Mavs 2016 Offseason Discussion

[jpengland]

Haha yup that's the one thing that really stuck out to me as well.

But curious, a question to everyone on our board, who would be your ideal attainable PG and C this offseason for the Mavs?

Howard and DWill is most likely, and I am happy with that to be honest. I'd prefer Jeremy Lin (I think Carlisle would work wonders with him), but I don't see it happening.

I'd rather go for proven guys if we are rolling the dice one more time and Howard does provide us the things that really held us back in the playoffs (rim protection, presence and rebounding).

We need to tweak the edges, too - a little more shooting and another big body would help, massively. But if we end up running with something like the below, I would fancy us to make the playoffs and push for second round. .


Howard/Mejri/McGee
Dirk/Dwight Powell/David Lee (he looked brilliant for us).
Parsons/Anderson
Matthews/A shooter of some kind/Harris
DWill/Barea/Whoever

I respectfully disagree, who of the Warriors, Spurs, Thunder, Clipps would that lineup surpass? D-WIll will only get older, slower, and worse, Parsons is a 4th option at best, and Howard is done.

I genuinely think a healthy, fired up roster, coached by Carlisle 'pushes' anyone but the Warriors in that situation. Even severely unhealthy this year we gave OKC a fight. Add a healthy DWill, Parsons and Lee and Matthews having another year to find his swing. Powell, Anderson and Mejri developed for another year and the thing we struggled with most, rim protection and rebounding addressed by Howard and things can only be better than they were.

There is no way to turn this team into a genuine contender in one summer, and we aren't rebuilding. That balance of consistancy and adding what we really missed (Howard) is our best shot.

[Darren]

I am okay with Howard and DWill. Dirk ain't any younger. I will take two-year windows. However, please say no to Parsons as Franchise player. Easily no. Do you really believe Keith Van Horn is franchise player worthy? To be sure, I'd rather have DeRozan or even Korver. He's mostly PF. He can only pair with Dirk with Dirk at 5. We won't have any chance against elite teams if it is the case. If he takes 15M, I am fine. But we should explore trade option by mid-season. For the same price, I'd rather have Fournier.

[Teffer10]

Howard and DWill is most likely, and I am happy with that to be honest. I'd prefer Jeremy Lin (I think Carlisle would work wonders with him), but I don't see it happening.

I'd rather go for proven guys if we are rolling the dice one more time and Howard does provide us the things that really held us back in the playoffs (rim protection, presence and rebounding).

We need to tweak the edges, too - a little more shooting and another big body would help, massively. But if we end up running with something like the below, I would fancy us to make the playoffs and push for second round. .


Howard/Mejri/McGee
Dirk/Dwight Powell/David Lee (he looked brilliant for us).
Parsons/Anderson
Matthews/A shooter of some kind/Harris
DWill/Barea/Whoever

I respectfully disagree, who of the Warriors, Spurs, Thunder, Clipps would that lineup surpass? D-WIll will only get older, slower, and worse, Parsons is a 4th option at best, and Howard is done.

I genuinely think a healthy, fired up roster, coached by Carlisle 'pushes' anyone but the Warriors in that situation. Even severely unhealthy this year we gave OKC a fight. Add a healthy DWill, Parsons and Lee and Matthews having another year to find his swing. Powell, Anderson and Mejri developed for another year and the thing we struggled with most, rim protection and rebounding addressed by Howard and things can only be better than they were.

There is no way to turn this team into a genuine contender in one summer, and we aren't rebuilding. That balance of consistancy and adding what we really missed (Howard) is our best shot.

Yeah, that's pretty much the way I see it....go for the players you have the best chance of getting. Sure I'd love to have some different FAs than Howard but if he is willing then go for it and DWill (and family) is probably comfortable here so they should be able to work things out.
I have no problem bringing Parsons back in that situation because we would need scoring at SF and he brings that. Mejri, Anderson, Powell, Barea and Harris would give us a solid bench.
Wouldn't be surprised if "A shooter of some kind" could be Jenkins again. Something about the way his departure was handled by the FO leads me to believe they will give him another opportunity. Or if we get lucky and Seldon falls to us in the draft I could see him filling that role.

The only one I question would be Lee though....not sure what his price tag will be in off season.

