2020-2021 ROSTER TALK: Archived

[SleepingHero]

I don't think anyone is speaking about a massive deal related to Graham. Roughly 15 per is not massive imho. 

Graham plays defense, can shoot a three and can create for others to some extent. So he is a guy who could look well next to Luka. Of course not a star by any account.

I think 15 per is massive for a guy like Graham. He's at best a 25mpg kind of guy on a good team that would probably be served best as a 15mpg spot microwave guy. 

In terms of defense, a quick look at Grahams counting stats says he's a below average defender with limitations. Opponents shot above their career averages across the board below the 3pt line with Graham guarding him. Graham defending the 3pt line is slightly above average though in both of his last 2 years opponents shot much higher being guarded by him. Did he get better? Or did he have an outlier year? Only time will tell.

I just think there are several better options before Graham that the Mavs should focus on. If they want an RFA that can create for others and shoot well then Lonzo Ball is there. 

Raptors won it with Lowry and FVV both at 6'0. In SA championship days Parker was 6'2 and Mills 6'0. Phil Jackson Lakers featured Fisher at 6'1. Boston had Rondo at 6'1. Probably many more cases showing it is not really a problem having a smaller guy as your starter. We would not expect Graham to be our main star.

Consistent championship level success rules out both FVV and Lowry. I know you're not trying to make this point, but the talent difference between Graham and guys like Tony Parker and Rondo could fill the Grand Canyon. Mills and Fisher are good comparisons because both were bench guys that played a limited role on their teams and were asked to do very specific things.

Mills was paid 3.5 mil a year during their championship window. Fisher was the 4th-6th highest paid guy on those Lakers teams topping out at 5 mil.

Graham commanding 10 mil more than those guys per year to me is a gigantic waste of money.