02-15-2024, 02:51 PM
(02-15-2024, 01:15 PM)surfpuckmd Wrote: This is an interesting discussion.
I think Gafford will have a positive impact for us defensively because of a different reason. He isn't as quick as Maxi or PJ and so won't be able to contest as effectively. He will, however, be in better rebounding position to secure the defensive rebound. We were the league's 2nd-worst rebounding team prior to the trade. It was a huge liability.
Since the trade, we have secured 31 more rebounds than our opponent. Gafford is why. Gafford is averaging 12 boards per 21 minutes for us. Gafford won't be able to guard the perimeter like our other rotation bigs. He'll be the best defensive rebounder we have though and that will make him a net positive on defense. He will also guard the rim significantly better than DP. We acquired him to be a backup center and I think he'll thrive in that role. He's held his own as a starter so far.
Its interesting because Iztok's article on the trades mentioned defensive rebounding being a negative of Gafford. He is an elite offensive rebounder, but the team is worse defensive rebounding when he is on the court, partially due to his intent to contest every shot in the paint. We have not seen that issue yet as he is averaging 20 rebounds per 36 and 13 on the defensive end, which are both insane numbers.