01-19-2021, 11:38 PM
(01-19-2021, 11:10 PM)KillerLeft Wrote: I honestly don't think people are watching Randle play. It's true he's having a great season, but that's because NY is playing to his strengths, finally. He is at his best when he has the ball in his hands going downhill.
For perspective, imagine someone who plays like Johnson (better) who expects and needs the ball to succeed. Sure, Johnson's versatility is intriguing here, as it's something we haven't seen on the Mavs in quite some time. Maybe ever. But, is anyone looking at his offensive game and thinking "yeah, I see EXACTLY how that fits in with this group and think the team needs to double down on that"?
Randle isn't a spacer or a screen and roll guy. He's like Johnson. The Mavs currently have a version of that player they're having trouble integrating, but at least this version is expiring, grateful for the opportunity and happy to come off of the bench. He'll probably be ok with a more limited role as the rotation tightens up, too.
The point I was trying to make is that this season Randle isn´t a liability on defense. Next to a good rim protector he is looking like an above average defender. As you pointed out that is obviously playing to his strength. Put him at center or next to a guy like Kanter and he would probably look just as bad as he used to. Thing is that the Mavs have guys that can do exactly what Robinson and Noel are doing.
Mavs are also struggling on offense. Especially when Luka is on the bench. There is obviously time to make adjustments and I expect some improvement when the missing players return but the lack of shot creation is still an issue. Richardson, DFS and Kleber can help with the spacing and overall flow of the offense (move the ball, cut, set screens) but they don´t have the skills to create for themself.
Just like Johnson Randle can handle the ball but he is simply a way better scorer/playmaker and rebounder. Be it as a shooter, in the post or even as the pick and roll man or ballhandler. Randle is scoring 23ppg on 58% TS. He is the 1st option and sole focus of the opposing defense. Johnson struggles to score vs bench units.