Utilizing Dirk Nowitzki as a sixth man might be the best strategy for the Mavericks during the upcoming season, Eddie Sefko of Dallas Morning News opines. The team seems committed to start rookie guard Luka Doncic, so if Nowitzki also starts, that would thrust Wesley Matthews into a bench role, Sefko notes. Pairing Nowitzki with reserve guard J.J. Barea in pick-and-pop situations might be a more sensible route, Sefko adds.
We have more from the Southwest Division:
- Omri Casspi‘s offensive skills will provide a different element to the Grizzlies’ rotation than Jarell Martin, the player he essentially replaces, according to Michael Wallace of the team’s website. Casspi, who signed a one-year deal in July, probably won’t play as much as Martin did but Casspi shot 58% from the field and 45.5% from long range for the Warriors last season. His ability to space the floor with his long-range prowess and also cut to the basket will make him an asset, Wallace continues. Martin has more athleticism and defensive versatility than Casspi but never produced as consistently as the Grizzlies had hoped, Wallace adds.
- Former Raptors GM Glen Grunwald has accepted a consultant’s role with the Grizzlies, Doug Smith of the Toronto Star reports. Grunwald has also held preliminary negotiations with Canada Basketball, the country’s governing body for the sport, concerning its executive director opening, Smith adds. Grunwald left his post as the director of athletics and recreation at Canada’s McMaster University to join the Grizzlies organization.
- What are the remaining offseason questions for Southwest Division teams? We take a closer look here.
Casspi’s fine numbers may have been enhanced by being on the Warriors but at 30 the Israeli might be that good for a couple more years. It’s all about the injuries with him now.
So who are the Mavs starting at the 4? Finney-Smith?
Dennis-Luka-Barnes-?-Jordan
Dennis Matthews Luka Barnes Jordan
Dionis I think the article was suggesting DSJ-Doncic-Matthews-Barnes-Jordan.
I don’t see it working myself I stick with the one you had with Nowitzki at the 4.
Either way Dallas is very short on good wings, basically hasn’t got any.
Barnes at the 4? He hated playing the 4 last season.
Smith, Doncic, Barnes, Jordan and Dwight Powell will start.
Dirk, Mathews, Berea, & Maxi Kleber, next-most minutes. Possible last place in the WC
Casspi only attempted 22 three’s last season with the Warriors. I know he has a reputation of being a threat from outside but clamouring about his shooting percentage in 17/18 is a bit of an oversight when the sample size was so small.