(07-12-2022, 03:07 PM)KillerLeft Wrote: I'm going to take a stab at something a little sensitive.
I don't want to get labeled a CW hater. When he was free, before he signed in Houston, I was one of like 2-3 people here screaming for them to add him to this roster. I believe they could've.
Now, we all see the talent. But, why has he bounced around? 7 teams in 6 years is not typically a great sign. People in the know aren't really holding back with the hints that he has been...less than professional, so far. I think we might be glossing over that part a bit too much around here. I think maybe the reason he was available in the Mavs' (trade) price range was that basically, not many teams want to take a risk on him at this point. It's obviously not because he isn't talented.
I'm hopeful that he'll come here and take advantage of the opportunity to play with Luka, as their offensive games should fit like a glove (we thought about Porzingis, too, so don't assume it), but in light of the information that this guy might not even be someone (off the court) who can function in a winning environment, I'm WAAAAAAAAY ok with the Mavs making him sing for his supper a little, rather than handing him the "shotgun" seat of the franchise, riding next to Luka. Honestly, if they had approached the Porzingis situation a little more like that, it might've worked out better. But, at least KP was a gym rat.
I feel pretty strongly that it's in CW's best interest to accept whatever role here he can get. It's his first (and potentially only) chance to show the league what he can do on a stage that people will notice. If he's the all-star we hope, that will become evident and he'll make it into the role/minutes he wants, and eventually, the contract he wants, most likely.
I think the 7 teams in 6 years isn't really a good gauge of who he is as a player. He didn't take off until Detroit 3 seasons ago and then took more money to go to Houston the following year. Let's look at it since he's been a quality player and that really makes us his 3rd team in 4 years. Prior to Detroit he was bouncing around trying to find his way. I don't think he can be labeled a losing player or a team cancer (you didn't say either of those). Detroit wasn't good and he thought he was coming to Houston to contend and he only got 7 games with James Harden before the tank started. In those 7 games with Harden, he averaged 23 and 8.7 a game. Those 7 games interest me more than how a player does during a tank. Losing mentality can take it's toll on players. I don't know if he'll replicate those numbers but they are encouraging since Luka plays a similar ball dominant style, but obviously much better than Harden.