Quote:
Originally Posted by KillerLeft
I don't disagree a bit, but think of the true statement you wrote above this way:
Both of those players had undeniably positive impacts on OFFENSE, too. Chandler created space vertically, kind of the way Powell does, and if you remember, that was the year he started hitting that elbow jumper at a high clip. This was sort of the 2011 version of keeping his defender out of the paint and keeping him honest.
Think of how a (very) casual fan might have thought of Stevenson in those playoffs. Remember all those huge 3's he hit during insanely big moments? If he doesn't hit those, the story has a different outcome. He was absolutely a factor in creating space for Dirk and Terry to operate. He was absolutely a contributor to the spacing that allowed Barea to dominate in the Lakers and Heat series.
And, that was 10 years ago. If anything, I'd argue that the spacing Dallas got then, which was amazing, is kind of average by today's standards. These things I'm talking about are even MORE important now, imo.
I want to be very clear: I AGREE that improving the defense should be a high priority, but I feel strongly that players who can't fit into what the team is trying to accomplish on offense won't help the defense at all, because they'll be on the bench during all the important stretches the team plays. You can't tell me that Carlisle didn't want to play Wright more, for example. He gave the guy chance after chance after chance during the season. When the playoffs came around, he felt like he couldn't play the guy.
Back to the above, I think Ibaka IS a two-way player who helps you, but unfortunately, I don't think he's much of a fit on court with KP. That's my opinion, I could be wrong.
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Yes, ultimately every player we have needs to be able to play on both sides of the court.
Chandler was amazing at lobs which kept his guy honest inside and prevented the weak side defender from crowding the drive. Stevenson hit the three well enough to keep defenses honest (39%)
Powell still has a ways to go as a defender, but he does what Rick wants and he's somehow our best offensive +/- guy.
I'm not sure what we need more between offense or defense-- we just need talent. What we do need is players who can find a way to contribute on both ends.
Centers just need to be smart enough to catch lobs from Luka while defending and rebounding.
The rest of the guys have to be smart enough to be strong defensively. They don't have to be defensive monsters, but they have to be able to do what Rick wants defensively and offensively they just have to shoot. PG-PF have to shoot in Rick's system. We can't have PFs who clog the lane and drive next to Luka.