Mavs rotation

[mavsluvr]

I think I explained my position well enough to not be put in this group you’re suggesting is out there. 


Things can change and what was intent when a player was signed doesn’t mean that has to stay that way. Like I said, if DFS can improve on his 3 shot to close to the percentage and attempts THJ does, he’s clearly a starter because of what he also brings on defense. The same is true of Bullock, although, he seems pretty close to THJ’s production already.

I don't really see THJ and DFS being in much of a competition for each other's slots. They have very different roles and skill sets. I believe their three-point percentages are already similar, but it's not an apples-to-apples comparison, because THJ takes and makes much more difficult shots. 

DFS is a 3&D guy. He scores mostly on catch-and-shoots and cuts to the basket. His slow release is not a problem, because he only takes open shots. He usually defends the opponent's best perimeter scorer. 

THJ is a volume shooter and scorer. He moves off the ball to create passing angles, and only needs a sliver of space and time to get off a shot. He also has some ability to get by opponents on drives to the basket. He is expected to take and make difficult, contested shots. DFS can't do what THJ does, even if he takes more threes. (Likewise, THJ is no competition for DFS on the defensive end.) 

I think sometimes we get frustrated when THJ has a bad shooting night, and get baited into thinking that he is some sort of second-rate guy, maybe a borderline starter on a good night. Three-point shooting is a high-variance action. A 39% shooter will shoot 59% some nights and 19% others. It's just the nature of the beast. If THJ were Steph Curry, he would be getting $200M+, not $74M. There's no question that he's an impact starter in the NBA. I think his competition/backup was supposed to be the as-yet-unsigned playmaker/scorer. 

Bullock might back up/compete with DFS, as they are both 3&D players. If they don't get another playmaker/scorer, he might end up backing up THJ, but it won't be in the same role. (Or, if Bullock can really play that role, the Mavs have themselves a steal.)

One of the recent podcasts (sorry, I can't remember which one) was reporting (as opposed to speculating) that the Mavs are viewing their core as Luka/KP/THJ. Of course, that could change, as you mention. But fans who are hoping/expecting that Hardaway is going to fade into the woodwork might well end up disappointed.