(12-11-2023, 01:21 PM)DanSchwartzgan Wrote: 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?
In my opinion, third best guy (on offense) is someone who generates some of the offense on his own. Denver has MPj, Boston had a couple of guys last season that could qualify (White, Smart), Miami has Herro, Lakers have Reaves/Russell,..
I think Mavs will need that guy and I think Lively is far away from being that. So far he is still extremely raw and not really capable of using his size against smaller guys. He surprised most (all?) of us by his improvement this season, but I have a really hard time imagining such a huge advancement by next season. As he is, it is likely he will be played off the floor in playoffs, I am affraid.
So far, THJ has been that guy for Mavs and it is not even close. His problem is his weak defense, as we basically all agree. Not because he is a bad individual defender, but because you can't play THJ next to Luka and Kyrie and hope for any kind of decent defense. So, for me the only logical way is to replace THJ offense by similar offensive guy who is a much better defender. As Mavs have Luka and Kyrie, that third scorer needs to also be a good defender.
(12-11-2023, 03:32 PM)chaparral Wrote: Enjoying the trade convo today on what the Mavs need. Just wondering what the board thinks about Saddiq Bay. He is shooting .400 from 3's this season and bring in 6 rebounds. Don't know if he's a good defender or not? Is he in the Hawks long term plans, since they did not extend him this off-season.
I didn't see them play, but I check Hawks forum here and there. The consensus opinion is, that Bey is worse on defense than Trae