(06-14-2024, 11:38 PM)dirkfansince1998 Wrote: Of course he isn't as good on offense as Simons. But he would be an upgrade over DJJ/PJ without giving up anything on defense.
We have already established that basketball is about team defense and 5v5...right? So it isn't just about White or Holiday (as good as they are they are still the easiest matchups on the floor). Just as much about the pick and roll. Help defense. Switches and rotations. Mavs are trying to avoid matchups where Luka or Kyrie end up on Brown and Tatum. Add Simons and the Mavs have another guy that they want to keep out of those matchups. If getting beaten off the dribble was a problem with two good defenders next to Luka/Kyrie things aren't getting any better if you replace one out of DJJ/PJ with Simons.
You are trading defense for offense. In my opinion it makes more sense to build upon the Mavs strength. Don't risk the defensive improvement. Add a guy that fits into the current system. Even if the upgrade on offense isn't as big.
Not to even mention that both names aren't realistic targets for the Mavs. Not aware of any trade rumors that feature Simons. Would assume that it would take at least the equivalent of 2-3 first to get him. Same for Avdija.
Avdija isn't stopping Brown or Tatum either. Again the Mavs defense is mostly keep your man in front of you, contest on threes and funnel offenive players to two shot blockers. It's a defensive system. A player like Simons isn't busting that system.
I'm not suggesting playing Kyrie-Simons-Luka on the floor at all times. But this series the Mavs would definitely not be down 3-1 to the Celtics with Simons on the Mavs.
They had a locked on pod about trading for Simons and its salary, young player and first. I don't think that breaks the Mavs.