03-13-2022, 07:46 AM
(03-12-2022, 12:59 PM)mvossman Wrote:
I have tended to lump THJ and Bertans in the same group, but they really are not. Bertans is not a true volume scorer like THJ (especially in the playoffs), but he also does not fit into the 3&D group either from a defensive standpoint. Given his current minutes, I'm not sure he is going to be a consistent rotational player in the playoffs.
Our top priority this offseason has to be getting a legit starting center. I am warming up to the idea of sending Bullock for Holmes if that gets it done.
We've collectively spent a good bit of time shipping THJ off for various things this summer. It makes sense. There was a lot of noise about him being available at the TDL. The trio of DFS, Bullock and Green have played well and seem to fit Kidd's scheme. As Tjarks said the other day, the team wants two wing defenders in the starting lineup to go with a center and two ball-handlers. If you retain THJ, he's probably still coming off the bench. Here is what you probably have in terms of locks for an 8 man rotation in such a scenario:
? /Powell
DFS/ ?
? /THJ
Luka/JB/Dinwiddie
If Hardaway does stay and if we acquire a starting center, we have some extra bodies to deal with.
There isn't room for DFS, Maxi and Bertans at PF. Someone either needs to leave or one of the three will have a severely diminished role.
There isn't room for THJ, Bullock and Green at SF. Someone either needs to leave or one of the three will have a severely diminished role.
I think Bullock or Maxi are the most likely targets for Sacramento in a deal for Holmes. Either is a trade match for Holmes. I can certainly see the argument for keeping Bullock (you can never have too man defensive wings). But, I think Green has already passed him as a defender and if Bullock keeps up the 1-for-7's from deep, Green will soon pass him on the offensive end too. As to the backup PF position, I'd just tell Maxi and Bertans that the next one to hit 3 three's in a game gets to stay.
I heard Cuban on another podcast appearance yesterday (Mav's Moneyball). He was gracious toward KP saying he just didn't fit what Kidd is trying to do. He actually credited Kidd with showing him and Nico how Dinwiddie and Bertans might fit and how he'd use them to fill the team's biggest needs. I get that some of that is just PR speak framing a positive narrative. But, there is probably an underlying truth also. I think the key to figuring out the plan for the summer is figuring out what Kidd thinks he needs most and then trying to see either what doesn't fit or areas where we have excess and try to come up with a deal using that. I can make an argument for THJ not fitting. I can also make an argument for Maxi and/or Bullock being excess here while being useful elsewhere.