(07-13-2021, 03:08 PM)Scott41theMavs Wrote: Um, what? Defense is what we were looking for primarily when we traded for KP. If, as you said, his mobility is lost for good, then yeah, we'd better improve on his defense.
Both Collins and Holmes look like one of their greatest strengths is defensive switchability, which is the best single trait in big men in this day and age. The Mavs could do a lot worse with their offseason.
Collins is a 4. He can't guard the rim. Him being "switchable" is expected of a 4. Maxi and DFS are switchable as well and Maxi is actually a better rim protector (not counting his Covid season). The point of the post I was commenting on was that what we really need is defensive improvement, and Collins does not really provide that over what we currently have.
And defense is not what we were primarily looking for in KP. You don't spend the max on a defensive center unless its Gobert (and that contract is being questioned). We traded for him because we thought he would be a perfect offensive match with Luka in that he could drag centers out of the paint and generate incredible space, while also being able to protect the rim on the defensive end. We saw the closest version of this the second half of last year including the bubble and playoffs. Its very possible we can get back to that with a healthy offseason, but who knows.