MAVS NEWS: Luka Is Hurt, But is Trudging On | DLive's Mom Passes Away| Maxi OUT

[StrandedOnBeauboisHill]

He'll rise on that ranking based on Maxi's absence, unless Holmes (and/or Kidd?) unbusts.

Sure but this is slightly moving the goal posts of the original argument, no?  Powell moving up because of Maxi doesn't mean that he'd be moving up in the playoff pecking order which was the initial concern.

Kind of funny because I agree with you and I agree with Killer and I think Jom made the main point that both your opinions can live in harmony.  I love Powell in his current role, he will be absolutely crucial for our 82 game success as Lively needs to learn how to navigate 48 minutes with 6 fouls at his disposal at this level.  I also agree that our playoff rotation will be stronger if Powell isn't in the top 8.  I also agree that he already isn't in the top 8, he was honestly playing very few minutes 2 years ago in the playoffs so now that we have a better pick and roll option I would assume he's probably moved altogether and backup center minutes goes to Maxi and we just play 5 out.  I could even see us playing DJJ as a center on offense in the minutes that Lively is on the bench as well and we've also flirted with GWill as a small ball big.

Luka
Kyrie
Williams
Green
Hardaway
Lively
Powell
Maxi
DJJ
Hardy 

That's our clear top 10 as of right now and I would assume that Hardy and Powell would be the odd men out if we started the playoffs tomorrow and shortened the rotation.

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Interesting Kyrie defensive stats
Fg%: 47.7  Dfg: 38.6
Opponents shoot 9.6% worse when guarded by Kyrie
That's 9th best in the nba and best in the league among guards minimum 11 defensive fga

Kyrie's defense has been really good over the last two games.  The narrative on him has not matched what I've seen on the court.  He gets his hands on everything and creates a ton of extra possessions for us.