07-13-2021, 01:34 PM
(07-13-2021, 12:38 PM)Kammrath Wrote: Because I think an elite, complementary-to-Luka frontcourt is the primary need for this team and the hardest role to fill with random guys from year to year. I think spending $50M on a starting frontcourt that complements Luka is a great decision.
Well, to use a Kammrath response, I 100% disagree.
Last season, they were the number 1 offense with the front court pairing of KP (much maligned) and Powell (also much maligned). They had the following lineup data:
KP/Powell/DFS/Luka/THJ 120 off +11 net (this was the most used starting lineup)
KP/Powell/Luka 118 off +8 net
This season, after guys recovered from injury they went with KP/Maxi for a 5 out lineup:
KP/Maxi/DFS/Luka/JRich 124 off +13 net (this was the most used starting lineup, and included the hated JRich!)
KP/Maxi/Luka 123 off +12 net
These are elite numbers with a frontcourt people don't want on the team anymore.
There is nothing in these number to suggest Luka needs an elite frontcourt in order to excel on offense. There is also not anything to suggest he needs a rim runner (actually the numbers suggest he might be even more effective with 5 out).
Watching that Clippers series, what stood out was Luka getting worn down by the 4th quarter, the other 4 starters struggling to take advantage of 4 on 3 when Luka was doubled, and the bench generally sucking when Luka was not on the court. Luka was completely dominating in 5 out (before the silly zone) with his newly developed mid range game. Not once did I think, "if only he had an elite rim runner right now".
This teams biggest issue is clearly defense, and that could mean replacing KP with a rim protecting, rim running big (Holmes). But the biggest need offensively is somebody to help relieve some pressure off Luka, and certainly not a second rim runner in the starting lineup.