09-20-2022, 10:24 AM
(09-20-2022, 09:40 AM)ItsGoTime Wrote: It was an amazing gamble, esp considering they still got their man in the draft. I think a D at this stage is pretty pessimistic. If Wood doesn’t fit defensively, he for sure fits offensively. Every strength he has plays right into what we need on offense (to the point that there’s very little reason to look for a Collins trade anymore). Considering JB didn’t bring much defense either, that, to me, is on par with an even swap.
Now, we know JB was playing the good soldier and was an amazing teammate. That to me is the only real gamble part. Players don’t have to like eachother to win though, and Luka is the most looked up to player in the lockerroom, with that and his easy going demeanor, it’s hard to imagine Wood stepping too far out of line (and let’s be serious, there are no reports of him being any kind of malcontent, just speculation on him not sticking to any team).
Other than that, it’s all upside. If he plays at least average defense that would be a huge upgrade, the better the defense, the better the upgrade. The guy does block shots and gets steals at a better rate than Maxi Kleber BTW.
I'm going with a D as well. I look at the moves in order of importance:
Letting Brunson walk for nothing. This can't happen. It's an F at this point.
Trading for Wood. This is an A move. Brings the overall close to a C
Doing absolutely nothing to replace Brunson playmaking. This was an issue last year until TDL. Brings the overall down to D
McGee signing. The third year player option is a joke and given the above two moves would have rather gone for Rubio type player
Hardy. Looks like a bust, but most 2nds are. Fine with the flyer. Would rather have paid cash than seconds. Another sign Cuban cheap
As for comparing Wood and Maxi defensive stats, that is probably a good argument not to look at those in a vacuum. Even a box score advanced stat like DBPM has Wood as below average and Maxi above, particularly this last season.