MAVS NEWS:

[RGP1981]

I don't see why PJ can't take that assumed role in guarding the Fox's and Morants of the NBA. Will he be as effective as DJJ? Probably not, but he is no slouch. He's still super athletic and can move his feet well. He only has to do it in 4-5 minute stretches opening the game and most likely closing.

I think that PJW being the primary defender on small, really quick guards who are primary ball-handlers is not a good idea, for these reasons.

1) Even though PJW is athletic, he will definitely not be as effective as DJJ in that role because he's not as quick... i.e., quick to move, quick to turn, quick to lift off, quick to react, etc.

2) Using PJW on those guys will cause other matchup problems elsewhere.

3) It could likely end up in disaster even, i.e., if PJW gets injured doing this. No PJW = no party. If he's out injured for the playoffs...

4) It's like trying to fit a square peg in a round hole. Teams that win championships usually don't try to fit square pegs in round holes. 

If the Mavs want to use Kyrie, Klay and Luka in lineups, and if Kyrie or Klay are not going to be the primary defender on Fox/Morant types, then the Mavs should probably push Luka to PF in those lineups and include one of Grimes or Exum to take on that role.

- Kyrie, Grimes/Exum, Klay, Luka, Lively/Gafford

As an aside, this is why I was fixated on Terance Mann a couple weeks ago... i.e., I think he could fit this lineup/role very well.

- Kyrie, Mann, Klay, Luka, Lively/Gafford