Why The Brooklyn Nets Do The Deal
Some readers are probably sharing a thought by now. If Vucevic struggled to get touches alongside DeRozan and LaVine, how is he going to fare alongside Simmons, Kevin Durant, and Kyrie Irving?
Well, in all likelihood, not much different. Ironically, this is a talent upgrade for the Nets, but they’re actually motivated by the fact that it’s also a fit upgrade.
The Nets badly need a stretch big. Realistically, they need one at all costs. As constructed, it’s hard to imagine how functional Simmons will be in this offense.
Imagine a Simmons/Claxton pick-and-roll. The defense doesn’t have many possibilities to account for – someone is going to try to dunk, as logically, nobody is going to try to shoot. The on-ball defender goes under the screen, and the big man defender drops. The paint is packed, and in all likelihood, the Nets have wasted a possession.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Nikola Vucevic, Chicago Bulls & Brooklyn Nets Updates
By contrast, Vucevic popping out to the perimeter puts the defense in a bind. Nobody should be demanding perfection from these players – but functionality is a reasonable expectation.