08-03-2024, 03:00 PM
(08-03-2024, 01:05 PM)mvossman Wrote: I think the playoff numbers are at least partially due to the fact that the Maxi + PJ combo would presumably most effect against OKC (Maxi was out) and Boston (Mavs got slaughtered).
Maxi played about twice as minutes with Lively as with Gafford (not sure that is vast majority). Some of that is probably due to Lively being on the second unit. Now that Lively is starting, more of the available second unit 4 minutes are probably going to be with Gafford.
I think there are definitely matchups where Maxi makes a lot of sense at the 5 (and clearly Kidd applied those well during the regular season based on the net rating), but there will be less times he makes sense as a forward. In most (if not all) cases we would be better off with any combination of Luka/PJ/Naji at the two forward spots. There will still be minutes for him there with expanded lineups, but I don't think he will be part of the top 8 in minutes any longer.
Yeah, I just disagree with pretty much all of this. It feels like numbers are being used (all small sample sizes) in cherry pick fashion to support a thesis that the numbers don't really support.
I'm told Maxi is primarily seen as a C -- but the fact is, in both regular season and playoffs, he was used more at PF.
I'm told Maxi was not effective as a PF - but the numbers with Lively and the playoff numbers at both C and PF all say otherwise.
I'm told Maxi would have to be used with Gafford primarily in order to play at PF -and I think that's wrong on multiple levels.
As for how much Maxi will play overall, I think Kidd really believes that Maxi is one of his most effective players. So he will get him on the floor. I think last year's 17 mpg is about where he will land again.
Luka will play 0 minutes at F. He's the PG when he's on the floor no matter who else is with him.
Backup mpg at F (which I'm guessing will total ~50 mpg) will be split in some way between Maxi, Naji, and Grimes imo. My guess at the outset of the season is 13, 22, and 15 respectively -- I don't think either Naji or Grimes will be awarded huge mpg until (and if) they force their way onto the floor with superior play.