01-31-2021, 09:29 AM
Thanks for the upbeat write-up. I appreciate the patience with JRich, the term “high variability” used to describe Willie and taking the effort to bring Cuban’s comments into the discussion.
Let’s check back about 10 games after Maxi returns and see what we have. I described Dallas as a fragile ecosystem recently and I still think that to be the case. If/when we get to full strength, I’ll be interested in seeing what happens regarding the following:
1. How Carlisle decides to use his bigs. Despite what KP wants, the team plays better (especially defensively) with two bigs. Yeah, Yeah, I know. He’s had DFS starting at PF since he came back. But, that was still sans Maxi (and sans KP one game).
2. Who moves to “stay ready” status. You mentioned Johnson being marginalized when everyone is healthy. I agree with this. I hope the same happens with Burke (speaking of high variability). I want to see more of Brunson and Green.
3. Which of the dramatic under-performers return to form.
A. Powell has been less exposed since he left the sole-big starter role. He’s worked his butt off. But, even I have to admit that he’s dramatically less than his former self right now. The question is whether bad spacing is killing him or lack of lift (as many have said). Its not like he’s got zero lift. But what was once effortless (even in traffic) now seems difficult. Are teams packing the lane (why wouldn’t they with our horrendous 3 point shooting). Or, is Powell missing that extra that he’s always had that takes his leaping ability from average for his size to elite.
B. JRich has dramatically underperformed what was believed to be a down-year in Philly. In fairness, he’s only played two games with KP. He seems to have good on-court chemistry with WCS, but hasn’t really meshed with anyone else. Interesting that the idea of him opting in to the final year of his deal has been brought up. This version of JRich isn’t worth what he’s being paid. But, we know there is a version of JRich out there who is. Need that guy to show up soon.
C. KP. I didn’t get to watch either Utah game. So, I didn’t see the chemistry issues some have described. Put me in the “are you people crazy” camp when it comes to trading KP for some of the middling crap that’s been mentioned at the TDL. Here’s the dilemma. This version of KP has negative value. The version of KP who played in the bubble is close to Top 20. You can’t trade the first version and shouldn’t trade the second version. But, if you are going to trade one, you absolutely have to wait for the second one to show back up (but, if he does, we win a playoff series and now he’s untouchable again).
I think those three are the key to the season. Right now it is Luka and a bunch of replacement player level guys. You might squeeze a little bit more out of the rest (DFS could start hitting 3’s for instance). But, the opportunity for improvement depends largely on what happens with Powell, JRich and KP over the next month or so.
Let’s check back about 10 games after Maxi returns and see what we have. I described Dallas as a fragile ecosystem recently and I still think that to be the case. If/when we get to full strength, I’ll be interested in seeing what happens regarding the following:
1. How Carlisle decides to use his bigs. Despite what KP wants, the team plays better (especially defensively) with two bigs. Yeah, Yeah, I know. He’s had DFS starting at PF since he came back. But, that was still sans Maxi (and sans KP one game).
2. Who moves to “stay ready” status. You mentioned Johnson being marginalized when everyone is healthy. I agree with this. I hope the same happens with Burke (speaking of high variability). I want to see more of Brunson and Green.
3. Which of the dramatic under-performers return to form.
A. Powell has been less exposed since he left the sole-big starter role. He’s worked his butt off. But, even I have to admit that he’s dramatically less than his former self right now. The question is whether bad spacing is killing him or lack of lift (as many have said). Its not like he’s got zero lift. But what was once effortless (even in traffic) now seems difficult. Are teams packing the lane (why wouldn’t they with our horrendous 3 point shooting). Or, is Powell missing that extra that he’s always had that takes his leaping ability from average for his size to elite.
B. JRich has dramatically underperformed what was believed to be a down-year in Philly. In fairness, he’s only played two games with KP. He seems to have good on-court chemistry with WCS, but hasn’t really meshed with anyone else. Interesting that the idea of him opting in to the final year of his deal has been brought up. This version of JRich isn’t worth what he’s being paid. But, we know there is a version of JRich out there who is. Need that guy to show up soon.
C. KP. I didn’t get to watch either Utah game. So, I didn’t see the chemistry issues some have described. Put me in the “are you people crazy” camp when it comes to trading KP for some of the middling crap that’s been mentioned at the TDL. Here’s the dilemma. This version of KP has negative value. The version of KP who played in the bubble is close to Top 20. You can’t trade the first version and shouldn’t trade the second version. But, if you are going to trade one, you absolutely have to wait for the second one to show back up (but, if he does, we win a playoff series and now he’s untouchable again).
I think those three are the key to the season. Right now it is Luka and a bunch of replacement player level guys. You might squeeze a little bit more out of the rest (DFS could start hitting 3’s for instance). But, the opportunity for improvement depends largely on what happens with Powell, JRich and KP over the next month or so.