Plenty of the NBA’s best defenses have been anchored by a big man throughout history. Other schemes can work, but having rim protection is the simplest way to defend. The ability to take dunks and layups away from opponents cannot be undervalued.
It seems that the New Orleans Pelicans are aware. Granted, their starting big man isn’t a rim protector. Jonas Valanciunas is talented, but he’s offensive-minded.
Perhaps that’s why rumors have long stated that the Pelicans are looking to replace him. With considerable offensive talent on their roster, they could use an anchor at that position.
Could they flip Valanciunas for Jakob Poeltl of the Toronto Raptors?
NBA Trade Proposal
Toronto Raptors Receive: C Jonas Valanciunas, C Cody Zeller, 2024 First-Round Pick (Top 7 Protected – NOP)
New Orleans Pelicans Receive: C Jakob Poeltl
Some will suggest that we’re being too old school in our thinking. We live in the three-point era of NBA basketball. Isn’t perimeter defense more important than ever before?
Sure. A team indeed needs a platoon of defensive wings who can guard across positions. Meanwhile, it’s even true that offense reigns supreme in the NBA. Are we making a mountain out of a molehill? Are the Pelicans?
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jakob Poeltl, Toronto Raptors, New Orleans Pelicans Updates
We wouldn’t go that far. Defense will always matter in the NBA. Meanwhile, dunks and layups will always be the best shots in basketball. Should the Pelicans acquire Poeltl to take those shots away?
Why The New Orleans Pelicans Do The Deal
Offensive-minded big men can have value. The question is this: where do they rank in your team’s hierarchy? Look at Valanciunas. He’s not a top offensive dog with Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram, and CJ McCollum on this roster.
So, the Pelicans are misallocating their resources by starting him at the 5. A more defensive-minded big man would serve them better. Poeltl fits the bill. He’s a strong rim protector who can survive in space when necessary.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jakob Poeltl, Toronto Raptors, New Orleans Pelicans Updates
Meanwhile, he’s not a liability on offense, either. Poeltl is a solid positional passer who can finish with great efficiency. He should make this Pelicans team much stronger. Should the Raptors part with him?
Why The Toronto Raptors Do The Deal
When the Raptors acquired Poeltl, they were reuniting with him. Now, we’ve got them reuniting with Valanciunas. That’s not relevant from a basketball opinion, but we decided to note it anyway.
Let’s talk basketball. The Raptors don’t care about acquiring Valanciunas. They’re only bringing him back to make the money work. The same holds for Zellar.
The Raptors do this deal to get exactly what they gave up for Poeltl last year back – a top 7 protected pick. If they tank the remainder of the season, they may retain their own pick.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jakob Poeltl, Toronto Raptors, New Orleans Pelicans Updates
Having an additional selection from a Pelicans team that will surely land outside of the top 7 will help them accelerate their rebuild. Who knows? They may land their defensive anchor of the future.
