Preseason Game 4: DET vs. DAL

[dirkfansince1998]

• There has been an ongoing trend where now it concerns me that the Mavs look and play better when Luka isn't on the court. It's happened so much that now it's a fact. On how to fix it, I'm not sure. But the ball movement was the best I've seen in over a year from the Mavs and they need to play like that when Luka is on the court. 
  

I guess we need to have a discussion about the term fact...

Looking at on/off numbers last season was the best of his career. Prior to the Kyrie trade he was carrying the team on his own. But even after the trade it wasn't really about Luka. Despite all the chemistry/coaching/fitness issues Luka/Kyrie lineups had a +4.2 net rating. It's fair to point out that Kyrie on his own performed better than Luka but we shouldn't forget that Luka has been dealing with nagging injury issues.

Not like I haven't asked for more player and ball movement but we tend to forget that as far as half court offense goes Luka-ball has been the most efficient offense in the league over the last three seasons. The issue when it comes to lineups with Luka has always been on the defensive end.

What it comes down to for the coaches (zero trust in Kidd to get this done) is the right balance. I don't think Luka needs to bring the ball up the court on every single possession. Mavs should try to push the pace instead of just looking for Luka. Luka doesn't need to initiate the action. Even if he isn't a willing catch and shoot option he can act as a screener or come around screens to force switches. At times even as a decoy that isn't touching the ball.
Looking back at last seasons numbers it is in the best interest of the team to increase his post touches. With improved chemistry and some basic read/react options (a little bit like Jokic in Denver) that should create more opportunities for cuts to the rim or simple swing passes after Luka collapses the defense.
But when it matters most I still want to see spread pick and roll with Luka as the primary ballhandler.