05-05-2021, 09:27 PM
(05-05-2021, 07:47 PM)Jommybone Wrote: Dahl, you identify a few of the many variables. The one I was thinking of is how well the 3-point line is defended. I have watched with great aggravation as Luka and WCS barely challenge 3-point shooters within reach. I have noted and cheered the energy guys (including Josh Richardson) hustling to get into reach of shooters who were left wide open through no fault of their own. I know Carlisle emphasizes this. And yet . . . Luka.
But the kid is unbelievable nonetheless. I worship the ground he walks on. I just can’t wait till he starts defending with smarts and throws the ball away a little less.
To digress, my biggest frustration with WCS is his slow reflex reaction time in defending "surprise" shots in the paint. If he would just put his hands up in those situations, the Mavs' paint defense would be far better. Come to think of it, the same can be said of KP. And the same could be said very consistently of Dirk's defense anywhere on the court in the years after the championship. Not a Mark Jackson fan, but "hand down, man down!" You have that superior length; put a freaking hand up.