Topic: 2019 NBA Pre-Season - page 1576. (Read 914777 times)
Since we talked about Dallas Mavericks, I just recently know that they are finished as a runner-up on the Kyle Lowry trade. If happened, Lowry will be a good backup for Luka Doncic and Tim Hardaway Jr. This is something I looked forward but Lowry chooses the Miami Heat. Not with the money as New Orleans Pelicans has the best offer for Lowry. Maybe he thinks the Miami Heat core squad is much better compare to Dallas Mavericks.
Or maybe, he doesn't want to play at the Western Conference were making the playoffs is so tough and challenging.
Mavs Plan to Sign Kyle Lowry: How Close Were They?
It's not with the defense or Kristap Porzingis is not stepping up.
There's a problem between KP and Luka. Mavericks' owner Mark Cuban reveals that KP is still not finding his rhythm because he was the main scorer back in New York Knicks. He is complaining about Luka having the ball most of the time. In the first season in Dallas Mavericks, KP is injured and only a few games played, or if I'm not mistaken, none played. In the second season, still adjusting but got a minor injury. The third season is the one that KP got more games played and that's the only time he got a chance to play with Luka for more minutes.
We can say that last season is their testing the chemistry phase. Next season, KP should give up his main scoring option. He can shoot whenever he wants. He should just allow Luka to make plays. Dwayne Wade, superstar, dominant, still in his prime, franchise player of the Miami Heat but allow Lebron James to be the leader on his first season, the result? Multiple championships. Not comparing KP and Luka to Wade and James but that's an example that they worked together because someone give way.
Good point, and just like how Curry and KD adjusted with each other, Luka and KP needs to find that rhythm to help each other and cover lapses from one another, Luka will learn from him knowing that he's one of those good European stars when he still at his prime. I used to remember him playing with Melo though they don't jive that well since Melo as we know him, and hopefully it won't be the cased between Luka and KP, from how I understand your post KP still in the process of moving down, and he needs that to happen he's the one who've got traded and by far it's Lukas time now even this kid still young at age but the competitiveness and showcasing of skills this guy really got a lot to offer.
You both have points. That's why from what I mentioned above, trading Kristap Porzingis is not the solution. They should just set aside their ego.
The problem is, we don't know their relationship outside the court. We don't how serious the problem is. We don't know too if there's already an attempt made by the Mavericks management, direct talk with the coach, teammates, or to the owner itself, to discuss their problem. In 3 years span, I think there's already an attempt made but still not settled. Can't imagine how big the problem is. As we are just speculators here, there might be a side story that we don't know why KP and Luka are not on good terms outside NBA. But they are both good professionally. We don't see a problem when they are playing together in the court. We didn't notice that they are frustrated with each other. Doing fist bumps and helping each other when someone got fall on the floor for example. They only talk about their problem off-the-court.
Has it been posted before already?
https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/2021/8/9/22617492/breaking-luka-doncic-signs-historic-5-year-207-million-extension-the-dallas-mavericks-free-agency
This guy deserved this huge amount in his 5-year contract extension, damn, 207 million from rookie to a superstar, this young star player has already achieved the ultimate goal of his life in the NBA. For a triple-double guy who is consistent and could even play even with the injury, the management is just so happy to have him and rewarded him for his hard work.
https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/2021/8/9/22617492/breaking-luka-doncic-signs-historic-5-year-207-million-extension-the-dallas-mavericks-free-agency
Quote
Luka Doncic has agreed to a five-year $207 million extension with the Dallas Mavericks, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski and Bill Duffy, Doncic’s agent. Days after returning to Slovenia following an inspired run in the Tokyo Olympics, Doncic is receiving the largest supermax rookie extension in NBA history.
This guy deserved this huge amount in his 5-year contract extension, damn, 207 million from rookie to a superstar, this young star player has already achieved the ultimate goal of his life in the NBA. For a triple-double guy who is consistent and could even play even with the injury, the management is just so happy to have him and rewarded him for his hard work.
Nice move by the Dallas Mavericks. Luka is now a franchise player of the Mavericks next to Dirk Nowitzki. He deserves that contract and no question about Luka's way of gameplay. Someday I hope I can see them again to Finals and take the championship.
