08-21-2021, 02:51 PM
(This post was last modified: 08-21-2021, 02:58 PM by dirkfansince1998.)
(08-21-2021, 02:11 PM)omahen Wrote: You didn't actually negate what I said. He is a better floor general than Wright/JRich but is even worse shooter. So every time you play him off ball he will just kill all the spacing for Luka. He can only be effective with ball in his hands and Mavs are not looking for primary PG. I think the primary request for the guard playing next to Luka is that he must be a good shooter.
As for situational adjustment - I said Dragic can play decent defense in short amount of time, at least I hope so. We can't expect him to do it for 30 minutes per game, but I would hope he could bring another gear for playoffs. I don't think Rubio has another gear for playoffs (if you can't shoot you can't shoot) and his limitations will be even more obvious come playoff time.
In any case, debate is theoretical, imho. I don't think Cleveland is trading Rubio for Powell (unless of course you add substantial assets).
There is more to playing off ball than just being a shooter. Wright and Richardson both lacked the necessary awareness and court vision to take advantage of the space Luka created.
Rubio certainly showed another gear in the olympics. Dropped 38pts on Jrue Holiday. And in the last FIBA world cup (MVP and finals MVP). Just couldn´t show it in the NBA because he spent most of his career in Minnesota. Based on the two playoffs series he played in the NBA and his performance in international tournaments I would make the case that he plays his best basketball on the biggest stage/ in the biggest moment.