2021-2022 MAVS NEWS: 4th in West | WCF loss [ARCHIVED]

[mvossman]

"Defense is where Wood’s fit gets trickier."

"Over the last two seasons Wood allowed 1.152 points per chance when defending centers in isolations, 0.923 when matched up with forwards, and only 0.898 when defending guards." 
 
"Wood’s offensive versatility will also allow Jason Kidd to play him in lineups with another big like Maxi Kleber to reduce the post defense and rim-protection burden. Mavs defensive coordinator Sean Sweeney knows what he’s working with, as he coached Wood in Detroit. During their last season together in 2019-20, the Pistons had an OK defense with Wood on the floor and a very good one when he played at a four spot next to another big man."



I noticed something similar to what Franko is talking about in that last quote.  Either Powell will get more minutes than anyone is predicting or we will have another center on the roster before much longer.

I'm starting to open my mind to this concept.  I feel the same way about Wood that I do about Collins.  They are most effective offensively if a center is not clogging the paint.  A Wood/Maxi frontcourt would make a ton of sense (as mentioned in the article).  Getting another guy like Maxi that could protect the rim and shoot the 3 would make a lot of sense.  I still think Jalen Smith would be the best option, and he makes even more sense if we can put him next to Wood (at least at times).  Some other options at the tax MLE that fill that role to some degree are Boucher, Tucker, Young, Muscala.  If we are really planning on playing Wood at the 4 and are ok with a rim runner at the 5 then guys like Holmes reenter the picture.  I will lose my shit if Powell is starting next season.

If Wood is playing the 4 or at least next to another big, then that changes the dynamic of the roster.  That pushes Dorian to the 3 (at least part time).  It's hard to imagine any room for Timmy in that scenario.