01-08-2021, 08:53 AM
(01-08-2021, 08:06 AM)DanSchwartzman Wrote: Its a little early to be looking at lineup data, but what we have on Maxi is striking. Play him with Powell...fantastic. Play him with Willie...also fantastic. The net ratings are off the charts for both pairings. He's easily the most malleable big in terms of which other big he can play with. Play him as the lone big...abysmal.
It should be safe to assume Maxi could start with KP also. But the history we have (the data from last season) says Powell/KP was the better pairing. The main reason we'll probably see Powell/KP given a chance at some point is it is easier to construct rotations if you split up the outside shooting ability of KP and Maxi to where one is always on the floor. You certainly could start out with KP and Maxi and that is very likely to be the finishing lineup many nights. But starting Maxi makes the rotation pairings more difficult if you assume they want to avoid Powell/WCS playing together.
This. I've always been high on Maxi. Originally I expected his offense to develop most strongly, but, surprise, it was defense. He still has work to do on offense...and I think he has room to grow in both areas. One thing that many people fail to see is that Maxi is a "team" player. But, as you say, when left as the lone big he struggles...tries to do too much. Paired with another big he is stellar.