All-American Hunter Dickinson might seem intriguing but might not be right transfer angle for UK

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With Oscar Tshiebwe almost certainly not coming back to Kentucky, coach John Calipari has to decide if he wants to add another big, especially one that might protect the rim and provide some physical play.

Kentucky is bringing in 7-1 freshman Aaron Bradshaw, a McDonald’s All-American who says he is a “new big” who can play on the  perimeter. The Cats could return 7-foot Ugonna Onyenso but after barely playing his freshman year rumors keep circulating that he’s headed for the transfer portal.

One name that has been discussed as a possible transfer target for Kentucky is Michigan All-American Hunter Dickinson, a 7-1 center. He’s already in the transfer portal and could become the first Division I player to transfer after having previously been named to an AP All-American team.

For many fans, Dickinson would seem to be a perfect replacement for Tshiebwe. However, Sean Vinsel of Hoopsinsight.com says that might not be correct even though Dickinson is a three-time all-Big Ten player.

“Dickinson isn’t the rebounder Tshiebwe was, especially offensively, but he’s a little better of a shot blocker and has shown the ability to step out and hit 3’s,” Vinsel said in his recent newsletter. “He’s been a terrific finisher around the rim and is a good free throw shooter. In a vacuum, he’s a talented basketball player who would likely be the top scoring option for the Wildcats next season. However, I don’t love the fit of Dickinson with UK.”

What? How could that be?

Vinsel notes that per KenPom, Dickson took about 28 percent of Michigan’s shots each of the last two seasons. Tshiebwe took less than  22 percent of UK’s shots and coach John Calipari is bringing in a lot of players who are shotmakers for next season.

“The only bigs who have shot as often for UK as Dickinson were Terrence Jones in 2011 and Demarcus Cousins in 2010,” Vinsel said.

Maybe Dickinson could accept shooting less but Vinsel says that is his strength and if he’s  not needed as a scorer, he just might not be that fit UK needs.

“He’s never ranked in the top 100 in either defensive or offensive rebound rate, so he’s a solid but not elite rebounder,” Vinsel said.  “Last season, Michigan’s defense at the rim was not outstanding. They ranked 224th in opponent field goal percentage at the rim, one spot ahead of Kentucky.

“Michigan also allowed a higher portion of shots to be taken at the rim than the Wildcats. Given that defense at the rim was a weakness for UK, it doesn’t seem like Dickinson would help in that area at all.”

Here is perhaps an even bigger concern — Dickinson might clog the lane for dynamic playmakers UK is adding next season. Vinsel pointed out Dickinson was used in post-ups 287 times last year — 110 more than Tshiebwe — and also is not a great passer in traffic.

“Given Kentucky’s weaknesses this season and the talent coming in next season, a center whose primary value is as the No. 1 scorer on offense doesn’t seem to meet the needs,” Vinsel wrote.

“If Kentucky wants to continue to run a post-centric offense and cover up for defensive limitations, they are free to do so, but I don’t think the addition of Dickinson is going to get UK back to where they want to be.”