01-03-2023, 02:58 PM
(01-03-2023, 02:39 PM)DanSchwartzgan Wrote: Thanks for bringing attention to this. I think it is just a regurgitation rather than a change of stance. You are right that the story now says “are interested”. It feels like sloppy writing as there is no mention of a change in stance. The entire piece is a historical retrospective and when they get to the important line about intent they use the past tense…Sources have “told ESPN”.
The mention of the dollar amount says “for a maximum of $36mm”. Sounds more like data than a quote. Plus, I’ve heard TM put it this way on a podcast. When I’ve heard him live, it was clear that part was opinion. He then went on to say that if they try to “get cute” with the years, they won’t be able to do anything less than the full allowed amount.
One other note from the story. Here is the data quoted when Wood plays solo-big alongside Luka…
“Those concerns still exist, and there are doubts about how Wood will fare as a defensive anchor in the playoffs. Dallas has allowed 119.8 points per 100 possessions when Wood plays as the lone big man in lineups with Doncic, according to data from pbpstats. The flip side: Those lineups have lit it up, scoring 121.9 points per 100 possessions.”
I do have concerns with Wood anchoring the defense in the playoffs, but as you mentioned earlier we don't really have any sample with Wood starting in a defense functional lineup. He has no chance playing with Luka/Dinwiddie/Timmy and we don't even have a Dorian or Maxi or Green to help out. The numbers have been bad against bad teams. I'm afraid its going to get worse when the schedule toughens up until we get some of those guys back.