2020-2021 ROSTER TALK: Archived

[SleepingHero]

Completely disagree with the idea that Lauri makes KP "somewhat expendable".  If KP can't get back to being a quality rim protector, then he is already expendable.  I don't see Lauri as a legit starter on a contending team.  He can't protect the rim and he can't guard the perimeter.  In the playoffs he will be hunted for and abused constantly.  People worry about KPs fit on offense, but the real concern is his defense.  Lauri in no way addresses that concern.

Lauri's skillset overlaps KP's skillset by quite a bit. Only thing is KP has more size and theoretically better defense. By getting Lauri, the Mavs basically cover an elite shooter at the 4/5 that their offense is built around. That's what I meant by making KP somewhat expendable, because should the Mavs trade KP, they still retain an elite shooter at that position. 

KP himself of course is an X factor, but even in a season by all accounts where he underperformed on the defensive end, the Mavs are still highly competitive. We're in the playoffs right now and the Clips are hunting him, but with KP on the floor the Mavs are outscoring the Clips by nearly 13 points. So yes, KP's defensive concerns are a priority to address, but not necessarily a dire hole that needs to be plugged at all costs. In fact if we take an optimistic POV, a healthy offseason where KP can work on his game and rebuild his strength should only help him return to the KP of yester year, one of the more elite rim protectors in the NBA. 

To me getting Lauri is just rebuilding the asset treasure chest and only adds flexibility for the Mavs. Sure he doesn't fit seamlessly and he doesn't check off everything the Mavs are looking for, but he's a young talented player that should shine in the Mavs system. And given the rumors, if he can be had for JRich who also doesn't fit very well, I don't see why the Mavs wouldn't take that swap. 

I don't think getting Lauri is likely (mostly because the Bulls have to love JRich for it to work) but I do think it'd be a huge win should they nab him.


EDIT: I just noticed you meant that Lauri would get hunted and abused in the playoffs. A valid point. Though I do think we've yet to see Lauri at his best. His time in Chicago has been cursed. After a promising sophomore year, Jim Boylen comes in and basically relegates the Finn to being a spot up shooter in the corner. His role slowly got diminished to the point he comes off the bench in spot minutes.  I think RC would coach up Lauri, as he's only 24. I don't think he'll ever be elite on the defensive end but passable? Sure.