GAME 2: UTA (1-1) vs. DAL (1-1)| 104-110 WIN!!!!!

[mvossman]

ha ha!!

mvoss, you're like this genius basketball poster with this giant Powell blind spot   I blame it on your love for the traditional center...come on in to the future pal!!!  

OK, all that was just messing with you a bit. Good post, actually. 

I think Maxi is a better defender in several ways, than Powell. But DP doesn't just "set screens and organize the defense". It's ok to like Maxi (I do!!) without going reductionist on Powell. What he does well on defense is move his feet and be where he's supposed to be (5 guys on a string, and all that). But Maxi moves his feet really well too, of course. 

Regarding "moving your feet", footwork is a big deal in my opinion. And knowing where to be is a big deal. Everyone wanted Moses to get coached up because of his size and athleticism. But the dude has horrible footwork and doesn't know where to be. Imagine what would happen if he could do those two things!!

To be clear, I did not reduce Powel to screens and defensive organization.  I am merely commenting on the arguments Kam used for why we should prioritize Powell over Maxi.

Also to be clear, I don't think I have a blind spot when it comes to Powell.  He is a quality rotational player just like Maxi.  I think both are better coming off the bench with minutes in the low 20s.  He brings energy and BBIQ as well as high quality rim running.

I do think folks go a little over board on his defense.  He is a defensive 4 getting somewhat miscast as a 5.  He and Kidd are making it work (to a degree) but you are getting everything he brings from Maxi in addition to rim protection, which in my mind is at least as important as P&R defense from your 5.

A 2 game sample of team defensive rating for each player was used to make a point, but that same stat over the course of the season has Powell as the worst major rotational player on the team, and Maxi as the best.  I think folks too often use stats to support narrative instead of what they should be doing, which is using stats to question your eye test and dig a little deeper.