I'd be more than happy if we go into next season with that roster.

[daoneandonly]

That's the thing though, Dwight isn't really those things you guys described, he's a shell of his former self but the ego is still somewhat there. D WIll is fine a a pg off the bench but he's past his starter days, this same team with Howard just won't cut it.

I agree 100% on the point that we aren't building a contender overnight, that doesn't mean we can't build a team that can make the playoffs and still have youth and a future upside. That means parting ways with parsons and D-Will (if he wants to start and asks for a lot), and pass on Howard

[Teffer10]

That's the thing though, Dwight isn't really those things you guys described, he's a shell of his former self but the ego is still somewhat there. D WIll is fine a a pg off the bench but he's past his starter days, this same team with Howard just won't cut it.

I agree 100% on the point that we aren't building a contender overnight, that doesn't mean we can't build a team that can make the playoffs and still have youth and a future upside. That means parting ways with parsons and D-Will (if he wants to start and asks for a lot), and pass on Howard

Although I agree with most of what you are saying I don't see many options for better realistic alternatives.
I get the whole "win with Dirk" mindset but if they truly want to compete they have to take some chances on these guys. We simply are not in a position to attract the cream of the crop.

Like I said there are certainly other FAs I'd much rather target but I'd much rather go into next season with an overpaid Howard as our center than an underpaid Zaza or Hibbert after we lose out on a young star that is seeking the leverage of Cuban to gain attention, love, and/or money but has absolutely no desire to sign with us.

[Teffer10]

Haha yup that's the one thing that really stuck out to me as well.

But curious, a question to everyone on our board, who would be your ideal attainable PG and C this offseason for the Mavs?

Howard and DWill is most likely, and I am happy with that to be honest. I'd prefer Jeremy Lin (I think Carlisle would work wonders with him), but I don't see it happening.

I'd rather go for proven guys if we are rolling the dice one more time and Howard does provide us the things that really held us back in the playoffs (rim protection, presence and rebounding).

We need to tweak the edges, too - a little more shooting and another big body would help, massively. But if we end up running with something like the below, I would fancy us to make the playoffs and push for second round. .


Howard/Mejri/McGee
Dirk/Dwight Powell/David Lee (he looked brilliant for us).
Parsons/Anderson
Matthews/A shooter of some kind/Harris
DWill/Barea/Whoever

There have been rumours about Dirk not wanting the Mavs to sign Howard.

[tweet]https://twitter.com/espn_macmahon/status/725721373235007488[/tweet]

I wonder if it's true... it's not like the Mavs have a ton of options and can be picky. Howard may just be the best option available to roll the dice for the next couple of years, so just feels odd that this would be out there so far in advance of free agency.

It is something that TMac said but doesn't necessarily mean that Dirk said it. TMac may be speculating about Dirk's feelings on the situation based on that comment. Dirk seems like the guy who could play with anyone. I can understand that Dirk might have some concerns like everyone else should have but I don't see him making a public comment like that about a potential future teammate....just doesn't seem to fit his style.
But if he did say something like that then I'd speculate that Dirk is telling the FO to direct their efforts elsewhere in free agency.

I honestly think Dirk and Howard would complement each other well IF Howard has the right attitude.
I also think Howard would benefit from a coach that would know how, or figure out a way to use him properly.

[The Sparest]

I'm obviously in the minority here, but I am much more concerned about upgrading our bench than the starters. The starters held their own better than a lot of us expected, but the bench was terrible. Which led to the starters having to play heavy minutes, thus hurting their effectiveness.

If we spend all of our assets "upgrading" Zaza to Howard/Whiteside, and end up with a bench full of spare parts and midgets, we will be in the lottery this time next season.

[DusterBuster]

Anyone mind giving a non-Mavs fan a rundown on just what's happening with your team? Looks like practically your whole starting 5 is opting out. Obviously Dirk is coming back, but what's the story with Parsons or DWill? Howard talk serious?

[Darren]

James Anderson is another young reclaimation project at our price tag if we spend most cap room on C and PG. He's inconsistent on offensive end but he's ultra athletic and is a capable defender at 2/3 I am sure he can contribute more than Jeremy Evans who can't even defend well.

