08-07-2023, 08:35 AM
(08-06-2023, 10:55 PM)surfpuckmd Wrote: I suggest Blake Griffin for the Mavericks 15th roster spot. He didn't play a lot of minutes last year for the Celtics but he had a very positive impact when he played. He's become an excellent defensive player and would be a better rebounder than Dwight Powell. He is a good passer and actually hit a decent percentage from 3 last season. He's a former star who's evolved into a useful role player as he's lost his athleticism. RAPTOR had him at + 4.7 last season which is really strong. I think he would be a good fit here as a part of our center rotation. I also think Jason Kidd would respect him and play him when he's healthy.
An interesting thought. The other advanced stats (which I like better than RAPTOR) are not nearly that high on him, but do like his defense. I wonder if that has a little to do with him playing for the Celtics. Sometimes a team has enough good defenders that they can hide a player such that his net rating (and even on/off) looks good even though he is not the reason why. I'm not sure any team was as deep as Boston defensively last season.
Personally, I'm still holding out hope for Derrick Jones Jr. If we can get him for the min or a little more (and stay below tax) I think he could be a steal. We would be adding another quality, versatile defender to the rotation who is only 26, and is slowly inching his 3 into respectable territory. I would love to get him on something similar to Dorian's prior contract, which would be significant value if he continues his offensive progress.