07-17-2023, 09:21 PM
(07-17-2023, 08:55 PM)MarkAguirreWrathofGod Wrote: Why are we discussing 22 yr. old Josh Green as if he is a finished product vs. Caruso who at age 29 almost certainly is. At 22 Caruso wasn’t even in the NBA, I think he was still at A&M and then played a year in G-League or whatever it was called back then. Josh nearly doubled Caruso’s scoring per game last season on 40.2% from 3 in similar minutes. Caruso shot 36.4 Caruso shot 45% from the field, a career high. Josh shot 53% on higher volume (2 more shots per game.)
Caruso is one of the best defenders in the game, I would love him here. But in a couple of years Josh will be two tiers better offensively than Caruso will ever be. Caruso will be on his last contract.
I still think Green has all-NBA defense potential with added knowledge, experience, strength and, importantly, reputation—so that he gets the benefit of the whistle more often. If he’s willing to sign an extension for 4yr-52m, I couldn’t say yes fast enough.
That's a reasonable assessment in a lot of ways. At the same time, I'm not easily accepting that JG will suddenly be X or Y, that he has never been, and we pay the amount that's reasonable for THAT player that we wishfully hope will appear one day.
And if you want a player to comp offensively, do Austin Reaves, whose offensive production is way better, whose defense is similar or better, and who has only had 2 seasons to improve and looks like he will keep getting better. That's a 4/54 player in this market.