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

[Chicagojk]

I've heard someone (I think Dameris and Followill) refer to PJ as a Swiss Army knife which I take to mean he does a little of everything (but not great at any one thing).  Gordon is about an inch taller and PJ is probably 10 pounds heavier.  But, PJ's wingspan is 2.5 inches more (but Gordon is probably the better vertical jumper).  In many ways, they are kind of the same guy.  Gordon made the transition from thinking he was a star (on a bad team) to being an important role player on a good team through defense.  PJ has done it for four games now, so less entrenched.  If he keeps up the effort his is not the position that needs to be replaced.  I think Green, Exum and Maxi are also Swiss Army knives.

One thing to watch...Luka and Kyrie have been on scoring heaters since PJ and Gafford started playing with us.  Green is really the only one hitting his 3's other than the stars (Hardy is too, but Kidd doesn't tend to play him as much against strong opponents).  Maxi is 36% on low volume in these four games and as I mentioned earlier THJ, PJ and DJJ are below the Mendoza line (I wonder what the Mendoza line is in Basketball?  .250?  .300?).  We haven't really seen the peak version of this yet offensively unless the plan is for Kyrie and Luka to get 70 per night (they've averaged 60 a night the last four games).  The upside from a shooting standpoint obviously will largely come from THJ.  Since Green and PJ aren't probably high volume guys (capable, but not high volume).  Most of the bad defensive lineups since the trade include either THJ or Hardy, but trading for someone who can generate offense and defend is super expensive.  I think the better opportunity to move from THJ might come at the next TDL (when is really is expiring and the 2025 pick and maybe a 2026 swap are more tangible and right around the corner)

It will be interesting to see where Hardaway lands when everyone is healthy.  I thought DJJ would get pushed to reserve status, but Kidd really seems to value his defense.   Maybe he is left out though when everyone is healthy.  There is a minutes crunch.  Against the Suns, the one three Hardaway hit was probably the shot I had biggest dislike when he shot it.    For me, it all depends on the team defense.  If this team can be a tad above average on defense, Hardaway could be your wild card.  If he shoots 4-13 it doesn't kill you but if he goes 6-10 from 3, it just is another thing that makes it hard for teams to stay close to you.  The team defense is the key though.   If it is a you make, they make type of game, then I would be less interested to see Hardaway.  But if our defense is solid and Luka and Kyrie are playing like stars, Hardaway could be another notch to really overwhelm teams.