12-18-2020, 12:30 PM
(12-18-2020, 09:43 AM)dirkfansince1998 Wrote: I get that Powell bashing is not the right way to approach the situation but you are doing the reverse. There is no way to deny that Powell has been really bad in the three preseason games. Kleber on the other hand looked like the 2nd or 3rd best player. The sample size is obviously small and we can talk about Powells potential to improve in the coming weeks but that´s not the topic. Starting next week the Mavs need to win games. Meaning that the Mavs don´t have the time to wait for a potentially improved Powell. Do you really think that right now RC is doing Powell a favor when he asks him to defend KAT or Giannis?
If you want the cold hard facts:
Kleber 12/4 1.3blks, 63/67/100 shooting splits, +12.7 (lead all Mavs in the last 3 games)
Powell 6/5/2, 35/17/60 shooting splits, +1.3 (worst among the starters)
So far we haven´t seen Powell`s rim rolling gravity. The one thing that made him a perfect fit and high impact player next to Luka. The offense looked a lot better with Maxi as an additional floor spacer. Not to mention that he was way better on defense. His shooting splits are obviously not sustainable but his form looks better than ever. I think it is more likely that Kleber takes the next step and shoots 40+ % from 3 this season.
I think this is more about Kleber looking better than ever. Not to mention that he has a completly different skill set. I am okay with Kleber in a 6th man role. He doesn´t need to start the game. He needs to close it.
WCS is the one that could potentially replace Powell. Will be interesting to see what RC will do.
Your argument is based on 3 pre-season games.
The real question is, should the Mavs give Powell space to get his game back? I'm pretty sure the Mavs answer is yes.
I don't think WCS is on a "could replace a rotation player" level yet. He's at the "can he sustain rotation level play?" level, since he's never done it before. I'm cheering for him, but he's gotta prove he can get and keep his head right.