in his career, and also offered in his time with the Lakers delivered a greater shooting percentage as someone who could have been used more on offense, but instead was used with the intent to be Bill Russell as basically the guy who focused everything on stopping you on the other end of the floor.
And with all those offensive weapons on the floor with Kareem and Kobe who both want the ball and want to score. Even with Magic there as the playmaker. It better balances the floor and optimises their setup.

--
The team I feel that is badly getting left out of the greatest team ever discussion is Golden State. They haven't been receiving a mention, but after the Lakers, they would in my view be that second best all-time team.

Obviously Golden State Warriors haven't won like other franchises (note I count the Philidelphia Warriors as the same franchise). But the fact that they had Wilt in his prime, during his 50,25 season and those first 6.5 years of his NBA career. But then having Steph Curry and Klay Thompson on the perimeter as 3pt shooters. That's just ridiculous. Draymond Green at the power forward would be a terrific fit for that team from a chemistry standpoint just further stretch the floor on offense, sharing and moving the ball, but then on defense locking down and stopping his man. Then have Rick Barry at the small forward. And I think even v the All Time Lakers, while it's not as much recognised star power, the chemistry is without equal and too hard to handle. Nate Thurmond as a backup center if I wanted to go pure best guy would be a starter over Draymond Green. Tim Hardaway, Chris Mullen, Jason Richardson, Baron Davis, Bernard King, Monta Ellis, Andre Iguodala, Andrew Bogut. I like that group, particularly with the ability to play a genuine inside-out style with Wilt able to do whatever he wants inside, and as an ultimate passing big man (having once led in the NBA in assists), having all the 3 point shooters on the perimeter who have contributed for this franchise to historically great levels. I love the group that could be created with this team.

 

[shizzle]

Ouch, Dante possible ACL in a friendly

 

[wicksy]

Ouch, Dante possible ACL in a friendly

shiiiit really?! That sucks for the boy. Might be pushing up hill to get ready for Rio now... :/


PS Man, the Jazz are going to be pissed!!

 

[wicksy]

So innocuous!!!

 

[the mighty T]

Rough deal for the kid if true. Gotta feel for him.

 

[nahnah]

Cavs and clips in trade talks over Jamal Crawford, hope this happens.

 

[wicksy]

....and we're back!!

Watched Lance Stephenson in two games now and want to throw up!!
Don't mind Cole Aldrich's big body though!!

 

[nahnah]

Oh yes do we dare give our standing predictions? Picking the west looks difficult. The majority of free agency is done I believe, just a few players holding out for money

 

[wicksy]

Oh yes do we dare give our standing predictions? Picking the west looks difficult. The majority of free agency is done I believe, just a few players holding out for money

I'll start..... West and East predictions as well as Champions & MVP.

West
1. San Antonio Spurs
2. LA Clippers
3. Golden State Warriors
4. Oklahoma Thunder
5. New Orleans Pelicans
6. Houston Rockets
7. Phoenix Suns
8. Memphis Grizzlies

East
1. Cleveland Cavaliers
2. Toronto Raptors
3. Atlanta Hawks
4. Chicago Bulls
5. Washington Wizards
6. Miami Heat
7. Indiana Pacers
8. Milwaukee Bucks

Champions
LA Clippers

Runners Up
Cleveland Cavaliers

MVP
Anthony Davis

 

[nahnah]

I'll start..... West and East predictions as well as Champions & MVP.

West
1. San Antonio Spurs
2. LA Clippers
3. Golden State Warriors
4. Oklahoma Thunder
5. New Orleans Pelicans
6. Houston Rockets
7. Phoenix Suns
8. Memphis Grizzlies

East
1. Cleveland Cavaliers
2. Toronto Raptors
3. Atlanta Hawks
4. Chicago Bulls
5. Washington Wizards
6. Miami Heat
7. Indiana Pacers
8. Milwaukee Bucks

Champions
LA Clippers

Runners Up
Cleveland Cavaliers

MVP
Anthony Davis

Interesting, pels and Suns very high! I think I'm with you on the pels not sold on Suns.
I don't think cavs will finish first in east with shump and kyrie out for the first few months but I have no idea who the second best team is, it will probbaly be some random one like the Hawks last season.

