05-17-2024, 06:18 PM
(05-17-2024, 06:03 PM)dirkfansince1998 Wrote: A Maxi replacement needs to do more than just shoot. Stewart has a big frame and can defend the paint but he isn't nearly as mobile on the perimeter. As unique as Kleber's skillset is it would be easier to find a SF/PF that can play some of PJ's minutes and move PJ to center if the Mavs want to play five out or go small. I think PJ is already among the closest things to Kleber as far as the combination of paint/perimeter defense goes. And we have a decent sample size of him playing small ball five for the Hornets.
I disagree that Stewart isn't a mobile perimeter defender. He's quite versatile defensively. Some examples:
1st play of the video he contains Millers drive.
2:24 onwards he discusses specifically his ability to stay in front of perimeter guards, but he shows a bunch of examples of him being able to hold his own in a bunch of scenarios.
Several cases of Stewart moving his feet on highly mobile guys here as well.
You may be onto something about finding a relatively bigger forward that can let PJ play small ball 5. Kleber's combination of size and mobility is rare. Hard to find a 1:1 replacement that makes sense. OMax could be that forward already though. At least I hope.
Just throwing out some interesting names (and also trying to find a way to get Thybulle on the Mavs).
14x All-Star, 12x all-NBA, 1x MVP, 1x Finals MVP, 1 NBA Championship: Dirk Nowitzki, the man, the myth, the legend.