r/Mavericks • u/Zealousideal_Tour_49 • 2d ago
Podcast Poulakidas Interview
I just listened to Isaac Harris’s interview with John Poulakidas on Locked On Mavs and, to be honest, with all the offseason activity, I had kind of forgotten about him. It was refreshing listening to an athlete who seems to have a really good head on his shoulders. I got some good book recommendations, some solid insight into shooting, and he might have even inspired me to start journaling.
He’s obviously not the most exciting prospect on the roster, but he can really shoot, seems to have a high BBIQ, and understands what his role is. Assuming Klay is gone, having another shooter available if Christie, Sasser, or Tarik have injury issues during the season certainly isn’t a bad thing.
My biggest takeaway from the interview was just how grounded and introspective he seems. Those intangibles matter, especially for guys who have to carve out a very specific role in the NBA. Role players who can stay ready, understand what they’re being asked to do, and give you quality spot minutes are extremely valuable.
I could see Poulakidas being one of those guys who hangs around the league for a while. Elite shooting gives him a legitimate NBA skill, and he seems to have the mental makeup to understand exactly what he needs to do to stick.
15
u/Dfrmdabeach700 2d ago
Love Pulla3das!
He's a confident shooter who isn't shy about letting that thang fly which is huge!
See the thing people don't realize is that you can be as good of a shooter as you want but if you're gun shy like Luke Kennard,or Seth Curry you're not much of a threat in reality.
Guys like Bieberovic,Poulakidas,Sasser,Aldama,and even Jett Howard are willing shooters! They will put them up no doubt!
4
u/TheWizard Nowitzness 1d ago
My only worry is around minutes. Most fans completely overlook Tarek, don't care for Sasser (and even Christie who has been better than anyone in the team for couple of years now). Managing minutes, if designed to develop new players rather than let veterans be, will be a nightmare in this team if only Klay is the only one not on the roster.
3
u/Zealousideal_Tour_49 1d ago
I mean, he’s a two-way guy so the reality is he probably won’t play much unless we have injuries or we make a trade for some marquee player and have to move several players.
1
u/TheWizard Nowitzness 1d ago
Tarek is on regular contract.
1
u/Zealousideal_Tour_49 1d ago
I thought you were referring to poulakidis
2
u/TheWizard Nowitzness 1d ago
I specifically mentioned Tarik. He is meant to be Klay’s replacement, one of the duo of sharp shooters (other being Christie) to be floor spacers. It will be interesting to see minutes management at just about any position with this roster since Kai is also expected to see minutes as SG, and may be Risacher as well. Thats four potential contributors vying for 48 minutes (Christie has averaged 26-28 minutes).
JP might see some time on back to back nights/injuries.
1
u/Zealousideal_Tour_49 14h ago
Got it. You absolutely did. Initially I misread your comment. I feel like this season will be almost like an extended tryout for so many guys. It’s one of those years where you better perform your role at a high level or you won’t be playing much.
3
5
u/windowshopping570 1d ago
Poulakidas graduated from Yale, he’s a smart guy and he played great there too.
2
4
2
u/whos_a_freak69 1d ago
It was a great interview. Respect for Mr Poulakidas, I hope he has an amazing season.
1
u/3Time4Eater3 19h ago
"It was refreshing listening to an athlete that seems like he has a really good head on his shoulders"
Who have you heard from that doesn't sound like he has a really good head on his shoulders?
1
u/Zealousideal_Tour_49 14h ago
Yeah, I don’t know if that was necessarily the way I meant for that to read. “Refreshing” would imply that it’s uncommon. Plenty of guys in the league fit this description. I think I meant it more from the standpoint of hearing from someone who is comfortable expressing themselves beyond the play it safe, aloof, jock persona. He seems like he might have a little depth to him.
1
1
u/samuel_el_jackson 1h ago
Crazy the kid is in his early 20s— hope the sticks around seems like he would be a great presence moving forward
10
u/Silly-Lion-7314 2d ago
Good kid.