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

[Branduil]

I really think you’re so focused on what Powell can’t do that you’re missing what he can do. He’s not perfect (far from it) but he’s a good player. 

I swear to god, half the battle with Kyrie (and now Green and Williams, both of whom can handle and pass a bit) is just running every time in transition (check), setting great screens (check) and rolling hard EVERY time (check). I also think his defensive positioning, basketball IQ and ability to move his feet are all underrated. 

Honestly, I don’t have an opinion (yet) on who should be playing center, but I sure am glad they didn’t just throw Powell in the trash. He’ll find a way to help this team.

I'm well aware of what he can do, it's just that none of that matters in the playoffs compared to what he can't do. The Mavs got super-lucky two years ago in that Maxi was healthy enough to soak up the majority of center minutes AND they faced two inept teams who couldn't punish their miniature frontline. The second they faced a competent team in GS they got destroyed, and we saw what happened last year when Powell was their best center.

I swear to God Mavs fans are the only ones I've ever seen massively overrate a center who can "set picks" or "catch lobs from Luka Doncic" as if that overrides being unable to protect the rim in any way or grab a fucking rebound.