(07-04-2024, 08:10 PM)RGP1981 Wrote: If the Mavs goal is to play Kyrie, Klay and Luka together for the majority of minutes, then I think the Mavs could get Grant Williams'd again. It has been acknowledged by most GSW fans for 62 pages over a year and a half that Klay is not starter quality any longer, and should be coming off the bench. This was on a team which had more defense than a lineup of Kyrie, Klay, Luka, PJW and Lively.

I think the best role for Klay here is to accompany one of Luka/Kyrie as the 2nd scoring option when the other is sitting... while having one of *Grimes/Exum/Naji alongside them (along with PJW and Lifford)... and for Klay to provide a much better scoring impact in that role than THJ or Hardy. He can take a huge load off Luka and Kyrie and help reduce their minutes played, and will offer better defense than THJ or Hardy did too. It will also be valuable to have Klay's experience and knowledge about things like playing off screens for others to learn from and be included in the coaching staff's schemes.

*The asterisk or question for me here is: is Grimes/Exum/Naji good enough, and can Grimes and Exum stay healthy enough. As an aside, I think Hardy may be relegated to playing mainly when Kyrie is not on listed on the team sheet.

Also, I'm sorry but thinking about PJW as the POA defender, which the guys on this podcast brought up... is just dangerous and asking for trouble, because it will inevitably lead to PJW being injured. Maybe it's just me, but I'm quite fearful about losing PJW to injury and the impact it could have.

(07-04-2024, 08:45 PM)LukaMVP Wrote: I think Klay will player better than he did last season, being a legit third option, or the second option with either of Kyrie and luka sitting. I agree that playing luka, Klay and Kyrie simultaneously on court would be challenging defensively. Klay will start for us but I guess Kyrie will be subbed out earlier in the first quarter and will get back earlier, then luka and Klay sit resting. so the overall playing time for luka/Kyrie will be reduced to a more sustainable level which will help them maintain good health and form through the long season and playoffs. kidd can find a way to start Klay without playing them three together for too long on court imho.

(07-04-2024, 08:40 PM)Smitty Wrote: I don’t think PJ will be the primary POA defender all year, but he absolutely will be at times. I think that role will be a combination of Grimes, Naji and Exum. This idea that that all 30+ minutes the big 3 play will all be at the same time is crazy to me. Also, Klay is not “washed” he’s not what he once was which was arguably one of the best defenders in the NBA but he’s still above average or average at worst. Defense is a TEAM stat and it’s up to the coach to stagger minutes and find the best lineup combinations against each individual matchup.

(07-04-2024, 09:55 PM)HoosierDaddyKid Wrote: Klay looks to be a good add, but I'm concerned the Mavs D will go down a notch without DJJ. I think he's going to be missed big time. Not only was he their best POA defender, he was a additional lob threat at the rim. Sure, Klay is the better scorer obviously, but they gave up defense for offense in this move. And Marshall had a breakout year but does he revert back to the mean? Grimes has been hurt with knee issues as well.  Not being a Debbie Downer, but I have concerns about Klay's defense. Audiosway says he's still good, but in the 4th qtr, Kerr started benching him for younger players. That's one of the reasons he wanted out, along with not getting the contract he felt he deserved.

(07-04-2024, 10:12 PM)WildArkieBoy Wrote: One intriguing thing; the odd summer announcement that DLive will be starting.  We all knew Lively was the more talented despite Gafford's starting, but a summer announcement? Does anyone else find that strange?

(07-05-2024, 05:09 AM)DL2RimRocker Wrote: Not a big DSJ fan but would be okay with him in this situation.
I'd definitely be okay with Dinwiddie.

(07-04-2024, 08:53 PM)RGP1981 Wrote: Kidd can find a way to start Klay without playing them three for too long, and that having Klay should reduce Luka/Kyrie minutes to a more sustainable level and help them maintain good health.

(07-05-2024, 06:20 AM)jon.neal52 Wrote: My vote is for DSJ. Would love him off the bench with this young group.

(07-04-2024, 07:42 PM)Chicagojk Wrote: I keep thinking about Dinwiddie.  I don't think it happens and I think Exum is fine in his role.  His health is the one concern. 

Just thinking though...what is our offense?  It is to have two guys who are elite guys who can get their shots and get into the lane.  Surround them with an elite rim runner and spread the rest of the floor with good shooters.  So at all times you have two guys who can stress a defense.  Maybe Dallas thinks Exum just can't make defenses pay.  So he turns limited in some of these matchups.

Again, I am an Exum fan and I think the most likely outcome is he is the backup and maybe a minimum guy is brought in behind him .  I just can't get out of my head that his hook was pretty tight in some of these playoff games.  I remember one when he got into the lane and forced a pass that lead to a turnover and was pulled shortly after.  I am just thinking if Kidd wants someone who can put more stress on a defense.

(07-05-2024, 08:05 AM)Chicagojk Wrote: Rotations tighten up in the playoffs (BTW this is one of my concerns with our current team...but that is a ways off).   I think the most likely outcome is Exum is the main PG backup this year.   Although, looking at the stats in the playoffs, Exum scored 1 game of more than 10 points (Game 4 blowout).  Scoring wasn't really his task, and he really wasn't given many minutes.  In fact, only in 6 games did he play more than 10 minutes in the playoffs.   What is weird is he played around 20 minutes a night leading up to he playoffs.   Does Kidd want a backup PG who he can trust 20-25 minutes a night?   Did he lose trust in Exum?   I didn't think Hardy had the reps or was ready for this stage.  He succeeded my expectations in the playoffs but I still think he needs a lot of reps to be ready for that stage.   Hardaway was done.   Did Kidd think Hardy was ready or did he just feel Hardy was the last option he had because he didn't think Exum would deliver.   

Just spitballing here...again I expect Exum back, but just wondering if Kidd wants something more for that spot.  We are a deeper team this year, but still need another ball handler.  Either as an emergency guy or do they think they need to upgrade Exum too?

(07-05-2024, 08:53 AM)RoyTarpleysGhost Wrote: Lot of people talking about Klay's defense like they talked about Dandre Jordan when we got him.  They're in for a rude awakening.  Gonna be interesting how Kidd makes it work/does the rotation.