08-10-2021, 10:33 AM
(08-10-2021, 09:26 AM)Kammrath Wrote: RE: Markkanen
I think he has a ton of potential and talent. I think he has even been a "solid" defender most of the time that won't destroy a team defense. But I also think he has underperformed to his talent level and there are some big questions around him.
I have no idea where this is coming from. The advanced stats say he is bad at defense. The scouting reports say he is bad at defense. The eye test says he is bad at defense. The fact that he got benched in Chicago for defensive limitations suggests he is bad at defense. The evidence seems overwhelming. He can't protect the rim, and he can't guard the perimeter particularly well. For a team that is already struggling with defense, has plenty of shooting, needs playmaking, and probably already has too much cap devoted to the big rotation, he does not make a lot of sense. The only reason to do this is if we can turn him into an asset, but I skeptical given suggested assets and cost.