 

[wicksy]

Interesting, pels and Suns very high! I think I'm with you on the pels not sold on Suns.
I don't think cavs will finish first in east with shump and kyrie out for the first few months but I have no idea who the second best team is, it will probbaly be some random one like the Hawks last season.

Yeah you're right about the suns... I completely forgotten they'd blown up their starters with the Morris twin debacle!!!
Oh well, it's penned now... No post editing allowed

Looking forward to seeing you and Knightmare put forth your tips....

 

[the mighty T]

Oh yes do we dare give our standing predictions? Picking the west looks difficult. The majority of free agency is done I believe, just a few players holding out for money

Lets give it a little crack, shall we.

West

Thunder
Clippers
Golden State
Spurs
-------------
Rockets
Grizzlies
Pelicans
Kings

East

Cavs
Heat
Bulls
Hawks
-------------
Wizards
Bucks
Pacers
Pistons

Champions
OKC Thunder

MVP
K. Durant

 

[Knightmare]

....and we're back!!

Watched Lance Stephenson in two games now and want to throw up!!
Don't mind Cole Aldrich's big body though!!

The fit of Stephenson alongside CP3 is a poor one. Stephenson is best with ball in hand and is a poor perimeter shooter. So good luck to him finding a way to work in that same backcourt as CP3.

Josh Smith should along with Paul Pierce prove a strong get and improve that bench.

Aldrich for sub 10 minutes per game should be sufficient as a backup center.

I'll start..... West and East predictions as well as Champions & MVP.

West
1. San Antonio Spurs
2. LA Clippers
3. Golden State Warriors
4. Oklahoma Thunder
5. New Orleans Pelicans
6. Houston Rockets
7. Phoenix Suns
8. Memphis Grizzlies

East
1. Cleveland Cavaliers
2. Toronto Raptors
3. Atlanta Hawks
4. Chicago Bulls
5. Washington Wizards
6. Miami Heat
7. Indiana Pacers
8. Milwaukee Bucks

Champions
LA Clippers

Runners Up
Cleveland Cavaliers

MVP
Anthony Davis

Sounds like it's my turn to get some predictions happening.

I'll go with:

West:
1. Golden State
2. SA Spurs
3. OKC Thunder
4. LA Clippers
5. Houston
6. Memphis
7. New Orleans
8. Utah
*Is it just me or is there just no deserving 8 seed out West this year?

East:
1. Cleveland
2. Chicago
3. Miami
4. Atlanta
5. Milwaukee
6. Indiana
7. Detroit
8. Washington


As for some early tips.

MVP = Steph Curry (disclaimer: Anthony Davis will be the best in the NBA but his team probably don't win quite enough games for him to win the award)

Rookie of the year = Jahlil Okafor (he'll get featured on the offensive end, get big minutes with Embiid hurt and Noel will cover his defensive lapses so easy choice. Mudiay I think may also contend for the award given Denver have given him the keys to the offense)

Defensive player of the year = Anthony Davis (Draymond Green, Kawhi Leonard, DeAndre Jordan and as a smokie Rudy Gobert I feel will all be in the mix)

Most improved = Giannis Antetokounmpo (so hard to say and you need to see the season happen to be able to say with more certainty. But Giannis at his age and with his length and style of game is someone who could breakout and should at least take another step forward this season)

Sixth Man of the year = Paul Pierce (an out of the box call but Pierce is expected to come off the bench and is able and clutch enough to put up the offensive numbers to take out this award. JR Smith if he doesn't start, though I'm expecting he does start is another I'd say has a real shot given the nature of the award as an award that goes exclusively these days to high volume scorers off the bench).

--
Champion: Warriors
West winner: Warriors
East winner: Cavs

 

[the mighty T]

The fit of Stephenson alongside CP3 is a poor one. Stephenson is best with ball in hand and is a poor perimeter shooter. So good luck to him finding a way to work in that same backcourt as CP3.

Josh Smith should along with Paul Pierce prove a strong get and improve that bench.

