Mavs future Gameplan - any ideas - Dallas-Mavs.com Forums

dalmations202 · 06-29-2005, 03:04 PM

I am confused as to what the Mavs are trying to do this year. Can anyone shed any light?
As I see it, and from my opinion.

Dallas will play at most 9 players in the playoffs.

To win, they must be able to run, play offense in the half court, and defend perimeter/defend slashing/defend interior.

To do this they need 9 awesome players in the rotation, 4 need to be tweeer subs -- with 3 developing players who are "specialist role" players.
With Avery as coach, it needs to be a fairly conventional lineup.
So you need a PG, SG, SF, PF, and C. Then to be able to match up with teams you need a 1/2, 2/3, 3/4, and 4/5 + role players shooter, defensive Big, defensive perimeter guy.

Right now Dallas has 1 (Harris), 1/2 (Terry), 2 (Finley/Daniels), 2/3 (Stackhouse), 3 (Howard), 3/4 (KVH), 4 (Dirk), 4/5 (Unknown), 5 (Dampier)

They have 1 unknown. They need to find him w/o losing one of the other guys. If you move one of the other 8, you need to replace him. EX: if you move Howard -- then make sure you are getting Marion, Peja, Artest, etc.

So if the Mavs move Finley, then they stil have Daniels in the lineup, and are not hurting too bad. If they trade Daniels and keep Finley -- same thing. Problem is, to get to the style of play they seem to try to be emulating, then Fin has the better skillset as a spot up shooter.

But if they can't be a superstar defense like Detroit or SA, because they don't have the personnel to do it, then don't they need a better offense? I mean, you win with offense, defense, or a balanced combo of the two. This year SA was more balanced than most years. They let Phoenix score points, but scored more than them. They stopped Detroit, while Detroit was stopping them, but still scored the points when they had to.

How are the Mavs going to beat SA if they don't have the inside/outside game of SA, or LA (previous). They seem to be designing the team around the SA style of play (on defense which is GREAT), but the offense doesn't seem like it will work. Look at SA this year, they had TD who controlled the inside scoring, and Ginobli who drove the lane, and spot up shooters in Horry, Barry, Parker (somewhat), and Bowen. Everything went inside on post play by TD, drive by Ginobili, or kickout to spot up shooters. The Center position on their team was a clean- up player.

Now look at the Lakers. They had Shaq to control th paint, Kobe to slash, and Fox, Fischer, Horry, and George to spot up. The PF on those teams was usually clean up.

Now Dallas has the clean up guy in Damp, but that makes Dirk have to control the paint. Dirk is not Duncan. Then they have Stack to slash (maybe), but Howard, and Daniels are not three point shooters. How are they going to get the same production when nearly every player is trying to change their game to be something that they aren't. Dirk is not a better post player than Duncan, and will probably never be a better post player than him.

So here is my main question, what is the gameplan?? They have talent on the team, and really seem to be only one player short --- but I really think that the one player they "have" to get must be a defensive stud and post player which will allow them to move Dirk back outside and allow Howard to be the clean up. Either that, or they need to change into a modified Princeton offense with much more ball movement and more athletic cutting to the hoop...ala Detroit.

As they presently set with team that they have (if they move Fin):
Dirk has to change from an outside threat to an inside threat.
Damp has to play clean-up, and you have no other inside threat.
Howard must develop a consistent spot-up shot, or his man will always double Dirk.
Daniels must make teams pay by hitting the 3 pt shot when they double down on Dirk.
Terry must learn to pick-n-roll and finish.
Stackhouse has to be the slasher, and basically the #2 option.
KVH will have to spend lots of time on the floor for his shooting/slashing ability.

If they make a small change by getting an athletic 4/5 that can post and be a defensive monster.
Dirk can be the shooter/slasher:
The 4/5 can force double teams on the inside, thus allowing Dirk, and the spot up shooters free space.
Howard gets to be the clean-up guy where he excels.
Terry gets to be a shooter instead of a "control" the game style point guard --- helping his style.
Stack, Daniels -- become the 3rd offensive options instead of the second.
Damp is clean up only and serves a role, and not trying to carry an offensive load with "hands of stone".
KVH can play instead of Dirk, instead of with him.

I guess, I am still trying to see the gameplan of what mgmt is trying to do. If they move Fin, they are short shooters. Stack has to be the superstar slasher -- ala Kobe, TMac, Jordan, Ginobili. Dirk is closer to a SuperStud slasher/shooter --- so who is going to control the post?

