2019-2020 Mavs Trade Discussion + Salary Chart

[DanSchwartzgan]

This isn't what I was talking about. A real-world basketball explanation for Powell not being a system player would be things like, he boxes out, he's great at perimeter switching, can keep himself between his man and the basket, defenders think he can actually hit a three, things like that. 

Here is real world...

The team's O is better when he's in (by a wide margin).
The team's D is better when he's in.
The team shoots MUCH better when he's in.
The team rebounds better when he's in.

You can try to define the ingredients (good and bad) however you wish, but in the end, the stew tastes good.

What aspects of Powell's game do you, as a student of the game, believe causes those things to be? Can you explain in layman's terms how those ways that Powell improves the team aren't system-based?

1. I don't think I have to necessarily defend being a "system player" because it isn't a bad thing.  If your skill set makes the system work, then great.  3 & D guys are system players (by definition).  If they could create their own shot consistently, we wouldn't call them 3 & D.  We'd call them "shot creators".  Danny Green looks a ton better with spacing than he does without it.  Same with Rim Protectors.  If they had a more diverse offensive skill set, we'd call them something else.

2.  You largely answered your own question.  I will add something that you didn't name.  Two of the most efficient shots in the entire NBA are Luka's shots in the paint and Powell's shots in the paint.  They are interrelated.  Powell's good screens and the moment of hesitation where both defenders have to be concerned with a Powell roll are the instant it takes for Luka to turn the corner.  Either shot has a 60+ percent success rate (or 1.2 points per attempt) and if you bring a third defender into the paint Luka hits the open man.  There is great value to Powell's elite skill in that moment.  BTW, there is a pretty good Dr. Somebody video on this, but I don't remember the name.  You've probably seen his extensive breakdowns of NBA players.

Maxi's having a great season, but Maxi isn't as effective as Powell with the same four players next to him and isn't as effective next to Luka either.  What that tells me is it will take a really unique player to force Powell to the bench.  What Powell does won't be easy to replace on the offensive end.  Plus, the team is better on D with Powell playing than when he isn't.  The improvement will almost certainly have to come at the defensive end and the question will be how much will it negatively impact the O.