Aldrich for sub 10 minutes per game should be sufficient as a backup center.

Sounds like it's my turn to get some predictions happening.

I'll go with:

West:
1. Golden State
2. SA Spurs
3. OKC Thunder
4. LA Clippers
5. Houston
6. Memphis
7. New Orleans
8. Utah
*Is it just me or is there just no deserving 8 seed out West this year?

East:
1. Cleveland
2. Chicago
3. Miami
4. Atlanta
5. Milwaukee
6. Indiana
7. Detroit
8. Washington


As for some early tips.

MVP = Steph Curry (disclaimer: Anthony Davis will be the best in the NBA but his team probably don't win quite enough games for him to win the award)

Rookie of the year = Jahlil Okafor (he'll get featured on the offensive end, get big minutes with Embiid hurt and Noel will cover his defensive lapses so easy choice. Mudiay I think may also contend for the award given Denver have given him the keys to the offense)

Defensive player of the year = Anthony Davis (Draymond Green, Kawhi Leonard, DeAndre Jordan and as a smokie Rudy Gobert I feel will all be in the mix)

Most improved = Giannis Antetokounmpo (so hard to say and you need to see the season happen to be able to say with more certainty. But Giannis at his age and with his length and style of game is someone who could breakout and should at least take another step forward this season)

Sixth Man of the year = Paul Pierce (an out of the box call but Pierce is expected to come off the bench and is able and clutch enough to put up the offensive numbers to take out this award. JR Smith if he doesn't start, though I'm expecting he does start is another I'd say has a real shot given the nature of the award as an award that goes exclusively these days to high volume scorers off the bench).

--
Champion: Warriors
West winner: Warriors
East winner: Cavs

Born Ready won't be starting as he and CP3 just demand too much of the ball. But he provides massive wing assistance coming off the bench and will be an impactful player for the second unit. The Clippers will be big business this year, but I fear they'll fall short.

8th seed in the west is a straight up lottery. I've gone with the Kings on an "everything goes according to plan" prediction, but completely expecting a capitulation mid season.

Okafor or Russell will take R.O.Y honours, both are exceptionally talented. However, Mudiay will be showcased in Denver so keep an eye on him.

 

[wicksy]

Born Ready won't be starting as he and CP3 just demand too much of the ball. But he provides massive wing assistance coming off the bench and will be an impactful player for the second unit. The Clippers will be big business this year, but I fear they'll fall short.

8th seed in the west is a straight up lottery. I've gone with the Kings on an "everything goes according to plan" prediction, but completely expecting a capitulation mid season.

Okafor or Russell will take R.O.Y honours, both are exceptionally talented. However, Mudiay will be showcased in Denver so keep an eye on him.

This.... Stephenson will play SF in the 2nd unit with ALdrich/Smith and Smith/Pierce filling the C/PF positions.
Austin at 1 and Jamal at 2.

I'm tipping lack of chemistry in the 2nd unit will lead to a poor start for the Clips (see today's debacle in Vancouver) but a strong surge to end the season in the right form for playoffs.

Are you a Thunder fan Mighty T? Be nice to have another Westy in our midst with nahnah and knightmare tied up in the east.

 

[Knightmare]

Born Ready won't be starting as he and CP3 just demand too much of the ball. But he provides massive wing assistance coming off the bench and will be an impactful player for the second unit. The Clippers will be big business this year, but I fear they'll fall short.

8th seed in the west is a straight up lottery. I've gone with the Kings on an "everything goes according to plan" prediction, but completely expecting a capitulation mid season.

Okafor or Russell will take R.O.Y honours, both are exceptionally talented. However, Mudiay will be showcased in Denver so keep an eye on him.

I feel silly for saying it given the NBA media's mockery of the Kings organisation and signings. But I like the signings (Rondo for one year is fine. Belinelli will improve their perimeter shooting, Koufos and C.Butler are solid vets). Love Cousins. In the end I just settled for Utah instead because their defence and play over the second half of last year was as good as any, so I feel they slip in just in front.

Sacramento I'm hoping like anything don't finish with a top 10 selection because as a Bulls fan. I really want that first round selection of Sacramento which they will get if Sacramento don't finish with a top 10 selection this year.