Where are they going? Are they expecting Dirk to become Duncan, and then Daniels/Howard to become 3pt shooters and/or slashers?

************************************************** *************

The only group that won a championship that is somewhat near this one (and I watched in my lifetime), is the early 80's Celtics. If Dirk can be Bird (80-85, 21.2-28.7 ppg and 5.5-6.6 rpg), and KVH can be McHale (80-85, 10-19 ppg and 4.4-9 rpg), and Damp can be Parish (80-85 avg 17.6-19.9 ppg and 9.5-10.7rpg) then I can see it. Howard would then emulate Cornbread Maxwell.

I can see Dirk doing it. I can see KVH maybe. Howard has numbers like Maxwell's.
Damp has a long way to go to get to be Parish though.

EricaLubarsky · 06-29-2005, 03:28 PM

the disallusionment is stifling. For the first time since Cuban came, we are tightening our belt and suddenly everyone thinks the good team with potential of last year is a floundering mess.

secondly, that remark about the celtics is absolutely silly. If Dampier doesnt put up 18ppg, 10rpg, then we won't win a championship?

birdsanctuary · 06-29-2005, 03:33 PM

Let the young kids play. Devin, Marquis, Howard and Dirk. The Mavs need to begin to stockpile defensive minded players. SA's defense won them the championship, and Detroit's defense almost got them 7 game on the road win.

Go after defensive minded free agents...let the young players play and grow.

The 2 Keys to 2005-2006 Devin Harris and Pavel Podkolzine (Their readiness will define how far this team will go)

HexNBA · 06-29-2005, 03:35 PM

"I am confused as to what the Mavs are trying to do this year. Can anyone shed any light?"

Training camp is several months away, free agency hasn't even started yet, I dont think anyone can safely say whats going on until October.

jayC · 06-29-2005, 03:51 PM

It begins and ends with Dirk. Dirk must learn how to punish lanky 6 foot 8 guards or else he will see that the rest of his career. If he destroys T-Macs and Marion the mavs win it all plain and simple.

Add big shot rob.

chumdawg · 06-29-2005, 04:00 PM

JayC...KG should be proof positive that one guy, even as good as Dirk (could be), is not quite enough...right?

EL...I think the fans have a right to be a little disillusioned. These things do cut both ways, whether Cubes likes it or not.

Dalm...don't have time to consider your post right now, but will soon. Good thread.

dalmations202 · 06-29-2005, 04:06 PM

Quote:

secondly, that remark about the celtics is absolutely silly. If Dampier doesnt put up 18ppg, 10rpg, then we won't win a championship?

I didn't say he had to do that to win a championship. I said, this team as currently configure was most like those teams, and this is how the Celtics won it all back in the early 80's. That is the blueprint they went by.

If you look into history of the last 25 years of the NBA -- there are really 4 blueprints to win. 1) dominate the inside, and slash from the outside, with spot up shooters (inside/outside game)...ie Showtime Lakers, Sixers, Shaq's Lakers, SA Spurs, Rockets
2) Jordan's Bulls -- have the best player in the game, and role players who are exceptional at their role
3) Bird's Celtics -- have a frontcourt that can go outside or in and dominate with the frontline size
4) Detroit -- Both times they have won (Bad Boys, and the new look) Play intimidating/rough defense, get everyone involved, keep the ball moving, be more athletic, win with guts and determination more than anything.

Let's see.....
Dallas doesn't have a dominant inside force.
Dallas doesn't have Jordan.
Dallas is no where tough enough or mean enough.
Dallas does have a team alot like the 80 Celtics though. In fact they have many, many of the same skillsets.

I am still very optomistic about the team....I am just curious if mgmt is trying to write their own blueprint like Nellie tried to do his entire career, or if they are trying to move to the SA blueprint which seems to me like it will take years to convert to with the current players. Or, what is their gameplan? Are they looking to the 80's Celtics?

Lebanese_Fan · 06-29-2005, 04:20 PM

Let me start by saying that I agree with you dalmations202.

I agree that Howard should be our clean-up guy. He is PERFECT for that.

I have 2 ideas, one short-term and one long-term.

Short-Term:

Terry is one of the best shooters in this league. He should be our spot up, hence we play him the 2 position. We don’t wan to lose size so we play Daniels as 1 (which I think is his best position). Howard at 3, Dirk at 4 and Damp at 5. This will help us immediately next year and is a great lineup for us. Great defensively and average offensively.

