Bullock Bust Watch

[KillerLeft]

Yeah, but I think the Mavs, as most others did, thought they were getting a knock down 3 point shooter if nothing else. That was not the plan with the other two guys you mention.  The sample size is small, but unfortunately it’s growing without any noticeable improvement!

He'll shoot better, at some point. You can tell he's a shooter - quick release, good relocation skills. Rhythm and spacing have been significant issues for the entire team so far, and while I agree he hasn't helped with that yet (at least in a way that leads to consistent offensive success), the flip side is that he's probably being affected by it. He's new, and so are some of the key coaches. It will take some time. 

And honestly, he has consistently been defended as if he's a shooter. I'm one of the biggest DFS/Kleber fans you'll find, but it's clear that Bullock has a more significant gravitational pull than either of them. Both are good catch-and-shoot guys (though DFS seems to make slow starts an annual tradition) but their releases are slooooow. They'll always be left open over Bullock/Hardaway, who are just flat out more dangerous because the defense has less time to rotate to them. My thinking is that once the entire offense figures itself out, Bullock's gravity, like Hardaway's, will be a key ingredient that will help Luka/Brunson quite a bit.

I do agree that the anointing oil was applied to Bullock's forehead juuuust a little too quickly around here, however. "Shiny new toy" syndrome, from my seat. I think we're miles away from "bust" territory, but on the other hand, this notion that he somehow makes DFS (who I believe is a better all around player) expendable is misguided, imo. I think Bullock could be a starter/closer in the league, given the need for it, and he might play one or both of those roles here at some point. But, I don't think he's necessarily miscast as a key reserve, and I don't think using the MLE on a key reserve is out of line as long as he fits and elevates the team's play. 

Basically, Bullock is like a hybrid combo of Hardaway and DFS. Not quite as strong as either in areas of overlap, but containing a very useful mix of their skills, making him probably a slightly more two-way player than either (though not in a game-changing way). I still like the signing, though I'm ready to start seeing results like everyone else.