07-06-2023, 01:06 PM
(This post was last modified: 07-06-2023, 01:17 PM by RoyTarpleysGhost.)
(07-06-2023, 12:56 PM)KillerLeft Wrote: Maybe we’re overthinking this. Here are some simple thoughts:
1) we know they like to start games with 1-5 spread pick and roll, establishing how the defense will approach that before moving on to counters. I doubt that will EVER change, as long as Luka is the driving force of this team. Lively can do that at a passable level right away, I think.
2) we know they want to play a little more drop coverage and protect the paint/defend the rim better. It’s a stated priority. These are Lively’s strengths, and why he vaulted up draft boards. He’s probably not to his final level on this stuff, but they are his strengths.
Maybe that's where we differ. I think Lively is as raw as Josh Green was and will be brought along just as slowly. I don't really see how you can look at his college season and think he will impact NBA games right away. Maybe we'll have a slightly better idea after summer league. In related news...
"Mavericks" rookies Dereck Lively II and O-Max Prosper doing 1-on-0 workouts, as they are not allowed to join live scrimmages and play in summer league until their respective draft day trades are finalized (via @CallieCaplan) https://streamable.com/5rnu4j
edit: I guess the Lively deal is official so he can play. Omax not yet.