Mason Plumlee is the Nets Center Worth Pursuing

Mar 20, 2015; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Brooklyn Nets center Mason Plumlee (1) fights for a rebound with Milwaukee Bucks center John Henson (31) during the second half at the Barclays Center. The Nets defeated the Bucks 129 – 127 in three overtimes. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

Most NBA pundits agreed that the recent trade of Ersan Ilyasova to Detroit was a precursor to a much larger roster move, likely coming later this summer via free agency. Specifically mentioned as possible targets were former Dallas Maverick Tyson Chandler and former Brooklyn Net and Jason Kidd understudy Brook Lopez.

The potential roster fit of these players has been discussed at-length, specifically how the Kidd/Lopez Brooklyn connection might make an acquisition of the veteran Lopez not only a possibility, but likely and intelligent.

However, coming over the wire today is a bit of news that could cause quite a shakeup in the Bucks offseason plans and, potentially, their frontcourt for next season. Evidently, Mason Plumlee has become available in a Nets play for better draft position.

When Jason Kidd was still coaching the Nets (you heard about that, right?) he actually preferred playing Plumlee rather than Lopez, a fact evident when reading between the lines if not said behind closed doors in Brooklyn. The reason? Pace.

Kidd’s devotion to pushing the pace became all the more obvious and effective when his Nets made the playoffs in 2014 on the back of small-ball lineups featuring Paul Pierce at power forward and a center in Plumlee who could get up and down the floor.

While some may buy the conspiracy theory that Kidd tried to trade Lopez for Larry Sanders because he planned on joining the Bucks in a long con, I’m more inclined to believe he simply wanted to clear the depth chart to give Plumlee unquestioned starter’s minutes. That may still become a reality.

Outside of that distinct difference in athleticism and play style, there are myriad reasons the Bucks may prefer trading for Plumlee to signing Lopez to a big contract. For one, their stats:

Provided by Basketball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 6/15/2015.

Using these per-36 stats, we can put the two players on a more even footing than using just per-game averages. These are Plumlee’s and Lopez’s age-24 seasons. The biggest plus in Brook’s favor is his five more points per game than Mason, but when you look at their shooting percentages, that advantage quickly dissipates.

In a role player, you’d take 15 points on 60% shooting over 19 on 50% every day of the week, especially if it’s coming on the back of five less shot attempts per game. Plumlee is clearly the more efficient player. Add in his rebounding advantage and he only looks better, even if he can’t shoot free throws. He more than makes up for that weakness.

Provided by Basketball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 6/15/2015.

Here are the advanced stats. The key number here is the usage percentage – 25 for Brook and 18 for Mason, a huge disparity in the number of their team’s possessions that end with them attempting a shot, turning it over, or shooting free throws.

Lopez is clearly a focal point of his team’s offense when he is on the floor, soaking up one fourth of his five-man team’s possessions. Plumlee’s 18 percent is right in line with a member of a more balanced attack.

These numbers are a huge plus for Plumlee. Although he gives up a bit to Lopez in PER (a calculation of efficiency and favorite of many a basketball nerd) 18.4 is indicative of a very valuable, very good player. An 18.4 PER puts Plumlee among Eric Bledsoe, Kenneth Faried, and Ty Lawson, very respected NBA players. John Henson’s PER last season was 18, which led the Bucks among players who began and ended the season in Milwaukee.

Most importantly in comparing these two players, though, is Plumlee’s biggest single advantage over Lopez: his rebounding. These tables reflect how much better a rebounder Plumlee is, and rebounding is a skill that’s more valuable to a thin, lengthy team like the Bucks than it may be to a team with a little more muscle.

It also doesn’t hurt that Lopez will be demanding at least $17 million (the bare minimum raise on the $16 million option most expect him to decline), while Plumlee is still on his rookie deal and makes under $2 million per year.

Nothing’s scarier to an NBA general manager than a big man (especially an expensive one) with injury problems, specifically lower-extremity ones. Just ask Sam Hinkie how he’s feeling about Joel Embiid about now.

Brook Lopez has seen lower-body injuries take huge chunks out of his season for several year, and he hasn’t played a full season in five years. This is certainly cause for concern, and only makes the younger and more durable Plumlee that much more attractive.

Oct 14, 2013; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Brooklyn Nets forward Mason Plumlee (1) waits to be subbed in during the fourth quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center. The Nets defeated the Sixers 127-97. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports

The Nets pick 29th in the upcoming NBA draft, a fact they’d like to change. The Bucks pick at 17, and so far no consensus has emerged about what type of prospect they’d like. Mason Plumlee is still only 25, two years younger than Brook Lopez, eight whole years younger than Tyson Chandler, and definitely younger than Zaza Pachulia, who I’m convinced is an immortal gargoyle. (I say that with admiration)

Mason would fit right in with the young Bucks and be just they type of big man Giannis is dreaming of.

“…We need an athletic, top class bigman. Who will be able to finish plays, score and play effective defense. Who will have the skills to function as the rim protector and set good screens.” – Giannis Antetokounmpo

Plumlee would allow the other Bucks to continue to improve their offensive skills without sucking up possessions, and his respectable athleticism and bulk brings defensive potential no other big man available to the Bucks can provide, outside of the much more expensive and much older Tyson Chandler.

It would feel so nice to be able to plug a long-term starting center into this lineup and finish off the youth movement. Provided the Nets don’t get cold feet at the idea of shipping Jason Kidd one of his favored players, and the Bucks don’t let their immense cap space burn a hole in their pocket, this is a potential trade that can benefit both sides, but may benefit us as Bucks fans the most.

Plumlee is the perfect fit and the perfect intersection of youth, price tag, athleticism, strength, and upside.

Next: NBA Draft Prospect Watch: Rashad Vaughn

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