We come of the bench with Stack, KVH and Devin, which makes us great offensively.

My theory is that we don’t need to have our starting lineup capable of doing ALL like the spurs. But that is CRAPPY.

Long-Term:

Devin is THE key. He is a GREAT slasher with an improving shot. Howard is our main defender.

We need him to improve his three like Bruce Bowen did. Bruce was a crappy shooter and still is, but he gets so many open shots which give him a good percentage.

Dirk is soo dangerous that he doesn’t need to be a post player. We need him to make a couple of post plays a game, but more importantly, take his big defender out of the paint. That makes Howard’s rebounding job easier and Devin’s slashing job easier.

The thing is, I can’t complete my idea with the current lineup we have because I believe it will not stay the same. KVH, stack and terry are trade bait. And I am glad.

I want Terry to be traded for a good 2 that can shoot and defend, a great fit will be Cuttino Mobley (But I can only dream).

I also want KVH traded for some athletic big, and I want stack to be traded for a solid2/3 that is athletic as hell.

Am I being realistic? I doubt, but I say that Devin’s improvement and effectiveness will determine the future of the Mavs.

I hope I didn’t bore you, but I only was trying to write as much as dalmations202 wrote because he put in it a lot of effort and I appreciate him sharing his thoughts with us. Hope u feel the same way bout mine.

Lebanese_Fan · 06-29-2005, 04:27 PM

Quote:

[i]
The 2 Keys to 2005-2006 Devin Harris and Pavel Podkolzine (Their readiness will define how far this team will go)

I think Mbenga is more important than pavel and I see him as a better player. A non-athletic (traditional) center is what the current NBA game does not need.

In the past, way back, power forwards where considered to be athletic scrappy guys that don't score but only get boards and block shots. That is what currently the center position is all about. Biggest example is the man with the BIGGEST fro in the league, Big Ben.

SeriousSummer · 06-29-2005, 04:31 PM

I think this is a key, that others have been missing (although the way you say it seems kind of unusual to me:

Quote:

Terry is one of the best shooters in this league. He should be our spot up, hence we play him the 2 position. We don’t wan to lose size so we play Daniels as 1 (which I think is his best position). Howard at 3, Dirk at 4 and Damp at 5. This will help us immediately next year and is a great lineup for us. Great defensively and average offensively.

Probably we still call Terry the point and Daniels the shooting guard, but the key is how the combination works together. When you have a very short shooting guard (or alternative a scoring point guard), then they need to be paired with a tall point (or a good ball-handling shooting guard). Just as Iverson and Eric Snow made a tough guard combination, I think Daniels and Terry will. Daniels can guard the bigger player (or switch down on the small forward if necessary), help handle the ball, make the passes and in general help do a lot of the things that Terry is weak at.

On the other hand, Daniels doesn't need to be as much of an outside shooter if he's playing with Terry. Stackhouse is more like Daniels than Finley in that regard.

Finley, OTOH, is a weak ballhandler. I don't think he matches well with Terry.

Now, if Devin Harris is playing point, then I don't know that the combination works as well--he might work better with a spot up shooter like Finley. But until Harris takes over as the main player at point guard, that shouldn't be an issue. Still, we should have a spot up three-point shooter ready if we need one to play with Harris.

When Avery gets Terry and Daniels playing properly together, I think they'll a very effective pair.

grndmstr_c · 06-29-2005, 04:38 PM

Quote:

I think Mbenga is more important than pavel and I see him as a better player. A non-athletic (traditional) center is what the current NBA game does not need.

One, I could care less whether Pavel or DJ is the one giving us qualiity backup minutes at the 5. If either one of them can do that it would be a HUGE help. Two, until the height of the basket is dropped down to 8' there will always be a place for 7'4" guys with good bulk who can play the game. Remains to be seen if Pavel will meet the last of those criteria, but it's completely naive to think that size like that is ever going to go out of style.

The Miles · 06-29-2005, 04:45 PM

I agree about DJ too. Sadly, I have a feeling he will develop on another teams roster as we work in baby Muresean.

alby · 06-29-2005, 05:06 PM

Like Orlando and Ben Wallace =\

chumdawg · 06-29-2005, 06:07 PM

SpottedDogs, I think you make some very interesting observations. SS, the same.

