If you had to pick, which free agent center would you throw big money at next summer, Marc Gasol or Deandre Jordan? Obviously, this kind of supposes that we don't land high enough in the draft to pick someone like Towns or Okafor.
While I think they are pretty close in their talent levels, they provide different things for us. Gasol's the overall better player, and he provides a much more even game. He's a hell of a defensive presence down low, but he can also work offensively down low. Jordan, on the other hand, doesn't have much of an offensive repertoire, however he's more mobile, athletic, a better rebounder, and a better shot blocker than Gasol.
While I'd be overjoyed to have either of them, I think I'd prefer Jordan just to see what Rondo could do with him. Jordan's much more athletic and younger, and I think that suits this team a little better. Furthermore, he'd be a perfect complement to Sully or Olynyk with their inside/outside games.
Who would you choose?
I'll have to stop you right there, lol. The only advantages that Jordan has over Gasol are age and athleticism. Yes, he's a great athlete, and I would have loved to have had him here during our run as a contender, but there's really no point in going after him when next year's draft is full of big guys, and that is how that deficiency will be addressed, imo.
In terms of skill, however, it's not even close, because while Jordan is a terrific defender and is still developing offensively lol, he is nothing like Gasol, who has excellent post moves with either hand and is a great passer. Plus, he makes his free throws
, can step out and hit the jumper, and has proven to be an excellent defender and rebounder. He also brings a definite toughness factor, imo.
All in all, I wouldn't go after either of them. Doc loves DJ, so he's not going anywhere, and if Gasol does sign with another team, it'll likely be the Knicks, imo, where he would fit perfectly in the triangle. Phil Jackson understands this as well, so, combined with Pau's experience of playing in that system and for Phil (as well as with Derek Fisher) for a number of years, who would Marc rather play for - Brad Stevens and Danny Ainge, or a Hall of Fame coach who now presides over the Knicks, where his style of play will be implemented? Right. The Knicks can also offer Gasol the ability to play with a go-to guy and superstar in Carmelo Anthony, so I wouldn't be at all surprised to see him relocate to the big apple next July.