TDL Archived: The 2nd Rnd Pick Yankee Swap

[Okstate819]

I would argue that we don't need more offensive only guys that can't play defense.  The issue on this roster is not that there are too many 3&D guys, the issue is that the entire roster is made up of one way guys.

I think you are asking a whole lot from a coaching staff to "coach up" guys that have not demonstrated the ability to play high level defense.  The only reason folks are somewhat hopeful regarding Wood is because he has never been on a team that was actually trying to win, and that hope is pinned more on his motivation than the coaching staff.

The suggestion that there are only 5 guys in the league that can play both sides is obviously a wild exaggeration.  Those guys are obviously harder to acquire, but that needs to be the primary goal.  This team is top 10 on offense and middling on defense and that is where it was at last year after the trade.  I don't think adding offense only players is going to fix things.

I just fundamentally disagree that we are at a point where we can prioritize what we supposedly "need" in the current structure and the current system. To me our #1 issue is a lack of high level talent. The style of play and system, both offensively and defensively is very likely not what it will be when this team is at a championship level. 

I would argue that with Luka you shouldn't be a top 10 offense. You should be the #1 offense in the league every year. Period. He creates so many easy opportunities its ridiculous. Provide him with a lineup of guys who can take advantage and our efficiency would be though the roof. The fact that we are #8 in offensive rating shows how severely limited the supporting cast is.

Our ceiling as a team is with the #1 offense (one of the best ever) and a top 10 defense. Making proper rotations and playing defense within a system are learnable skills. Teaching guys like DFS, Maxi, Bullock, Kleber to be more than standstill shooters offensively is impossible.

EDIT - Also, the assumption by some with Luka is that he creates all these open 3s so we should just get a bunch of 3 and D guys and shoot 100 3s a game. IMO, the truth is Luka creates all kinds of problem for the defense, not just open shooters. Our reliance on the 3 is because thats all the rest of the roster can do. Its the best way possible for this team to win games. Its not the best way for a future championship level Luka Doncic led Mavs team