When we discuss NBA players, we often discuss them in a vacuum.
For example, we’ll say that rim protection is important. We may use that argument to justify the position that Player X is better than Player Y.
In reality, either player may thrive in different circumstances.Â
For example, take Nikola Vucevic of the Chicago Bulls. His inability to defend the paint has come to the forefront recently. It’s undeniably a shortcoming in his game.
On the other hand, perhaps Vucevic would look better on a team that already had a primary rim protector. If that player was mobile enough to play the 4, that’s all the more likely.
Would he thrive alongside Anthony Davis of the Los Angeles Lakers?