06-11-2021, 12:19 PM
(06-10-2021, 09:24 PM)Kammrath Wrote: I think these are the issues with KP:I tend to think the physical issues may be driving some of the head and heart issues, but at this point, that amounts to little more than quibbling. Whether KP can't do what is necessary, won't do it, or some combination, the fact remains that he isn't performing at the expected levels, however much Rick and Cuban publicly deny it.
1) Attitude and chemistry. His heart was NOT in it this season anything like it was in his first year in DAL. I think he does not "fit" with Luka OR RC for whatever reason from an intangible standpoint.
2) Defense. I think his defense slipped this year because his heart wasn't in it. I think if his head space is off, then his D goes first.
3) Screening and Pick & Roll effectiveness. I also think this flows from the attitude/heart issues. I think he doesn't do the details well at all when his heart is not in it.
I do think KP is injury prone and has MAYBE lost some of his ability because of the knee injuries.....but I think his HEAD and HEART are the singular issue above all else. I do not think those will be fixed for him as a player in DAL. I think he needs to be traded ASAP.
If it's primarily a head and heart issue, then that is at least theoretically fixable, if the Mavs want to go for it and KP is willing. I am more worried that he has already entered a physical decline, despite being only 25. If he will have to miss a lot of games going forward, and will be hobbled in the games he can play, then his usefulness relative to expectations will be greatly diminished. But even if the problem is "just" psychological, KP would have to want to resolve it in a direction acceptable to the Mavs, and whether that is likely remains TBD, as far as we know. You may be right that the situation is past the point of no return.