What is going on with the Mavs?

[KillerLeft]

Remind me your take on THJ this season?

Too early to call it a take, but...

It seems clear to me that Luka is being played off ball more to start this season. Whether that is something Carlisle WANTS to establish as a priority early on to avoid having to rely solely on Luka playing on ball, or whether it’s just a reaction to Luka being slightly off as you mentioned above, I’m not sure. But, Richardson has been on ball a LOT already, and THJ has been on ball a little, too (yuck on that one). Plus, Brunson and Burke have both already played meaningful stretches with Luka and either THJ or Richardson on the court. 

Additionally, it seems to me that DFS, THJ, Powell and Kleber have all started the season attacking off the dribble more than last year, even in situations where they’re not the creator in a given set. Again, point of early emphasis, or reaction to Luka being slightly less effective to start the season? It’s only two games, so tough to tell, imo. 

I think it’s possible that Carlisle is giving people a chance to expand their offensive responsibilities early on, and maybe even asking them to do so, in an effort to add more wrinkles to last year’s offense, which was really effective but actually limited to a few really well executed concepts. Alternatively, I also think it’s possible that these things are just players trying to fill the void created when the Luka/Powell actions don’t create penetration/open looks right away like they did last season. If either of these theories is the case, then THJ’s frustrating on ball adventures will decrease over time, due either to Carlisle dimming his green light a bit, or to the things the offense is trying to accomplish breaking down less frequently. 

But, I fully admit it’s POSSIBLE that what you’re suggesting, that THJ is going rogue and trying to earn himself a bigger contract next summer, is leading to some questionable choices on his part. IF that’s the case, I strongly feel that he’s actively working against his own self interest, as I agree that he’s simply not an effective enough player off of the bounce to help his team win games. That’s how he had to play in NY, and he started to salvage his career here last year by playing more of a Robinson/Redick role. I have been operating under the assumption, since last season, that he UNDERSTOOD this, and that has been the basis for much of my support of him. If I’m wrong about that (very possible) then he needs to go.