02-13-2024, 01:37 PM
It seems to me that the transition without practices or really knowing/understanding the system was always going to be tougher on PJ than Gafford.
Gafford gets to play PnR, Rebound and Block shots. That's pretty much what he has always done. I will say he missed some wide open kick outs out of the short roll early last night. I expect him to improve in that area with time.
PJ played a lot in the PnR as both the roll man and ball handler and was sort of in the THJ microwave role off the bench as well. He really is playing a much different role within the offense than what Charlotte asked him to do. The All Star break could be huge for him in getting time to learn the system and also have 3 games to review with staff and make adjustments.
The defensive potential PJ has shown already has been big. Offensively, he obviously needs to be willing take and able to make those outside shots. His ability to attack close outs is one thing that is levels above anyone the Mavs have had in that spot.
Gafford has the fun stat line and is a great fit to what will soon be a two headed monster with DLive. I am not at all soured on PJ after two games though. I will be happy if he just keeps the defensive level he has flashed and expect the offense to come along as he gets more comfortable with when and where he is going to get the ball. Lastly, the Maxi/PJ front court could be a big player and PJ can play as that role man in that lineup where he should be comfortable already.
Gafford gets to play PnR, Rebound and Block shots. That's pretty much what he has always done. I will say he missed some wide open kick outs out of the short roll early last night. I expect him to improve in that area with time.
PJ played a lot in the PnR as both the roll man and ball handler and was sort of in the THJ microwave role off the bench as well. He really is playing a much different role within the offense than what Charlotte asked him to do. The All Star break could be huge for him in getting time to learn the system and also have 3 games to review with staff and make adjustments.
The defensive potential PJ has shown already has been big. Offensively, he obviously needs to be willing take and able to make those outside shots. His ability to attack close outs is one thing that is levels above anyone the Mavs have had in that spot.
Gafford has the fun stat line and is a great fit to what will soon be a two headed monster with DLive. I am not at all soured on PJ after two games though. I will be happy if he just keeps the defensive level he has flashed and expect the offense to come along as he gets more comfortable with when and where he is going to get the ball. Lastly, the Maxi/PJ front court could be a big player and PJ can play as that role man in that lineup where he should be comfortable already.
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