Doncic and James Are Horrible Defenders

[Kilroy]

One of the reasons why I would strongly consider moving Reaves by this Summer while he's still on his really valuable contract even though I'm a big fan of his. I have a hard time seeing where he would fit in the starting lineup considering the defensive concerns and envision he'd be relished to the 6th man role while Lebron is still on the team.

I understand Walker Kessler's price-tag is reportedly steep as he's a 23 year old offensive rebounding and shot-blocking Center who is fairly mobile for his size and a solid enough lob threat. Personally, I'd probably offer our best packages for him to at least try to pique the Jazz interest.

Knecht + 31 1st + another Swap for Kessler

or

Austin Reaves + Jaxson Hayes + Cam Reddish + 31 1st (?) for Clarkson + Kessler

It works salary wise and we'd essentially be replacing Reaves with Clarkson as our 6th man while getting our starting Center. This trade opens up a roster spot which I'd use to convert Koloko's contract as our backup big. The Jazz don't have any need for 32 year old Clarkson and acquire 26 year old Reaves who hasn't started his prime yet and would quite frankly fit right in with the Jazz and their fans. I truly believe they'd love him and I can see Austin posting career numbers for them and think he's somewhere in that Darius Garland, Tyler Herro, Shooting Guard version of Gordon Hayward tier and is a playoff performer. Perhaps the Jazz are hesitant to acquire a mid-20's player but he's in the same age range as Lauri, Sexton and Collins who they still have while they're successfully tanking and developing prospects. A 31 1st could be added to give them additional incentive.

I listen to a lot of podcasts and I consistently hear the talking heads reluctance to trade Reaves which I understand because he's talented, tough and on a great contract but I'm not convinced we'd see him being utilized to his best abilities while we still have Lebron with Luka.

Yeah Reeves is completely redundant on offense with LeBron an Doncic…. He’s got to be used to get a C

[MAMBAEMD]

I’d be shocked if they used AR in a trade for a middle of a road center.
AR is a potent offensive weapon that works very well when LBJ is on the floor. I think he can also play with Luka.
They can also always have him play with the second unit.

He’s not going to be traded for a Capela, Kessler, Poetle or Williams.

I think they’ll do center by committee and wait until the summer to see who else becomes available.

[Up-And-Coming]

Interesting. We don’t need Austin breaking down the defense once Luka gets here. Or do we? How else will Luka ever play defense if he has to dribble solo for 40 minutes every game?

Reaves is good at playing off the ball. He fills the function of breaking down the defense, like Ginobili did. On or off the ball. Luka, Bron and Reaves will be a living highlight reel. If fat Luka gets a fat injury, we’ll need Reaves.

But I hear you, we need him less now. And we need Kessler. They’re hoping to add Flagg in the draft so Ainge might take that deal. But he probably dreams to put Flagg next to Kessler.

I hear you. My thought process is in regards to these next 1.5 - 2.5 seasons in particular with both Luka AND Lebron. While Lebron is also on the team Luka will be splitting some of that ball-handling responsibility and won't have to solo dribble 40 mpg which minimizes Reave's on-ball touches. I also recognize Reaves is a more than capable off-ball player however I also can't ignore he's more comfortable with the ball and has consistently put up more pull-up attempts on better efficiency throughout his career versus catch-and-shoot attempts, although he's still a pretty good catch-and-shoot player.

Also to note is Reave's contract situation which increases his value as he's still on the books at a massive discount until the '26 offseason where he most likely will opt out of that player option and command +$25 mil per. That adds urgency to make a decision on him by this Summer at the latest to get optimal value. I'm all aboard seeing how he would fit as the 3rd ball-handler for these last +30 games but a decision must be made by this Summer.

Clarkson's contract also ends '26 which wouldn't disrupt our potential max cap space that Summer while Kessler would still add youth to our roster and could potentially be our Center of the future for the next several seasons.

Yes, it's still a long-shot but I think this deal would at least be more enticing for the Jazz as Reaves would in theory fit with several of their current starters and shouldn't disrupt their pursuit for Flagg while also adding a future pick. Replacing Sexton with Clarkson in the deal would be harder to match salary with and would be less enticing for them imo.

[Anderson Hunt]

I trade Knecht, Vincent, Hayes, Wood, and Bronny James to CHI for Lonzo Ball.

I'd also trade Kleber and a first to CLE for Isaac Okoro.

From there, I'd fill the remaining four roster spots with very specific prototypes.

They'd need two defensive guards who can shoot. Barring other buyout opportunities, I'd sign Quincy Olivari and D'Moi Hodge.

They'd also need two defensive forwards. One forward, in the mold of Vanderbilt and Reddish, wouldn't need to be able to shoot, but would need to be potentially defensively elite (like Vanderbilt and Reddish) and switchable. Barring other buyout opportunities, I'd sign David Nwaba to fill this role.

