07-16-2020, 07:59 PM
(07-16-2020, 07:17 PM)DanSchwartzman Wrote: Good breakdown. Shows the value of Curry among the starters. Of course, Powell as a starter was part of an historically good O also. But, Curry's ball handling and incredible outside shooting brings something more valuable than a lob threat at crunch time. Playoff D can stop a lob threat. Not sure they can stop 45% shooting from 3.
Curry as a starter will be an interesting thing to watch. If it clicks, then where do you go to improve the starters? Probably not Luka, KP or THJ. That leaves DFS? It is pretty hard to find a plus defender who can hit 44% of his corner 3's (and .374% overall). I screened for players 6'7" or taller who hit .374 on 3's and take at least 40% of their shots from behind the arc. If you rank by WinScore, Kleber and DFS rank 6th and 7th in WS among 33 qualifiers. Ahead of them are Gallinari (UFA), KAT, Anunoby, Bjelica and Duncan Robinson. FA's on the list include Bertans 13 and Marcus Morris 14.
I still maintain (as I did before the season) that Curry is the third most important player on this team. His shooting is simply irreplaceable. He is basically one of the best pure shooters in all of NBA history (at least top 5?) and solid in most other aspects. That is just too important for unlocking Luka/KP's full potential. I honestly am not sure there is any possible way to upgrade what Curry brings to the table. I hope the Mavs see that and don't get too cute in trying to upgrade the roster. I like THJ's current fit with this team, but he is much easier to upgrade than Curry IMO.