Game 55: San Antonio Spurs (11-43) vs. Dallas Mavericks (31-23)

[mvossman]

Pj hasn't hit his shots yet, but it looks like he has more variety than just waiting at the three point line.  He has has some nice drives and cuts.   Maybe he will get some putbacks as well.   I think the team needs guys who can put pressure at the rim.  Luka likes people to stay in spots, but I think Gafford and PJ can add some versatility here.   There will be rough spots until they get more comfortable together.

I was thinking of next year lineups.  Luka, Kyrie are your starting guards.   Exum is your third guard.  Hardy finds 15-20 minutes that could lead to a better role if he is capable of it.   5th guard is an important spot though...especially with injuries.   

Josh is the SF.  Exum can play some minutes here too.  I think another SF needs to be added.  As you mention, maybe that isn't a star.   DFS is more of a PF now, but maybe he fits.   Bruce Brown?  Thybule?   I think one of those guys could be the target.

PF is PJ and Maxi.  Behind that it is a little tough.  Is DJJ brought back?  Will Omax be ready?   

Center is Lively & Gafford with Maxi getting some minutes.  Dwight is your guy right out of the rotation who will be ready to fill in.    

Maxi and Exum's injuries are the main concerns.  If either is hurt it leads us really short at both positions.   Exum is concerning because we really need him as a third ball handler.

So this offseason, I would look for a player at SF at or near Josh's level, add a young 5th guard who can run the offense if there are injuries and really work hard on Omax to get him ready to at least get some rotation minutes.  If Omax is not ready, then we may need to look for a low priced veteran as insurance.

My two way guys next year are all guys in the 6'6 to 6'10 range who may be missing something but someone I would want to try to develop.

I really think when constructing lineups it makes more sense to focus on the defensive side of the ball.  There are more constraints on that side.  Offensively, you need to have enough creation, and don't want more than one non shooter.  You could put Luka and Kyire out there with 3 guards and dominate offensively.  You don't do that because of the other side of the court.

From a defensive perspective, Luka is a forward.  You are not going to see him chasing around quick guards.  He is probably at his best defensively guarding power forwards.  That means you are looking at:

Centers:  Lively/Gafford/Powell
Forwards: Luka/PJ/Maxi/DJJ/Omax
Guards: Kyrie/Green/Exum/Timmy/Hardy

Its actually a very well balanced roster.  The real question is who is a contending worthy starter after those top three?