After sealing Luka, the next would be, Mavericks should try to surround him with a good players. Not superstar, all-star, but some good performing players on their respective position.
Luka is better than Dirk, so I believe he will win a championship before he retires in the NBA. He is already a superstar, unfortunately, his teammates are not strong enough to support him during the playoffs, the big disappointment for the Mavs is KP, they should trade him and look for a big man that is dominant inside as I think that's what they need since Luka is sorrounded by a lot of shooters.
This is the first time I see someone compare Dirk to Luka instead of saying Luka might have the same future or even better to Dirk in their Dallas Mavericks journey. Don't compare them mate. They have different roles. Luka is the main scorer of the team since he was drafted, with no All-Star teammate, acting as a Point Guard most of the time, handles the ball, and decides how's their offense every possession. Dirk Nowitzki on the other hand is a Power Forward. Waiting for the post up shot opportunity and has some good role and sharpshooter teammates like (oldies) Steve Nash, Michael Finley, Jerry Stackhouse, Nick VanExcel, Antawn Jamison, Josh Howard, Antoine Walker, etc. and (championship) Jason Terry, Shawn Marion, Jason Kidd, JJ Barea and many more that can contribute big to the team. Dirk is not alone carrying the Mavericks before.
I agree with the last part of your post that Luka should be surrounded by much better players. Even not as a scoring machine but someone he can rely on consistently good plays. KP is a disappointment to others but for me, if there's no ego involved, he will be a better teammate and tandem for Luka. I trust both Luka and KP can work out that. Trade is not the solution.
Kp is definately a disappointment so far. I'm a knick fan and before his injury he was on a track to being a superstar. He is really tentative since he came back, and doesn't look to dominate which he can given his size and range. Still waiting to see if that trade pans out.
It's not with the defense or Kristap Porzingis is not stepping up.
There's a problem between KP and Luka. Mavericks' owner Mark Cuban reveals that KP is still not finding his rhythm because he was the main scorer back in New York Knicks. He is complaining about Luka having the ball most of the time. In the first season in Dallas Mavericks, KP is injured and only a few games played, or if I'm not mistaken, none played. In the second season, still adjusting but got a minor injury. The third season is the one that KP got more games played and that's the only time he got a chance to play with Luka for more minutes.
We can say that last season is their testing the chemistry phase. Next season, KP should give up his main scoring option. He can shoot whenever he wants. He should just allow Luka to make plays. Dwayne Wade, superstar, dominant, still in his prime, franchise player of the Miami Heat but allow Lebron James to be the leader on his first season, the result? Multiple championships. Not comparing KP and Luka to Wade and James but that's an example that they worked together because someone give way.
Good point, and just like how Curry and KD adjusted with each other, Luka and KP needs to find that rhythm to help each other and cover lapses from one another, Luka will learn from him knowing that he's one of those good European stars when he still at his prime. I used to remember him playing with Melo though they don't jive that well since Melo as we know him, and hopefully it won't be the cased between Luka and KP, from how I understand your post KP still in the process of moving down, and he needs that to happen he's the one who've got traded and by far it's Lukas time now even this kid still young at age but the competitiveness and showcasing of skills this guy really got a lot to offer.
With lots and several active point guards and shooting guards on every team, I doubt someone will hire the service of IT nowadays. After recovering from the injury, he hasn't seen improve since then. If he will be signed by a team, still be no impact since he will still be on the bench most of the time. Rather than paying a much high contract, teams will just use their current roster for a point guard substitution.
Different from Derrick Rose that even coming from an injury, he still can produce good numbers. Different also from DeMarcus Cousins since he is a Power Forward and can be a Center and that is what teams are preferred of. NBA teams nowadays don't have the interest to sign an unrestricted free agent like what happened to Lance Stephenson and Jeremy Lin unless a player is a superstar. Both are not injury prone and can still play but no teams signed them.
Rather than being a player, I guess time now for IT to just enjoy joining a basketball league outside NBA or try to be signed by other countries' leagues like CBA. Then return to NBA as a coaching staff in 3-4 years.
