2021-2022 MAVS NEWS: 4th in West | WCF loss [ARCHIVED]

[DanSchwartzgan]

 

The Mavs as currently constructed are full of stand still shooters: THJ is a gunner and would rather release a 3 quickly, Brown may drive more than THJ but he is more of a shoot it first guy, Bullock and DFS aren't the best in creativity and will be there for open shots only. And KP? I would think majority of his shots will still be from the outside and not near the rim.

Now Lauri's calling card is still shooting, but this 7 footer can score on a variety of ways, some of which can be unassisted. My best guess is that Sterling and Lauri would be asked to mix things up a bit as they are the most capable dudes to attack on their own and not rely on a Luka assist. Lauri may not start, but he can thrive on a bench role and abuse second units pretty much what Jet has done in the past. It's not like he will be playing for his next contract when he already has a 3 year deal. If Lauri is okay with this plan, then bring him in, if not, just keep Maxi.

This is how I see it also.  I think there may be a perception that LM is nothing more than a younger version of Maxi who can only stand in the corner and hit open 3's.  Not true at all.  I think his best role would be as an offensive focal point off the bench.  Here are some numbers from last season...when Chicago just kicked him around like a rag doll in terms of his role.

Yes, he can shoot from the outside...87th percentile in 3's and 93rd in Corner 3's.

But, he can also score in isolation...93rd percentile in ISO EFG%

He moves well without the ball...95th percentile in Movement Impact

and he can play the PNR...88th percentile in Roll Impact and 68th percentile in screen assists.

He is VERY efficient when he shoots...91st percentile in TS% and 95th percentile in PPP.

And all of that was in his bad season where Chicago couldn't figure out what to do with him.  No matter what the outgoing deal is, there will be some other backup big on the team who can come off the bench with him.  I agree Sterling Brown will be part of the lineups that include LM.  Same with Brunson.  In fact, LM and Brunson might both be among the top finishers for sixth man if it plays out like this.  One of our biggest issues is solving the non-Luka minutes.  With less depth, Carlisle was forced to try to split his starters most of the game.  Luka with starters = good.  Luka with scrubs held their own.  Luka sitting = bad (even if 3 or 4 starters were in the game).  LM off the bench should allow for more platooned lineups and serve as KP insurance on the nights he sits or is injured. 

Here's a fun flashback...Rookie LM vs. the Unicorn.

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rkrVcVfH1XA