Dirk as 6th Man?

[Underdog]

Originally Posted by sefant77

The only thing that matters are his total minutes. And without Ricks/Dirks brainfart in the 4th Noel would have been in the high 20s...

Sure, but I'm not seeing Dirk as more than a 15-20 MPG player on this squad most nights because Noel shouldn't be playing less than 30 MPG.

[DevinHarriswillstart]

Originally Posted by Underdog

Sure, but I'm not seeing Dirk as more than a 15-20 MPG player on this squad most nights because Noel shouldn't be playing less than 30 MPG.

I think it will all depend on Dirk's ability to rebound. Noel might have had a a lucky game against a weak Hawks second unit. However, he was fighting off Collins who is a pretty tenacious rebounder.

I'm all about Dirk starting as long as Noel plays more than 20mpg. And I'm not convinced they can't play together because Noel moves like a guard.

[Underdog]

Originally Posted by DevinHarriswillstart

I'm all about Dirk starting as long as Noel plays more than 20mpg. And I'm not convinced they can't play together because Noel moves like a guard.

That's the point though -- they can't play together, but right now Noel appears to be the better player so he should be getting the lion's share of the minutes at the 5, and as a result Dirk's minutes should be reduced.

[Melonhead]

If last night was any indication, Noel needs to start. You cannot justify his stats in 20 minutes and say he should be coming off the bench. He and Dennis are the best players on the floor.

[saclare]

Game 1, I'm sure we will see some shifts in minutes and rotations. Not sure what that means for starting vs 6th man for Dirk yet, I just want to see Noel's minutes up. No reason we should be holding his minutes down now that he's on a 1 year deal. Let's see what he can do.

[SMC0007]

Originally Posted by Underdog

That's the point though -- they can't play together, but right now Noel appears to be the better player so he should be getting the lion's share of the minutes at the 5, and as a result Dirk's minutes should be reduced.

Regardless of the opinions if they can play together or not,
I would rather see Dirk in with Noel down the stretch if Barnes is clearly struggling like that. Noel is definitely quick enough for them to still have spacing for Barnes on the floor as well and they're going to both be needed to rebound. I can't see a situation where we are ever defending and rebounding well enough with our "scoring" lineup to merit what we had out there last night.

[rimrocker]

I love Dirk and never want to see him retire but there are many reasons why Noel should get much more PT over him.

1. We need to find out if Noel is a max player.
2. Build chemistry with DSJ.
3. Thoroughly test that knee.
4. Development as an NBA player.
5. Development in Rick's system.
6. Provides more energy to the team.
7. Disruptive to other team's momentum.
8. Eliminates opposing teams' layup drills.

I just think what Noel brings to the table at this point yields more to the team as a whole than what Dirk brings. No disrespect to the HOFer but the team just looks better when Noel is out there imo.

[tap2390]

Originally Posted by rimrocker

I love Dirk and never want to see him retire but there are many reasons why Noel should get much more PT over him.

1. We need to find out if Noel is a max player.
2. Build chemistry with DSJ.
3. Thoroughly test that knee.
4. Development as an NBA player.
5. Development in Rick's system.
6. Provides more energy to the team.
7. Disruptive to other team's momentum.
8. Eliminates opposing teams' layup drills.

I just think what Noel brings to the table at this point yields more to the team as a whole than what Dirk brings. No disrespect to the HOFer but the team just looks better when Noel is out there imo.

Great list, I would add that we will be able to close out faster and harder on threes knowing we're funneling to a shot blocker. Right now our close outs are weak and led to some easy Hawks threes (they shot 50% for three point land).

[EricaLubarsky]

The real question:

Can we put Powell on an ice berg with a hot dog and a thermos of coffee

[jamaljasonandjimmy]

My net worth exceedsthat of Mr Cuban
X

[G-Man]

Dirk will come off the bench when he decides its the best thing for the team. And I suspect he will decide to do so soon. He does not have the kind of ego to demand to start if NN gives us a better chance to win. He'd rather win as a 6th man than lose as a starter.

[Melonhead]

Never thought I'd say this but Dirk would've been better off retiring last season. Can he score? Of course he's a legend. But when him being out there hinders the team from progressing (tanking) as a young core, it's not helping. And mainly, I really don't want to see how sad it is for Dirk to play this season out and still finish 12 or worse seed. He doesn't deserve to ride down with this sinking ship.