The Dirk dilemma

Everybody is still coming down pretty hard on Dirk Nowitzki, but I think a key fact is being forgotten here.

when you look at the mavs' roster, he is the only player who commands a double-team, which is, for the most part, the truest test of a player's stature and ability.

think about players who command double-teams: dirk, tim duncan, lebron, kobe, wade, shaq in his prime, etc. the champions of that group played with other players who commanded doubles or, at the very least, extra attention.

but no coach in the league is scheming to shut down josh howard. that's because random all-stars such as howard, mehmet okur, caron butler, etc., occupy a level way below truly elite players.

so, if you really want to see dirk shine, give him another play who opposing coaches have to scheme for. then watch him shine.

-- joe garza, mavs lite

Comments

[Colette]

Ugh. AMEN!

[Vick]

You are right on target Joe. I, myself, put blame on Dirk for Game 6 loss in GS. The reason being that he did not show the aggressiveness in demanding the ball as the Warriors were making a push in 3rd quarter. Having said that, I wonder what Avery did during the timeouts!! He should have pulled Dirk aside and should have told him aggressively that he needs him. Dirk was just taking what the defense gave him. He did not stamp his authority on the game. Having said that, I would put the blame on the staff for not utilizing the centers in the games. GS were guarding 4 Mavs with 5 players. Dirk had two on him all the time!!! They need a play maker. Why not draft someone like Deron Williams from Utah. Did you see the way he played agains GS in the Game 1 of Semifinals yesterday ????

[Scooteronomy]

I wish there were more of those Deron Williams/Chris Paul types out there...but there aren't. Also, most of them go in the top 15 of the draft, something the Mavs aren't likely to touch.