Everybody needs a partner. We’re not talking about romantic partners – some people need those, and some people don’t. We’re not talking about any specific type of partner. We’re simply saying that nobody is an island. The same holds true for NBA players.

No matter how talented they are, they need a partner. For example, just look at Luka Doncic of the Dallas Mavericks. 

Most would agree that he needs a partner. Moreover, most would accept “partner” is a synonym for “co-star.” Fair enough. On the other hand, what if the Mavericks got him a pick-and-roll partner instead? 

Doncic makes it look incredibly easy in the pick-and-roll, but doesn’t have the type of big man setting screens for him that get the defense thinking they need to stay in a neutral ball screen coverage.

Defenses will likely continue to double-team Doncic and switch aggressively with or without a more potent rim-rolling threat. Either way, having the option to counter all of these things is important.

A pick-and-roll finishing big like, for example, Deandre Ayton of the Phoenix Suns. Here’s a deal that has the Mavericks landing him.