Random Mavs News & Articles

[mac222b]

Originally Posted by particleman

Does Dwight Powell get better as the season progresses or does he feast on weak competition and insignificant games?

Hopefully it's the former.

He did start the season injured so some of it is him rounding into shape. And some guys are more effected than others by lineup changes. He’s never going to be a great rim protector or rebounder but it seems like RC and Luka are really good at putting him in situations to succeed.

[EricaLubarsky]

Damnit Lowe. Stop restarting the Drummond discussion

[turin]

Looks to me like the guy reads our forum. :-D

Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk

[Underdog]

I didn’t mind Cuban blowing up the Championship team... Except for Tyson.

[KillerLeft]

Originally Posted by Underdog

I didn’t mind Cuban blowing up the Championship team... Except for Tyson.

TY and Barea both should've been brought back. Most of us knew it at the time, but Cuban just had to chase Howard and Paul.

[EricaLubarsky]

Now that we're halfway through the season, a few stats to see where we stand

Amazing (top 10)
OFFRTG - 1st
Assist to TO ratio - 5th
offensive rebound % - 8th
overall rebound % - 5th
eFG% - 5th
3pt% - 9th
TOs - 2nd fewest in league
PFs committed - 6th fewest
+/- - third in league behind only Lakers and Bucks
FTA rate (how often we get freebies) - 9th (should be way higher with how Doncic is officiated)
Opponent eFG% allowed - 9th (some say a decent measure of defense)

Mediocre (middle 10)
DEF RTG - 16th
pace - 19th
FT % - 15th
Blocks - 19th in the league
second chance points allowed - 19th
3FG% in fourth quarter - 13th
Fast break points - 18th

Baadddd (bottom 10)
Opponent points in the paint - 22nd
Opponent fast break points allowed - 30th (dead last)
Steals - 28th in the league
Opp TO% - 30th in the league in forcing turnovers.

Seems like our offense is pretty stellar, but we really slow down in the fourth quarter.
We are only mediocre at defense but are truly terrible at causing TOs and getting steals
We're really good at not turning it over, but we're really terrible at getting our opponents to cough it up
Our inside defense is baddddd
Our transition defense is baddddd
For a fast team, we play REALLY slow (18th in fast break pts, 19th in PACE)

[mac222b]

Originally Posted by EricaLubarsky

Now that we're halfway through the season, a few stats to see where we stand

Amazing (top 10)
OFFRTG - 1st
Assist to TO ratio - 5th
offensive rebound % - 8th
overall rebound % - 5th
eFG% - 5th
3pt% - 9th
TOs - 2nd fewest in league
PFs committed - 6th fewest
+/- - third in league behind only Lakers and Bucks
FTA rate (how often we get freebies) - 9th (should be way higher with how Doncic is officiated)
Opponent eFG% allowed - 9th (some say a decent measure of defense)

Mediocre (middle 10)
DEF RTG - 16th
pace - 19th
FT % - 15th
Blocks - 19th in the league
second chance points allowed - 19th
3FG% in fourth quarter - 13th
Fast break points - 18th

Baadddd (bottom 10)
Opponent points in the paint - 22nd
Opponent fast break points allowed - 30th (dead last)
Steals - 28th in the league
Opp TO% - 30th in the league in forcing turnovers.

Seems like our offense is pretty stellar, but we really slow down in the fourth quarter.
We are only mediocre at defense but are truly terrible at causing TOs and getting steals
We're really good at not turning it over, but we're really terrible at getting our opponents to cough it up
Our inside defense is baddddd
Our transition defense is baddddd
For a fast team, we play REALLY slow (18th in fast break pts, 19th in PACE)

Great stuff Erica, thanks! Pretty much matches the eye test.

So we need what we have all basically thought we've needed: a post defender, another shot maker/creator, more athletic perimeter players. Not necessarily in that order. I would say that short of trades we can't solve the interior defense or shot creator very well in house, unless some combination of JJB along with improvement from Delon and Seth in that regard does it. Not going to cut it come playoffs and Luka will be worn down.

