NOLA gets their C/ORL gets their high-scoring G
Posted: Tue Jul 2, 2024 12:24 am
ORL sends: Wendell Carter Jr. , Cole Anthony
NOLA sends: CJ McCollum
*NOLA saves appx $7m in cap space
Why for NOLA: Murray is the new PG and NOLA has several capable wing scorers that could slide to SG, but they are badly in need of a competent Center. WCJ perfectly fits the bill next to Zion. He can spread the floor, switch on the perimeter on defense, finish PnR, and is big enough to bang with and defend the bigger guys. He's a much more capable rebounder and could certainly average 10+ (as he has before) but in ORL's schemes, he's often switching all over or just keeping out of Paolo & Franz' painted area workplace. He's not a highlight-reel, meet you at the rim guy, but he's a very competent and physical position defender with a very solid defensive rating. Anthony provides much of what CJ did as an offensive spark plug off the bench and exceptional rebounder for a guard. Murray is a far superior defender in CJ's old spot, but still can score in bunches when needed. CJ's contract at $33m for 2 more seasons is a bit of an overpay but ORL has put themselves in position to weaponize their cap space NOW before rookie extensions start kicking in.
Why for ORL: They should have pursued CJ years ago but he's still very formidable. ORL has him coming off the bench behind a lockdown defensive backcourt duo of Suggs & KCP, but all 3 average over 25mpg. After the defensive beatdown to begin the game, CJ comes in shooting and providing real game management after the inevitable breakdown of the "No PG" offense ORL has been running. Paolo & Franz are the main offensive initiators and all of the added 3pt shooting would take their playmaking to an entirely different level and give them a lot more room to work in the paint. ORL was one of the worst 3pt shooting teams last year, but Paolo & Franz still managed to crash their way through double-teams and crowded painted areas to an impressive degree. With this move and the addition of KCP, ORL perhaps becomes one of the best 3pt shooting teams, while their two 6'10 Point Forwards rack up All-Star level points and assists to go along with much improved efficiency. CJ's mature leadership as well as his on-court skill have a tremendous impact on this still very young team. ORL, admittedly, takes a step back at C by moving off of WCJ to Goga and Mo Wagner, but WCJ's versatility and playing style weren't really a perfect fit next to Paolo & Franz. He's got a lot more in his bag than he gets to show in ORL.
NOLA sends: CJ McCollum
*NOLA saves appx $7m in cap space
Why for NOLA: Murray is the new PG and NOLA has several capable wing scorers that could slide to SG, but they are badly in need of a competent Center. WCJ perfectly fits the bill next to Zion. He can spread the floor, switch on the perimeter on defense, finish PnR, and is big enough to bang with and defend the bigger guys. He's a much more capable rebounder and could certainly average 10+ (as he has before) but in ORL's schemes, he's often switching all over or just keeping out of Paolo & Franz' painted area workplace. He's not a highlight-reel, meet you at the rim guy, but he's a very competent and physical position defender with a very solid defensive rating. Anthony provides much of what CJ did as an offensive spark plug off the bench and exceptional rebounder for a guard. Murray is a far superior defender in CJ's old spot, but still can score in bunches when needed. CJ's contract at $33m for 2 more seasons is a bit of an overpay but ORL has put themselves in position to weaponize their cap space NOW before rookie extensions start kicking in.
Why for ORL: They should have pursued CJ years ago but he's still very formidable. ORL has him coming off the bench behind a lockdown defensive backcourt duo of Suggs & KCP, but all 3 average over 25mpg. After the defensive beatdown to begin the game, CJ comes in shooting and providing real game management after the inevitable breakdown of the "No PG" offense ORL has been running. Paolo & Franz are the main offensive initiators and all of the added 3pt shooting would take their playmaking to an entirely different level and give them a lot more room to work in the paint. ORL was one of the worst 3pt shooting teams last year, but Paolo & Franz still managed to crash their way through double-teams and crowded painted areas to an impressive degree. With this move and the addition of KCP, ORL perhaps becomes one of the best 3pt shooting teams, while their two 6'10 Point Forwards rack up All-Star level points and assists to go along with much improved efficiency. CJ's mature leadership as well as his on-court skill have a tremendous impact on this still very young team. ORL, admittedly, takes a step back at C by moving off of WCJ to Goga and Mo Wagner, but WCJ's versatility and playing style weren't really a perfect fit next to Paolo & Franz. He's got a lot more in his bag than he gets to show in ORL.
