07-15-2024, 01:07 PM
(07-15-2024, 12:41 PM)F Gump Wrote: I understand the comments minimizing the loss of DJJ.
But I am of the opinion he will be missed a lot, and there's nothing that can be (or could have been) done to change that. From following the available money, there's no reason the Mavs couldn't have paid the very same money LAC did, and I suspect they did offer DJJ that 3-for-30 deal but he took it from someone else. (Even after allowing for a cushion, there's that extra $1M in apron room they could have readily spent, yet didn't.) And I can see why he would leave for a starting spot elsewhere, on a playoff-caliber team, that vanished for him in DAL when the Mavs had Klay coming.
But dangit, he was the Premier Defender (one who makes the other team alter the way they play) the Mavs have long wanted, yet never seemed to have. His presence served to make life easier for, and cover the sins of, the Mavs like Luka and Kyrie whose defensive chops are iffy.
I'm certainly glad they added Klay. I can hope that his better shooting will more than make up the difference for DJJ's loss. But I'd much rather have DJJ still here for several years as the Super Defender to sub in for any number of starting players, from 1-4, to alter the game. Or would have loved to have DJJ here starting, with Klay subbing in as the Super Scorer to sub in for any number of starting players, from 1-4, to alter the game. I think there was a great ongoing slot available here for a player with DJJ's skill set.
I'm not gonna even pretend that Naji will make us forget DJJ. I just don't believe that at all. In NO he played behind Herb Jones, their Super Defender, and didn't play 20 mpg. I have to think he's not gonna be more desirable than the Super Defender that was in DAL either. Unfortunately, it is what it is.
I'm not trying to minimize it, just providing context. DJJ played 19.9 mpg post TDL, as the starter. Josh Green played 23.5 mpg off the bench. The Mavs had the best defense in the league during that stretch and we assume that DJJ is mostly the reason why. Others say Josh Green is a poor POA defender, yet the team led the league in defense because of the t-e-a-m. Rotations matter. Starting lineup, with Jason Kidd leading the way, not so much.
I think this years team is better. They are deeper and more versatile. The coaching staff can stagger minutes and set rotations to highlight each players strengths, given the different matchups. I do think DJJ got overrated here and highlighted multiple times that he was doing exactly what he's done in his career, it's just that it's exactly what the Mavs needed. In the first three rounds he did actually improve his play, but in the finals he was nearly unplayable and ultimately the Mavs had to make moves to beat the Celtics, if they're fortunate to get back to the Finals... insert Klay.