(10-31-2019, 09:42 AM)HanspardsShowerVoice Wrote: The fan obsession over who gets their name called out over the PA for the pre-game laser show never ceases to amaze
I think you're missing the point. By my definition "a legit NBA starter" is different than "someone who starts," which probably needs an explanation...
A legit NBA starter - or what I've referred to as a legit No 3 on this team - is a player who you can count on to start and finish games. Name in black ink, not pencil. Over/under is around 30 minutes for guards, wings, forwards; probably 27 minutes for centers. The player doesn't have to be a star.
110 players average more than 27 minutes per game last year.
The reason this is relevant is the Mavs currently employ only two guys who averaged more than 24 minutes last season. THJ and Doncic.
So who is going to step up and force their way onto the floor?
Obviously Porzingis and Doncic. But who else?
I think THJ's minutes will actually go down YoY.
It's great to have a bunch of guys playing 22 minutes evenly. Viewed through one lens that's a sign of depth. But viewed through another lens, that's a sign that no one else can break away from the pack.
Personally, I think Powell & Kleber will roughly split minutes based on fouls & matchups.
I think the most likely player to break from the pack is Wright.
But it could also be Brunson, Curry, maybe DFS, even Jackson.
Or maybe the Mavs just have a bunch of similar guys and the legit no 3 isn't yet on the roster.