NO DOUBT:
-He's really good at just about everything...I would say great at nothing, but that's not a slam
-He's on an unbelievably good descending deal for the next 2 seasons after this one. Maybe the best deal in the NBA (for a team)
-He's an underrated defender (I think) even though he doesn't block a lot of shots or make highlight stops.
-He's extremely versatile...shoots 3's a bit, finishes PnR, sets picks, passes well enough, rebounds (but nothing at an elite level)
Questions (from me):
-Is he the right guy next to Paolo or would ORL be better served by a better rim-protector and PnR pogo stick type
...in my mind, that's a player who isn't as good as WCJ on an individual rating scale, but a better fit. I'm saying maybe WCJ is better at some things that we don't really need and not good enough at a few things we do need. You all know I crave more shooting and floor spreading, but I think that would best come from the backcourt. A Center can roam the baseline, set picks, putbacks, offensive rebounds without really crowding the paint (they needn't be demanding post-ups like Wilt
). Coming back to Fultz (as always), adding a 3pt shooting C (like Bamba) is not the right way to compensate for a 6'4 guy who won't shoot, IMO...unless you really score a unicorn, and even then, having guards that can shoot makes it even more valuable...point is-I don't value 3pt shooting so much from C, in fact, I don't like to see a formidable guy like Embiid (or Vuc, in the day) camping out on the perimeter for a rest and an easy shot without any bumps and bruises.-Would he be sought after in the trade market? I think so...I especially think he'd be great next to a skinnier Center like Wemby, Mobley (they're realizing he's a C), Holmgren, maybe even Turner (who's a perimeter guy on offense). He's not the switchiest guy on some small 4's like, say Tatum, but those skinny unicorn C's could be and WCJ is certainly big enough to stay home. Or just as he is here, he could appeal to any team looking for a really cheap, versatile, young, smart C. He could also play next to a brute like Ayton, who has no outside game. WCJ could play at 4, but also 5 equally well, so fill important slots at a great price.
-Why trade him?...not just because he's not "ideal", but because I think it'd be easier to fill the hole at C than to find the Lead guard type we need, and I think WCJ is a valuable trade chip (packaged with other salaries and/or expirings). He's just a valuable piece that must be considered as a usable asset in building a better team. You rarely get something for nothing - so you have to at least consider offering him to get another, more impactful player.
MY Take:
-I'm really not sure...is his pretty good level status enough, especially when you consider his awesome contract, age, personality?
-I think he is what he is, he might creep up a bit in 3pt% and/or rebounding, but he's just a really good, solid player
-I'd move him but only to get
... an 18+pt 3-level scorer with some creation skills like Simons or Brogdon or Quickley
...maybe for a swap for a more traditional rim-running, shot blocking type like Jarrett Allen or Nick Claxton
I love WCJ- that's why I think the marketplace would love him...as usual, it's not personal or because I don't like his game...thoughts?