 

[the mighty T]

This.... Stephenson will play SF in the 2nd unit with ALdrich/Smith and Smith/Pierce filling the C/PF positions.
Austin at 1 and Jamal at 2.

I'm tipping lack of chemistry in the 2nd unit will lead to a poor start for the Clips (see today's debacle in Vancouver) but a strong surge to end the season in the right form for playoffs.

Are you a Thunder fan Mighty T? Be nice to have another Westy in our midst with nahnah and knightmare tied up in the east.

Nah I'm a Bulls fan through and through, but I have endless love for the Durantula. I think this could be the year that it all clicks but it's a tough conference to get out of and always throws up a bunch of questions.

Yeah the Clips will start slow, as will the Cavs with no return set for Love and Kyrie (Plus the injury to Shumpert) but both will be damn tough to beat at the business end

 

[the mighty T]

I feel silly for saying it given the NBA media's mockery of the Kings organisation and signings. But I like the signings (Rondo for one year is fine. Belinelli will improve their perimeter shooting, Koufos and C.Butler are solid vets). Love Cousins. In the end I just settled for Utah instead because their defence and play over the second half of last year was as good as any, so I feel they slip in just in front.

Sacramento I'm hoping like anything don't finish with a top 10 selection because as a Bulls fan. I really want that first round selection of Sacramento which they will get if Sacramento don't finish with a top 10 selection this year.

I think the media has been ridiculously tough on the Kings for what have been fairly astute purchases. They lambasted them for trading Stauskas, but he was a player in surplus anyways with McLemore and Belinelli.. and now they're actually kinda deep:

PG: Rondo, Collison
SG: McLemore/Belinelli
SF: Gay, Butler
PF: Cousins
C: Koufos/Cauley-Stein

They're not world beaters by any stretch, but they've made the right moves. The two big guys allow Cousins to operate at the 4 whilst providing a strong defensive presence on the glass. Boogie finally has a decent distributor in Rondo who he gets along with that will be able to get him the ball in the right spots. Gay is no spud and Collison is handy off the bench.

I'll reserve judgement until after the 30 game mark, but they have the makings of a competitive unit.

I'm interested to see how Utah go with Trey back at the helm.. he's a distinctly average point guard and a defensive liability imo. They'll miss what Exum provided in the tail end of the season. Huge fan of the Stifle Tower though

 

[Knightmare]

Nah I'm a Bulls fan through and through, but I have endless love for the Durantula. I think this could be the year that it all clicks but it's a tough conference to get out of and always throws up a bunch of questions.

Yeah the Clips will start slow, as will the Cavs with no return set for Love and Kyrie (Plus the injury to Shumpert) but both will be damn tough to beat at the business end

As a Bulls fan where do you stand on D.Rose's recent comments? (regarding free agency and providing for his son)?

I don't know if you read Sam Smith on Bulls.com but I personally (while it is no longer the popular view) side with him on Rose where he just can't articulate what he is trying to say for the life of him (with his comments more suggesting that he is working his butt off to be as great as he can be these next few years to get the team back into championship contention, and if he does that then the money will come), and I think this year he's back to being D.Rose with some reports from those coaches who have spoken to him suggesting that he's back to attacking and being D.Rose as we saw through the playoffs last year. And with everything that has happened to him in the past few years, he is someone where his trade value is so low, trading him would make no sense and also eliminate any winning chances. So I'm more than I have been in a few years now on the D.Rose bandwagon. Even if Joakim and Jimmy are my two favourite Bulls.

Durant is an interesting one. When he started his career he was a great humble guy who worked hard and showed loyalty to OKC by signing on early without any fuss. These past couple of years I've found he has lost his likeability and like Westbrook has really become an ass to reporters and is just trying too hard to increase his brand, but I can't help but think he just continues to get bad advise and along with Westbrook's influence who was never a good guy, that side of Westbrook has worn off on Durant which is a real shame on that more personality level.
As basketball players those guys both can really ball and are among the very best few in the game.

