03-01-2021, 02:06 PM
(03-01-2021, 01:59 PM)HanspardShowerVoice Wrote: LeBron James is the greatest point forward in the history of the game, and at the end of the day he's always been at his best playing next to another ball heavy guard ... be it prime Wade, or Kyrie, or playoff Rondo. The times when LeBron in the playoffs is mortal when defenses know that he's the only on ball threat in the game (which is why the Lakers put a priority in getting Schroeder). It's just too rudimentary way to play basketball against high level defenses when they have long stretches to gameplan and prepare in a 7 game series, like the Harden Rockets found out.
Preaching to the choir, my guy.
During last year's playoffs, I was ALL OVER THIS. Every single team who made it to the second round (including Houston, even) had more competent ball-handlers on the floor than the Mavs. Secondary playmaker was my title for awhile, before @"ItsGoTime" started getting cute with the title edit tool.
But, it can't be just anyone. We've seen DSJ, Wright and now Richardson struggle to fit into this type of role next to Luka. It has to be someone really good at playing off-ball, too.
I made this point awhile back, but every time you lock one player into place, the target for who fits next to them gets a little smaller, imo. The more rotation players you have written in pen, the more specific your needs get as to who can actually make the team better. I totally agree with your point. Playoff defenses will find a way to take Luka out of important possessions, and the Mavs MUST have a group on the floor who can take advantage of the resulting 4 on 3 situation. This is why I believe they wanted Kemba Walker.