Different from Derrick Rose that even coming from an injury, he still can produce good numbers. Different also from DeMarcus Cousins since he is a Power Forward and can be a Center and that is what teams are preferred of. NBA teams nowadays don't have the interest to sign an unrestricted free agent like what happened to Lance Stephenson and Jeremy Lin unless a player is a superstar. Both are not injury prone and can still play but no teams signed them.
Rather than being a player, I guess time now for IT to just enjoy joining a basketball league outside NBA or try to be signed by other countries' leagues like CBA. Then return to NBA as a coaching staff in 3-4 years.
That's if the Warriors will offer a contract for him. He ain't forgotten but he was being neglected. If there will be a good comparison it will be DeMarcus Cousins.
He was hammered down by injuries while he is also on his way to stardom. Thankfully, GSW was the one who lifted him back up until he was injured again.
But his name was surely known for the defensive liveliness he brought in and that's why he is still being signed by different teams.
I hope Isaiah Thomas could end up the same way. He may not be the same star as he was before but he could still offer something to contribute for a team.
He was hammered down by injuries while he is also on his way to stardom. Thankfully, GSW was the one who lifted him back up until he was injured again.
But his name was surely known for the defensive liveliness he brought in and that's why he is still being signed by different teams.
I hope Isaiah Thomas could end up the same way. He may not be the same star as he was before but he could still offer something to contribute for a team.
Yes, you are right!
We don't know if isaiah thomas will come back 100% as before (I think it's hard for that to happen), I hope things work out for IT. Will be insane to see and I would like to see isaiah thomas and DeMarcus Cousins playing together again like in the Sacramento Kings, but this is improbable
KP is a disappointment to others but for me, if there's no ego involved, he will be a better teammate and tandem for Luka. I trust both Luka and KP can work out that. Trade is not the solution.
KP should improve more and I doubt there's more he can improve now that he is on the 3rd season with the Mavericks, I mean we've seen enough from him.
As mentioned during the last playoffs, for a team that already has a 3-1 lead in the series against the Clippers and still lose, I think there's a problem with their defense, and their big man KP is supposed to play a big role on that but we didn't see his defense and they were abuse by the Clippers offense. There were games in the series where Luka was injured, that is supposed to be the time where KP will step up, but as I said, we didn't see it.
It's understandable that we have some disappointment as we are expecting KP to be better, maybe our expectation is too high for him but it's up to the management to decide whether he will get traded or the Mavericks will still continue with the current roster. Luka will stay for sure, that's for another 5 years as he just recently extended, but if the management would not do to improve the players that will surround him, then probably they would still achieve the same results in the past playoffs.
KP is a disappointment to others but for me, if there's no ego involved, he will be a better teammate and tandem for Luka. I trust both Luka and KP can work out that. Trade is not the solution.
KP should improve more and I doubt there's more he can improve now that he is on the 3rd season with the Mavericks, I mean we've seen enough from him.
As mentioned during the last playoffs, for a team that already has a 3-1 lead in the series against the Clippers and still lose, I think there's a problem with their defense, and their big man KP is supposed to play a big role on that but we didn't see his defense and they were abuse by the Clippers offense. There were games in the series where Luka was injured, that is supposed to be the time where KP will step up, but as I said, we didn't see it.
It's not with the defense or Kristap Porzingis is not stepping up.
There's a problem between KP and Luka. Mavericks' owner Mark Cuban reveals that KP is still not finding his rhythm because he was the main scorer back in New York Knicks. He is complaining about Luka having the ball most of the time. In the first season in Dallas Mavericks, KP is injured and only a few games played, or if I'm not mistaken, none played. In the second season, still adjusting but got a minor injury. The third season is the one that KP got more games played and that's the only time he got a chance to play with Luka for more minutes.
We can say that last season is their testing the chemistry phase. Next season, KP should give up his main scoring option. He can shoot whenever he wants. He should just allow Luka to make plays. Dwayne Wade, superstar, dominant, still in his prime, franchise player of the Miami Heat but allow Lebron James to be the leader on his first season, the result? Multiple championships. Not comparing KP and Luka to Wade and James but that's an example that they worked together because someone give way.