I really think that we may be underestimating just how drastically different our style of play may be next year. Even though Avery apparently had a large hand in things last year, and of course had both hands on the steering wheel the last couple months, the "blueprints," as it were, still belonged to Nellie. I would not be surprised to see some completely different looks from the team next year.

Take Daniels, for example. Donnie said recently that AJ planned to spend the summer "trying to figure that piece out." Well, I think it's safe to say that the Daniels of two years ago was very much a Nellie creation. It stands to reason that his production--if he had any at all--two years ago would have been markedly different in a different system. In short, I doubt that AJ will be comfortable using Daniels in the way that Nellie did.

The same probably even applies to Finley, based on what we saw late last season and especially what is evidently happening this summer. So the question is: what does Avery envision as his ideal two guard?

For the answer to that question, and to the same question for any other position, I very much believe that AJ has ideas set in his head about the best way to do things, ideas that are heavily--indeed, perhaps solely--influenced by his experiences in winning programs. What I don't know (though I do have my hunches) is what percentage of AJ is Poppovich and what percentage is Nelson.

I should go do a little more research and take a closer look at how the Spurs used Sean Elliot and Mario Elie. I bet that AJ wants to use our swingmen just the same.

Now, what worries me a little bit is that AJ might very much want to make Dirk play the Tim Duncan role. It is this issue that gives me the most squeamishness as we move forward here. I think there is a decent likelihood that AJ--or a lot of other coaches--may not know how to get the most out of Dirk. Think about what other coaches have said about Dirk over the years. They say that they just have no idea how to defend him. They don't know what to do with him. Well, look at the flip side of that coin, and ask how many coaches not named Don Nelson know what to do with him either--on their OWN team. I'm being very sincere here. I am not sure that Dirk is all that easy a piece for AJ to have to fit into his preconceived ideas of how an offense should run.

Those "Dirk for KG?" scenarios that seemed so laughable not so long ago now seem to have a good deal of merit. Candidly, I think KG would be a much better fit within the "blueprints" that I expect AJ to draw up. Not just better. MUCH better.

But I'm willing to give it all the benefit of the doubt and see how things play out. All I know is that I expect AJ's stamp to be all OVER this team next year, at every position. Hell, after hearing this Finley news, I'm ready to go ahead and throw all of the past completely out the window. I think the '06 Mavs are going to be a vastly changed team from last year's model. I'm just not convinced yet that that's going to be a good thing.

When I think of the little sliver we saw last year of the new regime, all I can think about are those fateful last seconds of regulation in Game Six against the Suns. Stackhouse taking the ball out of the basket and bringing it up with blinders on. AJ calling for time out and then waving Stack up the floor. Terry calling for time out, nobody looking at him. Dirk walking toward the bench, then noticing Stack and turning around. Stack badly missing the three. Dirk stomping his feet and center court and snapping at Terry. Terry sheepishly shrugging and raising his palms.

Everywhere it was disarray, and I was wondering: who the hell is in control of this thing? And more to the point, does he know what he's doing?

Until someone proves otherwise, that's about how I still feel about the team these days.

EricaLubarsky · 06-29-2005, 06:09 PM

great post until the last 3 paragraphs. This is a different team and AJ will finally show us what he has in his tank. Last year's team was Nellie's team. AJ has a much different vision.

As for the end of regulation: lots of blame to go around there, and no one knows the real story, so there really isnt much to be said about that. Was it AJ's lack of experience? Was it Stackhouse's superstar mentality that broke with the team mentality? Was it Dirk's lack of leadership?

Thespiralgoeson · 06-29-2005, 06:16 PM

Those are some very excellent points, Chum. I feel almost the exact same way. While I do feel the team will benefit greatly under AJ, I too am very nervous about whether AJ knows what to do with Dirk, or rather, how to best utilize his abilities. It's the one thing that bothers me the most; much moreso than the possibility (or probability) of Finley being gone. On the one hand, AJ seems to have completely different ideas than Nellie about how an offense should run. On the other hand, he's spent a lot of time under Nellie, Nellie is still in around to give him pointers, and perhaps the most comforting, Del Harris is still here for AJ to lean on.

Thespiralgoeson · 06-29-2005, 06:20 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by: EricaLubarsky
As for the end of regulation: lots of blame to go around there, and no one knows the real story, so there really isnt much to be said about that. Was it AJ's lack of experience? Was it Stackhouse's superstar mentality that broke with the team mentality? Was it Dirk's lack of leadership?

