A one dimensional scorer who is a liability in terms of defense and rebounding is best used as a bench player.
The player's limitations are harder to take advantage of + his strength, as a scorer, is maximized because he can be the main go-to option instead of the 2nd or 3rd option for an additional period of the time. Creating better balance for the team as a whole -- more effective / balanced lineups in terms of scoring and offensive cohesiveness -- + allowing the player to get himself in better rhythm to supply support for the top scorer down the stretch of games by pitting him against weaker defenders and the larger role (main scorer vs 2nd/3rd option).
The reason Carlisle started DeShawn Stevenson was because Dallas' defense was much better with him in the starting lineup. Their individual defense at the SG spot was far superior + their team defense due the added size and length in the backcourt by having Kidd alongside a player with solid size and athleticism at the SG spot.
If Carlisle started Stevenson instead of Terry because of his defense, then why does he play Terry for the whole 4th quarter, which defense matters most?
Obviously what I am trying to say ... I am not communicating well and it's not being understood.
And I can't think of another way to say it.
Edit: You want to limit your player's exposure to difficult situations. Not eliminate it totally but limit it.
You do that best by bringing your one dimensional scorer off the bench and getting him a chunk of his playing time in the second unit and against fellow bench players where his offensive talents are even more difficult to contain + his poor defense and rebounding are easier to hide.
Not all of his minutes but a significant chunk of his minutes. Against bench players and in the second unit. With the remainder of his minutes coming alongside the starters.
You do that to get him his 30 or so minutes a night to best take advantage of both his scoring skills and to limit the negatives of his limitations defensively and on the backboards.
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You start a guy like DeShawn Stevenson or a Dahntay Jones type (Keith Bogans in Chicago) because they help establish a defensive mindset and identity to begin games. With the hope that that defensive mindset carries over, continues on, throughout the contest.
Their relative value there as a part time starter, in 16-20mpg, is greater than it is as backup SG.
It helps form a collective identity. Character. Personality of a team. A toughness.
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If that makes any more sense than my first attempt at explaining what I was trying to say.