So which is it? Coaching or talent?

[dirkfansince1998]

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.

Gobert is way better than KP in every single defensive category and he is a liability on defense in the playoffs. Just like any other big that cannot defend the perimeter or at least force teams to play big. Punish small ball. Just to easy to play them of the floor.
I have been saying it for a long time. Even when it was way more controversial. Mavs were/are a better team with Kleber/Powell instead of KP.

Absolutely agree that the best case scenario would be a Maxi 2.0. A player that can do it all on defense. But the number of guys in that category is small and I don´t the Mavs are in a position to add one of them anytime soon.

Will be interesting to see what kind of team wins it all. Modern switch heavy/positionless basketball/zone or a more old school team with a traditional center