02-03-2024, 12:55 PM
(02-03-2024, 12:30 PM)DanSchwartzgan Wrote: Could you do the one where Player B plays for one of the worst teams in the league and Player A gets to play next to Luka Doncic? I'm kind of wondering if the Net Rating numbers might be different. Just a theory.
This is exactly my point. We all know context matters but we tend to forget and start comparing numbers and advanced stats that don't have much meaning unless you're really scouting the player and deep diving on each situation, including system, coaching philosophy, teammates, etc. It's unlikely any of us have the time or expertise to do that. In the end, we'll all have to trust the Mavericks are doing just that.
That's not to say stats don't matter. If Kuzma were averaging 30 it would mean more than averaging 22. It's hard just to score 30 points. And it's really really hard to consistently put up 30. If you're averaging 30 in the NBA, you're probably a damn good basketball player. But I'm not sure it means much more than that, absent context.
Efficient or not, what THJ does for the Mavs is critical. He provides spacing that no other rotation wing does, he takes difficult shots, and he scores. Dallas needs those points, so I'd be concerned with replacing THJ with a guy like Avdija who doesn't space the floor and isn't a scorer. It might work wonderfully if Avdija is as good on defense as some think. But it's a gamble.
I would not be concerned with replacing THJ's scoring with Kuzma though. In the end, the points might come on similar efficiency but Kuz will score for sure. He would bring improved size, rebounding and defense. Most importantly, Kuz might close games with Luka, Ky, Exum/Green, and Lively. In that situation you have a physical 6' 10" dude on the floor instead of a 6' 5" guard playing power forward. That in itself will make this team better.