(01-03-2024, 10:24 AM)omahen Wrote: I think this only applies for regular season, to an extent. But when things get serious, there will be far less minutes with only one of Luka/Kyrie on the court. At that point you are either doomed with a line-up that can't play good defense or THJ becomes way overpaid for the available minutes where he makes sense.
That is why the logic has always been to bring a player that can provide his share offensively, even if it is in a different way, but it is a much better defender. Guys like Grant or Harris may not be all NBA defenders, but they are not any worse than THJ and they are in a position where Mavs really have a need. I don't think DJJ would be replacing Timmy. His minutes would be replaced by the new guy while DJJ keeps the minutes he already has. It is just that it would be way easier to play the new guy next to Luka/Kyrie compared to THJ.
In the playoffs it may only be 15-20 minutes. I mean are we are talking about Timmy being overpaid while also suggesting we trade for Tobias Harris at 40 mil?
If new guy is Grant or Harris, he is going in the starting unit which means he is not directly replacing Timmy. Do you think we can contend with a starting lineup of Lively/new guy/Luka/Kyrie/(DJJ or Exum) if new guy is not a plus defender?