The other forward would need to be both defensive and offensive. He'd need to be solid on defense, switchable, and also be able to shoot from deep. Barring other buyout opportunities, I'd sign Keta Bates-Diop.

My roster has no true center because I honestly don't think a team with Doncic and James as its centerpieces need a center unless they can find one who can guard 5s and 1s comfortably. I don't think that "center" is acquirable.

James, Finney-Smith, Hachimura, and even Isaac Okoro can guard centers just fine.

The key is to be deep with switchable defenders with only one non-shooter on the floor at a time (Vanderbilt, Reddish, or Nwaba):

PG - Doncic - Reaves - Milton
SG - Ball - Hodge - Olivari
C -- James - Hachimura - Morris
PF - Vanderbilt - Reddish - Nwaba
SF - Finney-Smith - Okoro - Diop

With some exceptions, I run a one-for-one, ten-man rotation where each backup subs for the starter at his position.

Doncic only plays roughly 28 minutes and Reaves, his backup plays 23.

Ball only plays 25 minutes and Hodge plays 20.

James only plays 28 minutes and Hachimura plays 25.

Vanderbilt only plays 23 minutes and Reddish plays 15.

Finney-Smith only plays 28 minutes and Okoro plays 25.

To me, this is the best way to build around your two best players who are uber-talented and thick-bodied, but lack defensive focus and footwork -- surround them with long-limbed, swarming defensive guys who can all shoot except for one guy on the floor (Vanderbilt or Reddish).

This team is a Don Nelson wet dream, and in this day and age, right now, regardless of how "weird" it may seem to not have a true center on the roster, this team I've carefully constructed around Doncic and James post Davis-trade would win it all.

Trust me when I say this: Those of you all screaming for a "traditional center" aren't looking at the puzzle properly. They need players like Ball and Okoro much more than the random centers being mentioned by seemingly everyone.

[danfantastk32]

Stay far, far, away from Lonzo Ball. I get where your heads at......but that dude has missed more NBA than he's played. And I'm pretty sure I'm being literal there. Best ability is availability...and he ain't that.

Also...I wouldn't get too into building around Lebron. He's gone soon.

[Anderson Hunt]

Stay far, far, away from Lonzo Ball. I get where your heads at......but that dude has missed more NBA than he's played. And I'm pretty sure I'm being literal there. Best ability is availability...and he ain't that.

Also...I wouldn't get too into building around Lebron. He's gone soon.

Ball would've been a risk for sure, but that's why you strategically have other guys on the roster who can pick up the slack if he were to reinjure himself.

He would've been worth the risk because he's a championship role-player if I've ever seen one. He's got big-time Michael Cooper energy.

As far as James, he's not leaving for another three years. He wants those rings. He wants to catch Jordan desperately.

[stan francisco]

LeBron is actually a really good defender when he wants to be. And, he’s 40. Can’t expect POA defense from him for 82 games. Post-season is when he tightens his effort on that end.

Vincent, Vanderbilt, Reaves, DFS and Rui will pick up the slack. Defenses today or 5 on 5, not 1 on 1.

[Hoopz Afrik]

LeBron is actually a really good defender when he wants to be. And, he’s 40. Can’t expect POA defense from him for 82 games. Post-season is when he tightens his effort on that end.

Vincent, Vanderbilt, Reaves, DFS and Rui will pick up the slack. Defenses today or 5 on 5, not 1 on 1.

That last sentence is key

[danfantastk32]

He would've been worth the risk because he's a championship role-player if I've ever seen one. He's got big-time Michael Cooper energy.

As far as James, he's not leaving for another three years. He wants those rings. He wants to catch Jordan desperately.

We'll have to agree to disagree. Lonzo will go down in my mind as one of those "what might have been" guys. If they coulda fixed that shot....not even perfect,but just a "good" shooter...that guy woulda been a unique talent. So no hate. But dude....the guy just missed what was it?? A 1000 days? 3 different knee surgeries? And he was a house of glass before all that.

Sure, I woulda grabbed him if he passed waivers, or something like that. But otherwise, it's $$ and a spot best given to someone else. Shame, but that's the math. Believe me, I'd love to be wrong. I see he just got a 2year $20 mil extension. Hope he works out.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

James might play for another 3 years.....but it won't be the James your thinking of. And yes, he had a great game last night...yada yada yada. All well and good. But he isn't what he was 3 years ago. And he'll be much, much, less 3 years from now. Unless he wants to take a MAJOR pay cut....the Lakers would be best served for him to ride off into the sunset, and build this team around Luka.

[LakerPhan]

A BIG HELL-NO, to ever getting Ball back. It's bad enough that Lakers could have selected Tatum, Fox or Bam instead of Ball, but I'd rather have Vincent!

Gotta keep Reaves for when LeBron leaves, a starting line-up of:
PG: Luka
SG: Reaves
SF: Rui
PF: Finley/Vando
C: Williams

Would/will still be very competitive...!

