02-24-2024, 08:53 AM
(02-23-2024, 08:38 PM)DanSchwartzgan Wrote: It is nice to have three choices at the five to go with the four mentioned below. Having multi-position bench players (Maxi 5/4, DJJ 4/3, THJ 3/2 and Exum 3/2/1) gives us tons of optionality.
I think we got our Aaron Gordon.
I think we solved the non-Lively minutes (Maxi was +26 and Gafford was +9 against OKC. Last night Gafford was +9 against another strong opponent in Phoenix and Maxi was +3 (+5 as the only big). PJW is an important part of unlocking Maxi as the five. Grant and DJJ just didn't provide enough size and exposed Maxi.
Other than THJ, everyone outside of Kyrie and Luka can defend (and Luka is better than he's ever been). It is easy to put 3 defenders on the floor with our stars and not lose a ton offensively.
It feels like Tim hasn't hit a 3 since the trade (he's 6/26 or 23%) and PJW is .222 from 3 since arriving. So, we haven't seen the best version of this yet.
The biggest thing is Luka seems energized. He's +71 over the last four games (that's 17.75 per game as opposed to his season long number of +3.0). He's averaging almost 11 assists (imagine if Tim and PJ started hitting 3's). It was 8.8 assists prior to the last four games. He has a legit shot at MVP now and it will largely depend on where we finish in the standings. My hope is he takes fewer nights off (while playing) and we keep the pedal to the metal and see if we can catch one of the top 4.
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In their short time together, this four man lineup for the Mavericks has been FANTASTIC. ⬇️
Doncic - Irving - Green - Washington
Offensive Rating: 117.9
Defensive Rating: 94.4
Net Rating: 23.5
Just change out the five as needed.?
I brought up Gordon either before or right after the trade was made. I hedged saying I wasn't really sure of PJ's game and I thought Gordon was a little bit bigger, a little more skilled, and a little more athletic.
Gordon's stats are nothing special...especially considering who he plays with. 30% from three. 14 points per game. 6.5 rebounds. But he has found a role and plays it well for one of the best teams in the league. I don't know if Gordon is considered the 3 or 4, but he is a good match with Porter. Both guys are big. Porter is more of the wild card. A guy who can get you 30 with some really tough shots. Gordon is more of your guy who does a little bit of everything and fills in when needed. Can PJ do that with the Mavs?