(Image courtesy of NY Daily News)
QH1: Have we reached point where Kidd's uncanny court vision and leadership is outweighed by his old age, lack of athleticism and sudden suspect judgment?
It's a sin amongst hoop heads to question Kidd's on-court performance, but at this point it's a fair question to ask.
Before he hurt his back Kidd wasn't very good when he was on the court and he has played just as bad, if not worse, since his return. It should also be noted Dallas won all four games Kidd missed. Granted it was against subpar competition, but the fact is they won every single game Kidd missed.
Kidd's shooting a dismal 28% from 3-point range, which is troubling when you consider most of Kidd's 3-point looks come wide open without little (to no) defensive resistance.
What Kidd has lacked in athleticism in recent years he has made up with by being one of the smarter players in the Association, but even his hoop IQ has looked dismal. His blunder on the final possession in Los Angeles led to Chauncey Billups' game-winner.
Last night Kidd had 11 assists, but six turnovers and was the only Dallas starter without a positive +/- in the final box score.
Every Kidd statistic has decreased significantly this season except his minutes. Last night he played 34 minutes while Delonte West, who was much more effective, only played 16.
Kidd still brings too much to the table to not be a big part of the Mavs rotation and the offense runs more fluid when he's running it. Furthermore, Dirk plays better with him on the court. However, his minutes need to be cut.
Father time catches up to everyone. Kidd is about to turn 39 and can still play at a high level in spurts. However, it's time Kidd's role to decrease the same way his skills have this season. Rick Carlisle has shown he's elite when it comes to handling a rotation and it's time to lose the loyalty, get creative with the backcourt minutes and do what's best for this Mavs team.
Father time catches up to everyone. Kidd is about to turn 39 and can still play at a high level in spurts. However, it's time Kidd's role to decrease the same way his skills have this season. Rick Carlisle has shown he's elite when it comes to handling a rotation and it's time to lose the loyalty, get creative with the backcourt minutes and do what's best for this Mavs team.
(Image courtesy of Dallas SB Nation)
QH2: Sit Dirk, start Odom... Makes too much sense
Dirk isn't right and his knee is clearly bothering him.
Lamar Odom clearly isn't right and he's having trouble finding his way in the new system.
Sit Dirk out for a few games and insert Odom into the starting lineup.
A comfortable Odom can take the Mavs to the next level and without a healthy Dirk the Mavs have no chance at even winning a playoff series. Get Dirk healthy. Get Odom right. Makes too much sense, right?
QH3: MOST IMPORTANTLY
Lamar Odom clearly isn't right and he's having trouble finding his way in the new system.
Sit Dirk out for a few games and insert Odom into the starting lineup.
A comfortable Odom can take the Mavs to the next level and without a healthy Dirk the Mavs have no chance at even winning a playoff series. Get Dirk healthy. Get Odom right. Makes too much sense, right?
QH3: MOST IMPORTANTLY
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ReplyDeleteI agree with Odom comment 110%. I agree Dirk needs to get healthy but I think personally, there is a bigger problem. Lamar Odom looks miserable in the Blue and White, plain and simple. And to make it worse his game is suffering poorly. So my thought is maybe, just maybe, if we give Lamar more playing time he can hit a rhythm. The talk has always been that Lamar is a great person with a great heart and is a huge locker room presence... and I bet you that was all said while he was winning in LA. So we need him to start feeling it and work on getting him happy. Then while Dirk is getting healthy, when he comes back we can rotate those two who can both knock down the long ball and have fancy foot work in the paint. We need Lamar to find his game and Dirk to rest.
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