I think the key to success here is CHEMISTRY, as in the Mavericks didn't have any in the playoffs. Blame Dirk, Terry, AJ, Stack or whoever you want. I think we can blame the circumstances more than any individual. A team of mostly new players in its first year together, that had gone through a coaching change in the middle of the season (with a rookie coach no less) not to mention that several of our players had never tasted the playoffs before.

TheFlyingGooseman · 06-29-2005, 07:51 PM

lets trade dirk and cuban for bush and hilary

freestyle · 06-29-2005, 09:49 PM

In the past, we knew (and some bemoaned) that this was a team which was built to outscore you. Now, however, we've lost Nash (a great offensive player), added Dampier (a traditional half-court center with limited offensive skills) and emphasized defense. I think the goal was that we would become a better team if we improved our defense dramatically even if it was to some extent at the expense of our offense. What we ended up with, however, was a team without a strong identity.

Listening to the Mavs after Avery took over, I would hear them talk about focusing on defense--as if that was what this team was now all about. However, clearly this is still largely a run and gun team from a roster standpoint. It was built to create offensive mismatches. Avery needs to realize that this will never be a shutdown defensive team like Detroit with our interior defense. Dirk is a better defender than some may give him credit, but he is no Ben or even Rasheed Wallace. Hopefully Avery will come to the conclusion that we can improve defensively and remain one of the premier offensive teams. (Besides, Showtime is always more fun to watch every night.) His push to bring in Dampier last offseason with that contract was a misstep. We would have been better served with a running, athletic, defensive minded center.

With lots of luck maybe we will be able to find someone that can run and defend and allow us to overcome our chief competitors. DJ certainly seems athletic enough, but hasn't show much game in limited minutes. I'm doubtful PPod is the answer unless he is more athletic than he appears so far. I really don't care if the center has an offensive game on this team outside of dunking. Whether we end up with a center or strong power forward, this person will need to help create more favorable matchups against the Spurs (Duncan, Manu), Houston (Yao, McGrady), Detriot (the Wallaces) and of course the Suns (Amare, Marion). (Clearly we had no answer for Amare this year. The missing piece MUST help here--but I'm not sure Steve will ever play at such a ridiculously high level again.)

The missing piece also needs to bring some attitude. Self-doubt won't get you a ring. Almost every team that wins a championship has lots of confidence. They actually believe they are the best team in the league. The Mav's need more of this, but who is going to supply it? Dirk and Howard play with the most emotion--but we need someone who inspires confidence and toughness. The closest thing we have had to that is NVE. We need a tough player who can contribute in this area.

Cuban and Donnie also need to think dynasty rather than potential championship. We need to build a team which has the potential to be significantly better than everyone else (easier said than done) rather than equally talented. If the goal is to be just as talented then you may never win it unless everything happens to go your way. I think the team is possibly just a step away. But that last step is always a doozy.

alby · 06-30-2005, 01:52 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by: freestyle
The closest thing we have had to that is NVE.

Nick Van Exel was the only one with this mentality to play during the Cuban regime. The only name that I can think of that has been swirling around in this forum with the same attitude is Paul Pierce, but I'm dreaming. Right?

Thespiralgoeson · 06-30-2005, 02:09 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by: freestyle
Avery needs to realize that this will never be a shutdown defensive team like Detroit with our interior defense. Dirk is a better defender than some may give him credit, but he is no Ben or even Rasheed Wallace. Hopefully Avery will come to the conclusion that we can improve defensively and remain one of the premier offensive teams.

Dirk is no Ben Wallace? Ben Wallace is the best front-court defender in the NBA. Nobody comes close. Not Garnett (somewhat overrated defensively) not Duncan (very overrated defensively).... nobody. And yes, Rasheed is a better defender than Dirk, but nobody is expecting Dirk to be an all-defensive player. Dirk only needs to be above average for this team to win, and I think he is that. I also believe that Avery knows very well that we're not going to be a Detroit or SA type team defensively, nor should we. I think he is trying to do what you are suggesting.

Quote:

His push to bring in Dampier last offseason with that contract was a misstep. We would have been better served with a running, athletic, defensive minded center.

That's debateable. I'm very glad Damp is here, and I don't think we'd be better served with the type of player you suggest. Actually, I want both. We need a backup 5 that fits your description to have a better balanced roster.

