2020-2021 Season thread

[Dallas41]

Originally Posted by KillerLeft

Well, to be honest, I've had similar thoughts on Johnson to what you expressed above. But, let me express the counterargument, even if I'm not totally sure which way I'm leaning yet:

1) Almost every metric available, especially those related to defense, seem to point to the idea that the team was much better off with both KP and Powell playing together last season. There's a fan-driven narrative making the rounds that KP's game took off when Powell got injured, but this could be attributable to timing, as KP was working his way back into shape early on.

2) The same metrics show pretty clearly that DFS is a positive when playing the 3, but not so much (so far) when playing the 4.

3) Without Powell in the mix (which might be the reality, depending on how he looks after his awful achilles injury) the only real option they had at the 4 was Kleber, who we know is also going to play behind KP at the 5 some for spacing purposes.

4) Johnson is almost exclusively a 4, and he can play many different ways. He's a defender, a catch and shoot guy, he can be a ball-handler or a competent screener in these actions.

5) The Mavs could have simply dumped Wright for Ariza. That trade would've satisfied Detroit's need for savings this year, and Ariza is expiring (and usable), so he would've worked for Dallas, too. For some reason, they spent an EXTRA 2nd to re-route Ariza and get back Johnson instead. There could be several reasons for this, but the most likely one, imo, is to give them depth specifically at the 4, and specifically because of Powell's uncertain status.

Conclusion: I won't be surprised if your prediction proves to be correct, but I ALSO won't be surprised if Johnson is a crucial cog in their plan for a world in which Powell isn't the same guy this year. Most people aren't the same after achilles injuries.

I've always felt the Mavs were a better team last year when they could play two legit big's upfront together.

Trust me that was one of my biggest gripes on here along with the small perimeter players they would run out there so often together.

Powell isn't good enough by himself to protect the paint or rebound so having either KP or Kleber on the floor with him will always be a good thing in my books.

In regards for Johnson it's not about his skill set like I mentioned he's a solid player. I just don't have as much confidence as others that he'll be utilized as often as we'd like to see him. I'm just basing this off the way rotations have been handled in prior years. But hey I could be wrong and if so than I'm happy.

I'm one the biggest fans on here when it comes to defense and size so the more players the Mavs can use with those traits the better off I think they'll be this year.

[KillerLeft]

Originally Posted by Dallas41

In regards for Johnson it's not about his skill set like I mentioned he's a solid player. I just don't have as much confidence as others that he'll be utilized as often as we'd like to see him. I'm just basing this off the way rotations have been handled in prior years. But hey I could be wrong and if so than I'm happy.

Yeah, I had no problem at all understanding your take.

I believe one possible explanation for the Mavericks going (pretty far) out of their way to re-route Ariza and bring in Johnson might be that they (Carlisle included) see a real NEED for another legit, modern 4. If that's the case, it would seem like he's going to get a chance.

There could be an alternate reason for this, but if so, I'm not seeing it. Again, Ariza is just as expiring as Johnson, so the increased flexibility aspect of the move would've been accomplished either way. For some reason, they specifically wanted Johnson and were willing to part with an additional 2nd round pick to get him.

[Scoobay]

Originally Posted by KillerLeft

Yeah, I had no problem at all understanding your take.

I believe one possible explanation for the Mavericks going (pretty far) out of their way to re-route Ariza and bring in Johnson might be that they (Carlisle included) see a real NEED for another legit, modern 4. If that's the case, it would seem like he's going to get a chance.

There could be an alternate reason for this, but if so, I'm not seeing it. Again, Ariza is just as expiring as Johnson, so the increased flexibility aspect of the move would've been accomplished either way. For some reason, they specifically wanted Johnson and were willing to part with an additional 2nd round pick to get him.

i gotta believe it's for his defensive chops and i'm hoping that alone will get him a regular role with the team. i mean we were rolling out MKG for crap's sake - JJ is a huge upgrade there being able to throw him out there for 20-25 minutes to play defense while not going 4v5 on the offensive side. it's an interesting consideration knowing that maybe they had the choice to go for Ariza instead.

Does anyone think DFS takes another step forward this year? What does our closing line up look like? I think DFS was definitely a staple there last year but i'm excited that we have the depth to where maybe he's not always on the floor at the end of a close game depending on matchups.