04-23-2022, 03:54 PM
(04-22-2022, 01:18 PM)dirkfansince1998 Wrote: Answering the initial question. What happened at the deadline? What should have happened earlier. Addition by subtraction. Getting rid of KP unleashed the quick and versatile small ball lineups. Quick and versatile. Switch heavy. No more drop defense in the pick and roll. No one clogging the paint. Better perimeter defense. Better spacing.
Not to mention that it looks like the chemistry is better than ever. No shot hunting. No one complaining about the lack of touches.
Anyone that needs a reminder of the KP era just needs to watch the Jazz defense. Trying to defend the perimeter with Gobert and Whiteside at center. Giving up wide open corner 3s all game long.
If it was addition by subtraction, I think it was mostly due to a chemistry thing. The biggest thing that happened at the deadline was Luka going from the worst playing of his career to his best. Not sure how much that was due to KP vs other things (like starting the season out of shape). It also helped to get that additional playmaker they really needed (and should have gotten in the offseason). KP defense involved tradeoffs. The drop coverage was a hit, but his rim protection was a plus. I believe their defense was actually better when he was on the court. I would prefer somebody who can do both (like Maxi) but I don't think he was the huge negative defensively you are making him out to be.