12-11-2023, 01:21 PM
(12-11-2023, 11:23 AM)omahen Wrote: I am very sure that the third best player on a team Mavs need is not a perfect player. He will have deficiencies, otherwise he would not be a third best player. It is also very possible, that he will be overpaid in terms of salary and/or assets needed to get him. Based on this, every guy brought up will have fans and opponents on the board.
My criteria for this guy:
- by far most important, he has to be an elite defender. This is the only hope to make defense in a team with Luka and Kyrie at least average. Collins, Markkanen, Olynik, PJ Washington and Kuzma doesn't meet this criteria, imho.
- he has to be capable offensively, more than just a spot up shooter. He will have deficiencies and a good coach will have to make everything work. Getting him enough touches (THJ shows there is room and shots for a third offensive guy) and make overall offense work
Based on this the only guys from Dans list that could meet the criteria listed would be Grant or Siakam. Williams is just meh, imho. Same for Isaac (huge gamble he can return to his 3rd best guy potential he showed before years of injuries hit him). OG is the only one left that would qualify and could meet criteria at this point.
Repeating again - Siakam and OG pretty much control where they want to be. Real contenders make deals like that happen. Fake ones are just watching those guys sign with real contenders.
I think Lively will be the third best player, so we are really talking about #4 here. No matter what you call it, I think they have to help with D (the opportunity for greatest improvement). But, as Killer alludes, they have to also be able to hit a 3 on at least mediocre volume (not necessarily THJ volume though). I do agree other skills like rebounding and attacking close-outs and moving the ball without too many TO's are also important (all of which Collins does).
I was listening to a national podcast with a bit of an analytical bend over the weekend. They were designing trades to help LAL and THJ's name came up (Hield-lite). Dallas would get Rui and a 2nd. I don't dare mention that one here as I can anticipate the discussion. But, your 'must defend' stance made me think of Vanderbilt. Most recognize him as a plus defender who is limited offensively. His return has pretty well shut down Wood, so we know what the Lakers think of the value those two bring. Is he good enough for the standard you are arguing for?