If you’re going to make a judgment, you need a large enough sample size to work with. The same holds true in the NBA. If you want to have an accurate view of players, you need to use a large enough sample size. Sometimes, a player simply has a hot or cold stretch.
Look at Rui Hachimura of the Los Angeles Lakers. During his time with the Washington Wizards, Hachimura failed to launch. As a Laker, he looked like a player with star upside.
How will he look in 2023-24? Who can say? Hachimura may continue to make good on his potential. If he doesn’t, could the Lakers flip him for Jonas Valanciunas at next year’s deadline?
The Trade Proposal
New Orleans Pelicans Receive: F Rui Hachimura
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: C Jonas Valanciunas
Meanwhile, every NBA team needs to concern themselves with sample size. Do they have enough data to reach a conclusion? At the deadline, that’s usually a significant question. Suppose a team has had a disappointing season so far. Is roughly half of a season enough of a sample size to decide that something isn’t working?
The inverse is also true. A team may be hot leading up to the deadline. Does that mean they’ve got enough to compete for an NBA title?
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Jonas Valanciunas, Los Angeles Lakers & New Orleans Pelicans Updates
In 2022-23, the Lakers decided they’d had a large enough sample of Russell Westbrook. They traded him, and they made a run to the Western Conference Finals as a result. Could they make another big change this year?
Why The Los Angeles Lakers Do The Deal
If this deal happens, it’ll have to be at the deadline. The Lakers can’t trade Rui Hachimura yet – they only recently extended him. That’s perfect. Hachimura is considerably younger than Valanciunas. If the Lakers are playing well, and Hachimura is contributing, they shouldn’t be interested in flipping him for Valanciunas.
Let’s imagine the opposite scenario. Suppose the Lakers are struggling, and Hachimura’s 2022-23 breakout looks like it was fool’s gold. Suddenly, Valanciunas’ fit with this roster becomes intriguing.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Jonas Valanciunas, Los Angeles Lakers & New Orleans Pelicans Updates
He’ll provide the floor spacing that typically maximizes LeBron James’ playmaking. Meanwhile, his defensive limitations will be offset by Anthony Davis’ presence. If the Lakers want to bludgeon opponents with size, this deal could make sense. Does it make sense for the Pelicans?
Why The New Orleans Pelicans Do The Deal
In fact, this could all be a moot point. Valanciunas may be elsewhere long before this year’s trade deadline. After all, it’s been rumored that the Pelicans want a more versatile defensive big man. Fair enough. Valanciunas’ poor lateral mobility makes him a defensive liability in some situations.
This deal does nothing to replace him. Meanwhile, you may be asking yourself a question, why would the Pelicans want Hachimura if he’s been underperforming in 2023-24?
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Jonas Valanciunas, Los Angeles Lakers & New Orleans Pelicans Updates
Well, it depends on how badly he’s underperforming. In a situation where Hachimura has been OK, but the Lakers are struggling, this could appeal to the Pelicans. They’re landing a young wing on an affordable, long-term deal. They can find their defensive big man later. Basically, it depends on what Hachimura shows in the sample size he’s got.
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