KP is a disappointment to others but for me, if there's no ego involved, he will be a better teammate and tandem for Luka. I trust both Luka and KP can work out that. Trade is not the solution.
KP should improve more and I doubt there's more he can improve now that he is on the 3rd season with the Mavericks, I mean we've seen enough from him.
As mentioned during the last playoffs, for a team that already has a 3-1 lead in the series against the Clippers and still lose, I think there's a problem with their defense, and their big man KP is supposed to play a big role on that but we didn't see his defense and they were abuse by the Clippers offense. There were games in the series where Luka was injured, that is supposed to be the time where KP will step up, but as I said, we didn't see it.
Has it been posted before already?
https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/2021/8/9/22617492/breaking-luka-doncic-signs-historic-5-year-207-million-extension-the-dallas-mavericks-free-agency
This guy deserved this huge amount in his 5-year contract extension, damn, 207 million from rookie to a superstar, this young star player has already achieved the ultimate goal of his life in the NBA. For a triple-double guy who is consistent and could even play even with the injury, the management is just so happy to have him and rewarded him for his hard work.
https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/2021/8/9/22617492/breaking-luka-doncic-signs-historic-5-year-207-million-extension-the-dallas-mavericks-free-agency
Quote
Luka Doncic has agreed to a five-year $207 million extension with the Dallas Mavericks, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski and Bill Duffy, Doncic’s agent. Days after returning to Slovenia following an inspired run in the Tokyo Olympics, Doncic is receiving the largest supermax rookie extension in NBA history.
This guy deserved this huge amount in his 5-year contract extension, damn, 207 million from rookie to a superstar, this young star player has already achieved the ultimate goal of his life in the NBA. For a triple-double guy who is consistent and could even play even with the injury, the management is just so happy to have him and rewarded him for his hard work.
Nice move by the Dallas Mavericks. Luka is now a franchise player of the Mavericks next to Dirk Nowitzki. He deserves that contract and no question about Luka's way of gameplay. Someday I hope I can see them again to Finals and take the championship.
After sealing Luka, the next would be, Mavericks should try to surround him with a good players. Not superstar, all-star, but some good performing players on their respective position.
Luka is better than Dirk, so I believe he will win a championship before he retires in the NBA. He is already a superstar, unfortunately, his teammates are not strong enough to support him during the playoffs, the big disappointment for the Mavs is KP, they should trade him and look for a big man that is dominant inside as I think that's what they need since Luka is sorrounded by a lot of shooters.
This is the first time I see someone compare Dirk to Luka instead of saying Luka might have the same future or even better to Dirk in their Dallas Mavericks journey. Don't compare them mate. They have different roles. Luka is the main scorer of the team since he was drafted, with no All-Star teammate, acting as a Point Guard most of the time, handles the ball, and decides how's their offense every possession. Dirk Nowitzki on the other hand is a Power Forward. Waiting for the post up shot opportunity and has some good role and sharpshooter teammates like (oldies) Steve Nash, Michael Finley, Jerry Stackhouse, Nick VanExcel, Antawn Jamison, Josh Howard, Antoine Walker, etc. and (championship) Jason Terry, Shawn Marion, Jason Kidd, JJ Barea and many more that can contribute big to the team. Dirk is not alone carrying the Mavericks before.
I agree with the last part of your post that Luka should be surrounded by much better players. Even not as a scoring machine but someone he can rely on consistently good plays. KP is a disappointment to others but for me, if there's no ego involved, he will be a better teammate and tandem for Luka. I trust both Luka and KP can work out that. Trade is not the solution.
Regarding KP, yes, it's a chemistry problem, and he lose his aggressiveness inside, I don't know what happen but because he has the skills to shoot outside, he seemed to forget to use his height to dominate the paint and score inside. We thought KP would be the next Dirk, but at the point of his career now, I think it will not happen.
He mostly takes his offense outside and forgets about the speed and height advantage that he got. Either he's more careful now due to many injuries or he's mindset is more focus on taking outside than to make a much higher percentage shots in terms of easy dunks of easy layup shots.
