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[KillerLeft]

I believe at different times, the Mavs have started games in similar fashion - and the center was rotated out fairly quickly after 8-10 minutes. At that point I can at least imagine CW moving to the center position, while someone like Bullock rotates in for a version of small ball. In that environment, McGee gets the same or just a bit more mpg than he has historically gotten.

Absolutely. We all know this, and I'm sure Dan is factoring that into his thinking, too. You're probably right. 

I just don't like it, that's all. I would MUCH rather they focus on establishing the Luka/Wood pick and roll right away, to start games, personally. 

In the approach you describe, combined with an offense built around Luka Doncic, Luka/McGee pnr with Wood standing above the break or in the corner (just like Porzingis did under Carlisle) is pretty much the only option. Can't run pnr with Wood because McGee's guy will be in the paint regardless of where McGee is on the floor. I suppose some pick and pop with Wood, McGee in the dunker's spot, giving Luka three options rather than two is something that could happen, but it's actually a little easier to defend, imo, because the spacing won't be quite as awe-inspiring. 

Further, I personally believe this makes the defense FAR weaker by doubling down on slow-footed defenders who can be exploited in space. It's even harder to hide them when there are two of them.

Overall, I have no problem with McGee becoming a tool in Kidd's tool belt. I just hate that they had to promise him a starting spot to get him here, and I hate the idea of limiting Wood's potential (on both ends of the floor) by stubbornly clinging to some long outmoded definition of what centers and power forwards look like.