tleikheen wrote:
Right now Lively is in a great spot .I think Gafford will start because comments here suggest there getting the Washington Wizards version (11pts/8r rpg) of Gafford BUT we're going to see the Luka Doncic version of Gafford. In his 1st 3 games playing w/Luka , Gafford is avg 15 ppg and 12 rpg in 20.3 mpg . Thats more than Lively's 9 ppg /8rpg in 26 mpg
Gafford is the best rebounder on the team, but Lively is the best defender. Just look at the spurs game, Gafford was getting cooked by Wemby but Lively shut him down and then Kidd made a good defensive adjustment to put PJ on him. They have a lot of overlap in skill set and should share the time fairly equally so it doesn’t truly matter who starts. I would also say Lively’s offense is better as well. When Lively is off the minutes restriction I think he should start.I think for the sake of ego’s and confidence it might be best to not shake up the status quo.Gafford has been a backup, Lively has earned his starting spot,
Gafford has been a backup, Lively has earned his starting spot,
This is a pantently false statement ,the last 2 1/2 seasons Gafford has started 145 games.
Gafford's ceiling is higher than Livelys this year ,He has more experience and he isn't a skinny kid out there . Gafford starting protects Lively against Centers he can't handle right now. Playing behind Gaff frees Lively of the pressure of having bad games that lead to Mavs losses. He can still play half the game and play alot freer without worrying about fouls and chase blocks at the rim. It's a good situation for him.