Donovan Mitchell With and Without Gobert

[Joncolton]

It's a learning curve. Like many have said.

1) Donovan is still a rook, but he's also being guarded by every team's very best defensive players.
2) Donovan and Rudy don't have chemistry yet, also Rudy doesn't look 100% in game shape yet either.
3) Rodney Hood being out, just exacerbates the spacing problems that already existed.

That being said, they aren't passing to each other enough. There have been a few times where Rudy has his hands up for the ball, and Donovan isn't throwing him the lob. Likewise, there have been times where Rudy needed to pass out of the post and did not. In a league where Kawhi Leonard and Damian Lillard are frustrated that they can't get more talent on their rosters to play with - DM and RG better figure it out.

 

[MDAV28]

We need to play similar to Houston. 4 shooters and a roll man. If the guys playing 3 and 4 can be lock down defenders then great.

This is key, the problem is we have wings who pass up 3s like this for weird contested driving mid-range shots.

 

[Handlogten's Heros]

This is key, the problem is we have wings who pass up 3s like this for weird contested driving mid-range shots.

And guys that can't shoot or defend (Ricky, Joe Johnson - defense, AB)

 

[NAOS]

It's true, but it's not like there isn't validity to the problem. I mean for example, since Gobert has come back the 4-man lineup with Rubio, Mitch, Favors, Gobert is by FAR our worst 4-man lineup that is used frequently. And what is most surprising is that the defense is the biggest problem. The argument that this lineup for the most part exclusively plays the opposing starters is valid but facts are it just does not work.

In fact look at the 5-man lineups since Gobert came back. Look at how much more success from just swapping Favors or Gobert for a Jerebko or even Joe Johnson.

I know it's a problem. The pieces don't fit. DL needs to make some moves.

 

[Gobzilla]

I really wish Quin wouldn't play Favors and Gobert at the same time. They just can't co-mingle unfortunately and it hurts the team so much.

 

[stitches]

Lack of spacing. Even when Mitchell was struggling with his shot in the last month or so, he was finding a way to go to the basket and be efficient this way. Now with Favors and Gobert (and Rubio) the paint gets packed and he's having trouble getting good shots.

 

[silesian]

I think everyone would agree that Favors is the superior offensive player.

Disagree. Favors is a better shooter.

 

[fishonjazz]

Disagree. Favors is a better shooter.

This

 

[infection]

Disagree. Favors is a better shooter.

Why can’t we play Favors at the PG?

 

[Handlogten's Heros]

I really wish Quin wouldn't play Favors and Gobert at the same time. They just can't co-mingle unfortunately and it hurts the team so much.

Favs and Rudy is not ideal... the real issue has and always will be Ricky. All the on/off numbers and lineup data support it. He is a terrible fit in the offense. Everything points in one players direction (at least on offense).

I would try and move him at the deadline... but surely in the offseason he needs to leave. Trading him would hurt the stealth tank, but it would be nice to see what happens with Rudy, DM and Favs with some space.

Follow Andy Bailey and NBA Math on twitter... The Ricky numbers are bleak. I don't think he is this bad, but the fit with the offense and roster is really bad.

 

[Hedda Gambler]

** TL/DR **
DM averaged 16pts/3reb/3asst/3to on 37%/28% shooting in the 22 games Gobert played in
DM averaged 22pts/4reb/3.5asst/2.5to on 48%/33% shooting in the 24 games Gobert did not play in
The question is why?

According to Basketball Reference, Donovan is shooting 33,9% from three for the season. Something has to be wrong with your numbers as you have him on 28% with and 33% without Gobert.

 

[Hedda Gambler]

** TL/DR **
DM averaged 16pts/3reb/3asst/3to on 37%/28% shooting in the 22 games Gobert played in
DM averaged 22pts/4reb/3.5asst/2.5to on 48%/33% shooting in the 24 games Gobert did not play in
The question is why?

According to Basketball Reference, Donovan is shooting 33,9% from three for the season. Something has to be wrong with your numbers as you have him on 28% with and 33% without Gobert.