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

[Chicagojk]

The Locked On guys did something similar to this topic.  It was more about whether we have 240 minutes covered by real NBA players.  David Locke does this analysis ever year and Dallas is one of four teams in the west that has the depth to cover 240 minutes.  After listening to their arguments, here is my thinking:

Center:  Lively 20, Powell 20, Maxi 8 

I think at this point Holmes gets played in case of foul trouble for Lively or injury trouble for Maxi.  He's expensive, but it is a real luxury to have someone as good as him for this role.

Big Forward:  Williams 28, Maxi 14, OMax 6

This gets Maxi to the 22-24 minutes range between the two positions.  Williams could certainly get to 30 or even 32 minutes.  The swing factor here is OMax.  I think OMax will get the rookie treatment in certain games where he gets a five minute run in the second quarter in certain games.  His 'shot' at real minutes will depend on growth and the health of Maxi.  He's not ready and Dallas can't afford two rookies getting heavy minutes.

Wing:  Josh 22, THJ 26

I don't know that it will split out exactly like this, but as long as Tim is on the team, he's going to get minutes.

Ball Handler:  Luka 34, Kyrie 30, Josh 6, (Someone 26)

To me this is the mystery.  I can see Josh getting some minutes as the second ball handler as Kidd moves the subs in and out.  That only leaves 26 minutes for Seth, Exum and Hardy.  Kidd has been quoted as saying Seth will be getting minutes.  Kidd has also said Exum is in the 10 man rotation.  

As I've listed it above, the top 10 are Lively, Powell, Maxi, GWill, Josh, THJ, Luka, Kyrie, Seth and Exum (with OMax getting a few rookie cameo's for short stints).  If that plays out correctly, Exum and Seth are splitting a limited number of minutes.  I've already pulled Luka back from 36 to 34 and Irving back from the 32/33 range in recent years to 30.  I really don't see where we get more minutes from if everyone is healthy.  I also don't see a consistent role for Hardy.  He has to beat out someone or someone has to get traded.  Maybe that trade happens this season.  Maybe he has to wait another year and that trade happens in the summer.  Its not like we have to rush him...just like we don't have to rush Omax either.  I think Hardy will get opportunities when either Luka or Kyrie is out.  They might jump him over the backups into the starting role temporarily to keep the rest of the rotation in tact.

Two thoughts:

1) Omax role--I agree on the minutes.   I think he should start off in the hustle role.   It is not a high minute role.  Maybe bring him in when the other teams top wing scorer is near his rest.  Give him 3-4 minutes to hound this player.   OMAX likes to play like it is game 7 of the finals trying to be a pest.   I could see this be a role for him to start.  One caution though is he will need to be disiplined.  We will likely be in the penalty and these scorers are so tricky finding ways to get to the rim so he can't be baited to get into fouls.   On offense, they will put their best player on him to rest probably.   So, he will need to cut and be active.  He is pretty good at this.  This is the role I think he should begin in.

2) I want to see more of Exum with Kyrie.   I think that could be a fit to start the year.    With the second unit, it will be good to be able to play off Kyrie who will be looking to attack.     

Bonus thoughts:

3) Green shot 40% from 3 last year.   He shot less than 3 threes per game.   Do we think that number is high because he only takes wide open threes?   I like having a few players who don't throw up a shot on first touch...especially with some of our other gunners.   But I wonder if it would be smart to lower his percentage some and let him take higher quantity of 3s.   Right now, teams really don't need to defend his three because he typically only takes wide open threes.   I would love to see some games where he shoots 8-9 threes....even if he misses most of them.