Guards
In: Paul, Moore
Out: Rubio, Jerome
Provided Paul can at least meet Rubio's fairly low bar of availability, we have significantly upgraded our guard position. Jerome didn't belong on the court last year and he is being replaced with a savvy vet with a nice shooting stroke from three and soft touch from inside. Both players are strong defenders.
Wings
In: Crowder, Nader
Out: Oubre
While we lose Oubre's passion and his ability to create his own shot, we are gaining a gritty wing defender capable of guarding 3s and 4s. He also has the ability to hit the open 3, especially from the corner and can be trusted to play within the system. Nader's ability to contribute remains to be seen.
Bigs
In: Smith, Jones
Out: Baynes, Diallo
What we lose in Baynes screen-setting and pick and pop game, we gain in youth and potential with Smith. If he can get on the court, he should provide some floor stretching with the ability to shoot from distance, but he also provides the ability to roll or slip the screen for an easy shot at the rim working with Paul and Booker. He'll add shot blocking and rebounding compared to Baynes, but Baynes was able to make up for a lack of shot blocking by drawing offensive fouls.
I was surprised by Diallo's soft touch around the hoop and jumper, but he was not much of a factor for us aside from spot minutes. Hopefully Jones can provide high energy and toughness if given minutes at the 5. If any good can come from Jones it would be his eagerness to dunk everything potentially rubbing off on Ayton a little.