Building Around Cooper: A Backward-Looking Thought Experiment

[Smitty]

Sorry, you guys, I don't want to be mean but I think you are missing the point here.

I get the point. I just disagree with it. I think a player like PJW can be a fit with Flagg. His level of play currently? No. The player he's been throughout most of his career? Yes.

He's a role player, playing outside of his role this season. If he were putting up counting stats similar to last year (mostly his shooting splits), we wouldn't even be having this conversation. If he was back in his proper role offensively, not being asked to create offense, I think he'd look similar to last year even with the ankle injury. He's shown to be a versatile, impact defender that can change games. He's proven that he's a plus outside shooter on above average attempts per game. 

Of course, if any of the better players on the team are playing poorly, they're not going to be a fit with anyone. If Max has a season where he shoots 30% from 3PT next year, he's not an ideal fit. If Naji has a 38% 3PT season next year, he will be an excellent fit with Coop.

The question is, what type of player is ideal next to Flagg? We've all kind of touched on it. But if you think there's a Wing out there that is a bigger/better more versatile defender than PJ, that also provides rim protection, who can also shoot 35-36% from deep on more than 5 attempts per game, for around MLE money, name him.