04-06-2021, 08:27 AM
(04-06-2021, 07:18 AM)Chicagojk Wrote:
Melli just knows how to play. Although the O-for from three was not good. He just needs to be respectable from out there. Otherwise all the other good things he does out there is muted a little. It says a lot how much Rick likes his play that he is playing some big minutes recently (albeit with some players out).
I'm trying not to get too high or too low on Melli at this point. The D has been very encouraging. The team is +12, +1, -8, +22 and +5 with him in the game and the D-Rating in his time on the court is just stupid low. But, given all the other one dimensional guys we have, you would think Melli's opportunity would be limited if he continues to be sub-.500 in TS%.
You would think Carlisle would have to pick his spots in terms of making sure Melli is on with guys who can shoot. But, his best two 2-man lineups for O-Rating are with Powell and DFS (115.8 and 104.2). Imagine how it might work if one of Powell and Melli could hit an outside shot. The O-Rating is under 100 with shooters like Luka, THJ, Brunson and Maxi and he's only played 3 minutes in one game next to KP. It is super early and match-ups in only 5 games make a huge difference, but that is pretty much the opposite of what I expected to see.