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

[ThisIStheYear]

So, I don't think you're crazy or wrong about any of the above or anything like that. It just seems like you're stuck in one way of thinking. Bigger isn't always better. Sometimes, it's the worst way you can play/think. 

Williams FACTUALLY can be good at the 5 - IN THE RIGHT SET OF CIRCUMSTANCES. There will come a time when what the team needs most from the 5 is running and shooting. That will happen, as it does each and every year in the modern NBA. There will be matchups where Lively is just too big and too slow (especially as he ages). 

I'm not suggesting that they play Williams at the 5 exclusively, or even nightly. I'm saying that what I think I  see is Kidd giving him some burn at that position to make sure he CAN play there when needed. He's learning the rotations, how to play differently in transition, etc, etc, etc. It's not just a matter of putting combos of guys out there - they have to have LEARNED the positions they're playing.

I get the distaste over what Williams has given so far, I really do. He isn't shooting well enough, he's trying to do WAY TOO MUCH with the ball on offense, and his defense, while highly effective at times, hasn't been consistent enough for him to be the defensive leader we thought he'd be. But, it's 30 games! I haven't given up. I still think he'll find his groove here, and might even get his starting job back.

Lively will be able to stay on the court as long as the Mavs have four guys with him who can shoot at least like an average NBA player. Defensively, he’s far more dominant, agile and faster than Williams. He’ll never be too slow defensively. He’s matchup proof on that side of the floor. If anything, it’s power players who’ll be most difficult for him. Lively’s role has nothing to do with how Williams is being used other than the Mavs just trying to find 20 decently played center minutes for when he isn’t in the game (we probably agree on that part).