I agree with a lot of this.
I don't blame PLD for his contract. Heck, if my job offered me $8.5 million even though it's not worth that, I'd take it.
His level of engagement is his fault though. I don't blame players who, in my opinion, play well but the points aren't going in. That's why I was an ardent defender of Byfield. His issues were more based on experience and confidence. The effort was there, and his capacity to learn and improve was demonstrated by how he improved in the minutiae when he forechecks.
I can't say I feel the same general positivity towards PLD. The BEST defense he has right now is just not having chemistry with the players he's played with. He's been in the league for 6 years - sure, he's young and has room to improve, but he's not making rookie mistakes. He played for Tortorella, so he knows how coaches emphasize 200' of playing.
He does have a good toolset with his size and skills.. But it appears he needs better facilitators where he's just not expected to drive a line. I dislike paying a one-dimensional player that much when he can't get himself going, but it's not my money and it's too late anyway.
So, because I'm sure eventually he'll find players he meshes better with, he'll do better than .5 points/game. The question is if it willbe as early as this season or as late as the last.
All good points and I very much agree, as I think anyone who has watched him play would... the effort level just doesn't seem to be there. He's almost like a robot. It's absolutely frustrating because when he does show rare glimpses of a pulse, he can be very effective. At the same time though, I think it's safe to say his game is what most of us expected, but hoped wouldn't be so. It's disappointing, but not a surprise.
And I know there's been talk about how he's being fed cushy deployments and minutes and at some point it's on him to take advantage of those opportunities. Any additional catering to him is ridiculous and undeserving for sure.
At the same time though, because of that contract, LA / Blake has backed himself into that corner. No matter how undeserving, a lot of LA's success is pinned to PLD producing far more than he has. As unfair and gross as it may be, finding a fit for PLD is extremely important.
Because the alternative is to continue to have 8.5 x 8 on the books for a .44 ppg, 3rd line center which just doesn't work.
I agree 100% about him need better "facilitators" and that was probably the logic of management. The expectation was to have him play with Fiala who is such a player. And while it didn't work out initially, I don't think it's an idea that should be abandoned yet.
Very unfortunate situation.