06-09-2022, 02:47 PM
(06-09-2022, 12:55 PM)DanSchwartzgan Wrote: 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).
Not only would Tobias improve rebounding at the 4, but Dorian is very good rebounder at the 3 and Brunson is a surprisingly good 1. Even with Maxi in that lineup you are probably not getting killed on the boards.
As for the tax MLE, Jalen Smith is one of my top targets, but I think I like Hartenstein even more. He was elite this season defensively, and a better rebounder than Maxi. They both have done all of there damage against second units, so a grain of salt needs to be used, but both are young, still improving and already quality rotational players.