MAVS NEWS:

[F Gump]

Well, ultimately, I agree with you. But even before the Luka trade, when I felt it made a lot of sense to target Jones, you pushed back, leading me to believe your appreciation for what he brings to the table might be a little wanting (or maybe mine is too generous?). 

Here's what I would point to to defend where Smitty is coming from (although, again, my vote would be for your side of the argument, I think):

You spent much of last season trying to dream of scenarios that would result in DJJ coming back here from the LAC. You were never a believer in the idea that Naji Marshall was an upgrade to him, whatsoever, and seemed to view that entire turnaround as a pretty big misstep last summer. I don't want to put words in your mouth, but I'm pretty confident that you felt that way remembering past conversations, so...picture the gap in on-ball defensive ability between Marshall and DJJ. My opinion is that Herb Jones represents the same gap in the same ability, but on the other side of DJJ, as in he's that much better. I could be wrong about that, and I certainly agree with your assessments of both the shooting and injury history being a problem. And, I can't really claim to fully understand how anyone from that mess of a team in New Orleans translates to another team. And, I think it's pretty pointless to look around the league for available forwards Dallas should target, regardless of who they are or what they can do, but...

That's what I mean. It's only my opinion, but I think Herb Jones is a borderline special player. A real gem of a get. I really don't think he's any less of a two-way guy than DJJ was, it's just that the context of what Dallas' situation around him would be has changed. I'm not sure DJJ would work here now, either.

Yes I preferred DJJ over Naji. I saw DJJ as a very good (special in some ways, esp physical gifts) defender - who makes 3s. IMO it is a vital skill for a plus defender who is not so good on O, especially in this era. 3-and-D? Yes. O-and-D? No. Because he must be able to be a help on offense, period.

I saw DJJ as having improved enough on 3-making where he was a keeper and on a plus trajectory on 3's at eoy 2024. Early in last season, it held up. However - on reviewing his year, he may not have improved on 3's, actually, in which case he was no loss.

I believe in 3-and-D, because I want good defenders but many are ONLY good on D, and I feel an inability of a player to play one end is a major obstacle to team success. Your ace of a defender must somehow help on O, so it's not a 4-on-5 game. An old Nellie truism and he was hoops-wise.

ADDING - If I saw HJ as someone who could make 3s, and as someone who would be 100% from injury, I would love a swap for him. I like his defense. Of course. However, I see his issues as real deal killers for me. I need someone who can make 3s, and is healthy.