MAVS 103, RAPTORS 95

[mavsluvr]

It's interesting and might also be correct. One could also look at it from different perspective, that Kidd is actually addressing the weaknesses of this team: the mid range game and defense, it was what we lost due in last seasons playoffs. But you can again turn it around and say, that we don't focus on our strengths, which is the offense and three point shots and Luka's game. Will be interesting to follow. It can go both ways. We may fix the weaknesses and become a lot better. Or we may lose the offense we had and have nothing left. I like seeing a fit KP on defense, his defensive presence is way more important to the teams success than anything he did or can do on offense.

The above comment is regarding the MMB assessment that Kidd's new systems are dead men walking. 

I think they would agree that Kidd is trying to shore up weaknesses. I believe their overall point is that the team is weak in these areas because most of the players are simply not good at these things. And that there is only so far you can go trying to make a silk purse with schemes and practices. That if they want to have a team that heavily relies on defense and the mid-range attack, then they need to import players who are particularly talented and skilled at the mid-range game and defending. For example, only three guys in the rotation have shown any degree of proficiency at the mid-range at all, and this is the result of years of trying to emphasize three-point shooting and scoring at the basket in constructing the roster.

With KP, the question remains as to whether his body will allow him to play a high level of defense for, say, 75 games a season plus playoffs. If he can only play this way for forty or fifty games, or if they need to adopt a more aggressive defense of the pick and roll, for example, then a different approach might be warranted. I imagine they knew that when they set out, and decided it was worth trying to salvage KP. 

The MMB guys think some of the aspects of the system (post-ups by KP off Luka-DP PNRs, for example) are doomed to fail and the team should not waste any more time trying to make them work. I think a lot of fans hold the view that Kidd should be given time to try stuff, since he might be able to turn even the things that look the worst for now into important parts of the team identity when all is said and done. Time will tell. I am not saying they are right or wrong, just that I thought it was a position worth a little discussion. Thanks for your thoughts on the matter!