02-28-2024, 04:38 PM
(02-28-2024, 04:27 PM)KillerLeft Wrote: I think what this tells us is that right or wrong, the Mavs’ strategists, including Kidd, other coaches and probably Luka/Kyrie, believe that the MOST important need down the stretch for the swingman spot is to hold a defender at the 3-point line, presumably to provide space for the other players. Green has been shooting really well this year, but he is just not feared like Hardaway as a shooter from all over the court. A few corner 3’s just isn’t the same.
I think people should stop wishing for Hardaway to go away and start washing for him to play well again, like he has all season until the past couple of weeks. The Mavericks are screaming at the top of their lungs that they believe they need him on the floor. That’s not because their idiots.
Like you, I used to defend Tim. He was clearly needed on this team at times and has even been the reason they've won some games over the years. But even in his best statistical season as a Mav, he's a massive negative on the court.
The Mavs do not have to rely on his streaky shooting and terrible defense anymore. His minutes have been getting cut with every healthy body that returns, so clearly the coaching staff notices what 99% of Mavs nation does.
I'd rather have the 23 year old kid closing games than 31 year old Hardaway, who likely won't be wearing a Mavs uniform 12 month from now.