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

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I also think Powell has been disappointing on defense. I don't think he's as well-suited for the drop coverages they've chosen this year (for Lively, obviously) as he is in a more switch-heavy scheme. He's basically wasted. It's very, very clear that Kleber was the team's plan for backup 5, as he's much more suited for drop coverage/paint defense than Powell (though I'd argue that sells him a bit short, too) and Holmes doesn't appear to be in consideration for anything other than a part-time-as-needed role. 

Not sure what to do about this backup 5 issue, because the answer is 100% NOT to have Lively and another big similar to him. Anyone who follows the NBA should see the flaw with that thinking a mile away. What if one of them (or, *gulp* BOTH) simply can't hang in the playoffs? I would say the likelihood of that becoming a problem is quite high. 

So, the backup 5 needs to be someone who CAN hang on a switch, at least for a few seconds, and then RECOVER to the paint. And I say this in full knowledge that the Mavs are trying to avoid playing that way. At some point, they won't have a choice. That's how the playoffs work, it's not optional. On the other end, if the player has no offensive utility, or even a limited one, he puts an insane burden on the others to create offense against playoff-caliber defenses. JJ Redick and others have been vocal recently about the idea that this problem, having to play someone who doesn't have to be guarded, guarantees that a team cannot win in the playoffs. I agree.

I like this team LESS after most of the trades for centers I see. I'm not saying backup 5 is not a concern, but I don't know if I'm ready to declare that hoping for Kleber's healthy return to playing confidently isn't the best solution. It seems like Kidd is currently in the process of making sure Grant Williams knows that position's responsibilities, too. I think that's wise, and might be a good way to go at times in the playoffs (imagine the spacing). Kidd realizing that he needs to cultivate options and different play styles is encouraging to me. It's telling that he is going with Williams/Morris at the 5 more than Holmes. I don't think that's ALL about his opinion of the level of Holmes' game, but also about his opinion of the STYLE of Holmes' game.

Maxi coming back healthy and playing like he did a few years ago would be the simplest solution, but that feels like wishful thinking at this point. He only played 37 games last season and now he's broken down again. Hopefully they get him back on the floor in time to re-evaluate before the trade deadline.

I'm not nearly as worried about the backup center being switchable. You have to get to the playoffs first, and if the Mavs are dropping winnable games due to the Powell/Holmes minutes, it could have a huge impact on their playoff seeing. It might even bump them to a play-in team if they aren't careful. Sure, it would be great if you have a backup you knew could hang in the postseason, but if Lively can't do that as well I feel like they're screwed either way. The matchup matters as well. Imagine they end up playing the Wolves without a legit backup because they were worried about smallball. That could get ugly.

Of course, it all depends on the assets and cap flexibility they have to give up to obtain this proposed backup. I was on the Gafford train all offseason, but with the recent discussions of re-signing DJJ I'm not sure they can afford someone that expensive. Guys like Richards and Goga seem to be more in line with what they could pay. I'd happily give up Powell+2nds or even Hardy for someone like that. That type of deal doesn't rule out the Kleber-dream either.