Just because a theory makes sense doesn’t mean that it will work in practice. Some things look good on paper, but then, don’t go according to plan. That happens in the NBA as well. Some teams should be better than they end up being.
Take the Los Angeles Clippers. On paper, this team should be playing for the NBA championship. The Clippers have a star duo in Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. Almost everyone in their rotation is a plus defender. In theory, this team is dominant. What’s gone wrong so far?
Health, mostly. The Clippers rely on players who struggle to stay on the floor. Leonard and George are most notable among those players. As a result, nobody knows what this team’s long-term future looks like. With that said, don’t be surprised if they make one more push for an NBA title next season. Would acquiring Jrue Holiday from the Milwaukee Bucks help their cause?
The Trade Proposal
Milwaukee Bucks Receive: G/F Norman Powell, F/C Marcus Morris Sr., G/F Amir Coffey, 2028 First-Round Pick (LAC)
Los Angeles Clippers Receive: G Jrue Holiday
In fact, the inconsistency of theories can influence a team’s decisions. Without proof of concept, they may not be willing to commit to an idea. Sometimes, they may regret that decision down the road.
Take Giannis Antetokoumnpo. By now, we know him as the former back-to-back MVP. Antetokoumnpo is a dominant two-way force. He’s one of the most singular athletes in the history of the NBA. How did we perceive him leading up to the draft?
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Jrue Holiday, Milwaukee Bucks & Los Angeles Clippers Updates
Mostly, as a risk. Antetokoumnpo was an unknown variable, and plenty of teams passed on him as a result. Not the Bucks. They selected Antetokoumnpo, and the rest is history. The Bucks have a championship to show for it. Could they really trade a key member of that title run?
Why The Milwaukee Bucks Do The Deal
Sure, the Bucks won their championship. Now, the goal is to win another one. At the moment, that’s looking like a lofty ambition. The Bucks couldn’t even make it out of the first round of the NBA playoffs last year.
Are we blaming Holiday? No. With that said, his poor shooting has made him a questionable fit alongside Antetkoumnpo at times. Meanwhile, Holiday is aging and locked into an expensive contract for a couple more seasons. At the same time, the Bucks are low on draft capital. How will this team improve?
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Jrue Holiday, Milwaukee Bucks & Los Angeles Clippers Updates
Perhaps trading Holiday could help them do so. This deal won’t make them better next year, but it does afford them more cap flexibility and land them an unprotected first to bolster a trade. Meanwhile, Powell may be a better fit alongside Antetokoumnpo. Is Holiday the right fit for the Clippers?
Why The Los Angeles Clippers Do The Deal
Absolutely. The Bucks are built around a suspect shooter in Antetokoumnpo. By contrast, Leonard and George are both knockdown shooters. As a result, there are fewer restraints in terms of building around them.
In the meantime – can you imagine this defense? With Leonard and George on the wings, Holiday at the point of attack, and Ivica Zubac on the interior, the Clippers would be impenetrable. Holiday’s ability to create his own shot will give this offense some added juice as well. The Clippers would be an extremely dangerous team following this deal.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Jrue Holiday, Milwaukee Bucks & Los Angeles Clippers Updates
Is there risk involved? Sure. Moving a first-round pick when you haven’t even made a Conference Finals trip is a bold decision. The Clippers should do it if Holiday is available. This roster makes too much sense in theory for them to not put together.
Want the latest NBA analysis, breaking news, and insider information? Click Here. Follow NBA Analysis Network on Twitter and Facebook.
