Fingers crossed Hawthorne is a solid (albeit skinny) 4 when all is said and done and becomes difficult to keep off the floor. I think we probably need a Veteran 4 in the mold of Carr but not necessarily a stud, and maybe not even then if Jelavic develops. But production and shooting from the 4 spot has to improve since we don't have an offensive minded Center really either. But if there is a stud 4 in the portal, you swing the bat regardless. I just don't have faith we get a stud at the 4. (similarly I don't think we get a stud at PG either is Lowe comes back for the same reason Lewis decommitted) There is competition at the 4 (not elite competition) but enough to make recruits think twice about battling for it with guys that have already been here and developed a relationship with the staff. Of course I'm only considering the current roster and not entertaining how getting someone like Stokes or Pate or Kieta would reshape things. Definitely need a backup Center regardless, unless we are riding with Garrison again. Or Potter becomes next man up. Honestly I think Oweh's starter spot and minutes, Aberdeen's starter/6th man spot and minutes (whether or not Chandler fills the starter side at the 2 guard or the 6th man role is up for debate), and a backup PG are the most enticing for targets.
I know everyone is doom and gloom about recruiting. But the team honestly doesn't "need" that much. We certainly "want" everything though. And recruiting and portal misses suck. This current team as constructed has issues, severely exposed by injuries. But I do like the core of players and their potential as long as they are used in their intended role. Just frustrating watching us get out hearted by inferior teams.