Mavs Offseason - 21/22 - what do we do from here?

[DallasMFFL]

No idea why we continue to overpay boban, we are now paying 18m for backup centers, boban at 3.5m for a 3rd center is a joke

Everything around Mavs is a joke. Not trying to move KP is a joke. THJ being second best player is a joke. Kleber and DFS starting is a joke. Bullock being best get is a joke. Boban as babysitter is a joke. Rookies playing in summer league is a joke. Kidd as saviour is a joke.

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[Captain_Obvious]

Isn't the most obvious path to Markkanen about him picking up his QO?

His QO fits into the TPE, so Bulls can trade him without adding salary. We get his bird rights after the year.

He controls his future with the QO, but we know he likes Dallas and won't veto a trade.

It is likely that he will pick up the QO. Doug McDermott got 13.75 million a year. It seems like Markkanen should get more than that. 4 years and $44 million isn’t going to get it done.

He could negotiate his next contract right after the trade, doesn't he? We throw him 20 M per for 3 years. Thats 69 M over 4. He is not getting that on the current market.

[fuller4379]

He has been retired for 3 years now. He is 35. Does he have anything left in the tank? We need guards.

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[41Dirk41]

Brad Townsend: Cuban on free agency: “I think we’ve improved our team considerably.”

Cuban continues to offend the Mavs fan base.

[Maverick41]

Brad Townsend: Cuban on free agency: “I think we’ve improved our team considerably.”

Cuban continues to offend the Mavs fan base.

Yeah I don't know in what world did our team improve "considerably." Did we improve? Sure but maybe only 10% more.

There has to be another move in play or this offseason or we putting WAY too much pressure on Luka's shoulders to create everything.

[fuller4379]

Brad Townsend: Cuban on free agency: “I think we’ve improved our team considerably.”

Cuban continues to offend the Mavs fan base.

Yeah I don't know in what world did our team improve "considerably." Did we improve? Sure but maybe only 10% more.

There has to be another move in play or this offseason or we putting WAY too much pressure on Luka's shoulders to create everything.

Some improvement but not much. Reggie Bullock is an upgrade from JRich. A much better shooter. Sterling Brown is a young 3 and D guy who has potential. Moses Brown is a raw talent that is a solid rebounder and very athletic.

[Bob8]

Brad Townsend: Cuban on free agency: “I think we’ve improved our team considerably.”

Cuban continues to offend the Mavs fan base.

Yeah I don't know in what world did our team improve "considerably." Did we improve? Sure but maybe only 10% more.

There has to be another move in play or this offseason or we putting WAY too much pressure on Luka's shoulders to create everything.

Some improvement but not much. Reggie Bullock is an upgrade from JRich. A much better shooter. Sterling Brown is a young 3 and D guy who has potential. Moses Brown is a raw talent that is a solid rebounder and very athletic.

We should talk about theoretical improvement. Last year we believed that Josh might be 3rd best player of the Mavs. We believed that at least 1 rookie will contribute and second might be of some help. We were happy to get someone to protect Luka... All in all, expectations were much higher than this year and we all know how it ended. I would be very careful to say anything for sure, before we see those new players.

[BlueSan]

We are not doing a good job again. At this point signing josh hart would be good.

[arkuo]

All it takes is one domino to fall and the rest follow. If he can convince D'Angelo Russell to see that Dallas has a better situation that Minnesota, and Mr. Nike and Cuban can follow through on their promises, there is a good chance he comes over. It only takes the first domino. If Russell can convince KAT to follow the year after, even better. D-Lo and KAT are clear upgrades over THJ and KP. Forget about getting the Kawhis and the Hardens. Not gonna happen.

But this is where you lose me completely...
D'lo is a grade-A muppet and a black hole on defense.
I'd rather have Kevin Love and take a chance on sorting him out.
Because a trade for Kevin Love will 100% be accompanied by Collin Sexton.
Whereas if KAT doesn't come and the Mavs are stuck with D'lo... that's a nightmare scenario.

I think this is where Cuban needs to assess the risk. He has Doncic signed to 5 years, if he doesn't get a superstar or two within 2 seasons, he'll be pressured by the time Doncic reaches year 4 or 5 of that contract. That's similar to how Lebron James was with Cleveland and they just panicked and signed anyone they could left and right to try to convince him to stay.

