DFS and Covington are both 3D forward / small-ball fours (Covington has played almost all his minutes as a four this year per 82games). Yes, Covington is an upgrade over DFS, I won't get into that debate again. But it's closer than you might think. Bottom line, they play the same role. Covington is a higher usage player, but neither is a playmaker. Covington assists on 6% of his teammates shots, which is bottom 20% of the league. For comparison, DFS assists on 6.3% of his teammates shots.
If you play DFS and Covington together with Porzingis you're going to need another playmaker on the floor in the playoffs, for sure... and I'm not talking about a guy who can walk the ball up and hand it to Doncic.
Mavs' biggest need isn't a guy who duplicates DFS. Mavs need a veteran playmaker who can take the heat off Doncic. Let Doncic dominate the fourth quarter and win playoff games, instead of needing him to lead the league in 1st quarter stats.
Kemba Walker was supposed to be that guy but he's in Boston.
Wright auditioned and failed. Maybe he can raise his game but he's going to have to be MUCH more aggressive.
THJ is a world-class shooter who can put the ball on the floor a little. But he's not a playmaker unless you want to see the Knicks version again, which I don't.
Seth Curry is great in spots and can shoot the lights out when he's hot but he can also disappear, especially when he's guarded by bigger players.
So right now, you're looking at JJ Barea as the guy. He's a vet. He's trusted. He plays like Carlisle wants him to play. But he's most definitely not the long term answer.
If you play DFS and Covington together with Porzingis you're going to need another playmaker on the floor in the playoffs, for sure... and I'm not talking about a guy who can walk the ball up and hand it to Doncic.
Mavs' biggest need isn't a guy who duplicates DFS. Mavs need a veteran playmaker who can take the heat off Doncic. Let Doncic dominate the fourth quarter and win playoff games, instead of needing him to lead the league in 1st quarter stats.
Kemba Walker was supposed to be that guy but he's in Boston.
Wright auditioned and failed. Maybe he can raise his game but he's going to have to be MUCH more aggressive.
THJ is a world-class shooter who can put the ball on the floor a little. But he's not a playmaker unless you want to see the Knicks version again, which I don't.
Seth Curry is great in spots and can shoot the lights out when he's hot but he can also disappear, especially when he's guarded by bigger players.
So right now, you're looking at JJ Barea as the guy. He's a vet. He's trusted. He plays like Carlisle wants him to play. But he's most definitely not the long term answer.