MAVS NEWS:

[Chicagojk]

It wouldn't be the first time Kidd tried to take over GM duties on a team he coached.  This would be the perfect opportunity.  A new owner who is clueless and a hated GM who's seat has to be getting hot.  Its the perfect storm for him to try this again.  As much as I hate Nico, I'm not sure having Kidd as GM would be much better.

Kidd gaining influence was one of my concerns when him and Nico were brought in.   An inexperieced GM who Kidd probably thought he could control.  I don't want Kidd having an outsized role in direction either.

It is weird.  The McGee thing was supposedly Kidd.  I think Sterling Brown was another, but there has been other moves that Kidd appears not to been a fan of.   Christian Wood being one.   Omax never really got a runway here.   There are 3-4 other examples.  Kidd is a master at these political games so maybe he can morph into whatever direction is better served, but it does feel a little weird.   Maybe I am reading too much into it and they are still in lock step.  If last year didn't destroy a trust, I am not sure anything would.

[F Gump]

Potpourri
1 Kidd has never said he had any idea of the Luka trade before it happened (except being told what was happening at the last minute, right before it went down). Nico also said Kidd had no clue. NO ONE has offered any evidence Kidd really had any part in it or knew.
2 After it was done, Nico said he knew what Kidd wants, so he didn't have to consult him. Is that true? Kidd never responded to that claim, never agreed with it at all, but never called out Nico for saying it. Did Kidd like the trade? When asked what he thought of the trade, Kidd said his job is to coach the players they give him. Very hands off answer.
3 My personal impression is he thought it was a stupidly done trade overall because the Mavs got worse, and ended up without a PG/offense creator. But he's never said a negative word about the trade, at least not in public. 
4 I tend to think the Mavs went for a draft pick once Kyrie got hurt. They do that half-tank thing, that isn't really an all-out chase for getting them the great pick (except this time they got lucky) but they aim for a better pick right at the end. I say that because as bad as the product has been so far, I am not dismissive of the idea they are ALREADY thinking this year will be invested in getting a good pick, to have a long-term running mate for CF. 
5 The Mavs extended Kidd's deal before the season started. So he has plenty of job security. Mavs can't afford to fire him now. I seriously wonder if this has been his #1 goal since the trade - if I have to coach with a badly assembled team, I want to get paid a lot.
6 Kidd has talked like all is well, and success is just around the corner with this new approach to roster construction, but he's smart enough hoops-wise to have seen in all the practices what's working (and it's not close at all). Maybe it was him playing the game to get that extension before the flaws in this roster became more evident?
7 The one thing that points otherwise is the coaching staff they have. They are way too good to be here to try to lose.
8 In between games the players talk a good game, but then play with their heads up their azz. It's like the team is out of shape, or has no energy. Odd. The rotations haven't been clear either, which doesn't help. As I think through it all, it feels like they are fighting an incredible lack of familiarity with each other. The one solution to that is time (on the court together, under pressure).

EDITED TO ADD - This team is Nico's vision, exactly what he has aimed for. It's resulted in a set of mismatched parts, with the hard-cap-limited money being spent weirdly, very inefficiently. Even though it has a ton of talent, getting players on the court that work well TOGETHER is really clunky. And Nico being in charge of trades to remake the roster is a recipe for even worse, given this monstrosity he has created and the way he makes things worse by his moves. NICO MUST GO - that's the next move. Until then, it's just gonna be about player development and shuffling deck chairs on the Titanic.

[cow]

Klay may be washed.  He typically starts slow.   The league is filled with former great players who still look the part, but just don't have it anymore.

I think the offense is totally wrong for him though.    He needs creation.  He needs movement.  He needs cutting.   Right now, he is an easy guard because the offense is so robotic.   I think bringing in off the bench will happen this year.  The issue is I am not sure there is a magic answer replacing him in the starting lineup.   It is a puzzle and the Mavs appear to be missing a piece or two.

I'd lean towards Klay being washed, but he tossed up so many terrible shots that his frustration with the offense seems evident.

[vfromlmf]

“This is a different team. This is a new team. We are just getting to understand each other. We will keep learning each other. I would say be patient. But I understand the frustration,” Kidd said.

Meanwhile 13 out of 15 players return from last season..

[Mavs2021]

It´s an obvious Kidd power play, but maybe it´s not playing out like you think it is.

Kidd obviously wants a PG. Nico wants to win now. Neither gives a crap about the Mavs future, so they might actually be working together against the owner, trying to drain the team of its last assets for a short term fix that won´t work anyway.

