MAVS NEWS: Luka Is Hurt, But is Trudging On | DLive's Mom Passes Away| Maxi OUT

[omahen]

Let's talk through the third ball handler thing for a moment.

While I agree with some of the points, I think you are wrong in a couple. 

You stated a specific window from last season. Important fact, which should not be neglected - both Brunson and Luka were available through the whole stretch. Certainly an important factor for the good result. 

Unlike fans, Mavs reportedly didn't consider Dragic as good anymore (personally I don't agree). Specifically Kidd thought he doesn't have anything left in the tank. So not signing him doesn't mean Mavs think there is no need. It turns out as posted a bit later in this thread, Mavs might be targeting a different player for the role all along. 

As for injury protection, I don't believe any of Green, FN or Hardy is capable of running a team offense. Neither is Wood. You are posting plus Green minutes, but those minutes were not with him as primary offense initiator. Greens minutes actually increased after the all star break, but of course THJ was out. 

As last season, I would continue to argue that the odd fit on this team is THJ, because he is not good enough defender to play in five out offense that would contend and not good enough from the dribble to support other types of offense. They can be decent team with him, but not contender. Unfortunately the contract situation will be forcing the Mavs to play THJ while they should be playing someone who can efficiently put it on the floor they don't have (Brunson would be much better) and give remaining minutes to Green and FN. I am not saying THJ is a bad player. He could be excellent in the right situation. But I think Mavs need a different type of player in his role.