I see that it's still manageable since they already played together for a whole season. The adjustment will be on the coaching staff now.
Kidd needs to build good chemistry between players. Luka understands and able he's capable of adjusting both offense and defense. Role players are in need to follow that example from Luka, to jive everything inside the court.
He signed a huge contract with the Dallas Mavericks that will expire in 2024 according here.
https://www.spotrac.com/nba/dallas-mavericks/kristaps-porzingis-17832/
Quote
Kristaps Porzingis signed a 5 year / $158,253,000 contract with the Dallas Mavericks, including $158,253,000 guaranteed, and an annual average salary of $31,650,600. In 2021-22, Porzingis will earn a base salary of $31,650,600, while carrying a cap hit of $31,650,600 and a dead cap value of $31,650,600.
It's a huge contract so it's normal that the fans will expect a good performance from him, not only for the Mavericks to be in the playoffs, but to start winning again. Luka is the superstar of the team, no doubt about that, therefore KP has to support him and win together.
Regarding KP, yes, it's a chemistry problem, and he lose his aggressiveness inside, I don't know what happen but because he has the skills to shoot outside, he seemed to forget to use his height to dominate the paint and score inside. We thought KP would be the next Dirk, but at the point of his career now, I think it will not happen.
He mostly takes his offense outside and forgets about the speed and height advantage that he got. Either he's more careful now due to many injuries or he's mindset is more focus on taking outside than to make a much higher percentage shots in terms of easy dunks of easy layup shots.
I see that it's still manageable since they already played together for a whole season. The adjustment will be on the coaching staff now.
Kidd needs to build good chemistry between players. Luka understands and able he's capable of adjusting both offense and defense. Role players are in need to follow that example from Luka, to jive everything inside the court.
There is really no need to compare Dirk and Luka since the two acknowledge each other.
...
the big disappointment for the Mavs is KP, they should trade him and look for a big man that is dominant inside as I think that's what they need since Luka is sorrounded by a lot of shooters.
Yes he is a disappointment so far. I can't tell if he has problems with the team chemistry and strategy or if his injury has affected his mentality and how he plays. I actually a lot when he joined Luka and the Mavs. I'm looking for improvements next season. I think that will be his last chance to prove that he's useful.the big disappointment for the Mavs is KP, they should trade him and look for a big man that is dominant inside as I think that's what they need since Luka is sorrounded by a lot of shooters.
Comparing is a normal thing, just like comparing Lebron to Kobe though they are friends, it's just a the spirit of competition, even for some who played in one team. Dirk is successful and Luka does the same, but as a fan, we can see the stats, the way they play and carry their team, so we can't help but compare, but no hate for both players, only respect.
Regarding KP, yes, it's a chemistry problem, and he lose his aggressiveness inside, I don't know what happen but because he has the skills to shoot outside, he seemed to forget to use his height to dominate the paint and score inside. We thought KP would be the next Dirk, but at the point of his career now, I think it will not happen.
He played 2 seasons already with the Dallas Mavericks, and if you look at his stats, you will be impressed but it's different from what we see in the actual game as we like to see his impact, like doing the last shot or lead the team to win against good teams in the NBA.
https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/p/porzikr01.html
his average PPG in the last 2 seasons with the Mavericks is 20 points, for a big man, it's a decent number already since he has improved his stats compared to when he was still playing with the NYK.
As you said, the impact is very important to the team, and if the Mavs will think of trading him, they probably are not interested in his impact on the team. Last playoffs, they could have won against the Clippers but they allow the Clippers to come back, that's a shame because if they were able to advance, there's a huge chance that they will be in the NBA Finals and we would forget for a while that KP is not doing good since getting to the finals is a major improvement.
There is really no need to compare Dirk and Luka since the two acknowledge each other.
...
the big disappointment for the Mavs is KP, they should trade him and look for a big man that is dominant inside as I think that's what they need since Luka is sorrounded by a lot of shooters.
