2024 Playoffs- 4th Round: Boston Celtics - Dallas Mavericks

[dirkfansince1998]

I would not put White or KP above Lively. Impact on game has to factor into how good that player is. Boston is still capable of winning without White or without KP. Dallas would have almost no chance without Lively. KP may have more unique skills like dribbling and hitting 3s, but Lively is a superior player in my opinion. Would you trade White or KP for Lively straight up? I'm going to say 99% say no. 

Gafford has to be over Maxi as well. Maxi is a very nice versatile defensive piece for us l, but he's nothing more right now and we aren't even sure how many minutes he can or will get. I think that's really selling Gafford short and we wouldn't be here without Gafford. We would still be here without Maxi.

Celtics having so much talent that they can win without player x/y/z doesn't take away from their individual abilities. Lively being as important for the Mavs actually shows that the Mavs don't have as much individual talent.
And trade value is a different topic. I would take Lively for his upside/contract/age. But trying to look at the mentioned players in a vacuum just this year I don't think he has a case over White. Maybe KP if you are really high on defensive versatility.