I don't get the infatuation with Pekovic. It seems like a lot of posters here are projecting their own desires and team needs onto him because he may be the best obtainable center, but let's get serious. Pek is a poor defender and an average rebounder. Anyone who thinks otherwise is fooling themselves.
He does give you low post scoring, but I'd rather keep Hickson for less money. At least Hickson is an elite rebounder. Hickson shoots a higher FG%, rebounds better, blocks as many shots, and has a higher WS/48 than Pek. He's also 3 years younger, more durable and likely quite a bit cheaper. Plus he can also play PF.
Although he shoots a lower FG% than Hickson, Pek is more of a scoring threat. With Love out, Pek is currently Minnesota's #1 option on offense, but he only scores about 2.5 more PTS/36 that Hickson, who is the Blazers #5 option on offense with almost no set plays run for him.
I said it an another thread, I'd rather retain Hickson, for less money, and continue to develop Meyers Leonard than spend big bucks on Pek. Hickson can then move to the bench and back up both the 4 and 5. He would be great in that role. Meyers is very raw, but he has much more defensive potential than Pek or Hickson. He just needs time (as in 2+ years) to develop, but he has all the tools to be a great defensive center and by the time he's starting, he'll only be 22 or 23. For what it could likely take to get Pek, we could retain Hickson and probably sign a solid veteran back-up PG or SG (Redick or Jack).
Pekovic at anything near a max deal is fool's gold. He will never live up to such a contract and anyone who gives him one will regret it almost immediately and REALLY regret it 2 or 3 years down the road when your 30-year old often injured center is in decline and tying up a huge chunk of your cap space.
BNM
