04-19-2024, 04:25 PM
(04-19-2024, 02:59 PM)Scott41theMavs Wrote: I actually don't think heliocentrism, which until very, very recently was a major problem for this team, is still a problem. The FO put the right talent around Luka, and he is sharing the ball with Kai and to some extent with Exum. In massive contrast to what you have said here, I would be quite dismayed if the Mavs went back to a heliocentric all-Luka approach, because that's not what put them on a winning roll up to game 80. What they need to do is keep playing the way they have.
I'm not confident of a Mavs Larry this year because 1) the team has no depth - as I have written here earlier, if any one of Luka, Kyrie, or Exum, or any two of Landlord, DLive, PJ, DJJ, or Maxi, goes down, the Mavs will be in Cancun within two or three more games. Their run will be over, because zero of guys 9-15 on the roster can be trusted with regular minutes; and 2) they're missing at least one (if not two or three) more piece - a reliable third scorer who can create his own shot (not the "Landlively is our third scorer" horsepucky), who is ideally also a POA defender (can be supplemented with another player if not), and even more, someone who can run the offense. If we lose DJJ, that will be another piece we need to replace.
Luka-Kyrie-PJ-DLive-Landlord-Exum is an excellent, winning core. They will need to keep building around them. If they address some of the holes this offseason, I think the Mavs will be a 60-win team and championship favorites.
Luka has changed, this year mostly. But...does that mean players around the league think its permanent or that things cant go back to Rick-ball? I think there still may be a stigma that takes a little while to wear off about Luka/Rick-ball.
And yeah...I agree...didnt work for Harden and didnt work for Luka. Seems to be a pain in the rear to find guys to fit perfectly for that system. Then there is the negative stigma about that style that could turn FA's away from us.
I hope that style is used sparingly during the regular season. Current style is so so much more entertaining than Rick-ball(nothing against Rick as a coach).