This might be a moneyball type of question, but could we get DJ's production for a cheaper price (less than 20 million a year)?
I mean, we do not have a big playoff-type presence inside right now, and we need one to be a championship team. But could we get a big presence for half the price? Could we get his rim protection (both BPG and OFG% at the rim) for a cheaper price? Could we get his rebounding rate for a cheaper rate?
We've definitely got to consider him, considering the price, athleticism, and obvious way he fills our needs, but if we make a mistake on the wrong guy at this point in the rebuild, then we will have no money to spend on go-to franchise players who put us over the top.
I'm not saying no. I'm just nervous because of his obvious deficiencies.
I need an example of who you're thinking.
Joakim Noah would probably be the closest thing. A good rebounder and defender. Doesnt have the youth or athleticism of Jordan but Id say they are similar threats on offense.
If his stats last year are anything to go off, not even close.
Noah only averaged 1.3 blocks per 36 this season (not that far above Bass, Sully and Olynyk) and last time I checked his rim protection stats (points and FG% allowed at the rim) also ranked up about on part with Sully and Olynyk.
Noah's defense is not what it once was - not sure if it's due to injury (and hence will improve) or if he's just lost a step somewhere along the line, but he is definately no replacement for DeAndre Jordan.
I'd say the closest thing to that would be either Hassan Whiteside or Nerlens Noel - if you can drag either of them over, they might be able to give you some of what Jordan does at a much lower price.
I'd probably prefer that to be honest, because as much as we need DeAndre's skills, it's a lot of money to pay for a guy who is (for all intents and purposes) just a really, really, really good role player.
If we could add a guy like Noel or Whiteside at center, then we could use free agency to chase some of the more talented offensive PF's (Monroe, Aldridge, Milsap) which I think would be better use of that cap space.
Adding either Monroe / Aldridge / Milsap along with either Noel / Whiteside would dramatically improve this team IMO.
Needless to say you can throw Demarcus Cousins in that mix, though I didn't bother because I'm pretty sure our chance of getting him is miniscule lol