A Few Thoughts on Mavs 99, Clippers 114

[mavsluvr]

That is a downside of using THJ as a starter, although he can still spend some minutes with the second unit. I know no one wants to hear this, but I think the organization's focus this season is Luka and KP, and it wouldn't shock me if most or all of these role players were cycled out in a season or two. And the ones that are kept will hopefully have more limited roles. 

My take from this game is much like a lot of others. This team will need an upgrade or two before we go anywhere.  We have a superstar in Luka and then a nice piece in KP. Then we have the rest who are all role players on decent teams. We need to combine a few of these guys and round out this team.

To get to the Clippers' level, they probably have to rehaul the roster, if we're being realistic. I don't think it's any emergency, as their goal this season is to perfect the Luka-KP combo and make the playoffs, and they are in good shape to have a shot at that if everyone stays healthy. I think they would like to be in a position to make a deeper run next season. 

Interesting thoughts. I am looking forward to seeing how it all unfolds.

I think you are absolutely correct about the focus of this organization. They want to see Luka and KP mesh and grow together. The rest of the guys are just role players, and trade bait. I don't think they or any of us figured they would look this good so fast.  I don't think anyone could predict the jump Luka has made from year 1 to year 2.  He is legit MVP candidate. But I do think we all figured KP would be a little better.  So how good could we be if KP improves and we can flip a few of these role players for a legit #2 or #3 option.

Agree that the Mavs have exceeded expectations.

 
With respect to KP, we fans probably figured he would be better, but I think the organization was probably pretty realistic about it taking some time for him to ramp up. For one thing, he is coming off an ACL tear, and players with that injury rarely achieve their past productivity in their first season back. For another, he was playing with the Knicks in a very different system, in a very different role, and it was bound to be a process for him to learn an entirely new way of playing. It is arguable that, considering he was in many ways starting from scratch, he is a fast learner. The Knicks also had a toxic culture, and there is some likelihood that he is having to unlearn some bad habits. To me, the real questions where he is concerned are (1) can he stay healthy, and (2) what is his ceiling. 

If Luka stays healthy, I think the sky is the limit in terms of possibilities. But there is a lot of work to do on the court and in the front office, and there are bound to be some things that don't go quite as hoped. But I think they can at least develop into the reliable playoff team they once were for so many years.