With Durant it will be interesting to see from here which way his direction goes. He has that long, wirey body that suggests he can stick around deep into his 30s and remain productive with the wear and tear due to his style of game and lack of size on his frame presumably helping extend his career. On the other side of things he has his foot and ankle issues that just keep coming up, and those injuries in basketball players are trouble. So for me his future really comes down to whether he can fully get over all that. I tend to think in terms of upside that Durant will remain who he is. It's possible he could marginally improve, but his 2013-14 self I anticipate will be the best version of himself with that more what I anticipate he will look to replicate rather than have the ability to better. But I could be wrong.

 

[Knightmare]

I think the media has been ridiculously tough on the Kings for what have been fairly astute purchases. They lambasted them for trading Stauskas, but he was a player in surplus anyways with McLemore and Belinelli.. and now they're actually kinda deep:

PG: Rondo, Collison
SG: McLemore/Belinelli
SF: Gay, Butler
PF: Cousins
C: Koufos/Cauley-Stein

They're not world beaters by any stretch, but they've made the right moves. The two big guys allow Cousins to operate at the 4 whilst providing a strong defensive presence on the glass. Boogie finally has a decent distributor in Rondo who he gets along with that will be able to get him the ball in the right spots. Gay is no spud and Collison is handy off the bench.

I'll reserve judgement until after the 30 game mark, but they have the makings of a competitive unit.

I'm interested to see how Utah go with Trey back at the helm.. he's a distinctly average point guard and a defensive liability imo. They'll miss what Exum provided in the tail end of the season. Huge fan of the Stifle Tower though

Sacramento really need a power forward.

They'd be smart to trade for Taj Gibson from the Bulls, who probably with Nikola Mirotic and Bobby Portis really is surplus.

If Sacramento trade in a three way trade:
Gay to Heat
Bulls send Gibson to Kings
and Heat send Deng to Bulls (who never fit in with the Heat)

I see all three teams looking better. And maybe then Sacramento make the playoffs, with the team Gay leaves seemingly always getting better.

But I tend to agree. Their depth is reasonably enough and there are some pieces who can make something happen if things fall their way.

 

[nahnah]

West
1. Golden State Warriors
2. Oklahoma City
3. L.A Clippers
4. San Antonio Spurs
5. Memphis Grizzlies
6. Houston Rockets
7. New Orleans Pelicans
8. Sacramento Kings

East
1. Cleveland Cavaliers
2. Chicago Bulls
3. Atlanta Hawks
4. Indiana Pacers
5. Milwaukee Bucks
6. Miami Heat
7. Toronto Raptors
8. Detroit Pistons

Champions
Cleveland Cavaliers

Runners Up
Oklahoma City

MVP
Kevin Durant

MIP:
Bradley Beal

ROY
D'Angelo Russell

6th Man:
Darren Collison ( this award is almost impossible to pick)

DPOY:
Anthony Davis

 

[the mighty T]

As a Bulls fan where do you stand on D.Rose's recent comments? (regarding free agency and providing for his son)?

I don't know if you read Sam Smith on Bulls.com but I personally (while it is no longer the popular view) side with him on Rose where he just can't articulate what he is trying to say for the life of him (with his comments more suggesting that he is working his butt off to be as great as he can be these next few years to get the team back into championship contention, and if he does that then the money will come), and I think this year he's back to being D.Rose with some reports from those coaches who have spoken to him suggesting that he's back to attacking and being D.Rose as we saw through the playoffs last year. And with everything that has happened to him in the past few years, he is someone where his trade value is so low, trading him would make no sense and also eliminate any winning chances. So I'm more than I have been in a few years now on the D.Rose bandwagon. Even if Joakim and Jimmy are my two favourite Bulls.

Durant is an interesting one. When he started his career he was a great humble guy who worked hard and showed loyalty to OKC by signing on early without any fuss. These past couple of years I've found he has lost his likeability and like Westbrook has really become an ass to reporters and is just trying too hard to increase his brand, but I can't help but think he just continues to get bad advise and along with Westbrook's influence who was never a good guy, that side of Westbrook has worn off on Durant which is a real shame on that more personality level.
As basketball players those guys both can really ball and are among the very best few in the game.

