2020-2021 ROSTER TALK: Archived

[dirkfansince1998]

You and @"dirkfansince1998" are both missing my point (or maybe it's more accurate to say I didn't articulate it sufficiently). 

The point wasn't the arbitrary number 8. The point was that Carlisle KNOWS who his TOP guys are, and they all have roles that have been carefully defined through much regular season tweaking and experimentation. Whether he plays big, bigger, small, smaller, whatever...he does so by forming different combinations of his BEST, most plugged-in players. By contrast, the ongoing debate among Clippers fans (and I believe among the coaching staff, too) is more like: "should Mann be in the rotation? Should Rondo be ahead of Jackson? How does Batum fit in with all of this? What about Ibaka?"...etc. Partly because they've had so many players sit out for extended periods, and partly because Lue is quite obviously not (yet) near Carlisle's level, they do not KNOW the answers to these questions definitively. That was my point. 

I DO think there is a number (perhaps it varies based on roster construction) of players who can be played in a game effectively. But...

Could another person be added to the rotation in future seasons? Sure, but I don't think Markannen's people are trying to navigate him to Dallas (if that's in fact what they're doing) so that he can play 10 minutes in the playoffs behind Kleber. WE might want him in that role, and you might even think that's the ideal role for him, but I have a hard time imagining that's what HE wants, or that it's going to happen. 

You kind of support my point (the one I was trying to make) by NOT including a sexy, new guard in your example above. You have Brunson and Richardson playing all bench guard minutes, which they'd of course do if they're on the roster. I agree that there's room behind Kleber (where your X is) but NOT for a Collins-level or even a Markkanen-level guy. Now, a Batum, who would help and be ok with not playing every playoff game? Yeah, maybe. That's essentially a Melli upgrade, no?

Not to mention that none of this conversation deals with the fact that Powell (who you and I both like a lot) is being paid as a 4th or 5th starter or at least a celebrity bench guest and not really even in the real rotation against the Clippers. That might change in future rounds, but then again, maybe not. 

Most of YOUR stuff makes sense to me, and the point was directed (gently, I hope) at the posts that have NOBODY we like leaving and have Markannen, Dragic AND Batum (just random examples) incoming. That's ridiculous, imo. 

Moral of the story, for me, is this: the BIG names we discuss daily aren't coming here to be depth, they're (hypothetically) coming here for INCREASED opportunity. In other words, to take jobs away from guys like DFS, Kleber, Brunson, etc. That's fine, if it makes the team better.

Agree on most points but we cannot forget that the Mavs took a lot of time to find the right lineup and as of now we really don´t know if it would work in another matchup.
Richardson was a starter for most of the season. Powell, WCS even Melli started at some points. Sometimes because of injuries/COVID. Sometimes because guys had cold stretches. Sometimes because RC was experimenting. I think finding the best 8/9 for the series against the Clippers is more about RC being a great coach. Lue being a pretty mediocre coach.

When it comes to the offseason. There certainly is no spot for a player like Marrkanen or Collins if they want to keep the current crew together. But it´s not really about the available minutes. More about capspace and lack of trade assets. If they add superior talent/fit the new guy will get the minutes. I am not attached to Powell or WCS and if a better backup big is available I would go for it. Still think that the Mavs need to find a solution that can provide solid starter production when KP is out. Play 15-20 minutes of the bench when KP is starting. If KP is part of the longterm plans.
Also think that you are ignoring the large market of ring chasers. Quite a few players are willing to accept a lesser role if they have the chance to play for a contender. Not sure if the Mavs are already in that category (will know more after the playoffs).

My current KP and JRich stay post season pipe dream would be something like: One guard (replace nearly 1000 minutes of Burke), one wing (you already mentioned why...reduce Maxi´s and DFS´s minutes, upgrade Melli), one big (KP insurance/backup). MLE and BAE are enough to adress two of those positions. Looking at the pay roll I could probably live with the WCS+Powell combine for one backup big approach if they adress the other two positions of need. In that case we obviously aren´t looking for a proven starter or something better. We already mentioned the most likely options. But then again. As you know I am not sold on KP and JRich.