Post by The Athletic on Oct 11, 2022 14:29:41 GMT -5
My first question is what’re your thoughts on the pst two years? With you being so close both times are there any deals you passed on that you regret? Would you have done anything differently?
Salami: The last two years have been tough - especially last year. It’s crazy how the difference between a missed and made three decided it all. Nonetheless, I’m grateful for the past couple years and encouraged with my past performance, given my lack of fantasy basketball experience l. I don’t regret passing on any trades but I do regret some I’ve made. The first trade with Kyle was lopsided - I had never played fantasy basketball, let alone a dynasty league and got absolutely creamed. I do believe I should have kept precious or a first rounder with the trade with lauren(thunder) as well. The trade that hurt most was with steve(kings) for Chris Paul - that trade not only took away a future first and two seconds but Chris’s injury made me lose. Sometimes going all in doesn’t always work and that’s evident there. I’m also not sure if I made a good decision on passing up with Benedict Mathurin - he’s looked awesome in preseason and that might come back to bite me but will need to see what jazz 25 first looks like
What are the goals and expectations for the team this year?
Salami: The goal this year is championship or bust - nothing less than a championship is acceptable
While you did come in with a loaded squad you did have a pretty tricky cap situation to navigate. I know it’s not fully settled yet but how would you grade the way you navigated the financial situation regarding your team?
Salami: I would give myself a B with how I navigated around the cap issues I faced. Letting pascal go for c wood and a first was tough but I haven’t given up on him yet - excited to see what he does with Luka, J Kidd and Co this season. This season will also be a test as I’ll have to move someone to retain points and talent for coming years. My DMs are open if anyone wants to make trades…
What did you guys like so much about Malaki and what are the expectations for him in his rookie year?
Salami: You may not believe me but I watched a lot of film on Malaki. I loved his game at OSU and as the season went along and bigger matchups against other team took place, he took advantage and showed everyone’s he’s that guy and ready for the moment. His shooting, shotmaking ability and fundamentals are impeccable yet he needs to improve on the defensive side of the ball and in making plays for his teammates. I think Pop is the perfect coach for him and will teach him how to be a winner but more importantly a professional.
Who is your favorite player on the roster?
Salami: My favorite player on the roster is Cj McCollum. I think he has the team around him to have a great year IRL but also in fantasy. I expect his shooting percentages to go up and his assist to turnover ratio to improve which only bodes well for me. Health has always been an issue for him but I have a feeling it’ll be a good year for him and excited to see what he does on the pelicans
There are pretty strong rumors that this may be your last year as a GM. Do you mind shedding some light on that situation?
Salami: Depending on how this season finishes, it may or may not be my last year. A lot of it rides on winning a championship - it would be a nice way to go out. However, my feelings could change so I’m not really sure yet. Life is also getting busier for me outside the league so I want to make sure I have the capacity to give my team and fellow owners the time they deserve.
If you could eliminate one GM in the playoffs this year who would it be and why?
Salami: I would love to eliminate Jacob in the finals- the likelihood and probability that we meet again is small but he’s been the highest standard in this league the last couple years. In my conference, I’d like to eliminate Tyler - he’s a great GM and has made excellent decisions with his team. He does give off a superiority complex at times - so sticking it to him whether it be with our college football bets or elimination in this league would be nice. That being said, he has the right to think highly of his skills given his success in this league so I can’t blame him. From an immediate gratification standpoint, beating Sanjul and shit talking him in chat with the expected “chat restrictions” he levies would be nice too.
Salami: The last two years have been tough - especially last year. It’s crazy how the difference between a missed and made three decided it all. Nonetheless, I’m grateful for the past couple years and encouraged with my past performance, given my lack of fantasy basketball experience l. I don’t regret passing on any trades but I do regret some I’ve made. The first trade with Kyle was lopsided - I had never played fantasy basketball, let alone a dynasty league and got absolutely creamed. I do believe I should have kept precious or a first rounder with the trade with lauren(thunder) as well. The trade that hurt most was with steve(kings) for Chris Paul - that trade not only took away a future first and two seconds but Chris’s injury made me lose. Sometimes going all in doesn’t always work and that’s evident there. I’m also not sure if I made a good decision on passing up with Benedict Mathurin - he’s looked awesome in preseason and that might come back to bite me but will need to see what jazz 25 first looks like
What are the goals and expectations for the team this year?
Salami: The goal this year is championship or bust - nothing less than a championship is acceptable
While you did come in with a loaded squad you did have a pretty tricky cap situation to navigate. I know it’s not fully settled yet but how would you grade the way you navigated the financial situation regarding your team?
Salami: I would give myself a B with how I navigated around the cap issues I faced. Letting pascal go for c wood and a first was tough but I haven’t given up on him yet - excited to see what he does with Luka, J Kidd and Co this season. This season will also be a test as I’ll have to move someone to retain points and talent for coming years. My DMs are open if anyone wants to make trades…
What did you guys like so much about Malaki and what are the expectations for him in his rookie year?
Salami: You may not believe me but I watched a lot of film on Malaki. I loved his game at OSU and as the season went along and bigger matchups against other team took place, he took advantage and showed everyone’s he’s that guy and ready for the moment. His shooting, shotmaking ability and fundamentals are impeccable yet he needs to improve on the defensive side of the ball and in making plays for his teammates. I think Pop is the perfect coach for him and will teach him how to be a winner but more importantly a professional.
Who is your favorite player on the roster?
Salami: My favorite player on the roster is Cj McCollum. I think he has the team around him to have a great year IRL but also in fantasy. I expect his shooting percentages to go up and his assist to turnover ratio to improve which only bodes well for me. Health has always been an issue for him but I have a feeling it’ll be a good year for him and excited to see what he does on the pelicans
There are pretty strong rumors that this may be your last year as a GM. Do you mind shedding some light on that situation?
Salami: Depending on how this season finishes, it may or may not be my last year. A lot of it rides on winning a championship - it would be a nice way to go out. However, my feelings could change so I’m not really sure yet. Life is also getting busier for me outside the league so I want to make sure I have the capacity to give my team and fellow owners the time they deserve.
If you could eliminate one GM in the playoffs this year who would it be and why?
Salami: I would love to eliminate Jacob in the finals- the likelihood and probability that we meet again is small but he’s been the highest standard in this league the last couple years. In my conference, I’d like to eliminate Tyler - he’s a great GM and has made excellent decisions with his team. He does give off a superiority complex at times - so sticking it to him whether it be with our college football bets or elimination in this league would be nice. That being said, he has the right to think highly of his skills given his success in this league so I can’t blame him. From an immediate gratification standpoint, beating Sanjul and shit talking him in chat with the expected “chat restrictions” he levies would be nice too.