Yes he is a disappointment so far. I can't tell if he has problems with the team chemistry and strategy or if his injury has affected his mentality and how he plays. I actually a lot when he joined Luka and the Mavs. I'm looking for improvements next season. I think that will be his last chance to prove that he's useful.the big disappointment for the Mavs is KP, they should trade him and look for a big man that is dominant inside as I think that's what they need since Luka is sorrounded by a lot of shooters.
Comparing is a normal thing, just like comparing Lebron to Kobe though they are friends, it's just a the spirit of competition, even for some who played in one team. Dirk is successful and Luka does the same, but as a fan, we can see the stats, the way they play and carry their team, so we can't help but compare, but no hate for both players, only respect.
Regarding KP, yes, it's a chemistry problem, and he lose his aggressiveness inside, I don't know what happen but because he has the skills to shoot outside, he seemed to forget to use his height to dominate the paint and score inside. We thought KP would be the next Dirk, but at the point of his career now, I think it will not happen.
He played 2 seasons already with the Dallas Mavericks, and if you look at his stats, you will be impressed but it's different from what we see in the actual game as we like to see his impact, like doing the last shot or lead the team to win against good teams in the NBA.
https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/p/porzikr01.html
his average PPG in the last 2 seasons with the Mavericks is 20 points, for a big man, it's a decent number already since he has improved his stats compared to when he was still playing with the NYK.
There is really no need to compare Dirk and Luka since the two acknowledge each other.
...
the big disappointment for the Mavs is KP, they should trade him and look for a big man that is dominant inside as I think that's what they need since Luka is sorrounded by a lot of shooters.
Yes he is a disappointment so far. I can't tell if he has problems with the team chemistry and strategy or if his injury has affected his mentality and how he plays. I actually a lot when he joined Luka and the Mavs. I'm looking for improvements next season. I think that will be his last chance to prove that he's useful.the big disappointment for the Mavs is KP, they should trade him and look for a big man that is dominant inside as I think that's what they need since Luka is sorrounded by a lot of shooters.
Comparing is a normal thing, just like comparing Lebron to Kobe though they are friends, it's just a the spirit of competition, even for some who played in one team. Dirk is successful and Luka does the same, but as a fan, we can see the stats, the way they play and carry their team, so we can't help but compare, but no hate for both players, only respect.
Regarding KP, yes, it's a chemistry problem, and he lose his aggressiveness inside, I don't know what happen but because he has the skills to shoot outside, he seemed to forget to use his height to dominate the paint and score inside. We thought KP would be the next Dirk, but at the point of his career now, I think it will not happen.
Dirk was good but at this age Luka is light years ahead of dirk. Luka is a top 5 player in the entire NBA right now. Dirk did win a championship but as a player Luka (if he stays healthy) will have a much better personal career.
It's really too early to talk about because Luka didn't prove anything. Dirk brought championship to Dallas. He's a future hall of famer and one of the greatest power forwards of all time. Luka Dončić only played three seasons yet. He may be bigger than Dirk at the end of his career but we can't compare him to Nowitzki at this stage. We saw too many players that had a bright future but end up on injury problems etc. (Rose, Roy, Oden come to mind fast)
What's the hot topic in NBA right now? I want to change poll but couldn't find a good question. Let me know your thoughts please.
It seems like there is no doubt about LaMarcus Aldridge's return. Thanks to all voters.
Poll Question: Will LaMarcus Aldridge be successful?
Yes - 10 (100%)
No - 0 (0%)
Total Voters: 10
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Although I also don't believe he can be like he was before, I would like to see him act and be a good player on the team, maybe a 6th man or being Curry's reserve
That's if the Warriors will offer a contract for him. He ain't forgotten but he was being neglected. If there will be a good comparison it will be DeMarcus Cousins. He was hammered down by injuries while he is also on his way to stardom. Thankfully, GSW was the one who lifted him back up until he was injured again.
But his name was surely known for the defensive liveliness he brought in and that's why he is still being signed by different teams.
I hope Isaiah Thomas could end up the same way. He may not be the same star as he was before but he could still offer something to contribute for a team.
Thomas had his best season in Celtics in 2017 where he averaged almost 29 points a game and about 6 assists. Well, returning to NBA after quite a time, he will need some time to cope up with the environment and kinds of stuff. But I don't think he'll be able to run for the all-star team but maybe the best sixth man award is something he can make a run for. Let's see how he does, pretty excited for this.
