I felt like a lot of Mavs fans kept saying Maxi was completely cooked during the finals without mentioning that he had separated his shoulder against LAC. I've watched Maxi his whole career and it was clear he wasn't just hesitant to shoot because of the moment. He seemed like he could barely lift his arm above his head. Hopefully the Mavs can find a small ball lineup that works with Washington at the 5 and they certainly have options they didn't before.
Totally agree, he seemed totally out of rhythm and confidence (and physically not right) once he came back at the end of the WCF and then Finals. And like I wrote at the end, they have the luxury to take it easy with him, and see if they can get him healthy at the end of the season. Maxi/PJ combo is a look they can throw in certain situations and a luxury not a lot of teams have.
As for alternatives, we'll see if they try it with Naji & PJ, but that would be closer to Maxi&DFS I mentioned in the article than Maxi & PJ.
I really like Maxi's game when he is healthy. In my opinion, he has always been a better player than most casual Mavs fans were willing to admit. The real key to this scenario is health. He and Dante are similar in that regard. I hope they both are healthy. I'd be willing to bet Jason Kidd does also. Maxi is a really good defender and shot blocker.
Really nice article and thanks to Filip for suggesting it.
I read that Exxum has an injury problem and is not practicing yet. Any info on that front?
That was unexpected :D happy my question contributed to this article.
Kleber's skillset really is quite unique. I've wondered before who in the league could be a more durable replacement for him but there just aren't many switchable, rim protecting, shooting bigs.
Also, there was this clip of Luka warming up in the finales and shooting a moving catch and shoot three, telling Kyrie he'll add it to his game next season.
In the spirit of having versatility it would be awesome if he becomes more of a threat off ball. The more options we have besides Lukaball the better.
I don't know that he will every be truly comfortable shooting 3s. He's always looked at least slightly hesitant to me. Maybe in a limited role he could let it fly without reservation.
But, I never get tired of ball handlers backing out after Maxi gets switched onto them and then they find out. His on ball rim protection is always a surprise to them. 🤣
I felt like a lot of Mavs fans kept saying Maxi was completely cooked during the finals without mentioning that he had separated his shoulder against LAC. I've watched Maxi his whole career and it was clear he wasn't just hesitant to shoot because of the moment. He seemed like he could barely lift his arm above his head. Hopefully the Mavs can find a small ball lineup that works with Washington at the 5 and they certainly have options they didn't before.
Totally agree, he seemed totally out of rhythm and confidence (and physically not right) once he came back at the end of the WCF and then Finals. And like I wrote at the end, they have the luxury to take it easy with him, and see if they can get him healthy at the end of the season. Maxi/PJ combo is a look they can throw in certain situations and a luxury not a lot of teams have.
As for alternatives, we'll see if they try it with Naji & PJ, but that would be closer to Maxi&DFS I mentioned in the article than Maxi & PJ.
I really like Maxi's game when he is healthy. In my opinion, he has always been a better player than most casual Mavs fans were willing to admit. The real key to this scenario is health. He and Dante are similar in that regard. I hope they both are healthy. I'd be willing to bet Jason Kidd does also. Maxi is a really good defender and shot blocker.
Really nice article and thanks to Filip for suggesting it.
I read that Exxum has an injury problem and is not practicing yet. Any info on that front?
Hadn't though about it in that way, but good comp, health and otherwise with Dante.
That was unexpected :D happy my question contributed to this article.
Kleber's skillset really is quite unique. I've wondered before who in the league could be a more durable replacement for him but there just aren't many switchable, rim protecting, shooting bigs.
Ideas like this is why I love this community. Keep them coming :)
Also, there was this clip of Luka warming up in the finales and shooting a moving catch and shoot three, telling Kyrie he'll add it to his game next season.
In the spirit of having versatility it would be awesome if he becomes more of a threat off ball. The more options we have besides Lukaball the better.
I don't know that he will every be truly comfortable shooting 3s. He's always looked at least slightly hesitant to me. Maybe in a limited role he could let it fly without reservation.
But, I never get tired of ball handlers backing out after Maxi gets switched onto them and then they find out. His on ball rim protection is always a surprise to them. 🤣
Yes that's hilarious 😆