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

[cow]

As for whether the Mavs truly NEED a better C, we'll see. In theory they need all-stars everywhere, but the reality is that no team has that, and often times your perceived weak spot doesn't matter at all.

For example, at one point in G7 I noticed the Mavs were using a 3 guard lineup (where Luka wasn't one of the 3) with a front line of Kleber-Bullock and had no problems. It's not a weakness at all if your opponent can't exploit it. And if it gives you advantages in other ways (such as being more mobile on D, and better able to trap or blitz the ball handlers with double teams) ....

I didn't say all-stars, I said upgrades and depth.  Powell was largely a negative this series save for an awesome game seven.  We've also gotten away with Bertans playing a bunch of minutes in both series.  Ayton had two great games and disappeared, kind of like Paul and I don't think that is a coincidence.  I've always been kind of "blah" on Ayton.  He should have eaten this series and earned a max contract.  And opposing teams should wear Bertans out anytime he's on the floor.  Luka would hunt him mercilessly if he were on the opposing team.