Exp0sed wrote:Alatan wrote:Exp0sed wrote:I doubt it's a tactic. Val is basically their ideal (and realistic) Jokic backup, they would happily guarantee his 2nd year and likely would be open to extending it to a 3rd year, nullifying the need for any "tactics" on Val's end
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I disagree that he is the ideal Jokic backup. He might be the best backup that Jokic had but their games are not similar.
Al Horford would be a better Jokic backup because be could fill the point center role that also stretches the floor. Two characteristics that are cruicial for Nuggets offensive udentity.
The benefits dont stop there as he is also a good defender and can play next to Jokic in some lineups.
"Ideal" was probably the wrong word but def one of the better options available
As for Horford, i'm higher on big Al (peak and career wise) than most. i thought he was going to be a top 10 player in the NBA coming out of college and also thought in real time, that was was pretty underrated in his earlier days.with that said, he's pretty close to washed and going ti be 39 next season
He was still pretty effective in the title run but sadly i don't think we'll see that version of him again and he has noticably and statistically declined last season and the next drop will be even sharper
Val is 33, that's a big diff
also i don't think it's out of the question to play Val alongside Jokic in spurts and\or vs. the right matchup
We saw a Sengun\Steven Adams work surprisingly well and Jokic a much better outsider shooter while Val does have some range (unlike Adams)
Val started some games last season and was giving the business to random unintersted teams, he's got size, strength and some skills too and that allows him to be a menace vs. 2nd units - Horford can't play that role anymore and that wasn't his strong suit to begin with
Horford and Jamal 2 man game is pretty easy to solve as Horford is almost strictly popping, Val rolling down the floor vs. bench units with undersized 5's and and small ball 5's can put alot of pressure on the Defense, be a menace on the offensive boards and even draw some fouls. No1 is fouling Horford at this in his career
Horford is obviously much smarter and savvier, makes better reads and decisions and is a much better outside shooter and leader. If u had to close a game 7 with either, obviously you'd go with Al but for the next two seasons? give me Jonas, hands down
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