It’s A Point Guard League, Spend Max Money On A PG
When watching what transpired in Games 5, 6 and 7 of the Western Conference Finals, it was obvious that Kevin Durant left the moment of lifetime out there on that court.
Having everything right where he wanted it in Game 6, KD had a chance to display that killer instinct and put the Dubs out of their 73-win misery.
He failed.
What’s more is it looked like Russell Westbrook was the true assassin on the squad. It was Westbrook who was flying all over the court, diving for loose balls like a mad man. It was Westbrook who displayed that killer instinct Durant was supposed to showcase during his supposed “finest hour.”
This little intro brings us to the main point: The NBA is a point guard driven league.
With Kristaps Porzingis and Carmelo Anthony already in tow, New York is just one serious point guard away from contention. Of course the surrounding pieces would be necessary, but when it comes to the three main cogs, KP, Melo and a nasty point guard would all be in the fold.
Many triangle purists stay true to the idea that this particular offense doesn’t need a point guard to run successful.
That’s simply trash.
A triangle offense doesn’t need a phenomenal point guard if a guy like Michael Jordan or Kobe Bryant are isolating it up. A squad doesn’t need a terrific point guard if a point-forward like Scottie Pippen or Lamar Odom are doing their sharing thing.
When it comes to this fast-paced, three-point crazed, transitional NBA, however, every team needs a good point guard. That is, unless, LeBron James is on your squad; though the presence of Kyrie Irving makes it a moot point.
Jax and company would be much better served if they used up a max deal on a point guard, not another front-court player. Durant is cool if Melo is gone, but that’s not happening.
Gauging Durant’s interest is mandatory. Getting your whistle wet in relation to any free agent superstar is a prerequisite for every NBA GM.
In the end, though, going hard after a point guard in Durant’s stead will work magic. It’ll maintain roster flexibility, allow Porzingis to develop more rapidly, and keep volume shooting to a minimum.
In Durant’s case, the pieces of the puzzle need to stay on the forefront instead of being in the back of Phil’s head.