Then maybe Kidd wanted deals like Sexton+ 2nd for Nurkic or Westbrook minimum, which would have cost nothing and actually helped a little. Either way if one of them gets fired over this, it´s a win.

[Chicagojk]

Best player criticism fair play. For years I complained about Luka’s complaining or being tired and therefore not getting back on defense. AD way too many times is the last player back on defense and offense. That can’t happen regardless. But it definitely can’t happen if he is playing PF.

[Chicagojk]

Sounds like Kidd is going to keep the starting unit. I have less problem with Cooper starting than him being the only person who can sort of dribble on the court. Way too easy to muck things up for defenses.

I would personally want to see DLo and max starting. They have familiarity. Or if not that than one of our backup guards and Klay. I just don’t want to see klay and DLo out there together. They are too slow and limited.

PJ deserves to start but I would look at a new starting lineup and play him a ton off the bench. Just not the first 4-5 minutes of each half. My main reason for doing this is trying to make sure you get an extended run of Lively, Flagg and PJ with guards. I think that is your run lineup.

[Winter]

Best player criticism fair play. For years I complained about Luka’s complaining or being tired and therefore not getting back on defense.  AD way too many times is the last player back on defense and offense. That can’t happen regardless.  But it definitely can’t happen if he is playing PF.

Kinda feels like we traded a great player who was out of shape for a significantly less player who is also out of shape. That's some nifty trading there!

[RoyTarpleysGhost]

"Rumors" that Nico is the one that wants Cooper Flagg to replace Luka as a 6'9" PG. Both Jason Kidd and the players are frustrated there is no real PG on the team.

[Mavs2021]

"Rumors" that Nico is the one that wants Cooper Flagg to replace Luka as a 6'9" PG.  Both Jason Kidd and the players are frustrated there is no real PG on the team.

That would be wild.

[vfromlmf]

I predicted 38 wins mainly because I thought they’d be a high turnover team who can’t shoot the three but I never imagined game 3 intrigue would be centered vets throwing things in the locker room and Kidd giving up.

I had hopes that my prediction would be off base but it feels like there’s way more downside risk than upside at this point. This thing could easily spiral to 16-20 wins.

[Smitty]

The starting 5 played a whopping 6 minutes together in that game. ORTG 107.1 DRTG 107.1 NETRTG 0.0

Kidd only ever plays the staring five 10-12 minutes per game during the regular season. It's something I've highlighted several times. It's why I don't care as much as some do with who starts and who doesn't. Only 6 minutes in Game 1 is an outlier because of foul trouble, but either way, we put too much emphasis on starting lineups around here.

I said in the offseason that I think the best lineup and the closing 5 should be DLO-Max-Flagg-PJ-AD. 
That combination was never used but the lineup with the highest NETRTG was DLO-Max-Naji-PJ-AD.

Obviously, this is all small sample size stuff but wanted to respond to the above.

The starting lineup still with a Net Rating of 0.0 through two games. 100.0 ORTG and 100.0 DRTG in 14 minutes. 
The best lineup, with the highest Net Rating, is still DLO-Max-Naji-PJ-AD. 115.0 ORTG 57.9 DRTG in 8 minutes.

[KillerLeft]

"Rumors" that Nico is the one that wants Cooper Flagg to replace Luka as a 6'9" PG.  Both Jason Kidd and the players are frustrated there is no real PG on the team.

I would say this makes some sense, only...Harrison signed DLo, and Kidd isn't playing him, so I don't know what to think.

[RoyTarpleysGhost]

DLo signed for $6.5 million. They view him as a 9th or 10th man type, not a starting PG.

[KillerLeft]

DLo signed for $6.5 million.  They view him as a 9th or 10th man type, not a starting PG.

Maybe, but that’s not the impression I got from the rumors, or the behind the scenes look we saw of the two officially agreeing over the phone. And, it’s not what the situation calls for or an accurate viewpoint on his skill and talent.

I’m shocked he isn’t playing 25-30 minutes per to start this season off. If you’re not, great, but I am, and I think it’s a dumb move, personally.

[Winter]

Maybe, but that’s not the impression I got from the rumors, or the behind the scenes look we saw of the two officially agreeing over the phone. And, it’s not what the situation calls for or an accurate viewpoint on his skill and talent.

I’m shocked he isn’t playing 25-30 minutes per to start this season off. If you’re not, great, but I am, and I think it’s a dumb move, personally.

I agree in theory, but having watched Dlo on other teams, the issues he's had elsewhere still seem true as Maverick.

