Whole Truth wrote:I see some Memphis fans are still behind the idea of dumping Jonas for a clean rebuild. These people have no clue what building is, it's progression & losing potential assets, is not progression. They want to take a step back to move forward but don't realize a move forward after stepping back, is not guaranteed, that's not progression, that's hope, therefore not building. Jonas is 27, improving & entering his prime. He's at the very least, an asset, as I'm about to prove.
One person claimed it comical that Jonas could average 20pts for Memphis. Let me illustrate the joke.
Gasol with Memphis, 34 mins, 22.3 usage rate
15.7 pts / 7.5 rbs - (13.4 FGA) 44 FG% / 34 3pt% / 75 FT% / 54 TS% - (106 Ortg / 106 Drtg)
Jonas with Memphis, 27.7 mins, 31.4 usage rate
19.9 pts / 10.7 rbs - (14.7 FGA) 54 FG% / 27 3pt% / 76 FT% / 60 TS% - (109 Ortg / 105 Drtg)
With one more shot attempt per game than Gasol & higher dependability rate with half your team sitting, Jonas averaged 19.9 pts in under 30mins for Memphis with better efficiency than Gasol even though (Jackson, Anderson, Brooks & sometimes Conley) were sitting post trade. He averaged 13 & 9 for the Raptors on 8 shot attempts per game, with 98% of his playing time coming against starters & people think it's a joke that he could average 20pts for Memphis next season if given more touches & mins in a rebuild, lol. Now to further prove the point, lets take a look at Gasol in Jonas role with the Raptors.
Gasol with Raptors, 25 mins, 12.6% usage rate
9.1 pts / 5.7 rbs - (7.2 FGA) 46 FG% / 44% 3pt% / 56 TS% - (116 Ortg / 104 Drtg)
Jonas with Raptors, 19 mins, 25% usage rate
12.8 pts / 7.2 rbs - (8.6 FGA) 57 FG% / 30 3pt% / 80 FT% / 64 TS% - (121 Ortg / 103 Drtg)
Kawhi has been carrying the Raptors starters offensively, Gasol's lower usage rate should have led to higher efficiency but it hasn't. He's a career 35% from 3, in Toronto he's shooting 44% from 3, well above his average because the majority of his attempts are unguarded, wide open looks, thanks to the attention Kawhi is drawing. He's rebounding 2 less boards with 6 additional minutes, where in a similar 27 mins, Jonas averaged 10.7 rbs for Memphis. Gasol if not for his wide open 3pt shooting, is averaging 18% in the post despite teams playing forwards & switching guards onto him without fear of being post up. Raptors are a poor rebounding team that preferred Jonas play inside but he's been a capable 3 pt shooter since his rookie season. Averaged 40% on 74 attempts last year, when finally asked of him. It's a viable, undeveloped aspect of his game that Memphis can explore in a rebuild. Jonas didn't get much opportunity to play with Kawhi due to Pascal's promotion. Nurse increased his usage off the bench to help carry a struggling bench unit offensively, where he maintained his efficiency.
People will argue the defensive aspect of Jonas game. Gasol has been worse guarding in space than Jonas, he's been at his best in the post, not getting backed down. Any time teams got Gasol moving it resulted in wide open opportunity, hit or miss. Raptors clogged the paint & sent double teams on Vuc & Embiid against 2 poor shooting teams, which aided. After game 2 against the Bucks, where they were down 0-2, on the back of poor performances from Gasol on both ends, Nurse realized they can sag on Giannis to clog the paint, prevent the drive & dish, resulting in Giannis having to take & make 3's in the closing 2 games. Raptors also got fortunate that both Norm & FVV stepped up their shooting game not unlike when they beat the Bucks under the same circumstances the last time they met in the playoffs. Exception being, Kawhi is far better than DeRozan on both ends.
Memphis have a player who's still growing defensively, now hitting his prime, that could blow up his value & people are not interested in retention, lol, now that's comical.
I'm fine with moving JV. I'm not giving him away for free and like how he fits with JJJ over the next couple years as JJJ fills out, but he isn't someone I'm holding on to at all costs. If we can move him for a younger piece that fits our core then you do it. Otherwise, JV is good to have around and is likely an asset later at the trade deadline (I think JV likely signs elsewhere as a FA).
Gasol was a better anchor for our defense but had to overhelp to cover for other people and wasn't able to recover quick enough. JV doesn't overhelp so that is why you think JV can defend the perimeter better. It is the perimeter and the PnR especially where JV gets in trouble. He was solid as a defender around the basket and honestly his defense isn't something that should be all that concerning to Memphis. It is only problematic when in the playoffs and getting targeted by the opposing team. That rarely happens in the regular season. JV is a fantastic rebounder which is JJJ's weakness so that is super important. JV also can create his own shot which will help bail out our young guys when they are in trouble. Plus JV seems like a good dude. I think we should all hope he opts in just because it gives us flexibility next offseason to go after RFAs and then can try resigning JV with whatever is left. If he does opt out, we need to offer him a 2-3 year deal to try and keep him. I'd hate to lose him for nothing.