Watching LeBron James try to swim upstream against the deeper Warriors in The Finals reminds us again that the NBA is all about playmakers.
Can be a shooter. A scorer. A passer. But to spread the floor and create offensive opportunities, you’ve got to have impactful playmakers.
The series turned when Steve Kerr went with a smaller lineup, benching center Andrew Bogut and giving more time to Andre Iguodala. While the injury-depleted Cavs have to run everything though James, Golden State suddenly had five players who could hit a 3-pointer on any possession.
Ball game.
The twist makes me miss Monta Ellis already. Because, yes Mavs fans, he’s as good as gone. And, yes, he’s a playmaker that must somehow be replaced.
Ellis, who led the Mavs in scoring last season and who can score off of set plays or via free-lance penetrations into the lane, has the option to re-sign with Dallas next season for $8.7 million or opt out and become a free agent. He has until July 1 to decide, and we all what decision he’ll make. Unfortunately, the right decision is to test the waters and sign for the most money.
If the Mavs were on the verge of a title, maybe there could be reason for pause in his decision. But, nope, pretty simple.
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As good as Ellis was for the Mavs for two seasons, there are reasons they won’t give him the raise he seeks. He’s a below-average defender. He’s often selfish. And, down the stretch, he let his contract uncertainty negatively affect his mood and, in turn, his play.
What it means is that the Mavs, for starters, will have to replace their starting backcourt of Ellis and Rajon Rondo. From watching The Finals, they’d best find playmakers.
A native Texan who was born in Duncanville and graduated from UT-Arlington, Richie Whitt has been a mainstay in the Metroplex media since 1986. He’s held prominent roles on all media platforms including newspaper (Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Dallas Observer), radio (105.3 The Fan) and TV (co-host on TXA 21 and numerous guest appearances, including NBC 5). He lives in McKinney with his wife, Sybil, and two very spoiled dogs.
