Not sure Zach or no Zach has a lot to do with Braden getting to the basket which is way down the list in what Braden supplies. If your assumption about Braden getting to the basket better with Zach on the court is true…is that because you believe Braden’s defender sags off and gives up real estate in helping defend Zach or that Braden’s defender is belly up on Braden to make the pass harder and Braden gets around his defender?My recollection is the same. Smith and Edey were fairly successful at forcing teams to make a choice on the pick and roll, help off Edey to stop a driving Smith (risking the lob back to Edey) or leave Smith an opening for a driving layup.
I love Smith but one could argue he'd be less effective at getting to the basket without the threat of the lob to Edey.
It appears to me that the only possible thing a defender on Braden could do with Zach on the court is give up real estate to let Braden get deeper based upon Zach’s presence affecting Braden’s game. Braden’s strengths are running the team, his court vision and savvy. Those things are magnified if the team gets up and down the court quicker as well as the court being spread. Braden’s individual game is probably improved with a faster clip and the court being spread in the eyes of many which will be after this year I’m guessing. Braden is a much better athlete than some believe.
Unlike many, I’m much more concerned about the 3 and 4 being more effective this year than the 1. I think the 3 will be an improvement and hope the 4 is as well.