I'll leave off the super expensive and go with athletic 5s (free safety type).I totally recognize that Rob is a Unique player and amazing athlete. I do wonder if he is as amazing as we think.
I am NOT saying that his production (when healthy) isnt impressive.
I guess what I am suggesting is could it be how he is Implemented here? The "Free Safety Role". Having Marcus and Jayson on a same defense.
IOW.....could different top 20% "big man Athlete" provide similar production with more durability? (and by top 20% I mean a "top 20% athlete" in the NBA.....which I think is a fair assesement of what TL was/occasion still is).
IOOW.....IF we had to replace Rob.....who in the NBA could do so athletically/physically? I do not buy that he is a "unicorn". But I do understand that a "Kornet" or a "Kabengele" is not a plug and play replacement.
So....assuming the worst....and Ignoring for a moment any acquisition cost.....If you had to Replace Rob....who is your candidates?
For Instance...... Jarette Allen or Evan Mobley Or Nic Claxton.
Once we create that list.....then we can pair down who is untouchable....who is expensive and who is "possible". All while fitting into both the time and salary window we have with the Js.
Finally we can hope that we dont need this exercise......but we probably will at some point soon.
Daniel Gafford - playing too well
Claxton - blew up this year
Okongwu
Beef Stew
Jericho Sims - very raw, but comes with springs
Note: it took TL 2 full NBA seasons before he started adding value. BIGs blossom a little later.
Maybe scour the G-League & the draft/2nd rounders:
James Nnaji, DaRon Holmes, Adem Bona, Trayce Jackson-Davis