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Message: [QUOTE="RF2044, post: 2587714, member: 40"] A couple of things. First of all, we have both of our starting forwards returning next year. Bazley [who was signed prior to making an unprecedented decision to go G--league instead of attending college] would have bolstered that group immensely, infusing our team with a frontcourt playmaker that we lacked last season. Along with some deep reserve minutes from Hughes, the cupboard was absolutely stocked at forward. When Bazley pulled the rug out from under us, we had virtually zero chance to replace him with a player of comparable ability.* But the cupboard was far from bare with Brissett / Dolezaj, so the coaching staff pivoted and quickly tried to identify "gettable" prospects who were unsigned or freeing up due to a coaching change, who wouldn't just be warm bodies. I think that there is some sour-grapes rationalization about Golden's game, ability, and capability to be a contributor here. I'm not sure that the staff prioritized him over Braswell -- but I do think that it is likely that Golden might be better suited to contribute in year one, which is what the staff is / was probably looking for in whoever they bring in. Think about it: we've got our starters locked in at forward -- we need somebody who can spell them, play right away, not hurt us, and offer a little more size that the 6-6 Hughes to play the back line of the zone. Golden also offered some multi-position "insurance" as a guy who could fill in at the 5 in the event that Sidibe doesn't bounce back physically, or someone gets injured. Braswell has some intriguing tools. I hope that the shooting translates [I really want to see more film; I'm a bit skeptical of the highlight reels we have seen; not saying that he doesn't have the ability, just that I want to see more before forming a more definitive opinion], because if it does -- I could see him being in the mold of a Southerland / Nichols type player for us. I could even see him being a terrific starter down the line. But the notion that it "makes no sense" why the staff might have prioritized Golden doesn't hold up if you step back and think big picture. [SIZE=3]* I acknowledge the remote possibility that there might be some international prospect out there who might be completely under the radar, and that said hypothetical prospect could potentially, theoretically have a similar impact as Bazley, as unlikely as that scenario might be. [/SIZE] [/QUOTE]

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