When you look at the landscape and see which stars are more likely and least likely to change teams, you have Dame as the closest thing but even he is a question mark if he is leaving. And if he did, it would take more than THJ and DFS to get it done. Assessing that, and considering Dlo is a numbskull on D, I think Cuban has to roll the dice on him for a chance to get KAT. If he misses the train yet again, Doncic is mentally checking out by year 4 of that contract. Dallas just has to look how Cleveland managed Lebron's early years to see they don't need to make the same mistakes. Risk, yes. But a may be a risk worth taking considering what may be available and who of those can come to Dallas. Cuban is on the clock now the moment Doncic signed that max.

Just for the record: Last year's Minnesota team lacked an alpha playmaker. You put Luka in that lineup with DLo, Edwards and KAT, they may go further in the playoffs than the actual Mavs.

[LAL1947]

Assessing that, and considering Dlo is a numbskull on D, I think Cuban has to roll the dice on him for a chance to get KAT.

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[arkuo]

Assessing that, and considering Dlo is a numbskull on D, I think Cuban has to roll the dice on him for a chance to get KAT.

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I'd like to believe he's grown from 6 years ago, no?

Again, it's a risk. But Cuban might not have a plethora of options when it comes to bringing stars in. He's done this before and he's asked guys like Chandler Parsons and Wes Matthews to convince Deandre Jordan to come in. If DLo can convince KAT to come with, I think he's good for the money. All it takes is the first domino to sign. Kyrie convinced KD, then both of them convinced Harden. The thing with Dallas is I don't see Luka having that type of clout. He will still most likely hang out in Slovenia or Croatia during the summers. These American all stars hang out and workout in LA during these times. Cant expect these guys to just fall into your lap without any wooing. No matter how good Doncic is.

[JJP]

Are we better? Yes... maybe even a little better than we think if KP starts to figure into the system better.

Is it enough? No, probably not.

If KP was at his peak, our problem would still be our depth. The rotation is not good enough. And at this point, I don't think Green or Terry can make a significant difference there. Trading for Lauri might help in that instance, but I think you'd still need a playmaker.

[arkuo]

Are we better? Yes... maybe even a little better than we think if KP starts to figure into the system better.

Is it enough? No, probably not.

If KP was at his peak, our problem would still be our depth. The rotation is not good enough. And at this point, I don't think Green or Terry can make a significant difference there. Trading for Lauri might help in that instance, but I think you'd still need a playmaker.

At this point of the offseason, it doesn't matter anymore. Fact is, Cuban missed all his target signings and have pivoted to what could save face. Mavs are just likely to coast the season the same way the Boston Celtics are. They, like the Mavs will save their chips are try to cash in in 2022 or 2023.

Cuban would have been signing a different tune had he signed Lowry though. That's Lowry + Luka for 2 to 3 years. Now that has since been moved to THJ and masked re-branded under continuity and loyalty.

[HMFFL]

Not being able to leave on their term must be one of the hardest things an NBA player has to deal with.

Former star Monta Ellis pursues NBA comeback

It’s been four years since Monta Ellis stepped on an NBA court.

The Indiana Pacers still owe him $2.25 million this coming season, the last of the stretch provision they applied when they waived him and his $11.2 million salary in 2017.

“I believe I still have a lot in my tank. I can still play five years,” Ellis told Empire Sports Media on a zoom call.

https://empiresportsmedia.com/nba/for-the-love-of-basketball-former-star-monta-ellis-pursues-nba-comeback/

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[JJP]

Are we better? Yes... maybe even a little better than we think if KP starts to figure into the system better.

Is it enough? No, probably not.

If KP was at his peak, our problem would still be our depth. The rotation is not good enough. And at this point, I don't think Green or Terry can make a significant difference there. Trading for Lauri might help in that instance, but I think you'd still need a playmaker.

At this point of the offseason, it doesn't matter anymore. Fact is, Cuban missed all his target signings and have pivoted to what could save face. Mavs are just likely to coast the season the same way the Boston Celtics are. They, like the Mavs will save their chips are try to cash in in 2022 or 2023.

Cuban would have been signing a different tune had he signed Lowry though. That's Lowry + Luka for 2 to 3 years. Now that has since been moved to THJ and masked re-branded under continuity and loyalty.

While that's technically true, players during this FA had a say in this. By all reports, Dallas was Lowry's second choice. Kawhi was always going to sign with the Clippers, etc.

Where I think the front office misjudged badly was in failing to upgrade during the last FA season and in the draft. That falls entirely on the front office.

[XTraderXL]

Yeah I don't know in what world did our team improve "considerably." Did we improve? Sure but maybe only 10% more.

