GameThread: The Preseason Trilogy: DAL (2-1) 127 vs. MIN (1-2) Boban 3pt Marksman

[SleepingHero]

So, why do you think it does so much harm letting him play some minutes.

Because I think playing him creates a big disadvantage. We saw in this last preseason game alone. The Mavs were down 56-59 with 3 minutes left in the 2nd quarter. Rick subs out Powell for Maxi, his only substitution, and the Mavs then go on  a run, ending the quarter 61-68. In that run, Maxi hit a 3, and blocked KAT twice, and just generally played stellar defense. 

Will Rick let him singlehanded loose us games? Pretty sure not. 

I think historically Rick is a hardnose when it comes to lineups, even if they're not working. I don't think he cares if we lose games as long as he gets to see what Powell can do. I disagree with that line of thinking, but of course anyone can make a case for it. 

Will it help to have a better recovered Powell. Pretty sure. 

Sure it'll help to have one of the most effective roll man's in the business. I just don't think Powell can ever return to that. I fooled myself into thinking Wesley Matthews can return to his old self for 2 years. Achilles injuries are terrible. I feel awful that Powell was struck by that. But I'm trying to be realistic and I don't think a guy who relied on his athleticism to play above the rim can return to his old self after an achilles injury. 

Will it help WCS to make him earn his minutes? Who knows? 

I mean of course it would. Competition breeds excellence. Why should Powell be handed minutes if WCS can outperform him? Mind you, that's a big if. I'm not 100% sold on WCS either. I get that Powell is the vet, but he isn't Dirk. He shouldn't be handed something because he's been here a long time. (I am sold on Maxi however, but you used WCS.)

KP is out and till he is back there is a void in the starting lineup so or so.

Exactly, and I think Carlisle is going to try and run a Powell+KP lineup again when KP does come back. And I think its going to be a disaster because 1. that lineup hurt KP's individual production. 2. Powell won't be the same player he was last year.