04-12-2024, 01:59 PM
(04-12-2024, 01:28 PM)mvossman Wrote: Gafford is averaging 19 and 12 per 36 this year. Lively is not quite there, but easily one of the best backup centers in the league right now. I feel like we are getting our 3/4 scorer out of the center position.
Contenders generally have three guys who can create their own shot (i.e. not in a million years "the center position" unless it's Jokic). I guess Exum is pretty close to that. Thing with Exum is 1) he was absolute trash as an NBA player before he remade himself extremely admirably in Europe, and 2) they've been handling him with kid gloves this year minutes- and responsibility-wise due to his injury history/proclivities. Can he make the jump to being a 30 mpg reliable playoff scorer? If so, give him the MIP award right now. Love him as a Mav, and hope he can do it. If he does, then it would seem to indicate (presuming health to the rest of the rotation) that there will also have been a parade in Dallas.
BTW, regardless, Exum's TO will make him 1) perhaps the league's best non-rookie bargain contract next year, and 2) really expensive to bring back in the summer of '25. That's his only shot at getting paid as an NBA player, so it's safe to say there won't be a discount for the Mavs.
At this point in his career, you don't rely on PJ to be your third option. I'll be happy if he steps up enough to be a reliable fourth option this postseason.