There has to be another move in play or this offseason or we putting WAY too much pressure on Luka's shoulders to create everything.

Some improvement but not much. Reggie Bullock is an upgrade from JRich. A much better shooter. Sterling Brown is a young 3 and D guy who has potential. Moses Brown is a raw talent that is a solid rebounder and very athletic.

We should talk about theoretical improvement. Last year we believed that Josh might be 3rd best player of the Mavs. We believed that at least 1 rookie will contribute and second might be of some help. We were happy to get someone to protect Luka... All in all, expectations were much higher than this year and we all know how it ended. I would be very careful to say anything for sure, before we see those new players.

Personally I didnt think any of that. A late 1st round pick under Carlisle is not very likely to get minutes. JRich as a 3rd best player was wishful thinking and Johnson as some Luka protector was hilarious from the start. This was all so obvious.

[arkuo]

Are we better? Yes... maybe even a little better than we think if KP starts to figure into the system better.

Is it enough? No, probably not.

If KP was at his peak, our problem would still be our depth. The rotation is not good enough. And at this point, I don't think Green or Terry can make a significant difference there. Trading for Lauri might help in that instance, but I think you'd still need a playmaker.

At this point of the offseason, it doesn't matter anymore. Fact is, Cuban missed all his target signings and have pivoted to what could save face. Mavs are just likely to coast the season the same way the Boston Celtics are. They, like the Mavs will save their chips are try to cash in in 2022 or 2023.

Cuban would have been signing a different tune had he signed Lowry though. That's Lowry + Luka for 2 to 3 years. Now that has since been moved to THJ and masked re-branded under continuity and loyalty.

While that's technically true, players during this FA had a say in this. By all reports, Dallas was Lowry's second choice. Kawhi was always going to sign with the Clippers, etc.

Where I think the front office misjudged badly was in failing to upgrade during the last FA season and in the draft. That falls entirely on the front office.

Yeah. They were also active right up to the deadline in chase for Aaron Gordon. I'd assume that was for Courtney Lee's expiring and some filler. They've been chasing Gordon for like 2 seasons now. An athletic and switchable PF is what you need opposite a giant like KP. KP is just so slow at 26 years old. I'd imagine him even slower at 30.

[SOUNDCHASER]

We improved the team part of the way. We now have much more size and depth to use so that we can better rebound and protect the rim. There are matchups that Boban is useful with so that is a smart move for Cuban to bring him back. The addition of 2 wings all around 40% from 3 was huge to help the teams offense and Reggie is a good 2 way player who can defend other teams top wing scoring threat just as DFS can.

Is this enough improvement? NO

We only have Doncic as a star while other teams have collected 3 stars. KP could return to his old self and become a better defender and scoring threat but it will be up to the coach to help him become that kind of threat.

[arkuo]

We improved the team part of the way. We now have much more size and depth to use so that we can better rebound and protect the rim. There are matchups that Boban is useful with so that is a smart move for Cuban to bring him back. The addition of 2 wings all around 40% from 3 was huge to help the teams offense and Reggie is a good 2 way player who can defend other teams top wing scoring threat just as DFS can.

Is this enough improvement? NO

We only have Doncic as a star while other teams have collected 3 stars. KP could return to his old self and become a better defender and scoring threat but it will be up to the coach to help him become that kind of threat.

They're hoping that Bullock can provide what JRIch should have been posting during his time here. Considering he cracked a starting spot in a Thibs rotation tells me he plays above average D. Or else Thibs doesn't play you at all.

[Bob8]

Some improvement but not much. Reggie Bullock is an upgrade from JRich. A much better shooter. Sterling Brown is a young 3 and D guy who has potential. Moses Brown is a raw talent that is a solid rebounder and very athletic.

We should talk about theoretical improvement. Last year we believed that Josh might be 3rd best player of the Mavs. We believed that at least 1 rookie will contribute and second might be of some help. We were happy to get someone to protect Luka... All in all, expectations were much higher than this year and we all know how it ended. I would be very careful to say anything for sure, before we see those new players.

Personally I didnt think any of that. A late 1st round pick under Carlisle is not very likely to get minutes. JRich as a 3rd best player was wishful thinking and Johnson as some Luka protector was hilarious from the start. This was all so obvious.

In comparison with this offseason? JRich was seen as crucial defender and someone who can be second ballhandler. It was wishful thinking of course, but now Mavs don't even have anyone, except, I cannot create for others, Brunson, who at least can pretend to be Pg. Luka with 40+ usage?