Dirk and free throws - Dallas-Mavs.com Forums

grbh · 02-20-2002, 04:39 AM

I have noticed something about Dirk since Fin has come back. He seems to be sitting at the three point line a lot more. His free throws are way down. If you exclude the freaky double overtime against the Pacers he is averaging about 4.5 free throws per game. When Fin was gone he averaged 9.6 a game. Now naturally one would expect that number to come down a bit, but I think Dirk needs to work his way back to the basket a bit. This team is a lot better when Dirk is shooting free throws, and he has a tendency to get lost in the shuffle sometimes during games (see tonight).

Interesting stat of the day:

The Mavs are 10-1 when Dirk shoots more than 10 free throws.

I think when he takes it to the hole it opens u the rest of his game as well as those around him.

OzMavs · 02-20-2002, 05:12 AM

What is it with Dirk?

There always seems to be this "flu" hanging over his head. I figure that if you are fit enough to play, you play, if you aren't you don't. Are they playing him half-fit?

Seems that they are, that is probably doing him no good in the long run.

#41 · 02-20-2002, 05:57 AM

...and the last games he's struggling with his scoring too. Only 15,7 points, but 10,7 boards and 3,3 assists the last 3 games.

Murphy3 · 02-20-2002, 12:38 PM

he's simply not getting involved enough in the offense.
deferring to others too much..not getting enough touches...not taking it to the hole enough

Drbio · 02-20-2002, 01:33 PM

Dirk is not a stat hound or a "Me" guy. Because of this he is a little too passive. He needs to take the ball and drive to the hoop. When he does this he goes to the line like you stated. 10-1 when he shoots 10 or more free throws is an impressive stat. He needs a swift kick in the behind and needs to become more aggressive. This will come with time. I am already seeing that he is getting tired of taking the NBA beating. He will snap out of it soon enough.

Doc

Joe Joe · 02-20-2002, 02:49 PM

Exactly what you said Doc, but I see it as he needs to get back out of this "soft" mindset. At the beginning of the season and when Fin was out he was agressive, here of late I don't know who that was out there. He looked like he did in his rookie year, and I don't like it at all. Obviously Murph not only wants Dirk to touch the ball everytime down but shoot or create for others as well. Not let Nash run the team like the great floor leader he is, but let Dirk do it. He's getting plenty of touches but I think he maybe lacking in confidence cause I haven't seem him like this in a while. He's taking bad shots, and passing up the good shots. He's not playing his game, the game we all know and love. Anyone who can't see this is blind, I don't see it as him not getting touches and what not either. I see it as him lacking confidence or simply trying to be something he's not, and Dirk doesn't seem like that type.

dolemite220 · 02-20-2002, 04:16 PM

Dirk is just going through a funk. He is juman you know. The team is trying to adjust to Finley being back. Once we do we'll be a great ball club.

Drbio · 02-20-2002, 05:37 PM

dolemite:

"juman" Is that a German Human? LOL!

Doc