Besides having poor defense, he frequently makes bad decisions. He shoots when he should pass and passes when he should shoot. I think he just doesn't see the floor that well to be a good PG. My guess is that the profile on Dlo is well-known to coaches. Maybe Kidd thought he could get more out of him. 

Nembhard literally has two NBA games under his belt and already looks like a better PG than Dlo.

[KillerLeft]

I agree in theory, but having watched Dlo on other teams, the issues he's had elsewhere still seem true as Maverick.

Besides having poor defense, he frequently makes bad decisions. He shoots when he should pass and passes when he should shoot. I think he just doesn't see the floor that well to be a good PG. My guess is that the profile on Dlo is well-known to coaches. Maybe Kidd thought he could get more out of him. 

Nembhard literally has two NBA games under his belt and already looks like a better PG than Dlo.

I respect your opinion, but don’t agree. I think you’re accurately describing some legit concerns with Russell, but think you’re exaggerating them somewhat. I think he has looked better than Nembhard in both of the first games.

[Smitty]

The starting 5 played a whopping 6 minutes together in that game. ORTG 107.1 DRTG 107.1 NETRTG 0.0

Kidd only ever plays the staring five 10-12 minutes per game during the regular season. It's something I've highlighted several times. It's why I don't care as much as some do with who starts and who doesn't. Only 6 minutes in Game 1 is an outlier because of foul trouble, but either way, we put too much emphasis on starting lineups around here.

I said in the offseason that I think the best lineup and the closing 5 should be DLO-Max-Flagg-PJ-AD. 
That combination was never used but the lineup with the highest NETRTG was DLO-Max-Naji-PJ-AD.

Obviously, this is all small sample size stuff but wanted to respond to the above.

The starting lineup still with a Net Rating of 0.0 through two games. 100.0 ORTG and 100.0 DRTG in 14 minutes. 
The best lineup, with the highest Net Rating, is still DLO-Max-Naji-PJ-AD. 115.0 ORTG 57.9 DRTG in 8 minutes.

I thought Game 3 was Kidd's best job yet. The rotations were exactly what I thought they should be. Great lineup combinations and matchups. The overall minutes distribution was spot on. He was more vocal in this one from the start and the Mavs showed more urgency and intensity from the tip.

The starting 5 have now played 24 minutes together. 6 minutes in Game 1, 8 minutes in Game 2, and 10 minutes in Game 3. 107.4 ORTG 103.7 DRTG 3.7 NETRTG

The second most used lineup is the one above, that I've been tracking early on. It's now at 14 minutes. 121.9 ORTG 77.4 DRTG 44.5 NETRTG

And one that's creeping up and showing out, features Coop at the 4 and DLive at the 5, so a Non-PJ/AD lineup:
DLO-Max-Naji-Flagg-Lively in 11 minutes 134.6 ORTG 75.0 DRTG 59.6 NETRTG

Overall, last night featured a 8.5-man rotation, with Martin being the half.

Flagg 14 | DLO 29
Klay 20 | Max 25
PJW 32 | (Flagg 15)
AD 10 | Naji 25 | Martin 12
Lively 21 | (AD 25)

I thought DLO looked really good in this one. He got off to a rough start shooting but finished 8-18 with 24p & 6a and +26 +/-. His 29 minutes where right where they should be (25-30)
Klay played his best game so far. His 20 minutes were right where they should be. (16-20)
Max continues to play well. His 25 minutes were right where the SG split should be with Klay. (25-30)
PJ has been the Mavs best player so far. His 32 minutes are where they should be. (30-36)
Flagg is getting better each game. So fun to watch. I love the way he runs the floor. His 29 minutes are right where they should be. (28-34)
Naji has been noticeably better defensively this year. His ability to create some offense has helped when DLO isn't in. 25 minutes is where it should be. (22-28)
AD looks slow so far. Still he's averaging 25/12 in 35 minutes.
Martin is alive. No threat offensively, but he looked ok in his 12 minutes.
DLive with his best game of the season also. He was a difference maker defensively, which is what his role is. His 21 minutes are right where they should be. (18-24)


The only time "Twin Towers" is being used is with the starting group. It will be interesting to see how different the rotations look when Gafford is back. So far, I've enjoyed AD at the 5 way more than I have with him at the 4. Maybe it can work once AD gets in shape and looks more like the AD we're used to seeing.

It took Kidd until Game 3 to get there, but again, I thought he did an excellent job last night!