Quote:

(Clearly we had no answer for Amare this year. The missing piece MUST help here--but I'm not sure Steve will ever play at such a ridiculously high level again.)

The Spurs didn't have an answer for Amare. That didn't stop them from stomping the Suns in 5 games. Not a high priority if you ask me.

Quote:

The missing piece also needs to bring some attitude. Self-doubt won't get you a ring. Almost every team that wins a championship has lots of confidence. They actually believe they are the best team in the league. The Mav's need more of this, but who is going to supply it? Dirk and Howard play with the most emotion--but we need someone who inspires confidence and toughness. The closest thing we have had to that is NVE. We need a tough player who can contribute in this area.

Actually, I think AJ brings some attitude, much moreso than Nellie who always seemed to have a defeatist attitude. Josh, Quis (especially), Stack, Dirk, Jet... All those guys have enough attitude. Chemistry, ball-movement etc... Those were the things that held us back this year. Sure, it'd be nice to have more street-cred, but I don't think it's essential to winning a championship.

alby · 06-30-2005, 02:14 AM

IMO, one player who seemed to play really soft against the premier teams during playoff time is Mike Finley. He always settles for things, he never makes the defense react to him, instead he is reacting to them..

That hesitation or lack of aggresiveness is what hurt this team. You all have heard it a thousand times, the playoffs are all about matchups, if the "leader" of our team has that kind of mentality and plays a key role in our success, our playoff run will not last long.

Filth · 06-30-2005, 10:20 AM

I think thats the way to go there with daniels and JT as the guards. whoever has the ball on any given play is the point with the other hitting the 2 position on the play. I always thought marquis had good instincts for running point. He was just a couple steps slow last year cuz of the ankle / appendectomy. JT would be great floating off to the spot up shots. That guy can shoot - much better than Fin these days. Id prefer the mavs NOT trade stack as some here suggested. Hes got that grit and though a nice guy, he can get mean on the court. The mavs dont need to get softer for sure. I thought adding stack last year was another step in the right direction.
Really, I think the mavs dont need to do much of anything except learn the new systems and grow as a team. The only real position at flux is the starting 2 guard spot. I cant wait to see what Avery decides to do.

jayC · 06-30-2005, 05:13 PM

June 22, the first day teams can sign free agents. Will Ray Allen stay a Sonic? Will Redd be moving on? I think we are jumping the gun on Finley for a moment.

Dirk is the ultimate mismatch. I don't think he will suddenly become exclusively a post player. He just needs to be able to kill 6'6" small forwards. Howard made a huge jump this past year. He was supposed to be the odd man out. Suddenly he is the second most important player on the roster.

The end of the word hasn't cometh. The mavs are still a good team that will vye for a championship.

The mavs need a full season with a good back up powerforward. Keith Van Horn can provide that.

jayC · 06-30-2005, 05:13 PM

June 22, the first day teams can sign free agents. Will Ray Allen stay a Sonic? Will Redd be moving on? I think we are jumping the gun on Finley for a moment.

Dirk is the ultimate mismatch. I don't think he will suddenly become exclusively a post player. He just needs to be able to kill 6'6" small forwards. Howard made a huge jump this past year. He was supposed to be the odd man out. Suddenly he is the second most important player on the roster.

The end of the word hasn't cometh. The mavs are still a good team that will vye for a championship.

The mavs need a full season with a good back up powerforward. Keith Van Horn can provide that. Where are the all-stars in Detroit? Waiving Finley is an option, but that hasn't happened yet. The mavs are always involved tweaking this team. I expect that to continue. If it does happen? Surely Eddie Jones, Latrell Sprewell or even Grant Hill will probably be waved. If we signed Eddie Jones their really isn't any kind of drop off in play.

The dreaded double post.

alby · 06-30-2005, 05:37 PM

july right

dude1394 · 06-30-2005, 06:29 PM

I thought it was a great post chum. Including the last three paragraphs. Everything WAS in disarray and the last play where instead of a time-out stack grabs it and goes sounds like a complete cluster by AJ. He also took two games to figure out Houston and to be honest I'm not sure he did.

But avery does like stackhouse better than finley, no doubt as he's said as much.

I also was pretty nervous about dirk, but I'm getting less so. He DOES need to focus on making mcgrady/marion/others pay big time when he's on the block. But he's about as pure a shooter as there is in the nba and he won't lose that.