04-05-2021, 10:04 PM
(04-05-2021, 09:15 PM)Scott41theMavs Wrote: I will own up to sharing your views in the past about Brunson's attitude, and saw the exact same things. I do think he wants a starting job, and to get some recognition. My hope in him staying here has a lot to do with the friendship he has developed with Luka (I remember seeing some quotes about it earlier this year). No need for him to be jealous if he starts getting his share of the attention. People keep talking about him having to guard big guards. How often does Luka guard the point guard? Start JB in as the second ballhandler, and have Luka guard the weaker of the other team's wings. Heck, Luka can guard fours in most cases as well as he guards any other position.
I haven't read much about him and Luka but like I mentioned before, KP's face glows when JB comes up in interviews. People here have mentioned the CJ comp to Brunson and while he's not that athlete, the way he is playing right now makes me see it. I know we joke a lot about Redd Foxx, but JB has the looks and personality to match...haha. I just wish he seemed happier. I would have flipped him for just about any marginal upgrade these past years but you'd really have to blow me out of the water for me to consider it this year.
As far as being a starter is concerned, I'm not so concerned about the regular season and being abused. Playoff series are a different matter. For example, as great as Melli has been playing for us, we probably couldn't play him in the playoffs. If I was the opposing team, I'd just throw doubles at Luka and dare him to shoot.