07-25-2024, 11:56 AM
(07-25-2024, 09:07 AM)mvossman Wrote: I disagree. Maxi's unique set of skills makes him very valuable as a small ball center. He is not nearly as valuable playing the 4, where his lack of offense is a bigger hit and his rim protection is less useful.
Any two of PJ/Luka/Naji will be plenty of size in the frontcourt, especially when you have a legit center backing them up. Most 4s in this league are really just big wings.
By having Naji play the backup 4 minutes, you open up a lot more minutes for the backlog at 1-3.
I love Maxi but he is the worst offensive player on the team. It does not make sense to have him in the top 8 when we have better players that can fit in the same spot. The exception being when we are going against 5 out teams in the playoffs that Gafford really struggles with. In that case, Maxi will take some/most of his minutes.
I understand this line of thinking and actually agree with it given that's how the Mavs have used Maxi for the last 7 years. But I actually think they will phase him out next season a bit, just because of his health.
The stretch 5 center that will take his place? I think it will be Dereck Lively.
14x All-Star, 12x all-NBA, 1x MVP, 1x Finals MVP, 1 NBA Championship: Dirk Nowitzki, the man, the myth, the legend.