Building around some NBA players gets complicated. Typically, we’re talking about players who thrive on one end of the floor and struggle on the other. They may be so offensively gifted that, even though they give up points on defense, they’re worth building around.
For example, look at Domantas Sabonis of the Sacramento Kings. Recently, a prominent NBA analyst questioned Sabonis’ ability to lead a deep playoff run. These are fair concerns. Sabonis is a slow-footed big man. He struggles on the defensive end of the floor.
There will always be teams built to exploit his limitations in pick-and-roll actions. Does that mean that the Kings should give up on Sabonis? It wouldn’t be easy to do. The Kings had the best offense in the NBA last season, and Sabonis was a massive part of it.
Perhaps the Kings should look to put players around him that complement him instead. How about Dorian Finney-Smith of the Brooklyn Nets?
NBA Trade Proposal — Sacramento Kings Land Dorian Finney-Smith
Brooklyn Nets Receive: F/C Trey Lyles, G/F Chris Duarte, 2024 Second-Round Pick (SAC), 2026 Second-Round Pick (SAC)
Sacramento Kings Receive: F Dorian Finney-Smith
On the other hand, give Sabonis credit. The fact that a team would entertain building around him at all complements his ability. Some players around the league are the types of players that you’d only want to compliment players like Sabonis.
What type of player is Mikal Bridges? It’s hard to say. For some time, he appeared to be more of a complementary player. As a member of the Phoenix Suns, Bridges was arguably the best 3-and-D wing in the NBA.
Still, if Bridges scored ten points, he’d had a busy night. Since landing on the Nets, that hasn’t been the case. Bridges emerged as a bonafide shot creator when he was traded at last year’s deadline.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Dorian Finney-Smith, Brooklyn Nets, Sacramento Kings Updates
Can he sustain that level? That’s a critical question for the Nets. Is Bridges a player you can build your team around, a role player, or something in between? Does this deal help them figure that out?
Why The Brooklyn Nets Do The Deal
In a roundabout way, yes. For the Nets, this deal is about improving their roster balance as much as anything else. This team may have too many 3-and-D wings.
Between Bridges, Cameron Johnson, Royce O’Neale, and Finney-Smith, they may not be able to find time for everyone. So, we’ve got them moving Finney-Smith.
In return, they’re landing a pair of players that they’re currently light on. Lyles can man the five in fully spaced-out lineups. At the moment, the Nets don’t have such a player. Meanwhile, this roster could use a movement shooter like Duarte as well.
Finally, the Nets are happy to land a pair of second-round picks as well. The Nets have a lot of draft capital as it stands, but the Houston Rockets control their own draft for the foreseeable future.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Dorian Finney-Smith, Brooklyn Nets, Sacramento Kings Updates
This team feels primed to make a bigger trade soon, and this deal gives them some additional assets to grease the wheels. Should the Kings give up those assets?
Why The Sacramento Kings Do The Deal
Some will suggest that the Kings aren’t hurting for 3-and-D wings either. Keegan Murray and Harrison Barnes will be entrenched as starters, and Kevin Huerter can soak up some time at the 3 as well. Should they invest in Finney-Smith?
We think so. The Kings should be looking to form a platoon of 3-and-D wings to minimize Sabonis’ limitations. Huerter is a 2/3, so this won’t cause any rotational issues.
After adding Finney-Smith, the Kings should be able to pair Sabonis with two good defenders in the frontcourt for every moment that he’s on the floor.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Dorian Finney-Smith, Brooklyn Nets, Sacramento Kings Updates
Meanwhile, the Kings can spare Duarte with Huerter and Malik Monk on the roster. Parting with Lyles stings, but it’s worth the cost if they add the defensively superior Finney-Smith. If this goes well, it may prove to be worth building around Sabonis after all.
