06-12-2021, 09:32 AM
(06-11-2021, 10:45 PM)mvossman Wrote: If KP is struggling to play the 5 defensively due to lack of mobility, how is it going to work with him playing the 4? Again, Turner is a really good rim protector, but he can't cover KP at the 4 and THJ and Doncic.
If that playoff series taught anything it was that our biggest issues are defense, second unit when Doncic is off the floor, and better offensive decisions by supporting cast when Doncic is doubled. This does not really address any of that.
This has been my point for a while now. KP does not have strength, footwork and now agility to anchor the defense as the 5. Now maybe a full offseason can help him get back to where he was and improve in that area. I am skeptical that he can. I would rather him play the 4 with of course the ability to play some 5 in the game, just not FT.
He already gets attacked with PnR but when he's guarding Crowder he will be attacked not with a roller but with a shooter. Mavs won't run zone all game so he would have to figure out how to cover these situations on the perimeter. These situations aren't unsolvable but it means you are likely giving up some perimeter shots that are hard to contest in PnR defense.
I like the upside of him being a weak-side shot blocker vs the primary guy underneath the basket. WCS has been that at times and done well. WCS helps our defense but kills our offense. KP's foot speed is actually not the problem as much as his lateral movement and ability to swivel. I think being on a stand-still shooter like Crowder and being able to help with weak-side shot blocking would be great. Again if he can't deal with PnR then teams will just attack him relentlessly there.