nate33 wrote:doclinkin wrote:HOT TAKE: I don't know that I'd take Wiseman at 8 or 9. If there was a juicy trade offered.
But let me make a quick case. The Center position is not strictly devalued in the NBA right now, but the value has changed. The point of the game is still to try to funnel the ball to the basket. So the Big Guy closest to the basket, in location and in height/reach, still ought to have an outsized role, so to speak, on defense. The ball goes to the basket, they stop it from getting there and collect the near bounces. As always.
However, 'tall and athletic' is no longer at quite the premium it used to be. You have to filter for 'game smarts'. Players like Los Bros Lopez or Marc Gasol are not terribly athletic or quickfooted. But they play the role needed for them by anticipating the defense and getting where they need to be before the ball is even in the hands of the shooter. The best in the game at this is Draymond Green. Al Horford, players like that, players who have the smarts to read both teams at once and play out the scenario a few fractional seconds into the future -- they have more of an effect on the game than the guys who simply BIG LONG FAST the game. Those who have feasted at a lower level due to natural measurable gifts and never had to learn to be cunning to get picked or play next.
Thing is, with the emphasis on the perimeter game, nobody in the league is long enough and athletic enough to cover all the avenues of attack. You just have to be like a soccer goalie or baseball player and guess right. Game Smarts is big for Big Men right now. More so even than length and athletics Otherwise JaVale McGee would be a Hall of Famer.
So yes Okongwu. Yes Vernon Carey. Wiseman. I don't know. This Wiseman?
Or one a few years from now. How quickly does he learn when pressed and tested? Because yeah you can;t teach height and athletics, he does look good from that standpoint. But does he love to ball? Does he meet a challenge with determination?
Ouch! That video was BRUTAL!
TThanks Doc... Its what I've seen for a while. Poor hands, Awareness, and his "Basketball Athleticism" is not overly impressive(I.e. Quick hands/feet, quick/loose hips, 2nd jump, coordination, etc.)
Here is my grouping of players:
1) Guys I want for this team: Okongwu, Hayes, Haliburton, Avdija... and worth the upside with Edwards
2) Guys I dont like as a fit for this team and could get strong trade package for: Obi Toppin, Ball, Hampton, Wiseman
- Toppin feels VERY redundant with Rui, Ball cant play defense or shoot, and Wiseman will not contribute to wins for his rookie contract
3) Guys who I would be okay with at 9 if Group 1 is gone and no trade is proposed: Anthony, Vassell, Jalen Smith, Green
Im just a big fan of the guys in the 20's right now. I think after 20, you get at least 5-6 out of:
- Jalen Smith, Tre Jones, Reggie Perry, Tyler Bey, Paul Reed, Nesmith, Oturo, Okuro/Green, Kira Lewis
Trading 9 for a pick in the 18-23 range and another player would be interesting. I.E:
9 to Philly for 22, 34, and Shake Milton
9 to Boston for picks (17 & 25)
