02-10-2024, 08:45 PM
(02-10-2024, 08:13 PM)F Gump Wrote: A bit at a time, Mavs are getting more length. That should help, especially defensively. Even if the pieces individually are so-so defenders, having lots of length can make it much harder for the opponent to play against. And if the individual defensive skills can be coached up just a bit, then having better athletic traits on the team should show dividends.
One other thing that matters a lot in the long run - the Mavs are adding rotation-level guys, and their contracts are both at about MLE level or just a bit more. While we'd like to have a team full of all-NBA players making max salary, the reality is that after you have a couple those LEGIT elite players making max, you have to apportion the remainder carefully. I would submit that THJ's 18M is an overpay by 4-5M, but the rest of the roster is good players at reasonable pricing.
I can tell you this after just one game: PJ Washington has it in him to be more than just a mediocre defender. I haven’t seen a Mavericks player that big move his feet that fast since Dorian Finney Smith played here. I have no idea if he’ll do it consistently, but he made a difference out there on defense tonight, more so than Williams ever did, that’s for sure.