Darren wrote:Teffer10 wrote:Darren wrote:
I disagree. If the difference between Nesmith and Vessell is #31, I lane towards keeping the pick for a Matrix clone. Nesmith is easily more successful for the Mavs. The Mavs needs more Curry than Wright. That's the truth. Nesmith is not a bad defender either. Vessell is only 6-5 and not able to guard the position the Mavs short of personnel at. I'd rather have McDaniels or Bey or Xavier for #31 to fill to role. Wingspan and athetlcism matters more long-term. If neither reach full-potential, the Mavs still get a good gamble. DFS can't guard frontcourt player. That's what we already know. Pheonix has Mikal Bridge. But Miles Bridge at CHA is more successful. Miles is considered comparative better offensive player but less competitive defender. The same could be true between Vessell and Nesmith. For a truely elite defender, it's 6-8 with 7 foot wingspan and outstanding athleticism to start with. Kawhi and Giannis are both ridiculously great defender. Vessell could be good but so is ordinary player like Wes Matthews who's on the same mode with lower draft position.
Nesmith is a guy I'd absolutely take at #18 but I wouldn't trade up for him. He is slow and very little athleticism. Decent defender and good shooter but the Mavs need more athleticism mixed with skill and a great versatile defender at the wing. Vassell checks those boxes and he is listed at 6'7 not 6'5. He is basically a better version of DFS with much more upside.
Vassell...Matrix clone
Nesmith....Wes Matthews clone
I disagree with the comparison. Vessell is not Matrix clone. More likely than not, Vessell is similar to Mikal Bridge. Vessell can't guard PF/C in any way. That's not adding skillsets on roster at all. DFS can't guard PF/C but can chase the likes of Kemba walker. Kawhi gives DFS trouble because Kawhi can play like a PF with long arms and quick hands. Technically, Kawhi plays bigger than 6-11 players with SF quickness. This gives DFS troubles in a ridiculous way. If the Mavs do want to add depth to do something DFS cannot, gamble on 31st prospect is the cheapest way. Some really interesting prospects are certainly available at 31.
I also disagree Nesmith-Matthews comparison. I consider Nesmith a JJ Reddick with Stackhouse / Carter's athleticism. Nesmith can actually defend likes DeShawn Stevenson at least. Someone like JJ Reddick or Korver with better defense could replace Hardaway completely after a year. That's my expectation. Nesmith is not slow or physically awful from highlights. I disagree with your comparison at all. The main problem is Nesmith has little playmaking for offer with. That's perfectly fine with Doncic around.
A 6-6 Seth Curry with a little better defense. That's what I think of Nesmith.
Vassell's strengths are shooting, super athleticism (maybe most athletic in the draft) and defense as a wing.
Player comparisons are certainly fun to debate and I don't think Vassell will have anywhere near Matrix's success, but I like the fit with those strengths and feel that his upside could fill that Matrix/Amino role as a long term starter on this team.
One of the reasons why we are a 6-8 seed caliber team instead of 3-5 is because we need to upgrade DFS's role on the team. Vassell's ceiling is higher than DFS because he is a much more natural shooter and could very well become a better defender. He is also more athletic even though DFS is very athletic. That is why I would trade up for him.
I absolutely love Nesmith but his strength is pretty much just 3 point shooting. He would be an enormous gift if he is available at #18 because he is that good of a shooter, and he would be a great fit, but I'm not sure if he gives us much more than what Seth gives us now. That is why I'd definitely take him at #18 but would not give up #31 because we'd need that pick to address a wing defender. Nesmith is a good defender but wouldn't significantly make our defense much better.
But I definitely agree with you that Nesmith has Seth credentials with better defense and I'd add in a bigger body.
I'd be ecstatic if Nesmith would be there at #18.