After I drafted Christian Wooden in my fantasy league this yr, I envisioned him changing into the Robin to Doncic’s Batman with double-double stat strains padded with three-pointers. Sadly, Wooden has been inconsistent this yr for the Dallas Mavericks, primarily because of a scarcity of taking part in time. Jason Kidd has come below the microscope for his administration of Christian Wooden, and it’s left many scratching their heads and questioning: Why isn’t Christian Wooden taking part in extra?
There are a number of layers to the thriller of Wooden’s taking part in time with the Dallas Mavericks.
The primary layer is the depth of the Mavericks’ frontcourt. They’ve a ton of choices at PF/C, like JaVale McGee, Maxi Kleber, and Dwight Powell. None of them are dynamic, definitive beginning facilities, however McGee is a shot-blocker who can jam house lobs.
Kleber can drain threes and play serviceable protection, and Powell is an brisk spark anytime he checks right into a recreation. With 4 viable facilities, it’s not unreasonable that Wooden’s minutes fluctuate, and even when he’s the best choice, one might argue Kidd is selecting whoever suits greatest for particular matchups.
The second layer is Christian Wooden’s status. Wooden had performed for six groups previous to becoming a member of the Mavericks, and lots of overlook that he beforehand displayed some DeMarcus Cousins-type moments. Earlier than Wooden landed on the Rockets he was traded from the Pistons for a draft decide and lots of followers questioned this choice by Detroit’s GM Troy Weaver. Weaver appeared validated when Wooden’s perspective points flared with the Rockets after he skipped a compulsory covid take a look at.
That very same day, he refused to test right into a recreation. Not precisely boy scout conduct.
Wooden is a proficient however flawed participant.
The ultimate layer is Wooden’s expertise. Is Christian Wooden overrated? He’s bounced from crew to crew so is each GM loopy and never seeing Christian Wooden’s superb expertise or are followers and fantasy managers lacking the apparent? Whereas Wooden can drain threes and decide and roll with the most effective of them his actual downfall appears to be protection.
“Wooden was the worst put up defender amongst all facilities during the last two seasons and seventh-worst amongst opponent subject aim share on the rim. He fared higher as a pick-and-roll and isolation defender, particularly when defending smaller gamers and he might use his lack of bulk and agility to his benefit,” according to Iztok Franko.
In different phrases, Wooden can chase smaller gamers on the perimeter fairly properly for a giant man, however he’s not an inside drive. Granted, he has backup with the deep Mavericks roster and it’s not like defending Joel Embiid is a stroll within the park for anybody. Both means, Wooden’s points appear to be subtly persevering with in Dallas. He was benched within the Dallas Mavericks’ season opener regardless of getting off to a sizzling begin and extra just lately after a loss to the Nuggets.
Kidd has causes to not play Wooden extra, and Wooden has to proceed to work to earn minutes.
Arguably not the most effective reply as he tries to develop chemistry with Kidd, however they don’t appear to be meshing completely simply but. Both means, watching Luka Doncic sometimes is a part masterclass, half ache. One can solely shoulder a lot, and it’s not persistently coming from Hardaway, Finney-Smith, Bullock, or Kleber.
If Christian Wooden is to be the brand new Porzingis, he needs to be given an opportunity to flourish, however he additionally must show to defensive-minded Kidd that he cares. Six groups have already deserted Christian Wooden, so is Kidd loopy for limiting his taking part in time, or might Wooden be an overrated drawback baby that should be taught Kidd’s means or the freeway?
The season is younger and something can occur, however with the Dallas Mavericks poised to overlook the playoffs, I perceive Kidd’s perspective, however I can’t assist however surprise if he must free Wooden. So, that leaves one main query: if Wooden is freed, can he step as much as the plate?
Truthfully, as a lot as I hope the reply is sure contemplating I drafted him this yr, I’m undecided I belief Wooden’s potential to be the all-star many thinks he could be. In that regard, perhaps Kidd is aware of what he’s doing in any case.
