05-15-2021, 11:59 AM
(05-15-2021, 11:21 AM)DanSchwartzgan Wrote: Honest question about Collins. KP/Maxi obviously works. Why can that work and KP/Collins can't? Atlanta isn't bad at D when Collins is playing. Some have said D-RPM matters and Collins is better at that than Maxi. AND, if you have that much potential O on the floor between KP, Collins and Luka, can you get away with Green starting and adding another plus perimeter defender.
Plus, it isn't like KP/Collins will play together for the full 48. There would be all sorts of mix and match opportunities between KP/Powell/WCS/Collins and even some DFS at PF with a roll man (which has worked well when KP sits). Notice I didn't include Maxi (I have him going out in the Collins deal which would preserve the ability to keep THJ).
KP/Powell/WCS
Collins/(KP-DFS)
DFS/THJ
Green/(THJ-Brunson)
Luka/Brunson
KP/Maxi works because Kleber can defend stretch bigs and even some wings/guards. He can also switch the pick and roll. Same for Melli and to a lesser degree WCS/Powell. Collins is not a bad defender but in the modern NBA he has no real position. Not a real rim protector or post defender. Not a versatile perimeter defender. Good man defense against guys of similar size. No liability but next to KP the Mavs probably need someone that can make up for the lack of quickness and mobility.
Lineup data for the Hawks suggest that Collins has no real impact on defense. Capela on the other hand looks like a great anchor. Hawks defense is 0.9pts better when Collins is on the bench. 7.1pts worse when Capela is on the bench. Both share the floor with some really bad perimeter defenders.
KP is basically the anti Capela. Mavs defense is 7.4pts worse when he plays. Only big on the roster with negative defensive +/-.