02-24-2024, 10:43 AM
(02-24-2024, 08:53 AM)Chicagojk Wrote: I brought up Gordon either before or right after the trade was made. I hedged saying I wasn't really sure of PJ's game and I thought Gordon was a little bit bigger, a little more skilled, and a little more athletic.
Gordon's stats are nothing special...especially considering who he plays with. 30% from three. 14 points per game. 6.5 rebounds. But he has found a role and plays it well for one of the best teams in the league. I don't know if Gordon is considered the 3 or 4, but he is a good match with Porter. Both guys are big. Porter is more of the wild card. A guy who can get you 30 with some really tough shots. Gordon is more of your guy who does a little bit of everything and fills in when needed. Can PJ do that with the Mavs?
I've heard someone (I think Dameris and Followill) refer to PJ as a Swiss Army knife which I take to mean he does a little of everything (but not great at any one thing). Gordon is about an inch taller and PJ is probably 10 pounds heavier. But, PJ's wingspan is 2.5 inches more (but Gordon is probably the better vertical jumper). In many ways, they are kind of the same guy. Gordon made the transition from thinking he was a star (on a bad team) to being an important role player on a good team through defense. PJ has done it for four games now, so less entrenched. If he keeps up the effort his is not the position that needs to be replaced. I think Green, Exum and Maxi are also Swiss Army knives.
One thing to watch...Luka and Kyrie have been on scoring heaters since PJ and Gafford started playing with us. Green is really the only one hitting his 3's other than the stars (Hardy is too, but Kidd doesn't tend to play him as much against strong opponents). Maxi is 36% on low volume in these four games and as I mentioned earlier THJ, PJ and DJJ are below the Mendoza line (I wonder what the Mendoza line is in Basketball? .250? .300?). We haven't really seen the peak version of this yet offensively unless the plan is for Kyrie and Luka to get 70 per night (they've averaged 60 a night the last four games). The upside from a shooting standpoint obviously will largely come from THJ. Since Green and PJ aren't probably high volume guys (capable, but not high volume). Most of the bad defensive lineups since the trade include either THJ or Hardy, but trading for someone who can generate offense and defend is super expensive. I think the better opportunity to move from THJ might come at the next TDL (when is really is expiring and the 2025 pick and maybe a 2026 swap are more tangible and right around the corner)