[stan francisco]

Luka mostly guards SFs and PFs apparently, so really you just need to find someone who can play POA

Caleb Martin is the guy I’m eyeing off

Would’ve been good. We got a third string POA defensive hellhound PG today from South Bay; Goodwin. Defends intensely, rebounds very well for a guard, can run some plays, has NBA experience. Shoots 42% from the corner three.

[User9992]

No, because u need the rimprotection. Luka usually guards at. And for someone that lead the playoffs in steals, and whos team were better statwise with him on the floor then off, he gets a lot of crap. Mainly because he is white and played on mavs. If he had played on lakers he probably would have had 2 mvps already.

You will see national media completly change their narrative on him now when he is on lakers. Mavs tried to patch with the defensive guards for years, then they had luka and kyrie, not the best defensive guards out there together and it worked. Because they got lively and gafford, 48min of rimprotection and good hands.

Also, luka played injured thru last years po. Its like it doesnt matter if its luka, espn racism at its finest.

If its anything lakers should do its get rid of lebrons salary. Its 50m that can be used to build a team around luka that can try to convince him to extend

Read on Twitter

[User9992]

[Danny Darko]

One of the reasons why I would strongly consider moving Reaves by this Summer while he's still on his really valuable contract even though I'm a big fan of his. I have a hard time seeing where he would fit in the starting lineup considering the defensive concerns and envision he'd be relished to the 6th man role while Lebron is still on the team.

I understand Walker Kessler's price-tag is reportedly steep as he's a 23 year old offensive rebounding and shot-blocking Center who is fairly mobile for his size and a solid enough lob threat. Personally, I'd probably offer our best packages for him to at least try to pique the Jazz interest.

Knecht + 31 1st + another Swap for Kessler

or

Austin Reaves + Jaxson Hayes + Cam Reddish + 31 1st (?) for Clarkson + Kessler

It works salary wise and we'd essentially be replacing Reaves with Clarkson as our 6th man while getting our starting Center. This trade opens up a roster spot which I'd use to convert Koloko's contract as our backup big. The Jazz don't have any need for 32 year old Clarkson and acquire 26 year old Reaves who hasn't started his prime yet and would quite frankly fit right in with the Jazz and their fans. I truly believe they'd love him and I can see Austin posting career numbers for them and think he's somewhere in that Darius Garland, Tyler Herro, Shooting Guard version of Gordon Hayward tier and is a playoff performer. Perhaps the Jazz are hesitant to acquire a mid-20's player but he's in the same age range as Lauri, Sexton and Collins who they still have while they're successfully tanking and developing prospects. A 31 1st could be added to give them additional incentive.

I listen to a lot of podcasts and I consistently hear the talking heads reluctance to trade Reaves which I understand because he's talented, tough and on a great contract but I'm not convinced we'd see him being utilized to his best abilities while we still have Lebron with Luka.

Yeah Reeves is completely redundant on offense with LeBron an Doncic…. He’s got to be used to get a C

aged super well

[danfantastk32]

aged super well

Lol

I'll be fair, and point out neither Lebron or Luka were there last night...making it the "Austin show".

[Kilroy]

One of the reasons why I would strongly consider moving Reaves by this Summer while he's still on his really valuable contract even though I'm a big fan of his. I have a hard time seeing where he would fit in the starting lineup considering the defensive concerns and envision he'd be relished to the 6th man role while Lebron is still on the team.

I understand Walker Kessler's price-tag is reportedly steep as he's a 23 year old offensive rebounding and shot-blocking Center who is fairly mobile for his size and a solid enough lob threat. Personally, I'd probably offer our best packages for him to at least try to pique the Jazz interest.

Knecht + 31 1st + another Swap for Kessler

or

Austin Reaves + Jaxson Hayes + Cam Reddish + 31 1st (?) for Clarkson + Kessler

It works salary wise and we'd essentially be replacing Reaves with Clarkson as our 6th man while getting our starting Center. This trade opens up a roster spot which I'd use to convert Koloko's contract as our backup big. The Jazz don't have any need for 32 year old Clarkson and acquire 26 year old Reaves who hasn't started his prime yet and would quite frankly fit right in with the Jazz and their fans. I truly believe they'd love him and I can see Austin posting career numbers for them and think he's somewhere in that Darius Garland, Tyler Herro, Shooting Guard version of Gordon Hayward tier and is a playoff performer. Perhaps the Jazz are hesitant to acquire a mid-20's player but he's in the same age range as Lauri, Sexton and Collins who they still have while they're successfully tanking and developing prospects. A 31 1st could be added to give them additional incentive.

I listen to a lot of podcasts and I consistently hear the talking heads reluctance to trade Reaves which I understand because he's talented, tough and on a great contract but I'm not convinced we'd see him being utilized to his best abilities while we still have Lebron with Luka.

Yeah Reeves is completely redundant on offense with LeBron an Doncic…. He’s got to be used to get a C

aged super well

Yep, my bad Reaves played so well he knocked LeBron and Luka out the game… before it started.