2021-2022 ROSTER TALK: [ARCHIVED]

[DanSchwartzgan]

Gobert would be the better target, but he is also going to be much more difficult to acquire.  I would pull the trigger on that trade in a heartbeat, but I don't think Utah does.  They will get better offers and I think we would have to break into future draft picks (or the core) to get that deal done.

Harris is a better player than THJ and a much better fit.  We really need another player on the court that can do various offensive things without killing us on the defensive end.  And if we are targeting a mobile center there is a good chance that guy is not going to be an elite rebounder (and Maxi definitely is not) so having more size in the lineup would be a big help.  I also wonder if Tobias past relationship with Boban suggests he might be a good chemistry guy as well.

I do think we should have a little more coming back in a THJ + Powell for Harris trade to compensate for Harris salary.  And I do share your skepticism this FO will be creative enough to do something like Dan suggested.  I also worry a bit regarding the loss of depth at center.  I think I would want know I am getting one of my preferred tax MLE center targets before I pull the trigger on this.

This is where I am also.  I listened to a couple of national podcasts yesterday that went through Gobert scenarios.  Our best offer is not in the same area code as what others can do.

To another point you made, whatever center we acquire, he won’t be able to defend the rim and perimeter, rebound and create offensively.  That guy doesn’t exist for less than the max.  Adding Harris to the starting lineup with two other creators takes that off the list of needs at center.  Harris rebounds well for his position as does Luka.  The center needs to board also, but he doesn’t have to be a league leader in lineups with Luka and Harris.

That narrows down the requirements to something more manageable.  I don’t like Noel, but if you are screening for shot blocking and defensive effectiveness, someone like him at $9mm (without all the baggage) could work.  Jalen Smith is in the 89th percentile of shot blockers and 92nd percentile of defensive rebounders.  He can also rim roll.  He might develop more offense with time, but Harris would take away the pressure to have to do it.  Maxi would still probably close.  Someone may go higher than the TP MLE, but if that is where the bidding stops, there won’t be a better situation to come to as a young center looking to score big on his next contract.

Tony Bradley hasn’t gotten his career off the ground, but is still young and rebounded, rim protected and defended very well in limited minutes last season.  Hartenstein is just a little above average as a rebounder, but defends and rim protects well.  None of these guys are stars, but are guys that can help fill the bullpen approach to center (at least until Kamagate makes his first all-star game  ).