More minutes for Delon and less for Brunson would be my solution to better "takeaway" numbers, as he is our best perimeter chaos agent. I'm pretty confident we are getting someone before the deadline, but the high upside play may just be to unleash Delon, sit the midget, and live with his mistakes as he gets more comfortable with the offense. Delon brings a nice mix of defense, rebounding and attacking on offense and has shown he can shoot the 3 at a decent clip if given regular minutes. Even for the sake of trade value, maximizing Delon's potential is good for us. Brunson will maintain his trade value, such as it is, with that team-friendly contract.

[LukaMagic]

Originally Posted by mac222b

More minutes for Delon and less for Brunson would be my solution to better "takeaway" numbers, as he is our best perimeter chaos agent. I'm pretty confident we are getting someone before the deadline, but the high upside play may just be to unleash Delon, sit the midget, and live with his mistakes as he gets more comfortable with the offense. Delon brings a nice mix of defense, rebounding and attacking on offense and has shown he can shoot the 3 at a decent clip if given regular minutes. Even for the sake of trade value, maximizing Delon's potential is good for us. Brunson will maintain his trade value, such as it is, with that team-friendly contract.

Yes. Makes sense. But this would not be without significant problems. Our playmaking drops significantly when the second unit takes the floor, and I like having both Brunson and Delon on the floor at that time, because they can kinda take the load off of each other - i.e. when one runs out of options, he can pass it to the other to give it a go. I think that's RC's logic with playing both of them at the same - and it kinda works. I think if you push either one, and start consistently expecting too much out of them, they will crack. You gotta do it gently. But I am all for giving more minutes to Delon. I think the sooner he is truly christened, the better.

[BPo001]

Pretty good read on DP. I think a lot of the stuff he does for the community goes unnoticed. You can’t deny he’s a hard worker and is a great team guy. Hopefully him working himself back has the same effect in the team Caron did on the championship team. I think the 2011 team used Caron as motivation seeing how hard he was working to get back and help that team win.

https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/2020/1...way-imaginable

[ChileanMavsFan]

Ugh, terrible news

https://twitter.com/MavsPR/status/12...422733829?s=20

Mavs PR
@MavsPR
The Dallas Mavericks announced today that center Dwight Powell suffered a rupture of his right Achilles tendon.

Powell is currently weighing his surgical options and updates will be provided as appropriate.

[EricaLubarsky]

Originally Posted by ChileanMavsFan

Ugh, terrible news

https://twitter.com/MavsPR/status/12...422733829?s=20

Mavs PR
@MavsPR
The Dallas Mavericks announced today that center Dwight Powell suffered a rupture of his right Achilles tendon.

Powell is currently weighing his surgical options and updates will be provided as appropriate.

1) He is out 9-14 months. That's this season and most of next
2) He probably will never be the same player again

[ChileanMavsFan]

Originally Posted by EricaLubarsky

1) He is out 9-14 months. That's this season and most of next
2) He probably will never be the same player again

Dwight is a workaholic so I'm confident he will do his best to come back strong from this, but history is against him. Just have to hope for the best.

I guess this means we will see a lot more Boban from now on. We probably also need to find another big now for some depth.

[DevinHarriswillstart]

Originally Posted by ChileanMavsFan

Dwight is a workaholic so I'm confident he will do his best to come back strong from this, but history is against him. Just have to hope for the best.

I guess this means we will see a lot more Boban from now on. We probably also need to find another big now for some depth.

Nope. Powell's curse is that he relies almost entirely on his athleticism which Achilles injuries love to destroy. Not saying Powell can't still be an NBA player, but the Powell we knew won't exist anymore. Sucks.

[KillerLeft]

Originally Posted by DevinHarriswillstart

Nope. Powell's curse is that he relies almost entirely on his athleticism which Achilles injuries love to destroy. Not saying Powell can't still be an NBA player, but the Powell we knew won't exist anymore. Sucks.

This is kind of what I'm thinking, too. Really sucks, and I feel bad for him.

[particleman]

Originally Posted by DevinHarriswillstart

Nope. Powell's curse is that he relies almost entirely on his athleticism which Achilles injuries love to destroy. Not saying Powell can't still be an NBA player, but the Powell we knew won't exist anymore. Sucks.

