02-25-2021, 10:42 AM
My problem with John Colllins is the same problem that ATL has with him. What defensive position does he play? His best role on offense is rim-roller who can also knock down a three. He's a force on offense. Defensively, he's challenged. He's not a rim protector but he's been serviceable as a weak side forward next to Capella. He can't guard wings. This just presents a multitude of problems, especially in the playoffs.
The reality is the game has changed dramatically in the last two years. More bigs are shooting 3's than ever and I'd argue this makes KP somewhat less of a true unicorn. Granted there aren't many centers who can easily average 25 pts on good efficiency but with the way teams run pick & role it's arguably more important for your center to anchor your defense.
This brings me to Wiseman. This is a kid who's younger than Doncic and looks to be more of a "traditional center of the future." He's big, very strong on the block and has the potential to become an elite rim protector. And he's super skilled; can knock down a three. But he's clearly not a championship caliber center at this point. He needs time.
Fortunately, the Mavs have time and resources to make it work. The reality is the Mavs are competitive without KP. In fact, they might be better if his defense doesn't dramatically improve. Their playing style is more grit & grind but that style suits your other defense-first starters JRich, DFS, Kleber; as well as key reserves like Powell & WCS. If you can add another solid wing in Wiggins -- and also get a franchise talent in Wiseman -- while remaining competitive, I think now is the time to do it.
The Mavs can really take two different paths philosophically ... they can add championship caliber vets to Doncic and go for it all now. But if they fall short it could spell trouble. And do you really want to pair Doncic with a 30+ year old former star with an ego? Again talking reality here... 20 year olds don't usually win titles. If the Mavs really want to compete now they need to be thinking about adding some wizened vets like Draymond, Kyle Lowry, Dragic, Horford, Reddick, Chris Paul (who's obviously not available).
The other option is to pair Doncic with solid vets who will defer to him as the undisputed leader of the team; meanwhile you add young elite talent. I much prefer this path. Dallas may not compete for a title this year but if they build it the right way it could set them up for a much longer run as Doncic nears his peak years.
So, bottom line ... I'd deal KP for Wiseman+Wiggins.
The reality is the game has changed dramatically in the last two years. More bigs are shooting 3's than ever and I'd argue this makes KP somewhat less of a true unicorn. Granted there aren't many centers who can easily average 25 pts on good efficiency but with the way teams run pick & role it's arguably more important for your center to anchor your defense.
This brings me to Wiseman. This is a kid who's younger than Doncic and looks to be more of a "traditional center of the future." He's big, very strong on the block and has the potential to become an elite rim protector. And he's super skilled; can knock down a three. But he's clearly not a championship caliber center at this point. He needs time.
Fortunately, the Mavs have time and resources to make it work. The reality is the Mavs are competitive without KP. In fact, they might be better if his defense doesn't dramatically improve. Their playing style is more grit & grind but that style suits your other defense-first starters JRich, DFS, Kleber; as well as key reserves like Powell & WCS. If you can add another solid wing in Wiggins -- and also get a franchise talent in Wiseman -- while remaining competitive, I think now is the time to do it.
The Mavs can really take two different paths philosophically ... they can add championship caliber vets to Doncic and go for it all now. But if they fall short it could spell trouble. And do you really want to pair Doncic with a 30+ year old former star with an ego? Again talking reality here... 20 year olds don't usually win titles. If the Mavs really want to compete now they need to be thinking about adding some wizened vets like Draymond, Kyle Lowry, Dragic, Horford, Reddick, Chris Paul (who's obviously not available).
The other option is to pair Doncic with solid vets who will defer to him as the undisputed leader of the team; meanwhile you add young elite talent. I much prefer this path. Dallas may not compete for a title this year but if they build it the right way it could set them up for a much longer run as Doncic nears his peak years.
So, bottom line ... I'd deal KP for Wiseman+Wiggins.