[daoneandonly]

Anyone mind giving a non-Mavs fan a rundown on just what's happening with your team? Looks like practically your whole starting 5 is opting out. Obviously Dirk is coming back, but what's the story with Parsons or DWill? Howard talk serious?

From the reports I've been hearing, Dirk, parsons, and D-Will are likely to resign. I personally do not want the latter two, but unfortunately I have no say in the Mavs personnel matters.

[daoneandonly]

Going hypothetical again, but since it's a board, hey why not ask. If Tor offered Kyle Lowry in a S&T for Parsons, would you do it?

[Teffer10]

I'm obviously in the minority here, but I am much more concerned about upgrading our bench than the starters. The starters held their own better than a lot of us expected, but the bench was terrible. Which led to the starters having to play heavy minutes, thus hurting their effectiveness.

If we spend all of our assets "upgrading" Zaza to Howard/Whiteside, and end up with a bench full of spare parts and midgets, we will be in the lottery this time next season.

I'm not as concerned about our bench because I think Mejri and Anderson have stepped up and are ready for bigger roles. The injuries we had may have killed us for the POs but will hopefully serve wonders for us next year because those are two bench spots that we shouldn't have to address in the off season. I don't think either are starter material yet but if they improve at all they should be extremely productive off the bench.
I obviously value Barea more than you and think he is great off the bench and even as a fill-in starter. If Powell is able to extend his range he should be able to help limit Dirk's minutes.

So I would have agreed with you half way through the season last year but do think we need to add more quality than quantity. This team is starving for some star power and a guy like Howard could bring that. I think we have sufficient role players on this team but need a punch on either offense or defense. If Parsons can stay healthy he gives us a lot of offense like him or not and what he lacks defensively and rebounding Howard could more than make up for.

DWill/Barea
Matthews/Harris/Seldon?
Parsons/Anderson/Evans
Dirk/Powell
Howard/Mejri/McGee

Could become a decent PO team (I do emphasize the word "could" though)
Add a 3pt specialist at PF/SF and either a rookie PG or Vet as a 3rd PG and I'm more than happy to go into battle with that team next season.

[Dirk]

Going hypothetical again, but since it's a board, hey why not ask. If Tor offered Kyle Lowry in a S&T for Parsons, would you do it?

Lowry only has one year on his deal, so you'd basically be renting him for a year, but Mavs say yes to that trade. He just had a season where he was the fourth/fifth best pg in the league. From the Raptors perspective, there isn't much logic in trading him for a SF.

[daoneandonly]

Going hypothetical again, but since it's a board, hey why not ask. If Tor offered Kyle Lowry in a S&T for Parsons, would you do it?

Lowry only has one year on his deal, so you'd basically be renting him for a year, but Mavs say yes to that trade. He just had a season where he was the fourth/fifth best pg in the league. From the Raptors perspective, there isn't much logic in trading him for a SF.

True, more of my wish upon a star type thing. Though in my scenario, I envisioned Parsons as a stretch 4 as I think with a SF like Carrol, he'd be fine in that role.

[The Sparest]

Anyone mind giving a non-Mavs fan a rundown on just what's happening with your team? Looks like practically your whole starting 5 is opting out. Obviously Dirk is coming back, but what's the story with Parsons or DWill? Howard talk serious?

We only have 7 players under contract for next season and 2 of those (Evans and McGee) may not be brought back.

Dirk coming back is taken for granted by almost everyone, but I don't think its impossible that he could retire if things go badly for us in FA again. Dirk loves the game and competing, but he also wants to win. I wouldn't blame him if he decides that he doesn't want to try to carry another poorly put together roster through 82 games just to be unceremoniously ousted from the PO's again. Even Carlisle has stated that he isn't taking Dirk for granted, and the team/fans shouldn't either, in interviews recently.

I think the Mavs would like to bring Parsons and DWill back, but both sides will have to agree on money and years. They both looked good at times this season, but they also had injury problems again. I'd say its 50/50 if DWill comes back and a 65% chance Parsons comes back.

The Howard talk is real from all accounts locally, but there are various opinions on how serious the Mavs are about it. The consensus is that the Mavs will at least inquire, but that they will not be making a max offer to him.

[Darren]

It seems to me that the Mavs will have Jason Terry back at min along with Howard.

