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

[Smitty]

Yeah, I have to admit that the Gafford part of that exchange is working better than I expected. For one thing, he sets REALLY physical screens, and I think that's setting a tone of physicality early. 

I still don't love it, because I think Lively is the better player and I think he should play the most minutes. Knowing that one of them is often not going to finish games (and sometimes, even the first half), it seems like the guy coming off of the bench is going to get short-changed a bit. Also, I feel like whichever one plays the most with Luka is going to look better with the stats. That could be a case to start either (because Gafford off the bench wasn't really working, imo) but I just hate the idea of stunting anything about Lively's growth. He's so special, defensively.

I agree with every word.

I have a very small belief that part of this is that Kidd is coaching for his life at the moment, future be damned. And Gafford is slightly better at some things; strength, finishing and rebounding. People will argue till the end of time if rebounding has a big impact on winning or not and it's not really a discussion I'm interested in because I don't have a strong opinion either way. 

Lively is absolutely the better overall player and I don't think anyone that watches every game like we do would argue differently.

I think you're right when you say it now and every time you've said it before, that Maxi will be the one closing most games at the 5 in the playoffs.

I just find it refreshing that the Mavs now have other ways to win and matchup with all the different teams. I still think the ceiling for this team in the playoffs depends on the play from the "FOUR". I think we'll get 48 minutes of good defense with a combination of PJ, Maxi, DJJ but what they give you on the other side of the ball will be the difference in a game/series/championship.