Josh’s D

[KillerLeft]

Quick comments on my eye-test:

1) JR is a "flop" and "flail" kind of guy (you see this when he gets fouled and sprawls on the ground). 

2) This makes it seem that JR is giving good effort (which he usually is) AND it creates the illusion that he is playing great D. 

3) When I specifically watch JR play D I do NOT see an above average defender. I see a guy flying and flailing around the court, but I do NOT see a lock down defender and I do not see a guy who is playing elite help/team D. 

Point is this: Really take some time and watch JR play D (on ball D and off ball help D), he is not that good at it IMO. And the numbers bear this out this year. I think he has the potential to be a more average defender (what he was in MIA and PHI), but in no way do I think he will ever become a "defensive stopper" and I think asking him to be a "defensive stopper" like RC has done only makes things worse. 


Final point: I am fully in the keep THJ over JR camp this summer. 

Outstanding articulation of this, and it matches my eye test conclusions pretty much exactly. I think Richardson is a decent player with a chance to get better as he plays here over time (if he does) and I don't want to throw him in the trash, but this "great defender" rep he has on this board simply started as a "grass is greener" evaluation of his game from afar and then hasn't been let go of yet by many. My opinion. 

Also, I get a bonus check from the government every time a Mavs fan types your last sentence, so thanks!

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Seconded.  JRich can still opt in though.

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Count me in. THJ's offense is more valuable and consistent. He has earned his right to stay with Luka.