With Durant it will be interesting to see from here which way his direction goes. He has that long, wirey body that suggests he can stick around deep into his 30s and remain productive with the wear and tear due to his style of game and lack of size on his frame presumably helping extend his career. On the other side of things he has his foot and ankle issues that just keep coming up, and those injuries in basketball players are trouble. So for me his future really comes down to whether he can fully get over all that. I tend to think in terms of upside that Durant will remain who he is. It's possible he could marginally improve, but his 2013-14 self I anticipate will be the best version of himself with that more what I anticipate he will look to replicate rather than have the ability to better. But I could be wrong.

Can't say I read what Sam had to say on this, but I heard the comments and saw Bleacher Reports take on it. I think that from a psychological perspective, I'd imagine that Rose is so focused on getting back to the level he was once at is of the utmost importance and that requires him to act confident the whole time, planning forward, envisioning success etc. I don't read a great deal into it or hold it negatively against his character, however I do believe that he is no longer an untouchable piece. His salary is immense... like an anchor.. and whilst I'd be sad to see him go, there would be benefit to parting ways with him if there was a suitable free agent available or trade proposition (see Anthony, Carmelo). I can see him being a lot better than last year, but it's up to him to change his game and become a more traditional point guard if he wants to truly add value to this team.

All superstars are going that way, and it's a damn shame that a lot of them really get carried away with their fame. But that's indicative of that culture as a whole. As a player though, he is a freak in every sense of the word and a scoring machine. I fully expect him to hit those 13-14 numbers again and be a dominant force.. I don't expect him to continue beyond this season at OKC however..

Sacramento really need a power forward.

They'd be smart to trade for Taj Gibson from the Bulls, who probably with Nikola Mirotic and Bobby Portis really is surplus.

If Sacramento trade in a three way trade:
Gay to Heat
Bulls send Gibson to Kings
and Heat send Deng to Bulls (who never fit in with the Heat)

I see all three teams looking better. And maybe then Sacramento make the playoffs, with the team Gay leaves seemingly always getting better.

But I tend to agree. Their depth is reasonably enough and there are some pieces who can make something happen if things fall their way.

The loss of Deng still really annoys me.. I know it was a cap clearing room when hunting Melo, but his loss really irks me. Quality dude. I don't think Gay leaving would have the same effect on them though as he's been a reasonably good fit that once again will benefit from the presence of Rajon.

However, we do need to trade one of our big guys. Portis is too good a talent to rot away on the bench like McBuckets did last year and Mirotic deserves a more prominent role in the rotation. Would be happy to part with Gibson for a little more wing strength

 

[mattys123]

Being a Spurs fan I'll come back and contribute here once the playoffs start.

On that topic, if the Spurs make the playoffs this year (and let's face it we will with West and LMA coming in) they will equal the immortal Celtics team of the 50's and 60's with 19 straight appearances in the post season.

Not a bad run.

 

[Knightmare]

The loss of Deng still really annoys me.. I know it was a cap clearing room when hunting Melo, but his loss really irks me. Quality dude. I don't think Gay leaving would have the same effect on them though as he's been a reasonably good fit that once again will benefit from the presence of Rajon.

However, we do need to trade one of our big guys. Portis is too good a talent to rot away on the bench like McBuckets did last year and Mirotic deserves a more prominent role in the rotation. Would be happy to part with Gibson for a little more wing strength

The development of Snell and McDermott will be big in the Bulls season if either can break through. Both have the ability and could fill any relative roster holes. Failing their development by the all star break a move probably needs to be made to introduce a suitable starting wing to play alongside Butler and Rose.

Portis I agree can be excellent and needs minutes. He is getting spoken about like he would win rookie of the year if he was on any other roster.

Taj Gibson is probably that odd man out and replaceable with Portis developing. If it turns out McDermott and/or Snell develop into starting quality perimeter players then Gibson could easily be traded for a future first round pick. If not then that's when Gibson needs to be turned into a Deng or equivalent level starting talent. But Gibson probably is that surplus player unless a Noah or Gasol get hurt and/or look set to leave as free agents which both can choose to do.