Statistically Determining Defense

[Jym]

Given two max contracts in Luka/Kyrie, IMO we can't go over ~$20m for a starting C, ~$10m for the backup.  Sorry, Ayton, we don't want to be in the exact same position PHX is in.

11 - Ivica Zubac - 26yo, C, $10.93m, 63.78
1st Choice.  Exactly what we need.  His age and low wage should make him our prime target.

12 - Nikola Vucevic - 32yo, C, $0m, 63.77
Not the top choice, but dude continues with good defense and offense.  Worth a 2yr deal ~$15m/yr.

13 - Myles Turner - 27yo, C-F, $20.98m, 62.94
OK, I've been sold on Turner's being a great fit here.  His defensive numbers are hidden in categories like deflections and boxouts.  His salary is inline.

14 - Jarrett Allen - 25yo, C, $20m, 62.26
Nice contract.  Young.  Precisely what we need.

15 - Jusuf Nurkic - 28yo, C, $16.88m, 61.95
Dude gets roasted because he didn't live up to expectations, but a nice player with a decent contract.

30 - Zach Collins - 25yo, F-C, $7.7m, 53.71
With Wimby arriving, I wonder if they'd rather trade Zach for a better supporting position, like a bigger and more traditional C.  Zach is more of a PF, but I think he could start for us at PF.

42 - Naz Reid - 23yo, C-F, $0m, 44.28
Young.  OK defensive numbers.  Great offensive talent.  He's my choice for backup/heir apparent C.  $12m/yr is fair to me.

44 - Larry Nance Jr. - 30yo, F-C, $10.38m, 41.56
Dude is a perfect backup for us if he could stay healthy.  At 30yo, it'll probably only get worse.

48 - Jalen McDaniels - 25yo, F-C, $0m, 40.16
Nice choice for backup PF.  Still young.  Good skills,

49 - Bol Bol - 23yo, C-F, $2.2m, 40
Dude has more freakish athleticism that his pa.  Has the defensive skillset to become a great defender, especially help side.

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I'd say Mo Bamba at 55 is the cutoff line for a starter in the league.  For us?  I'd say Bol Bol at 49.

Yeah I feel like Turner is just about the only correct answer at the moment if he's available
Then we still need to figure out SF and PF. Not an easy road. Wish Josh Green could be the answer at SF but he just seems too light and short to be the switcher we need