Let’s preface this by saying that it doesn’t need to be a WCJ vs Goga vs Mo situation where you are only allowed to support one guy… they all offer different things. I’m genuinely curious what our C rotation will be like when fully healthy.

I know it seems likely that WCJ will default back to the starting job with Goga/Mo splitting backup minutes, maybe situationally based on whether we need more defense or offense off the bench. I really think Goga has been a big part of ORL’s success so far though, and I think he is just too effective to let fade back to into an inconsistent role. I feel like a big part of the reason that WCJ is viewed as a way more important piece is simply because he was a higher draft pick/we invested more trade assets to acquire him. He’s also had a longer track record so I definitely see him as more reliable I suppose. That said, Goga and WCJ are both only 24… and Goga has shown us a LOT to like to start the season so far. If I’m being honest, I think Goga could have just as much potential if not more than WCJ. They both have a great feel for the game and are excellent passers from the 5. Wendell has more of a “bag” on offense, but it comes with a significantly higher usage rate. Goga keeps it simple on offense and we already have so many guys who need the ball in their hands. While WCJ is a better defender than his blk/stl rates might suggest, Goga is a significantly better rim protector and just overall has a larger impact on that end. Outside of Isaac and Suggs, he probably has the biggest impact on defense for us and has all the tools to become an elite defensive anchor that WCJ simply doesn’t possess. The biggest advantage WCJ has over Goga right now is his shooting - but it’s not saying a whole lot as he’s still only offers mediocre spacing at best. WCJ has gotten enough opportunity and reps and it’s unlikely at this point that he develops in a much better than average shooter. This is a bit speculative, but Goga has decent form/touch and I think he might actually have a better chance to develop an above average 3pt shooter.

Ultimately I feel like we’re in a tough spot because I do feel WCJ is the more proven/reliable option at this point to get the starting nod. And Mo has been a staple of our bench mob with his energy and offensive output against other team’s benches. Elite offensive output off the bench is arguably more valuable than elite defense off the bench. Mo is going to get his minutes and he deserves them too. I’m just worried that Goga will drop back into obscurity with some DNP-CDs and maybe 10-15 minutes here or there, and he’s going to leave this summer and blossom on another team. I genuinely think he could be on a Jakob Poeltl-trajectory with the potential of developing as a 3pt shooter if given the minutes. WCJ is deserving of being a starting C, but he thrives with more usage and better catch-and-shoot players around him. I think Goga projects to have a higher ceiling next to offensive stars with his lower usage and better rim protection, and that’s before the speculation of him developing into a better shooter than WCJ.

Am I high or why isn’t Goga being talked about a bit more? It seems like a lot of people are kinda just like “he did a good job filling in while WCJ was hurt. thank you, next!”… and I think that’s a mistake and not fair to Goga. He did everything you could ask for when given the opportunity and he deserves for a team to commit to continue developing him. He’s not one of those raw players who have “potential”, but hurt you on the court with their mistakes - he already has a very positive impact on the court.