GAME 8: TOR (5-4) @ DAL (5-3) | 111-110 win

[mvossman]

Not in the slightest. 

What I'm suggesting is that in the playoffs, you might very well find yourself being REQUIRED to have someone with the Wood/Kleber skills (offensively) on the court (at center, not with a center) for 48 MINUTES. Since we've now exhausted the list of two players on the roster who fit that criteria, I would hope that the team is at least trying to find ways to make Wood as the lone big work, defensively. We know that Kleber can do it - that's how they got to the conference finals. 

I absolutely think playing them together is a great tool in the toolbelt. A GREAT ONE! 

What I want is the flexibility to choose NOT to player either Powell or McGee for an entire game (or series) if it's the right choice, because I believe there will come a time when that choice is made for you.

FURTHER, in a theoretical, future world wherein Wood can exist as a solo big, I think you have at that point potentially turned a journeyman into a freaking All Star. That is what I'd be shooting for 8 games in, before I have discovered (through my own experience, with my own eyes) that it's impossible. If I'm Kidd I'm DESPERATELY trying to make Wood that player. I'm doing it slowly, with caution, careful to make him earn it and not to upset the trajectory of the rest of the team, sure. But THAT is my hope and my goal.

I don't disagree with any of this.  But I think what we will most likely end up with is a player who can survive as the single big when necessary, but is more effective when paired with somebody like Maxi.  Somebody who would preferably not feature as a single big, but can play that role for stints, especially against second units.  If this is how it plays out, I still think it's worth trying to hold on to him (its not like we have a lot of other options).

My vision of this team in the playoffs is offensively centered around Luka/Wood, with those guys surrounded with as much defense as possible.  That means Maxi and Dorian and Bullock or Green.  When Luka is off the court it's Din/Wood surrounded by defense.  When Wood is off the court its Powell/McGee single big or Maxi 5 out which means Wood will either spend some minutes as single big or paired with Powell (or both).