Game 41: Dallas Mavericks (22-18) vs. New Orleans Pelicans (9-32)

[Chicagojk]

So, Marshall isn't really a "perimeter defender" if I understand your intended meaning clearly. He's a good defender, but not that type. 

Basically, he's the polar opposite of DJJ. DJJ is an (very) undersized 4 on offense and can guard 1-3 with the best of them. Marshal is clearly a 3 on offense and a slightly undersized 4 on defense. It's why I keep suggesting he's likely to end up playing those 10 minutes behind PJW in a shortened rotation. Imo, not only is he able to guard forwards, it's his best defensive role. On ball, fighting through screens - that's not him. That's supposed to be Grimes. 

 If that is true, than we have a hole imo.   Especially as Marshall has not been getting minutes as backup 4 (I too would like to see this when everyone is healthy).   I think PJ is better guarding the bigger players than Marshall.   We really need a player or two who can make it difficult for the 1-3 star players.  They may still get their points but it just got to make their life more difficult for them.   i look at the "Luka stoppers" OKC has in Dort, Wallace, Caruoso and others.  Now Luka may still get 40 a game in a series but they have a much better path of making Luka work than we do against SGA.   

Right now, we are over relying on PJ to guard these type of players.  I seem to think Grimes is a good defender, but the coaching staff may disagree.   I would like to develop/find one or two more guys like this.

I got to be honest, I am starting to worry about our developmental program.  That may not be fair with Lively and in the past the lack of young talent.   OMax is not ready and he has plenty of rough spots.  I just don't understand not getting him more minutes to develop.  Especially when we are short handed.   He has skills that can be useful to this roster.   Now, we may be looking back in a few years and Omax will be a distant memory, but I would be in favor of him learning a bit on the job.   It may pay off later.   The role Omax plays is not a make or break role for a game imo.    I mean, look at Kleber.   It is not like we need him to score 20 points in 10 minutes.