The Rotation (2020-2021)

[DanSchwartzgan]

maybe the Mavs view James, Maxi and Powell as big wings or almost big wings. 

I like the direction this conversation has turned (once everyone agreed that Powell would eventually start next to KP  ).

The way I look at this is there are two offensive roles for “bigs” and two defensive roles.  Offensively, it is critical to the O we run for someone to be great at setting picks and doing something useful afterwards.  The other big has to be able to spread the floor.  Note that it isn’t critical that two “bigs” spread the floor.  There are other ways for for that 5th player to be useful on dive cuts and secondary PnR’s without hindering KP’s game.  About 3/4’s of the league will start the game with at least one non-three-point threat and very few have a big as offensively diverse as KP.  

Defensively, there has to be a rim protector and there has to be someone who can defend the perimeter.  There are lots of mix and match opportunities with and without KP.  In fact, the only limitations revolve around Powell.  He can’t pair with a non-three-point shooter and he can’t pair with a non-rim-protector.  That doesn’t mean you can’t play him.  Pre-injury Powell was elite at certain things.  It just means you have to be mindful about who he is paired with.  But, there is a ton of front-court flexibility. A swing factor is what version of WCS shows up.  I was hopeful until we tried to bring in Gasol.  We’ve heard WCS is working on 3’s.  He’s got the ability to guard the perimeter when dialed in.  He’s got a REALLY good opportunity here.  I have no idea whether he will take advantage.    

I certainly think DFS “can” get some time at PF, but I don’t think it will be widely used.  When everyone is healthy we have five useful bigs (real bigs) in KP, WCS, Maxi, Powell and Johnson (and I’m not even counting Boban).  In fact, I see Johnson’s main benefit being he pushes DFS more toward the wing position.  The babies aren’t going to get much PT.  With five bigs rotating, I see DFS rotating with JRich and THJ at the wing.  THJ can play either position and Burke will get some time at SG (probably next to Luka with DFS playing wing alongside a couple of bigs).  Who knows what Carlisle will do until KP returns, but my view of the main rotation looks like this:

Bigs:  KP/Maxi/Powell/WCS/Johnson
Wings: THJ/JRich/DFS/Burke
Ball Handlers:  Luka/Brunson

Deep Bench:  Boban/Bey/Iwundu/Green/Tyler