09-15-2021, 07:29 AM
(This post was last modified: 09-15-2021, 07:32 AM by DanSchwartzgan.)
(09-15-2021, 03:03 AM)Mavs2021 Wrote: Although it was a very small sample size Ntilikina has been an excellent 3pt shot from the corners over the last two seasons (55%):
2019-2021: 27/49 (55%)
So there is an argument that if you play Ntilikina with Luka and park him in the corners, he could actually become a 3&D wing in the mold of DeShawn Stevenson.
Also you cannot expect much play-making either, but beggars and choosers at the moment....
I think the best thing we could all do is forget Frank was ever the #8 pick and look at him like we looked at Finney-Smith a few years ago. The D, length and athleticism are there. So, he has one NBA ready skill that would theoretically allow a role player to stick long enough to see if the other stuff comes around. One other thing he's good at statistically is drive and dish. So, not a PG, but enough handles to get around a close-out and either finish or hit an open man. In 19/20 his Drive/Assist rate was in the 96th percentile. If he can hit a corner 3 and do those other two things, you've got exactly what you hope for from a 3&D wing who can guard primary ball handlers (and a horribly disappointing #8 pick). He has to prove it, but he'll get plenty of open looks to try.
Assuming this is a simple as Burke out/Frank in, I like that there is a youthful developmental element to spots 11-15 from among Moses, Green, Terry and Frank. I see Bullock as a lock in the top 8 (but note he's only partially guaranteed in that third year). Between, Green, Sterling and Frank, there is a lot of competition for some bench guard minutes. I don't think that is a bad thing. None of those three are locks, but all three have upside compared to expectations.