Wood sucks on defense, but it's not like he was guarding these guys one on one in the left low block. Mostly it was high screen, Rockets attempt the OMGWTFBBQ switch -> 2 points for Zubac or whatever other unstoppable roll man there was. I'm glad Wood is done, like i said im interested to see if he can find his level as a role player 5 not a wannabe superstar
This, btw, is why he was lobbying for Sengun to get more minutes and IIRC to play with Sengun...because he didn't want to play anywhere near the paint on defense. It's a solid move for Dallas since they are giving up nothing and a 26 pick does nothing for them right now but Wood's scoring ability just wasn't good enough to make up for everything else he was bad at.
If you're pretending he played the same way last year as he did when he was with Harden then I have nothing to say to you.
I feel like this year for Wood in DAL will be Julius Randle for the Knicks 2 years ago Walk year will provide extra motivation to behave and buy into team Luka will make his efficiency skyrocket A good DEF team around him will cover his weaknesses on that end A team already in the WCF will win a couple rounds, and his 'loser' rep will be repaired Then he will land a big deal somewhere next offseason, and it will immediately become a cap albatross as all that shine fades to reveal the turd that Luka has polished up nice and pretty
A real possibility. I'd prefer the "real Wood" showing up halfway through this coming season, but it's not hard imagining your scenario. ;-)
Dude he played with "just here to play my way out of town James" for what, 10 games? Other than catching a few lobs i don't remember a markedly different Wood one way or the other.
I don't understand what the end game would be for the pro-woodites. He could play outstanding (albeit selfishly) the first part of 2022-2023 only to have blocked our younger players and be dealt as expiring wanting 25million a year. I thought he was worth more too but I didnt want him back regardless. 26th sounds good to me.
I don’t think anyone at all has been arguing we should keep Wood. And for those who think we didn’t get enough in return, it’s not like Stone purposely took less. It is what it is for the value of a player on the worst team in the league.
I think you have to take all of this with a grain of salt. An agent wants to put a rookie in a position to shine to ensure their value is maximized (i.e. big contract extension). Ball dominate players like Wood and KPJ are a threat to that. So it might have more to do with touches than culture or personality.
The Houston Rockets traded a first round pick (28th pick) to the Lakers in 2017 for 1.5 seasons of Lou Williams, who at the time was averaging 19/3/2 on 60 TS%, and was the front runner/runner up for 6th man of the year. Lou Williams was on a longer contract (Wood is expiring), was widely considered one of the best bench sparks in the league, and did not have widely known attitude issues like Wood. At the time, it was considered a good-great trade for the Lakers (examples here, here and here). Wood's value is significantly overestimated.
If I recall correctly, that was Boogie's Revenge after 19-year Sengun made him look like an old fool in the time we played him before
It’s possible that both we & Dallas are better after the trade. Wood will be in a perfect storm of his career. (I am not a Wood fan but I do wish him well). He maybe the everything we hoped for AND MORE. Oddly, I hope he is. Wood was asked to be more then he is capable of here. Wood had grown more than he is capable of here causing him to fall apart a couple times. He and the Rockets needed to part ways because it was not working and starting to hurt the team. Hopefully in a very defined role Wood will become a better player and teammate. I also hope he finds the payday he looking for. I truly believe IF used right Wood could become a difference maker. We are not the team for him anymore. Thank you Mr. Wood for you service it’s been entertaining.
It is what it is, but I find it kind of funny that we got four players from a roster that was IN THE PLAYOFFS and we have no use for any of them. Enjoyed watching Gary Payton, Jr. for the Dubs likewise!
Wood's problem on defense is not a "Can't play it" one it is a "Lack of effort" one....which can be cleared up by a coach that demands accountability and a team that does as well. DD
