Except Ballard DIDN'T "avoid" big name players in FA. He just wouldn't pay them what they wanted, so they went elsewhere. This was not a rigid plan. He pursued multiple FAs (as many here have said previously in their defense of Ballard), but wasn't willing to pay top dollar.
This narrative isn't even Ballard's. It's something some fans push because they want to hold Ballard up as infallible. Which makes no sense.
Again. Criticism isn't hate. No one is saying "Ballard is the worst GM and should be fired" or even saying he's doing a bad job. No one is perfect or above criticism.
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