(01-24-2021, 12:51 PM)StepBackJay Wrote: I am saying find some kind of 3rd center type that actually can play defense. Right now all of the Mavs bigs are basically 4/5 hybrids. KP can play center effectively enough. Maxi struggles as a center but does well in a 2-big situation. WCS is not providing interior defense enough out there even with another big like JJ. Boban is a traditional center but is a bit player. When Mavs used to have Mejri he was a guy you could stick in there who would play well when called upon. Mavs don't have someone like that on the roster which is a problem. Its less of a problem when Maxi and KP are both available but still an issue.
I get that. If you get a good defensive center that willing to play 3rd center role is he going to be good offensively too or are you saying you'd rather sacrifice the office because he'll be surrounded with more than enough offense to make up for that?
If you're talking about a good 2-way center then will he be one that is willing to play 3rd string? Usually even 2nd string guys that are good defensively and offensively are likely to be of the veteran ring chasing variety that want to jump on the bandwagon with one of the Lebron type guaranteed contenders.
Quote:WCS is not providing interior defense enough out there even with another big like JJ.
Yeah, but WCS was/is supposed to be exactly what you suggest an elite athletic center that can defend well.
He's absolutely in the Rick Carlisle system mold for a 5. Perhaps the Covid-19 decimated short rotation is just not an accurate measure of what Willie might ultimately bring.
Quote:Boban is a traditional center but is a bit player. When Mavs used to have Mejri he was a guy you could stick in there who would play well when called upon.
Yes but Mejri who I was a fan of too, was also a bit player for Carlisle. He had a similar situation to Boban where he could have an outstanding game only to be completely sat down or barely get minutes the next game. Its the Coaching system for better or worse, being heavily defensive matchup based from game to game.
The question becomes who can you guard? That is as opposed to you will struggle to guard him, but they will struggle more to guard you.
Yes Mejri was a far better rim protector than Boban who can be frustrating in that respect with his lack of aggression. Problem was Mejri was not the lateral defensive switch out and guard PnR as well as Perimeter and do it well type 5.
In theory that is the WCS type.
As for Bobi, Marjanovic is the old dominate you on offense and the boards, Shaq-ish type elite scoring 5. If pressed repeatedly against the opponent then he can give more on offense and boards than he gives away on defense but even though his line was here
Quote:15 points and 12 rebounds in 19 minutes off the bench, and, at +9, was the only Mav in positive figures.
he, just like a Mejri can only be a bit player here in this system. This is one reason I thought they might look for a possible trade partner and get back a more usable asset but then people say his cheerleading and locker room value is too high for that.
