Trade & FA 2024-25:

[mvossman]

Defensively he's not at the top of the pyramid, but he's no slouch either. 

He had 1.7 deflections per game last year which was the 33rd percentile, but he ranked in the 89th percentile of defending without fouling. Further he ranked in the top percentiles of rim defense, rim contests, and blocks for a wing. 

He consistently guarded for the Bulls the opposing teams 2nd best player behind Caruso. 

He is supremely underrated offensively on this board. Offensively he's one of the most efficient shot creators for himself inside of the 3pt line. He created about 7 open shots per game for other players, which would put him in the 85th percentile for his position. And of course he's in the 99th percentile in mid range shots.

He can't hit a 3 consistently at all. Which may make him a non-starter. Still, he was a 20ppg efficient bucket and the Mavs have showed they don't really rely on the 3pt ball anyways.

DeRozan has an elite midrange game and he can create for others as well.  He is going to be 35 next season, and I have never heard of him considered a plus defender.  He certainly won't be guarding the point of attack.  I feel like having DeRozan, Luka and Kyrie on the floor together is going to put too much pressure on PJ and the center defensively.  As you mentioned, the fact that he doesn't space the floor is another concern.  

I'm not sure why there is so much talk about guys in their mid 30s.  We have a young team with a long horizon.  We made a concerted effort to go youth instead of aging vets recently, and it paid off way sooner than expected with a finals appearance.  I hope we continue to focus on the youth movement and continuity (which I think is underrated some times).