Building an elite NBA defense isn’t easy. You need strong players on the perimeter and the interior. The league’s best defensive groups have stoppers at the guard, wing, and big-man positions.
Many will argue that it starts at the 5. To be sure, a defensive anchor can lead a team to an elite defense. Apparently, the New Orleans Pelicans agree. Rumors are suggesting that theyre looking to replace Jonas Valaciunas with a defensive big this summer.
The Memphis Grizzlies should have one to spare. Between Jaren Jackson Jr., Steven Adams, Brandon Clarke, and Xavier Tillman, they’ve got plenty of defensive bigs. In fact, they may have a log jam. Could they send Tillman to the New Orleans Pelicans as a result?
The Trade Proposal
Memphis Grizzlies receive: G Jose Alvarado
New Orleans Pelicans receive: F/C Xavier Tillman
There are other questions to ask when constructing an NBA defense, too. Should you have two big men in your frontcourt?
The answer likely depends on who else is on your roster. Two bigs can lead to limited lateral mobility. With that said, if one of those bigs is especially quick on his feet, it might work. Just ask the Memphis Grizzlies. Jaren Jackson Jr.’s remarkable combination of height and lateral quickness allow him the 4 alongside a more traditional 5.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Xavier Tillman, New Orleans Pelicans & Memphis Grizzlies Updates
There are still more questions to answer. What’s more important, an elite point of attack defender, or a strong wing defender? Next season, the Grizzlies will find out. This summer, they lost Dillon Brooks and gained Marcus Smart. Should they obtain another defensive guard in Alvarado?
Why The Memphis Grizzlies Do The Deal
The Grizzlies may have added Smart this summer. They lost a guard in the process. Tyus Jones found his way to the Washington Wizards. Meanwhile, Ja Morant’s suspension looms over this organization.
Does it make sense to acquire a replacement for him? Not entirely. Morant will be back. When he is, he could push Alvarado out of the rotation. At the very least, he’ll see his minutes reduced.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Xavier Tillman, New Orleans Pelicans & Memphis Grizzlies Updates
On the other hand, the Grizzlies also have too many bigs. Meanwhile, both Smart and Alvarado are combo guards – either can play alongside Morant. If Memphis wants to maintain its defensive identity in the loss of Brooks, adding an irritant like Alvarado makes sense. Can the Pelicans afford to part with him?
Why The New Orleans Pelicans Do The Deal
Well, it depends. How serious are the Pelicans about acquiring a defensive big man? After all, they’re not going to get one for free.
If they’re serious enough, they’ll like this deal. Tillman is a versatile defensive big. He’s a strong rim protector who can also defend in space. Moreover, Tillman offers a little bit of floor spacing.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Xavier Tillman, New Orleans Pelicans & Memphis Grizzlies Updates
Will the Pelicans miss Alvarado? Absolutely. On the other hand, this deal could open up an opportunity for them to move Jonas Valanciunas. Ideally, they’ll target a guard with him to replace Alvarado. Hopefully that replacement is a strong defender.
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