01-05-2022, 12:00 PM
(01-05-2022, 11:57 AM)dirkfansince1998 Wrote: Ignoring that I don´t think Nash deserved any of his MVP awards I would argue that it is unlikely that he plays as well in Dallas. Don´t think they would have run a system like D´Antoni´s 7s or less offense. Don´t think they would have let him dominate the ball. Dirk had established himself as the first option and needed better defensive support.
Important part for me was that the Mavs improved without Nash. I don´t think that is debatable. 58 wins and a 2nd round exit in the first season without him. Losing against a Suns team that was lead by Nash looks bad but there is no guarantee that a Mavs team with Nash would even get that far.
In the following season they won 60 games and made the finals. Beating Nash and the Suns in the WCFs.
Dirk and Nash made for an alltime great offense but even by themself they could carry a top offense (Mavs 4th in 05, 1st in 06). Difference is that the Mavs defense improved a lot. Ranked 26th in 04. 9th in 05. 11th in 06.
Totally agree they were better apart and able to both fly. I personally think Nash was worthy of MVP, but I do think the system enabled that.
Honestly I wonder to some extent (not completely) if Nash with DAntoni is like Luka with RC. A coach really creating a system and a space for a unique player to thrive.