The perfect fix to Mavericks' Klay Thompson problem is too risky to pull off

Through five regular-season games, the Dallas Mavericks haven't been able to formulate the defensive identity Nico Harrison envisioned for this team. This is due in part to Dallas being down all three of their highest-paid big men, but this certainly isn't the sole reason for Dallas' middling defense so far, as the Mavericks' perimeter defense hasn't been up to standard in every game thus far.

It should be noted that Dallas has looked far better defensively in their past two contests, particularly on the perimeter, but head coach Jason Kidd can't make one lineup change that fans have been begging for in lieu of more shot creation, that being inserting D'Angelo Russell into the starting backcourt alongside Klay Thompson.

While Thompson and Russell have decent chemistry together, and this may help Thompson get more open looks amidst the shooting slump he's in, the defensive shortcomings of Russell and Thompson have been well documented when they share the court together, and them starting together could be a recipe for disaster in terms of Dallas' point-of-attack defense.

Mavericks' defense would fall apart with a Thompson-Russell backcourt

At 35 years old, Thompson simply isn't as quick-footed or athletic as he used to be, leaving him susceptible to getting sauced up in the pick and roll and blown by when he's defending one-on-one. Russell can be decent off-ball at times and has witty moments as a help defender, but athleticism and defense have never been his calling card, and he's an even worse point of attack defender than Thompson is.

With Cooper Flagg being Dallas' starting point guard, he has been tasked with anchoring down on some of the quicker shot creators in the league, and while it hasn't been all flowers and rainbows in this department for the lengthy 18-year-old, the effort and athleticism he already has will prove to continue to help him grow in this department, even if he's more average in this area right now.

However, Dallas is still trying to win ball games right now, so if the lack of playmaking and shot creation in the starting lineup with Flagg as the lead guard continues to prove to be detrimental, they may be better off looking to start someone else in the backcourt alongside Thompson, or even bringing Thompson off the bench in place of someone like Max Christie.

Even someone like Brandon Williams would be a better defensive option in the starting lineup compared to Russell, and he may even be better offensively compared to Russell as well, depending on the matchup. The Mavericks undoubtedly still have a playmaking/shot creation void to address until Kyrie Irving returns, but Thompson isn't shooting the ball well enough for Dallas to lean offense-first with their starting backcourt.

Dallas' point-of-attack defense has been solid in their last couple of games, as aforementioned, with Christie, Caleb Martin, and Naji Marshall all playing hard defensively, but they'll need to continue to get their fair share of minutes for Dallas to not fall short on the perimeter, as docking their minutes for more Thompson-Russell minutes would likely hurt the team.

Rams Injury Update: Darious Williams Unlikely To Play Vs. Saints But Could Return Next Week

 

The Los Angeles Rams are back from their bye and now get set to host the New Orleans Saints in Week 9.

The Rams should be getting some reinforcements as wide receiver Puka Nacua and right tackle Rob Havenstein are on track to return

Cornerback Roger McCreary, who was recently acquired from the Tennessee Titans

, is also expected to make his Rams debut.

However, it is looking likely that cornerback Darious Williams won’t play against the Saints due to a shoulder injury, via Stu Jackson of TheRams.com

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Rams cornerback Darious Williams (shoulder) is doubtful for Sunday’s game against the Saints at SoFi Stadium (1:05 p.m. PT, FOX). Head coach Sean McVay said “it’s more likely than not” that Williams won’t be able to play.

However, the shoulder injury doesn’t look like something that would cause Williams to be placed on Injured Reserve, according to McVay. Williams is expected to be ready for next week’s road game against the 49ers.

“It looks like something that, if he’s not able to make it, then I would expect next week for him to be back ready to roll,” McVay said prior to Friday’s practice.

Ultimately, the team erred on the side of caution this week with what McVay described as an “abnormal” shoulder injury for Williams. McVay also said he expects the team to elevate someone from the practice squad.

“He’s done a great job being able to get some individual (work),” McVay said. “The lat’s bothering him a little bit, and it’s more likely than not that he won’t be able to play. But you do have confidence in the guys that we’re going to be able to ask to step up.”

While it’s disappointing that Williams won’t be able to suit up against the Saints, McVay’s comments suggest the 32-year-old could return to the field relatively soon.

Williams has recorded 14 tackles and seven passes defended in six games (three starts) this season.

Saints starting rookie quarterback Tyler Shough against Rams

The Rams will have a unique challenge on Sunday as they are facing Saints rookie quarterback Tyler Shough in his first career NFL start.

The Saints are coming off a 23-3 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers which saw Shough replace Spencer Rattler in the third quarter.

The second-round pick out of Louisville completed 17 of 30 passes for 128 yards with no touchdowns and an interception. It was his second career NFL game, having previously appeared against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 3.

Shough’s first start will come against one of the tougher defenses in the NFL, and it will be interesting to see how each side tries to counter each other.

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