jpengland wrote:Darren wrote:Who're the starters? As of today, I'd pencil in Curry as fifth starter for basketball reasons. Curry, Wright, Barea and Brunson is way too deep. And Luka possibly play better defense at 3 than 2. I really don't think it's up to TH, DFS and JJ 2.0 for the fifth starter role. It's easily Curry for me since the Mavs need shooter alongside Luka and Zinger. And Curry would play a lot of clutch minutes. It's better to have Curry start in case the goal is to contend. Of course, if the goal is to tank, things could go completely different.
I don't see Luka and Curry starting due to defensive issues.
DFS, Jackson and possibly Courtney Lee will fight for that 5th spot. Curry and THJ will get the majority of their burn against second units where they can fill it up without worrying too much about going the other way.
I would also start Maxi next to Porzingis.
I could see this going two different ways.
I think Luka/Wright/KP/Powell is a given for the start of the season but good arguments could be made for either Seth or Jackson in that last spot.
Seth is an amazing 3pt shooter when being setup and Luka might become the best in the league at that next season. Seth would also spread the floor for Luka which would give Luka more room to work. The Mavs will be bombing 3 pointers this year and Seth is one of the best in the league so I could see Rick going that direction.
However that lineup could struggle defensively as you mention so I could see Jackson, DFS or even Lee filling the final spot to help defensively. The west is loaded with good wings and guards so we'll need better defenders on the floor to hang with them in most cases. Several teams are have multiple stars at guard and wings so the need for defenders will be critical.
I hope DFS and/or Jackson take their games to much higher levels because one, or both will have critical roles this season. I'd also love to see Reaves get an opportunity because he could become a key player or starter someday.