NBA Finals free agents the Nets should and shouldn’t target
JaVale McGee
JaVale McGee’s career has resurrected in the Bay Area. The Warriors center has been a monster in the playoffs, posting averages of seven points, three rebounds and a block in just 10 minutes per game.
His stats extrapolated per-36 minutes are eye-popping: 24 points, 12 rebounds and four blocks per game.
McGee is making the case for someone to give him a long-term, big money contract this summer. The 29-year-old is still young enough to be a game-changer for a few years, barring injury. As long as his athleticism holds up, McGee could anchor a team’s defense with his length and bounce alone.
The problem with McGee’s production could be that is a product of the talent he is surrounded by. Any center is likely to see an improvement in his stats playing alongside Durant, Curry, Draymond Green and Klay Thompson. McGee’s offensive numbers are directly connected to playing alongside the most lethal line-up of All-Stars the league has ever seen.
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The fact that he is shooting 73 percent from the field should intrigue any team. However, the fact that his offense is primarily put-back dunks and alley-oops should dull the shine a bit.
McGee is what he has always been. He is a physical specimen with the tools to grab rebounds and finish at the rim.
McGee is likely only playing this well because he doesn’t have to create much offense because of the Warriors’ insane amount of talent.
The Nets are not a team that will benefit from McGee’s presence. They have Brook Lopez already at the 5-spot and shouldn’t invest big money into a backup.
McGee has finally come close to realizing his potential. If he decides to chase a long-term deal and leave the Warriors, the Nets shouldn’t come calling for his services.