12-02-2022, 01:15 PM
Reading that interview with Nico, there's so much he says that makes me think he's a big part of the problem. I think his vision is flawed and an incredible dead end. (I have to admit that this flows from the fact that HIS view for how to maximize Luka, and what he wants the team to do, is very different from what I think makes sense.)
What I think he's saying, all of which makes me think we have huge problems ahead ....
1 He sees the higher and higher usage rate by Luka as who Luka is. IOW it's not a problem to have, or an obstacle to team success.
2 Harden-ball and Hero-ball and a steady diet of Luka-ISO must be accepted as part of the landscape from here going forward.
3 The role Brunson had last year - the 2nd high-ability playmaker paired with Luka and two playing at all times so always one could take the ball out of Luka's hands, and change the look and the focus, and imo who opened up the offense for everyone - is not really something to pursue in Nico's mind.
4 So he thinks the Mavs are well supplied with PG/playmaker types, and Kemba (like Facu before him, and like Dragic not being interested) is just being brought in to be an emergency 3rd stringer.
5 He sees the shooting problems as simply unfortunate, and not particularly connected to a lack of playmakers and variety in the offensive flow
I see a team where the ball sticks and doesn't move, and that is incredibly predictable. I see a lot of 1-on-5, which is made possible because Luka can be that good, but which ultimately has a low ceiling. It also makes it hard for other players to get in the flow, when they are all just an afterthought and get scraps. And Luka bails on defense, tired from all the wear-and-tear on offense, which has a trickle-down effect. The slow pace? Luka saving energy and limiting possessions. The wild 3s? Luka dribbling out the possession and settling for a shot.
What I think he's saying, all of which makes me think we have huge problems ahead ....
1 He sees the higher and higher usage rate by Luka as who Luka is. IOW it's not a problem to have, or an obstacle to team success.
2 Harden-ball and Hero-ball and a steady diet of Luka-ISO must be accepted as part of the landscape from here going forward.
3 The role Brunson had last year - the 2nd high-ability playmaker paired with Luka and two playing at all times so always one could take the ball out of Luka's hands, and change the look and the focus, and imo who opened up the offense for everyone - is not really something to pursue in Nico's mind.
4 So he thinks the Mavs are well supplied with PG/playmaker types, and Kemba (like Facu before him, and like Dragic not being interested) is just being brought in to be an emergency 3rd stringer.
5 He sees the shooting problems as simply unfortunate, and not particularly connected to a lack of playmakers and variety in the offensive flow
I see a team where the ball sticks and doesn't move, and that is incredibly predictable. I see a lot of 1-on-5, which is made possible because Luka can be that good, but which ultimately has a low ceiling. It also makes it hard for other players to get in the flow, when they are all just an afterthought and get scraps. And Luka bails on defense, tired from all the wear-and-tear on offense, which has a trickle-down effect. The slow pace? Luka saving energy and limiting possessions. The wild 3s? Luka dribbling out the possession and settling for a shot.
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