MAVS NEWS: Luka Wins Community Cares Award! | DLive's Mom Passes Away| Maxi OUT

[omahen]

Thanks for posting this.  I have slightly different interpretations on a couple of things, but those tweets and the early reaction to them were not in alignment with what was said.  The last line above is probably the most important since Kidd hasn’t even had a practice yet.

I think they think they have two very talented rookies they want to develop.  You can’t bring them along together (in the lineup at the same time) and expect to win.  I think part of the logic of maybe starting a rookie is so both can get minutes…just not simultaneously.  

Kidd made it fairly clear Josh and OMax are probably competing for a starting spot.  It wouldn’t shock me if OMax got the nod.  It won’t necessarily be because he’s better than some of the other options as much as it will be a great place to hide him alongside The Big Three and a center.  There is enough O on the floor with Luka, Kyrie and GWill hitting over 40% from the corner and a lob threat that OMax hitting 3’s is a luxury and not a necessity.  That might not be the case alongside backups.  Starting and getting only 18 minutes would certainly be a possibility.

He did say positive things about everyone he spoke about, but he didn’t speak about everyone.  No mention of Hardy or Curry.  After inferring Josh and OMax would compete to start and after talking about there being three centers, he mentioned Exum, DJJ and Maxi and talked about SMOTY Hardaway.  That’s 11 players if you only count two of the three centers.  It is certainly possible there is no meaning to who he mentioned and who he didn’t.  Or, maybe the 11 who were mentioned are the top 11.  I was encouraged that they seem committed to working Lively and OMax in and that Kidd and Nico seem to be on the same page.  I’m probably more interested in how players will be used and whether Luka and Kyrie will get more time together or not than who starts the first month of the season.  I could care less who Kidd wants to start in pre-season and don’t see anything in his interview with Stein that should have raised the ire it raised here prior to your post.

I don't think the interview caused ire, other than perhaps one post. But I think it is fair to express concern about such statements, because:
1. Mavs have a recent history of badly mishandling player situations. 
2. I think who starts or doesn't is very important. If nothing less, we can just observe the immediate response this interview had in the media - the starter discussion started immediately. That is why I think one should be very careful with these statements. Especially when you are in a middle of negotiations with one of those players involved (assuming the deal hasn't been reached yet). I think it is a much different message to a player - "we can't offer you a huge deal but we see you as crucial part of the team" compared to "we don't think you are great which is why we are offering you a mediocre deal". 
3. I think you should start your five best players, with the exception of 6th man specialist. I very much disagree that potential suspect shooting from Omax will have less impact on the starting unit compared to the bench one. Defenses will quickly figure that out and other Mavs players will have way more problems playing if opponents will be leaving one player open, taking the risk if he can hit it. Also on the other hand, a weaker player will have less problems playing against weaker bench units than against stronger starting ones.
4. There is value in bringing players in slowly and let them earn their spot. We may have our doubts about Green, but it is his position to lose, not his position to win, imho. I think Omax needs to show he is better. Show that coming from the bench. You lose nothing if you bring your guy in slowly. If he is better he will quickly show that and get his spot. But if the rookie is just thrown into the fire, you risk a disgruntled player on one hand and the rookie getting too much flak if he underperforms. 
5. I have absolutely zero problems with experimenting in preseason games. But I think Kidd went a bit too far, especially with what could be read between the lines or with what wasn't said. He spoke great praise about rookies, which is great. What he didn't say is spoke great praise about Green, great expectations he has for him and looking forward to the next step he expects him to take. That part was missing badly, imho.
6. To sum it all up. My main issue is with the signals Mavs are giving. Up to this interview, the signals were Green is untouchable. Great, no problem with that. However, this interview made me wonder, why is he so untouchable as it doesn't seem they really think about him that highly. It is totally possible Kidd was just a bit "careless" about what he was saying and perhaps he just forgot to mention things I was missing, that would put a much different light on the situation. But, we live in a world where everything is analysed and highly paid professionals should be very careful and prepared about what and how they say things.