02-03-2021, 03:17 AM
(This post was last modified: 02-03-2021, 10:12 AM by dirkfansince1998.)
(02-02-2021, 04:47 PM)Kammrath Wrote: My unpopular opinion on KP's D:
KP was exposed in the bubble and against LAC in the playoffs as the only big when they put him in the pick and roll, and this has repeated itself the last 12 games. I genuinely think KP needs another big on the floor who can play beside/behind him so he can be more aggressive on pick and roll D. I genuinely think KP as the lone big is a huge source of his and this team's defensive struggles in the last 12 games. It is no accident that this year the ONLY two man pairing of KP's that is positive is with WCS (+4.6 in 84 minutes).
And that´s the big problem. KP has no real position. What looked like a unique opportunity a few years ago is slowly turning into a problem. He prefers to play center but isn´t doing a good job when it comes to important bigman skills like rim running, screening or rebounding. He is a great rim protector but cannot defend in space. He can shoot but isn´t a threat of the dribble. That´s not a unicorn. That´s a 7`3 wing.
He needs someone next to him that can rebound and defend in space. The Mavs need someone that can be the focal point of the pick and roll attack (a good screener and finisher). If KP cannot be that guy he is just a glorified spot up shooter. If KP is that guy the Mavs need another shooter next to him.
I am starting to think that the best fit next to KP is an even more unique player than the unicorn himself. Rebound like a big. Defend the perimeter like a wing/guard. Space the floor when KP is involved in the pick and roll or posting up. Be a rim runner when KP is spacing the floor.
The easiest solution for all of those problems is simple. KP needs to improve his inside game. 47.3 career 2P% and only 4.3 FTA per game won´t cut it. He needs to learn how to play a more traditional bigman game. Screen/roll, cuts, putbacks, taking advantage of mismatches. If he can do all those things in combination with his perimeter skills he is a true unicorn. That´s what the Mavs need if they want to build their offense around a Doncic/KP two-man game.
It would be easy to find a 3&D wing or big that can space the floor, defend the pick and roll and rebound. One could argue that Maxi is already a pretty good option.
The more difficult solution is the "2nd unicorn" next to KP. A player that can cover his weaknesses on defense. Can run the pick and roll instead of KP but can also space the floor if KP tries to play inside. Not easy to find a player like this and it is hard to imagine that the Mavs could afford both KP and the potential frontcourt partner.
Which brings us to the third option. Move on and try to find better fitting pieces. That´s probably just as difficult as the 2nd option. KPs trade value isn´t what it used to be. Not a lot of options in FA. Lack of trade assets.