Which part of ChileanMavsFan's post were you disagreeing with?

[SMC0007]

I feel for him. There are maybe a handful of players in the league that hustle on his level. As much as we bitched about his role here, he made himself from how hard he worked. Tough luck man.

[SMC0007]

Where would one go to rant about the fact that Alex Caruso is getting lots of all star votes? Why is this a thing...and why is no one annoyed about it? Thanks

[Dallas41]

I think the Mavs should package Brunson, Jackson & Lee for either Covington or Iggy

If it's Iggy you could then play him off the bench with Wright and Curry because Iggy could also facilitate the offense

If it's Covington you could start him at PF upfront with KP and DFS to finally give our small ball starting 5 some actual length for once.

Defense around Luka with that trio would be outstanding and the mavs would hold up better vs the Clippers tandem of big wings & Lebron with the Lakers

I just don't think there is much upside to Jackson or Brunson unless they turn into a poor man's version of Matt Barnes and Derek Fisher down the road

[EricaLubarsky]

[LukaMagic]

Originally Posted by EricaLubarsky

Wow. Impressive stuff. Carlisle turned him around. Now it's time for KP )

[LukaMagic]

Longish video but worth watching.
A very sound analysis.
Helps explain some of our problems in the clutch and with a clear prescription on how we should improve.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4jLCQVrb4Yg

Also, RC must be aware of this and is probably the reason he likes to play JJ with Luka occasionally. Luka's perfect partner would be something of a two-way, creative player. Can handle but can also let go of the ball. Like Delon Wright, but with an offense that matches the defense.

[KillerLeft]

Originally Posted by LukaMagic

Longish video but worth watching.
A very sound analysis.
Helps explain some of our problems in the clutch and with a clear prescription on how we should improve.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4jLCQVrb4Yg

Also, RC must be aware of this and is probably the reason he likes to play JJ with Luka occasionally. Luka's perfect partner would be something of a two-way, creative player. Can handle but can also let go of the ball. Like Delon Wright, but with an offense that matches the defense.

I think the one thing the front office tried this summer that didn't work out as well as they thought it would is Wright. Yes, he's as good as advertised on defense, maybe better. But, while he's not totally useless on offense, he is extremely prone to making poor decisions with the ball - so much so that he can't really be played as much as I'm sure they hoped.

[LukaMagic]

Originally Posted by KillerLeft

I think the one thing the front office tried this summer that didn't work out as well as they thought it would is Wright. Yes, he's as good as advertised on defense, maybe better. But, while he's not totally useless on offense, he is extremely prone to making poor decisions with the ball - so much so that he can't really be played as much as I'm sure they hoped.

Yes. I agree. I think the optimistic scenario for Delon is that he could be something of that player in a few years as I am sure his offense will improve rather tremendously with age and experience. I just feel he mostly lacks confidence and experience (and confidence kinda comes from experience) when he creates.

[Underdog]

Originally Posted by LukaMagic

Yes. I agree. I think the optimistic scenario for Delon is that he could be something of that player in a few years as I am sure his offense will improve rather tremendously with age and experience. I just feel he mostly lacks confidence and experience (and confidence kinda comes from experience) when he creates.

This is a solid point, and a big reason why this young team is struggling in certain situations (beyond just Wright).

[Dallas41]

Originally Posted by LukaMagic

Longish video but worth watching.
A very sound analysis.
Helps explain some of our problems in the clutch and with a clear prescription on how we should improve.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4jLCQVrb4Yg

Also, RC must be aware of this and is probably the reason he likes to play JJ with Luka occasionally. Luka's perfect partner would be something of a two-way, creative player. Can handle but can also let go of the ball. Like Delon Wright, but with an offense that matches the defense.

A couple of things

I disagree that luka is a bad off the ball player. I believe he just zones out more when he's not handling the rock.

Playing off ball doesn't just mean catch and shoot plays.

You could use luka in post up plays more, you could use him as a back door cutter or coming off double screens

I believe Wright and Curry are capable ball handlers their usage just isnt as high because of luka being primary ball handler.

