If drafting Winslow or Johnson over Hezonja is a matter of wanting to go with the safer pick, especially considering the questions still surrounding Exum, I can understand not wanting to take the chance on another risk (although I don't feel Hezonja is nearly as risky as most think due to his length & athleticism- although his attitude could possibly become a problem in the wrong atmosphere, which I don't think would be a problem here- & while Winslow is certainly the safer pick of the 3, Johnson- & even Winslow to a certain extent- still come with some risk). But if drafting Winslow or Johnson over Hezonja is a matter of wanting immediate contribution from this year's draft pick, I think it would be a mistake to pass on a player such as Hezonja (who has the potential to become exactly what we're missing- an elite scorer- regardless of how long it may take for him to reach that potential), especially considering where Exum is in his development.
Trade Burke for a future asset (or backup C if Tomic doesn't come over) & sign a legitimate backup PG.
Exum/FA
Burks/Hezonja/Millsap
Hayward/Hood/Ingles
Favors/Booker
Gobert/Tomic
We could be competitive enough to satisfy fans (6-8 seed if things go right) &, so long as Exum/Hezonja develop into starting caliber players, we could be an elite team in a few years. I may feel differently if Exum were further along in his development (which is why I wouldn't be completely opposed to moving him in the right trade), but we appear committed to him, so while I understand drafting Winslow is the safe pick & would make Exum's development (slightly) less crucial to the overall development of the team, he still needs to become a very good player for this team to become championship caliber & even if he does become a very good player, Exum still doesn't project as an elite scorer (neither does Winslow or anyone else on this roster- though Hayward has proven to be a definite #2 option & Favors/Burks/Hood all have good offensive potential).
We've already taken a risk in Exum, so I think it makes sense to go for the homerun. Even if only one of Exum/Hezonja reach their potential, we would have the foundation of a team that could compete for multiple championships over the next 10 years. I can understand having reservations about putting so much stock into 2 players with so many question marks, but I see Winslow as more of a complimentary player than a potential star (not meant as a knock on him, he could even make an ASG or 2, just don't see him ever becoming the 20+ ppg scorer that we need). On this roster, Hezonja definitely looks like the better fit long-term to me. Under different circumstances, I could certainly understand going with Winslow, such as if we were to throw a curve ball & trade Exum+ for a top 10 PG, but if we're going to wait the 2-3 years it looks like we're prepared to wait for Exum to develop, why not wait on Hezonja as well, especially when it's unlikely that Winslow would push us over the top during those 2-3 years (& that's assuming that Winslow can contribute immediately & that Hezonja can't- neither of which are a given), as well as the fact that this season has proven that the core of this team is good enough to be competitive, regardless of who else is around them.
