12-19-2023, 05:48 PM
(12-19-2023, 05:27 PM)Winter Wrote: I can't quite understand this argument. Drummond gets you rebounds but almost nothing else. He has to stay in the paint and wings just run around him. He's not even a shot blocker now, and he's not likely to defend anyone outside the paint. Drummond is averaging 13 mpg. That feels like a slightly better version of McGee. I might like him as 3rd big man... but he's a minor adjustment at best.
It's possible there are other big men who eventually become available, but Stewart is a 22-year-old athlete that has played center most of his short career. He started for Detroit almost immediately, and they apparently want to move him because of their roster issues. He does several thing Drummond can't do. He moves well in space, switches off pretty well when he needs to, and shoot an improving 3-point shot. He hasn't played with a good PG before - or even on a winning team. He's available now.
It's a gamble, but it feels like we're all waiting around for the perfect player (that no one seems to agree on). Furthermore, we are largely unsure of the availability of anyone in particular. Stewart is young and has shown all the promise of a good, mid first-round draft pick. The Bojan-for-THj addition seems like a wash at worst, and the possibility of Detroit bundling Killian Hayes for a player is pretty much a non-event if someone like Holmes is outgoing.
The first-rounder is a thing to consider and perhaps the loss of Hardy is an issue if Detroit wants him. But the Mavs have a serious need in the middle, and I'm not getting anything that says Hardy is a necessity this year.
I mean the argument makes total sense if your focus is not this season. If your mindset is that none of these trades are likely to make you a contender this season, then the primary focus is on what it does for future seasons. If you think the Bojan/THJ trade is a wash in future seasons, then the only future value you are getting from that first is Stewart and his 15 mil a year contract. It might be worth it but there is reason to be skeptical. You also might be of the mindset that we don't really know what we have yet and would like to get a better idea before we make a significant move, especially as there will likely be more options in the offseason for many reasons.
The reason behind Drummond is he is a cheap in season stopgap that costs you nothing in the future. He is a situational big can provide size and rebounding off the bench when you need it. Often times we have needed it.