2020-2021 ROSTER TALK: Archived

[omahen]

1. If the only play the Mavs can come up with DDR is for him to stand on the perimeter, then Kidd and the rest of the coaching staff shouldn't have a job in 2 weeks time. The Mavs are composed of limited players who can't create, can't dribble, can't iso, so the point of attack has always been Luka. You do not treat DDR the same way with or without Luka on the floor. As for doubling Luka, if you leave DDR open, he does not have to just take a 3 as majority of the Mavs would just do. Double Luka specially up beyond the 3 point area and that will result on a 4 on 3, and DDR just knows how to take advantage of that given his size, quickness and playmaking skills. He will get to the space he wants and kill it from there. And also... Luka does not have to have the ball at all times, you can see JR having a bit of that role, but because JR can't really create, the ploy hasn't worked and he was reduced to a ball handler and hands over the play to Luka. DDR does not have to do that, he will be an automatic high level threat to defenses when he has the ball and looking for cracks in the defense. Sure it may take away the ball from Luka, but a few plays here and there where Luka does not initiate would go a long way on conserving Luka's energy. And who's to say a DDR possession will not result in a Luka 3? or Luka cut to the basket?

2. I wouldn't want DDR with KP. A Luka-DDR tandem needs to have a center who can protect the rim. That's the number 1 requirement for a Luka-DDR team to work.

THJ is not a good defender. DDR is also not a good defender, but is a much better offensive player than THJ. So this move theoretically makes Mavs better. It doesn't make us a legit contender but it would take triple A+ offseason to make Mavs a legit contender in one offseason. Sure I would like a Kawhi offseason with KP traded for PJ Washington and Hayward, but I just don't see it as realistic. So a DDR and a legit MLE level player that fits would represent a decent upgrade of this roster.