07-13-2021, 06:55 PM
(07-13-2021, 01:34 PM)mvossman Wrote: 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.
Can't only use regular season statistics. Need to consider what happens to the effectiveness of lineups when in a 7 game series and the opposing team starts micromanaging their counters. Clippers see that 5 out lineup and play Batum at the 5 and have Kawhi + PG already. Lineup can't punish that at all since the roster has no counters for their counter other than a hail mary with Boban. Ty Lue already called it mid-series, just said, yeah they're gonna go to Boban. (and in his mind, he already knew he didn't care)