02-26-2021, 11:30 AM
(02-26-2021, 11:21 AM)StepBackJay Wrote: I think you are too down on KP's value.
Maybe, but my point has little to nothing to do with his value.
I'm pretty flexible in my thinking (at least I think of myself that way), but one thing I'm absolutely binary about is this: to build a great defense in the NBA, you need at least a good defensive center, if not a great one.
Regardless of KP's value, he has not given me an ounce of hope this season that he'll ever become the defender I thought he'd be. And NO, I don't think simply reaching the level he has already shown on that end once again is enough. I thought he had a ways to go last season, tbh.
Just not a combination of play style and position I'm interested in pursuing, and because of the weaknesses causing that opinion, I'm equally skeptical of moving him to a different position and pairing him with a center. I LOVE his potential to pull opposing bigs out of their comfort zones and create space for the offense, and in time, I believe he can learn to deal with the counter of being guarded by smaller guys. But, the defense...makes any time spent a waste.
At this point, I just flat out believe the Mavs are spinning their wheels with this dude. He'd have to play better than he ever has as a Maverick for about 50 straight games to change my mind. I'm done. Richardson, on the other hand, I'm still hoping fits better as time passes. But KP? I've seen enough.