Agreed. I think for the majority of fans, legit and proven skill trumps everything else.
I'll preface this by saying I am a JT fan and did want him at various stages past couple years.
That said, I don't think Tavares will be worth our time. Maybe a couple summers ago, but based on how this team is currently constructed, I don't see how he puts us over the top. Of course, if somehow, Bergy finds a way to augment multiple areas (without any super powers) and signs JT, different story.
To be honest, I don't think center is our biggest issue right now.
Yup, his background is actually Polish and Portugese, but yeah, his name is Portugese.