09-02-2021, 03:17 PM
Rotation Players 5-10
Tim Cato takes the point of view, as Dan mentions above, that Luka, KP, THJ, and DFS will be locks to start in most situations. He analyzes the next 6 players in this piece.
5. Reggie
Cato's preference for the fifth starter in most situations. Fits well in any system.
Is not a game-changer on defense in the sense of striking terror into the opponent's heart and forcing them to change their game plan. However, is competent or better at the full range of defensive skills. Starts losing his defensive effectiveness defending bigger players, but that's not such a problem when DFS can move to the 4 if necessary.
Offensively, contributes almost exclusively by hitting stand-still threes. Not a shot creator, but capable of hitting contested shots. Will probably be the third-best spot-up shooter on the roster.
6. Diamond
May alternate with Reggie as the fifth starter, particularly against teams with large fours.
It's less about Powell's talent than his fit with the roster. He is not a good defender or rebounder, and doesn't shoot threes well. But he is a good screener and rim-runner, possessing skills that fit very well with Luka's game. He also has a decent defensive track record against big fours.
Cato likes him in a 12-15 minute starting role in situational matchups.
7. Maxi
Maxi's defense fell off noticeably last season, which may have been due to a bout with COVID and a collection of minor injuries. Offensively, he shot 41% from three, but he had only 4 attempts per game, and teams largely were content not to guard him. Meaning that his only offensive contribution was the points he actually scored -- he wasn't providing more space for Luka and co.
If Maxi can fully recover, protect the rim, throw down lobs, and otherwise return to his healthy self, he could be a candidate to start again.
Tim looks for Maxi to mostly come off the bench when the other guys are available.
8. Brunson
Jalen was great in the regular season, but was played off the floor in the playoffs, unable to create space against the Clippers' tall, switchable defenders. He has improved his skills greatly, and can't help the fact that he is small and doesn't possess a high degree of athleticism. But his lack of elite shot creation means he can't be relied on in the playoffs for a major role.
The Mavs need another player to fill the role of "good shot creator." If they do, then maybe Brunson's good attributes would receive more focus than what he can't provide.
9-10. Sterling Brown, Josh Green
Brown shoots well, and has some ability to create his own shot. Also good in transition and a "scoundrel" on defense. Not a secondary shot creator by any means, but would be nice to have a wing besides THJ who can at least do something in that area. Cato sees Brown as a candidate for an every-night rotation player.
Green's utility will depend on whether he can develop a three-point shot. He doesn't score well enough in other ways, and doesn't defend well enough, to be a negative floor-spacer.
[In another recent article, Tyler Watts of The Smoking Cuban projects Brown and Green to be in competition for a spot, with one or the other possibly becoming a trade chip.]
https://theathletic.com/2790178/2021/09/...osh-green/
Tim Cato takes the point of view, as Dan mentions above, that Luka, KP, THJ, and DFS will be locks to start in most situations. He analyzes the next 6 players in this piece.
5. Reggie
Cato's preference for the fifth starter in most situations. Fits well in any system.
Is not a game-changer on defense in the sense of striking terror into the opponent's heart and forcing them to change their game plan. However, is competent or better at the full range of defensive skills. Starts losing his defensive effectiveness defending bigger players, but that's not such a problem when DFS can move to the 4 if necessary.
Offensively, contributes almost exclusively by hitting stand-still threes. Not a shot creator, but capable of hitting contested shots. Will probably be the third-best spot-up shooter on the roster.
6. Diamond
May alternate with Reggie as the fifth starter, particularly against teams with large fours.
It's less about Powell's talent than his fit with the roster. He is not a good defender or rebounder, and doesn't shoot threes well. But he is a good screener and rim-runner, possessing skills that fit very well with Luka's game. He also has a decent defensive track record against big fours.
Cato likes him in a 12-15 minute starting role in situational matchups.
7. Maxi
Maxi's defense fell off noticeably last season, which may have been due to a bout with COVID and a collection of minor injuries. Offensively, he shot 41% from three, but he had only 4 attempts per game, and teams largely were content not to guard him. Meaning that his only offensive contribution was the points he actually scored -- he wasn't providing more space for Luka and co.
If Maxi can fully recover, protect the rim, throw down lobs, and otherwise return to his healthy self, he could be a candidate to start again.
Tim looks for Maxi to mostly come off the bench when the other guys are available.
8. Brunson
Jalen was great in the regular season, but was played off the floor in the playoffs, unable to create space against the Clippers' tall, switchable defenders. He has improved his skills greatly, and can't help the fact that he is small and doesn't possess a high degree of athleticism. But his lack of elite shot creation means he can't be relied on in the playoffs for a major role.
The Mavs need another player to fill the role of "good shot creator." If they do, then maybe Brunson's good attributes would receive more focus than what he can't provide.
9-10. Sterling Brown, Josh Green
Brown shoots well, and has some ability to create his own shot. Also good in transition and a "scoundrel" on defense. Not a secondary shot creator by any means, but would be nice to have a wing besides THJ who can at least do something in that area. Cato sees Brown as a candidate for an every-night rotation player.
Green's utility will depend on whether he can develop a three-point shot. He doesn't score well enough in other ways, and doesn't defend well enough, to be a negative floor-spacer.
[In another recent article, Tyler Watts of The Smoking Cuban projects Brown and Green to be in competition for a spot, with one or the other possibly becoming a trade chip.]
https://theathletic.com/2790178/2021/09/...osh-green/
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