statman your right lc could not afford rankin.a year ago thomas would have been a landslide pick but current events might hurt his chances now.as for jay thompson not being ready yet dont you think it might be like blanche a few yrs ago when cooper retired he was still on the sidelines coaching for a yr or two as an advisor.lc can go after whoever they want but wih jays dad being who he is how could they go wrong?jay knows the system ,the kids, and the kids all like and respect him .just my opion tho.