01-14-2021, 05:38 PM
(01-14-2021, 03:07 PM)KillerLeft Wrote: I think that when the ball is in the paint, the combo of KP and WCS is superior to KP/Kleber, KP/Powell, KP/Johnson or KP/DFS. Maybe not by leaps and bounds, but superior.
But, I think WCS and KP are both less effective than ANY of those guys at recovering back out to the perimeter when the ball is passed out of that situation, or at defending the variety of situations they're likely to run into before the ball gets to the paint. In KP's case, I believe this is due to a slight lack of foot speed, relative to the others. In WCS's case, he might have the lightness of foot to accomplish what's needed, but I frankly still don't trust his basketball IQ or instincts against the good teams.
All of this is to say that while WCS has officially won me over in that I think he should remain in the rotation, I still don't view the two of them as a tandem who can play together REGULARLY. I think that in the playoffs, it will be difficult enough to keep either of them from getting killed in certain matchups, let alone both at once.
I DID like the rebounding and size advantage the Mavs clearly had in this game, however, and the offensive fit is fine. Good, even. I admit that it the combo is a usable tool to have in the tool belt.
It was fun watching those 2 go for blocks and rebounds. I am good with WCS or Maxi in that spot. Maxi to me is a little better of a fit. With the emergence of JJ I don't think Rick feels compelled to keep Maxi on the bench to fill the stretch 4 when KP sits. Clearly Mavs are in good hands with JJ out there. That means that WCS and Powell would fight for backup 5 minutes. I think this is the scenario that is likliest to happen.
Something like:
Luka, Rich, DFS, Maxi, KP
Then main subs: Burke, THJ, JJ, WCS, Powell with Green fighting for some minutes as well.