Do we keep or trade Allen? On the offensive end, the problem with the Allen/Mobley pairing is neither one can shoot. In the Modern NBA, where the goal is layups, 3's, and free throws, that screws up everything. The question the front office has to figure out is if they truly believe one of them can become a threat from 3 over the next year or two. If not, the pairing needs broken up. On defense, the two of them are elite helpers. Both have abnormal agility and length. They can stay with guards on switches and protect the rim like very few other teams can. The downside is this agility comes at a lack of mass. They are not thick guys and they can get pushed around. The combo of help d that takes them away from the basket and lack of bulk also makes us vulnerable to offensive rebounding teams. DM & DG are not helping in this. They are small and largely uninterested in rebounding. The answer on both ends is to pair them with a strong rebounding 3 who can also shoot - there is a reason we have done well with big 3's like Laurie and Wade. We also need a 3rd big body/backup center for teams like the Knicks. What clearly doesn't work if we want to take another step is what we've seen in this series: Being small 1-3 has been a rebounding/defensive problem. Not being able to shoot from the 3-5 has been a problem. Not having an big space eater to rest Allen/Mobley has been a problem. Allen is a very good player and we will have trouble getting equal value in return, but he's not untouchable. If Mobley can turn into a shooting big, Allen's lack of shooting isn't a problem and we keep him. If we can get some size/rebounding help so that his lack of thickness isn't an issue, then we keep him. If not, we may have to trade him for someone who fits better next to Mobley - because Mobley isn't going anywhere.