TDL Archived: The 2nd Rnd Pick Yankee Swap

[dirkfansince1998]

Most if not all of this discussion seems to stem from what appears to be a significant miscalculation at this point on how Javale Mcgee would fit with this Mavs roster.  

https://www.si.com/nba/mavericks/news/ja...view-radio 

Its true.  McGee not only has significantly contributed to 3 championship rosters, but was seen as a big positive in Phoenix too: 
https://www.nba.com/news/suns-view-javal...hip-puzzle 
 
So what has happened to Javale McGee's game in such a short time in Dallas?  A system fit issue seems the most prominent issue because he was not an unproductive dinosaur center even with the GSW.   How is the fit sooo bad?  Curiouser and curiouser ...

I think he already looked very similar to this in the series against the Suns. Mavs targeted him and the Suns quickly benched him. Giving most of his minutes to Biyombo. So it could simply be the natural decline of a guy in his mid 30s. McGee needs his athleticism. He was never known for his fundamendals. So even a slight decline can make a big difference.

Another thing was mentioned in one of the post game interviews a couple of weeks ago. McGee always played drop defense. Giving up the jumper but playing to his strengths around the rim. I would have expected something similar in Dallas but it was mentioned that they are asking him to play higher up on defense. Not changing the scheme for him. Basically asking him to play like Powell or Kleber. Really confused me because if that´s what they want him to do I have no clue why they signed him in the first place.

And when we look at McGee´s contribution on championship teams we should at least mention that for the most part he was a regular season body. Losing most of his minutes or even his spot in the rotation in the playoffs. I guess that is what the Mavs hoped for (especially reducing Kleber´s work load in the regular season) but it´s not like McGee´s limitations are a secret. And it´s not like he is the only "dinosaur" that is struggling. Teams are simply getting better and better on offense. Simply know how to expose liabilities. Even in the regular season.