azuresou1 wrote:I think Mack is a prototypical solid backup. Dennis on the other hand looks very much like a slashing-oriented scorer. They bring different things to the offense.
In terms of how I'd play them, I'd play Mack with guys like Scott, Korver, and maybe DeMarre, because he's a better setup guy and those guys can score. I'd play Dennis with a more defensive-oriented lineup with maybe one other 'scorer' (Al?) and ask him to play aggressively.
Interesting... I have thought the opposite. I see Dennis as a penetrator / playmaker, but also one that will drive and dish guy as well as score. He has had problems with efficiency around the basket and I think that has led opponents to "giving" him the close in shots over collapsing on him. As this thread and the one on Dennis point out, he has made nice strides in both his efficiency around the basket and his TOs. Assuming that trend continues, I'd be more apt to pair him with shooters on the wings who can take advantage of wandering defenders looking to clog up the paint.
Mack, OTOH, seems more of a bring the ball up and start the O guy. His assists come more from play calls and ball movement than him beating his guy and causing the defense to crash on him. Because of this, I would assume we'd prefer to have guys more comfortable with the ball in their hands - not necessarily on the bounce, but having the ability to keep the ball moving and find the cutter.
Now, I think most of our wings can fill both roles. Korver most definitely can; I remember thinking that Jenkins might end up as a poor man's Stephen Curry if his development path went that direction; Carroll would be more of a cutter than a guy with the ball but that works too; we'll see on Thabo and Bazemore but I think both have it in them and I believe in Coach Bud and staff to get it out of them. Millsap can cover if someone is uncomfortable holding the ball and making decisions although I think, as a whole, all the bigs are comfortable with both passing and shooting.
