NBA TRADE TALK: TDL over

[DanSchwartzgan]

I have mellowed down on Holmes.

I can honestly say, DP might be the better big when it comes to pick and roll plays. DP is quick on his feet, knows exactly when to go at it, and he has great hands, just a very good target for a lob.

But I'm NOT going to say Holmes is a marginal upgrade over DP. There are quite a few things Holmes has over DP. Number one on the list is rebounding. Holmes isn't a great rebounder, but DP's rebounding is just the worst. Both Holmes and DP are energy guys and blue collar players, but Holmes physique enables him to do more on both sides of the floor. I'm sure DP is tenacious, but it just doesn't show as much as Holmes who has the strength to move bodies out of his way. Holmes is almost Maxi-like in the perimeter. He is no more a liability than most of the bigs in the league. Holmes too can block shots, not at a very high rate, but Holmes protects the rim better than DP. Holmes like DP isn't someone you want to throw the ball to and ask to score off the dribble or the post. But Holmes is miles away the better player at this end. He can score as opposed to DP who couldn't. Holmes moves are simple and yet effective, while DP mostly scores from lobs or left open for a jumper.

Now here's the thing with DP and Holmes when it comes to offense. DP might be the better roller. But probably the reason why Holmes doesn't roll as much is because of that push shot, which is pretty good. Is that detrimental to a potential pick and roll with Luka? Not sure it is. Fans might be disappointed he isn't rolling as much if he gets to be a Mav. Fans will be expecting dunks not mid range floaters.

I still think Luka can make Holmes better than he is. Holmes doesn't have a Luka on his team to show how good he can be.

I think the main question here is do you need two Powell's (so you can have one of Holmes or Powell on the floor at all times), or is one enough to accomplish what you want to accomplish.  I agree with your assessment, but I'm not sure why you've mellowed on the guy you describe.

A couple of notes.  Holmes has not been as good this season as the last several.  He missed games with a right eye laceration and then Covid hit him fairly hard (kind of like Maxi never being fully himself last season).  The season before he was 8th in the league in block percent.  He was in the 87th percentile for defensive boards and the 97th percentile for TS%.  I'm a fan of Powell's game, but as you say, Holmes would be a substantial upgrade.  Personally, I'd be a fan of 48 minutes of rim running excellence with 30 of it coming with the defense Holmes brings.