01-09-2024, 10:01 AM
(01-09-2024, 09:40 AM)KillerLeft Wrote: I know that talk of shooting for the Mavericks, a team who can usually score and not defend, invites eye rolls, AND I think I'm in favor of adding Siakam overall, but the above is definitely worth pausing and thinking about.
For one thing, I highly doubt Siakam can spend much time on the court with DJJ, and I honestly don't like the chances of those two, along with Lively, giving enough space for Luka/Kyrie to do their thing. Heck, Green, Exum, Williams...none of those guys really shoots well enough to offset any TWO of the first group I mentioned.
I'll say it again, and nobody will listen, but I'm right: If they trade Hardaway for a non-shooter, they'll have to find a role for Curry/Hardy. They'll have to do that whether they want to or not.
Overall, I think I try to get Siakam, but I'd try to go the Williams/Holmes route for salary matching, not the Hardaway route.
I have no problem if salary matching is GW/Holmes/Maxi/Green instead of THJ and two out of previously mentioned players.
However, Mavs will have options coming from the bench, even if they trade THJ. They can insert Curry and Hardy whenever shooting from the main guys stop and Mavs are in need of an offensive bump. I am not worried about offense at all. I see huge defensive improvements in overall rotation, by swapping THJ with Siakam.
Another thing about Mavs offense, I already wrote about. Two thirds of Lukas attempts this season are actually shots (last season 54 % of his attempts were shots). He is less dependant on getting to the rim than in previous seasons while still increasing his efficiency (as long as his shooting percentages hold). Opponents packing the paint is not a great strategy anymore. Luka needs to be doubled much higher, which is making way more space for his teammates and players who know how to put it on the floor are striving. GW, that was supposed to be an elite catch and shoot shooter, is not even getting a lot of attempts.
And to those mentioning weak rebounding. GW is bringing 4.8 rebounds per 36 (playing 27 minutes). Siakam is at 6.7, greatly improving the position. Also, Siakams rebounding has reduced since Toronto actually got a real center in Poeltl. Kind of logical, not an indication that Siakam has become a worse rebounder lately.