MKG

[michaeltex]

MKG, much like WCS, can play defense but it's something Carlisle hasn't really leaned on recently. He hasn't balanced offense/defense well since a strong personality like Dwane Casey was whispering in his ear. 

Carlisle is all in on offense a la Moreyball. Whenever the Mavs are down 7 pts in crunch time he goes with an all out offensive attack but forgets you need stops to get back in the game. My personal theory is that is why we suck so much in the clutch this season but I digress . . .

Back to MKG, he deserves more minutes but don't hold your breath. He will likely just be used in late game, dead ball situations to hopefully prevent stuff like Beal's wide open layup. 

Mavs are an offensive heavy team, they will continue to play to their strengths for better or for worse.

Defense has not seemed a priority, that's obvious. That doesn't mean it can't become MORE of a priority, although I agree that offense will still be the identity of this team.

That said, comments from before the MKG signing didn't seem to expect much on offense, so I'm not sure why expectations would be higher now that he's in DAL. Obviously, his immediate contribution is going to be on the defensive side and it looks like he's bringing it. Offensively, there are a truckload of comments about how it is difficult for players to understand and integrate into RC's movement offense. Some take longer than others (THJ?) and some never do (Rondo?). I think MKG is here to shore up defense for the late season/playoffs, to rebound and to make opportunistic scores (like the dunk last night). IF he sticks into next season, he'll have the summer+training camp to better understand what he needs to do and where he needs to go offensively. Defensively, just point to a target and say "Sic 'em".