05-09-2021, 09:33 PM
(05-09-2021, 08:53 PM)Jason Terry Wrote: Not just defending the PnR which has been an issue and could expose us in the playoffs...........the BIG light that has turned on recently was: our inability to run the PnR offensively
IMO, the downfall of the Maxi-KP front court is this inability to run PnR offensively. This is the key that has made our offense look so terrible all season long. It’s easy buckets with Luka and neither Maxi nor KP can do it. We’ve made life hard on ourselves all season without it........Defensively, Maxi is the unicorn that can do it all and cover for the KP shortcomings. Hence the decent numbers in their pairing and the decent numbers of the regular starting lineup
The guys said it best on the TNT broadcast the other night. Paraphrasing but “KP is a great player in theory but as a 7 footer he doesn’t give you any of the benefits of having a 7 footer on the court” i.e. screens, boards, paint protector. Essentially making KP a 6’8” spot up 3pt shooter in a 7’4” glass body
Having said all that it’s still wait and see what happens in the playoffs.........he shows he can do EVERYTHING when the bright lights are shining then maybe he’s worth building around the shortcomings........even then......it’s important to note that many(probably most) in the trade KP crowd think that he has requested a trade and does not want to be here, so all the speculation and wait and see may be a moot point
Is KP's size and athletic ability not quite right for the offensive PNR game? Or...is he reluctant to participate in PNR in fear of reinjury? Seems like a 6'8 to 6'11 athletic high flyer is most suitable. Someone that can throw their body around and adjust quickly mid air. You also have to have a good feel and read on whats happening and good chemistry with the ball handler. I dont know if chemistry or feel/read are the issue, athletic limitations, not liking that style of play, fear of increased risk of injury or something else is the issue.
I get that he has shown an issue with being able to defend on the PNR.
Also...Are the Mavs the first experience KP has had with PNR?
Def sounds like there are fit issues.