[StrandedOnBeauboisHill]

I thought Game 3 was Kidd's best job yet. The rotations were exactly what I thought they should be. Great lineup combinations and matchups. The overall minutes distribution was spot on. He was more vocal in this one from the start and the Mavs showed more urgency and intensity from the tip.

The starting 5 have now played 24 minutes together. 6 minutes in Game 1, 8 minutes in Game 2, and 10 minutes in Game 3. 107.4 ORTG 103.7 DRTG 3.7 NETRTG

The second most used lineup is the one above, that I've been tracking early on. It's now at 14 minutes. 121.9 ORTG 77.4 DRTG 44.5 NETRTG

And one that's creeping up and showing out, features Coop at the 4 and DLive at the 5, so a Non-PJ/AD lineup:
DLO-Max-Naji-Flagg-Lively in 11 minutes 134.6 ORTG 75.0 DRTG 59.6 NETRTG

Overall, last night featured a 8.5-man rotation, with Martin being the half.

Flagg 14 | DLO 29
Klay 20 | Max 25
PJW 32 | (Flagg 15)
AD 10 | Naji 25 | Martin 12
Lively 21 | (AD 25)

I thought DLO looked really good in this one. He got off to a rough start shooting but finished 8-18 with 24p & 6a and +26 +/-. His 29 minutes where right where they should be (25-30)
Klay played his best game so far. His 20 minutes were right where they should be. (16-20)
Max continues to play well. His 25 minutes were right where the SG split should be with Klay. (25-30)
PJ has been the Mavs best player so far. His 32 minutes are where they should be. (30-36)
Flagg is getting better each game. So fun to watch. I love the way he runs the floor. His 29 minutes are right where they should be. (28-34)
Naji has been noticeably better defensively this year. His ability to create some offense has helped when DLO isn't in. 25 minutes is where it should be. (22-28)
AD looks slow so far. Still he's averaging 25/12 in 35 minutes.
Martin is alive. No threat offensively, but he looked ok in his 12 minutes.
DLive with his best game of the season also. He was a difference maker defensively, which is what his role is. His 21 minutes are right where they should be. (18-24)


The only time "Twin Towers" is being used is with the starting group. It will be interesting to see how different the rotations look when Gafford is back. So far, I've enjoyed AD at the 5 way more than I have with him at the 4. Maybe it can work once AD gets in shape and looks more like the AD we're used to seeing.

It took Kidd until Game 3 to get there, but again, I thought he did an excellent job last night!

What's frustrating is that his rotations do kind of feel like a message to Nico about what Kidd actually thinks about this roster.  That it has 3 good centers and no real PG.  The rotations he ran last night make sense but there's going to be an odd man out when Gafford is back and all 3 centers are healthy (feels like Lively is already losing minutes due to this issue and that's only going to get worse).

Unless Klay bounces back quickly, this backcourt needs to be DLo/Max ~30 minutes a night to balance the roster and win games it seems.  That is definitely not Nico's vision.

[DanSchwartzgan]

I thought Game 3 was Kidd's best job yet. The rotations were exactly what I thought they should be. Great lineup combinations and matchups.

You can kind of see what he’s trying to do if you look at the game flows on popcorn machine.  Forget the first few minutes of each half where the starters are in.  That’s just window dressing.  Once the substitutions start, he is pairing Lively with Flagg and AD with PJ.  The first two games, he left AD/PJ in longer (or would have if not for PJ foul trouble) and let Flagg/Lively get a quick blow and come back a few minutes later.  In this game, he took AD/PJ out first and let Lively/Flagg get a few minutes with the subs before taking them out and bringing AD/PJ back in.  

It isn’t a perfect platoon as he eventually wants to end halves with PJ/AD and Flagg (Lively appears to be the odd man out to end halves so far). Part of what worked well last night was the Lively/Flagg with the subs time when AD/PJ sat.  I like leaving Flagg/Lively in longer because Flagg defers less (and the team runs more) when AD sits.  There was a nice run in the first quarter and especially in the third with this set up.

Klay is a starter in name only.  Kidd does this with someone every year.  Christie is clearly the closer and Klay’s minutes are used to set up where he wants Christie.

Marshall and DLo are the 7th/8th men and Kidd is using the 9th spot in the rotation to give people some spot minutes.  He’s done this in the past also.  It is really an 8 man rotation right now, but he can get two more guys some run in the 9th spot.  So far, it has been slightly different guys each time.

I’m not sure what happens to Klay/Christie when Kyrie returns.  And, the ability to play AD significant minutes at the five dries up when Gafford is healthy.  Of course, there is no telling who else might be hurt by the time those things happen.