[The Sparest]

DWill/Barea
Matthews/Harris/Seldon?
Parsons/Anderson/Evans
Dirk/Powell
Howard/Mejri/McGee

Could become a decent PO team (I do emphasize the word "could" though)
Add a 3pt specialist at PF/SF and either a rookie PG or Vet as a 3rd PG and I'm more than happy to go into battle with that team next season.

I love your optimism Teff, but that team scares me. Anderson, Powell, and Mejri are the only guys on that team without serious injury and/or age concerns. On top of that, at least one person in that starting line up is going to have to give a significant discount to make that team happen.

[Darren]

Any updates on Emeka Okafor and Larry Saunders?

[Darren]

How much do you think Biyombo or Ezeli deserve?

[Darren]

Andre Drummond (restricted; not available)
17.8 PPG, 16.2 RPG, 1.6 SPG, 1.5 BPG per 36MIN

Hassan Whiteside
17.6 PPG, 14.7 RPG, 4.6 BPG per 36MIN

Boban Marjanovic (restricted, max 5.85M per; probably not available unless the Spurs take their chance on a Max player)
21.0 PPG, 13.7 RPG, 1.5 APG, 1.6 BPG per 36MIN

Festus Ezeli (restricted)
15.0 PPG, 12.0 RPG, 2.3 BPG per 36 MIN

Dwight Howard
15.4 PPG, 13.2 RPG, 1.8 BPG per 36MIN

Pau Gasol
18.7 PPG, 12.5 RPG, 4.6 APG, 2.3 BPG per 36MIN

Al Jefferson
18.5 PPG, 9.9 RPG, 2.3 APG, 1.0 SPG per 36MIN

Marreese Speights
22.2 PPG, 10.3 RPG, 2.6 APG, 1.5 BPG per 36MIN

Enes Kanter (trade; I will consider Matthews with 3 unprotected 1st)
21.7 PPG, 13.9 RPG per 36MIN

Bismack Biyombo
9.0 PPG, 13.0 RPG, 2.6 BPG per 36MIN

Tim Duncan
12.2 PPG, 10.5 RPG, 3.8 APG, 1.1 SPG, 1.8 BPG per 36MIN

Al Horford
17.1 PPG, 8.2 RPG, 1.7 BPG per 36MIN

Serge Ibaka (trade)
14.2 PPG, 7.7 RPG, 2.1 BPG per 36MIN

Donatas Motiejunas (restricted)
15.1 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 2.7 APG, 1.1 SPG per 36MIN

Jared Sullinger (restricted)
15.7 PPG, 12.7 RPG, 3.5 APG, 1.4 SPG, 0.9 BPG per 36MIN

Jordan Hill
15.3 PPG, 10.7 RPG, 2.1 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.9 BPG per 36MIN

Ian Mahinmi
13.1 PPG, 10.1 RPG, 1.5 BPG per 36MIN

Tyson Chandler (trade)
10.5 PPG, 12.8 RPG, 1.0 BPG per 36MIN

Zaza Pachulia
11.7 PPG, 12.9 RPG, 2.3 APG, 1.1 SPG per 36MIN

Joakim Noah
7.0 PPG, 14.5 RPG, 6.2 APG, 1.6 BPG per 36MIN

Dwight Powell (restricted)
14.5 PPG, 9.9 RPG, 1.6 APG, 1.3 SPG, 0.9 BPG per 36MIN

Nene
17.3 PPG, 8.5 RPG, 3.2 APG, 1.8 SPG per 36MIN

Miles Plumlee
13.0 PPG, 9.6 RPG, 2.1 BPG per 36MIN

Timofey Mozgov
12.9 PPG, 9.1 RPG, 1.5 BPG per 36MIN

My priority
1. Hassan Whiteside (may leave; offer him max of the max; if he says yes at once, go for him; if not, move on)
2. Dwight Howard (will leave; offer him near max) without Chandler Parsons (probably for Nic Batum)
3. Joakim Noah (may leave) / Bismarck Biyombo (may leave) / Ian Mahinmi + Zaza Pachulia / Pau Gasol (will leave)
That means shot-blocker + banger and we build a much deeper team
4. Marreese Speights (may leave if they match Ezeli's offer; unlikely though)
5. Tyson Chandler (available for pure cap space), Serge Ibaka (available for Wes Matthews)