It was always "good" when it comes to shooting, of course nothing like Curry but still he was above league average when he was shooting. However dude is a very small guy and he is not really that awesome when defending, maybe perimeter defense because he is short and get in the way but challenging shots is not his skill and these days three pointers are very much loved in today's NBA, if he closes out too much then people can move around him.
The insane lack of defense was one of the main reasons why he was let go. Is he still NBA material? Of course, there are teams with 12th man who nearly has zero minutes at the end of the season, maybe some useless garbage time minutes, so IT is definitely way above that level. However when someone is out, it is hard to get him back, you want current players, look at Jeremy Lin, dude was great, now he is not even in the league, same logic.
The insane lack of defense was one of the main reasons why he was let go. Is he still NBA material? Of course, there are teams with 12th man who nearly has zero minutes at the end of the season, maybe some useless garbage time minutes, so IT is definitely way above that level. However when someone is out, it is hard to get him back, you want current players, look at Jeremy Lin, dude was great, now he is not even in the league, same logic.
Even during his prime, he is already a defensive liability that the Celtics were able to find a way to still win the game. Unfortunately, after the injury they cannot take him anymore as his production in points ad assists has reduced, and at the same time, his defensive rating which is not already impressive has also reduced.
If IT would be able to play, he would only be given limited minutes for sure, especially in crucial games.
It was always "good" when it comes to shooting, of course nothing like Curry but still he was above league average when he was shooting. However dude is a very small guy and he is not really that awesome when defending, maybe perimeter defense because he is short and get in the way but challenging shots is not his skill and these days three pointers are very much loved in today's NBA, if he closes out too much then people can move around him.
The insane lack of defense was one of the main reasons why he was let go. Is he still NBA material? Of course, there are teams with 12th man who nearly has zero minutes at the end of the season, maybe some useless garbage time minutes, so IT is definitely way above that level. However when someone is out, it is hard to get him back, you want current players, look at Jeremy Lin, dude was great, now he is not even in the league, same logic.
The insane lack of defense was one of the main reasons why he was let go. Is he still NBA material? Of course, there are teams with 12th man who nearly has zero minutes at the end of the season, maybe some useless garbage time minutes, so IT is definitely way above that level. However when someone is out, it is hard to get him back, you want current players, look at Jeremy Lin, dude was great, now he is not even in the league, same logic.
Although I also don't believe he can be like he was before, I would like to see him act and be a good player on the team, maybe a 6th man or being Curry's reserve
That's if the Warriors will offer a contract for him. He ain't forgotten but he was being neglected. If there will be a good comparison it will be DeMarcus Cousins. He was hammered down by injuries while he is also on his way to stardom. Thankfully, GSW was the one who lifted him back up until he was injured again.
But his name was surely known for the defensive liveliness he brought in and that's why he is still being signed by different teams.
I hope Isaiah Thomas could end up the same way. He may not be the same star as he was before but he could still offer something to contribute for a team.
Injuries are part of the game and I kind of hate it when it comes in the way of a player making a name for himself. But injuries are different for every player. Sometimes injuries end the career of a player or sometimes a rising star is stopped in his tracks due to injuries. On the contrary, there are players who have proved themselves even after being so much injury-prone. In the case of Demarcus Cousins, he could have been a way better player if injuries hadn't got the better of him.
Yes he is a disappointment so far. I can't tell if he has problems with the team chemistry and strategy or if his injury has affected his mentality and how he plays. I actually a lot when he joined Luka and the Mavs. I'm looking for improvements next season. I think that will be his last chance to prove that he's useful.
It's hard to determine if he's having problem with the team or it's still his injury that keeps him to play the best that he can.
I was also in the positive insight when he joined the Mavs thinking that he can provide the help
Luka needs but we've seen how he choked out not providing the important help when the team needed him the most.
This upcoming season is his chance to prove that he still have that worth or else his value will lowered if there's nothing
to showcase anymore, he's not getting any younger and injuries really hurting his career.
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