Also as he pointed out which I've stated my opinion many times on here. The mavs would be better in the clutch if RC called more set plays and less luka pounding the rock.

I don't know how this has gone on for so long. It's easy to stop the mavs when one guy is dribbling an entire possession and everyone else is just standing around

I think it was you who posted that quote from S.Curry about the mavs being too predictable

The coach has to change this up not the players.

I'm shock that a guy on YouTube can see that the mavs don't truly run any set plays in the clutch. I used to feel as if RC always put Dirk in a prime position to win games late by running awesome set plays

That has not been the case this year with luka and most importantly KP who I believe is being used way too much as a stationary player.

[LukaMagic]

Originally Posted by Dallas41

A couple of things

I disagree that luka is a bad off the ball player. I believe he just zones out more when he's not handling the rock.

Playing off ball doesn't just mean catch and shoot plays.

You could use luka in post up plays more, you could use him as a back door cutter or coming off double screens

I disagree too. Luka is fundamentally sound, and I am sure he can execute off the ball. But it is a part mentality thing (hard to change your ways) and part lack of solid alternatives to carry offense especially in the clutch.

Originally Posted by Dallas41

I believe Wright and Curry are capable ball handlers their usage just isnt as high because of luka being primary ball handler.

Yes, but I feel there are limitations to both so it is maybe not so simple. Curry seems a bit more comfortable with the ball but is a little too small and light, and easy to be taken off his game which is probably why he's been so inconsistent. Catch and shoot is basically his bread and butter, but occasionally he can get in the zone and get into serious production. But that has been very sporadic. And Wright is just not there yet. He can carry an offense ccasionally, typically against lesser teams and in non-clutch situations.

Originally Posted by Dallas41

Also as he pointed out which I've stated my opinion many times on here. The mavs would be better in the clutch if RC called more set plays and less luka pounding the rock.

I don't know how this has gone on for so long. It's easy to stop the mavs when one guy is dribbling an entire possession and everyone else is just standing around

I think it was you who posted that quote from S.Curry about the mavs being too predictable

The coach has to change this up not the players.

I'm shock that a guy on YouTube can see that the mavs don't truly run any set plays in the clutch. I used to feel as if RC always put Dirk in a prime position to win games late by running awesome set plays

That has not been the case this year with luka and most importantly KP who I believe is being used way too much as a stationary player.

I think this has gone on for so long because there are no obvious high-percentage alternatives you can count on. KP is not there yet, and as I mentioned above, there are serious limitations with Curry and Wright. I think there has been some progress with KP in particular over the last month or so, with some post-up plays, but this is going to be a slow process with him. If RC figured out how to exploit Dirk through set plays, then I'm sure he'll figure out what the prime positions for KP are. By the looks of it right now, KP ain't no Dirk (but that's maybe too harsh to say given his injury, switch to a new team, learning a new system). In time I feel he could possibly get there.

[KillerLeft]

Originally Posted by Dallas41

The coach has to change this up not the players.

I'm shock that a guy on YouTube can see that the mavs don't truly run any set plays in the clutch. I used to feel as if RC always put Dirk in a prime position to win games late by running awesome set plays

That has not been the case this year with luka and most importantly KP who I believe is being used way too much as a stationary player.

So your opinion is that the coach who used to put Dirk in position to achieve late in games has somehow forgotten how to do that, and that the young, untested group of players play absolutely no factor in this at all? You think Carlisle is intentionally denying them the structure they need to execute late in games, and you don't think he's seeing anything in practice that makes him feel like the current approach gives them the best chance to win (right now)?

I just want to make sure I'm following you.

