Trade & FA 2023-24: Sexton On the Market? | ORL Likes Hartenstein?

[Mavs2021]

Are you seriously comparing Simons to PJ defensively?  PJ was an average defender on a crappy team and there was reason to hope it would improve.  It turned out better than could be reasonably expected.  Simon has been a terrible defender including when his team was at least competing.  I see less reason to hope for PJ level improvement and that would get him to average.  He is undersized and putting him with Luka and Kyrie on the starting lineup is not a recipe for defensive success.  Who is going to be the point of attack defender?

I don't disagree that this team needs more offense especially with Timmy falling off a cliff.  We could use an upgrade in the starting lineup without compromising the defense and we need a 6th man unless Hardy/Exum can play that role.  I don't think Simons makes sense in the starting lineup up, and he is too expensive to be a 6th man.

Him and a rookie make less than THJ/Green? Who would be more productive next season? His contract is value compared to his production. Nobody says he needs to start, but he can easily play 32-34 MPG in our current set-up, especially if he replaces THJ and Green. He´ll also help keep Luka and Kyrie fresher.

This is such an easy sell. Be our 6th man, playing for a legit contender for the next two years. In two years we literally  flip you and Kyrie. You make 45M, Kyrie makes 25M. You start next to Luka, Kyrie comes off the bench as a 6th man killer. That is such an easy sell to the player. Convincing Portland will be the problem.

Simons stats don´t show him as a bad defensive player. In 2022 and 2023 the Blazers on/off was + 6.9 on the defensive end, + 16.8 on/off overall. He averages almost 6 assists. He´s nearly a career 40% 3pt and 90% FT shooter, three majors weaknesses of this team. He has a quick release and he is fast. More pluses on a team struggling to create 1 on 1 looks. Plus if you look at his highlight reel, you´ll see a high degree of difficulty and clutch shooting. He´s very similar to Lillard in that regard.

You don´t mess with this starting line-up for now, but you need to find a real difference maker offensively that gives you some strategic flexibility. You won´t get a two-way player with a guaranteed 20 PPG with our assets. We need a guy that can produce 20 points regularly.