[dirt_dobber]

This is from Nick Angstadt@NickVanExit
Maxi Kleber & Dorian Finney Smith combined cost*
19-20: $12.0 mil
20-21: $12.25 mil
21-22: $12.75 mil- Nearly elite defenders
- Highly switchable
- Shooting nearly 39% from 3P on 4 attempts per game
- Can drive on closeouts
- Hard working, no-nonsense
- Few mistakes
- Fearless
- Rotation players you could play in a Finals series

[Underdog]

Originally Posted by dirt_dobber

This is from Nick Angstadt@NickVanExit
Maxi Kleber & Dorian Finney Smith combined cost*
19-20: $12.0 mil
20-21: $12.25 mil
21-22: $12.75 mil- Nearly elite defenders
- Highly switchable
- Shooting nearly 39% from 3P on 4 attempts per game
- Can drive on closeouts
- Hard working, no-nonsense
- Few mistakes
- Fearless
- Rotation players you could play in a Finals series

Nice asset management by the MBT.

[dirt_dobber]

Originally Posted by Underdog

Nice asset management by the MBT.

totally agree. Both un-drafted quality pieces provide nice depth.

[DevinHarriswillstart]

Our boy Joshi posted some sobering stats about Jackson and Delon...

https://twitter.com/j0Shi_f/status/1226186763611385857

Hopefully we can move on from them in the offseason if they don't show any signs of improvement. I do really like Delon, but he just doesn't fit at all. He and Jackson actually suffer from the same thing. They are jacks of all trades types that don't do any specific thing well enough. And Jackson not hitting threes anymore has tanked his value.

[Melonhead]

Originally Posted by DevinHarriswillstart

Our boy Joshi posted some sobering stats about Jackson and Delon...

https://twitter.com/j0Shi_f/status/1226186763611385857

Hopefully we can move on from them in the offseason if they don't show any signs of improvement. I do really like Delon, but he just doesn't fit at all. He and Jackson actually suffer from the same thing. They are jacks of all trades types that don't do any specific thing well enough. And Jackson not hitting threes anymore has tanked his value.

I was really wrong about both. At least for this season. Thought one of those were to be a solid starter for the team.

[DevinHarriswillstart]

Woj: Charlotte to buyout MKG and Dallas emerging as a prime suitor.

[EricaLubarsky]

Originally Posted by DevinHarriswillstart

Woj: Charlotte to buyout MKG and Dallas emerging as a prime suitor.

Waive who? Lee who is shooting 60% from three?

[DevinHarriswillstart]

Originally Posted by EricaLubarsky

Waive who? Lee who is shooting 60% from three?

Joshi and I are discussing this on twitter. Broek, JJ, or Lee are your prime choices, but I'm guessing Lee.

I'd maybe add in Barea as well.

[Underdog]

Originally Posted by EricaLubarsky

Waive who? Lee who is shooting 60% from three?

Lee seems like the most likely candidate, wouldn’t be surprised if Rick started him last night just to do the guy a solid and showcase him before getting waived.

[Underdog]

Originally Posted by DevinHarriswillstart

Woj: Charlotte to buyout MKG and Dallas emerging as a prime suitor.

Another lotto bust to kick the tires on? Sure, why not? It’s not like Charlotte knows how to develop guys, maybe RC can turn him around.

[DevinHarriswillstart]

MKG just needs to be better than JJ. Not a major feat there...

[Dallas41]

MKG is a solid defender but having said that even on a team devoid of perimeter defenders he won't get any minutes so why bother signing him.

Lee will probably be the guy who gets the axe but you can make an argument that he shouldn't have been on this team after the trade deadline anyway

Should have been sent packing in a package deal with Jackson somewhere

Really upsets me that guys like Morris were moved for similar peanuts as Lee and Jackson

[tap2390]

Originally Posted by Dallas41

MKG is a solid defender but having said that even on a team devoid of perimeter defenders he won't get any minutes so why bother signing him.

Lee will probably be the guy who gets the axe but you can make an argument that he shouldn't have been on this team after the trade deadline anyway

Should have been sent packing in a package deal with Jackson somewhere

Really upsets me that guys like Morris were moved for similar peanuts as Lee and Jackson

Dude, if you’re going to whine at least be accurate.

Knicks acquired LA’s 2020 first-round draft pick, Moe Harkless, the right to swap first-round picks with the Clippers in 2021, Detroit’s second-round pick (via the Clippers) in 2021, and the draft rights to point guard Issuf Sanon for Morris.