Marcin Gortat Polish Hammer appreciation thread.

[Illmatic12]

From my friend who is "close with Kobe": Lakers will offer 25/2 to Gortat. Dallas wants him, too.

2 years $25 million? I'd love to get Gortat at that rate. 2016 would be clear still.

Will Gortat want to play with an injury prone Steve Nash and Kobe Bryant though?

Or in Dallas, does he see Jose Calderon and Monta Ellis as a better backcourt then we have here? He would have Dirk who's still a great shooter and a guy you can give the ball to and let him work his magic. We don't have a player who has an unarguable shot.

The same person told me, that Wizards are prefering to go for Monroe...

How would your Lakers 'source' know what's going on within the Wiz organization? The reports out of Washington are that they really want to re-sign Gortat. And it makes sense, everyone here loves him and they've got a good thing going with him.

[NiGhtWiSh]

2 years $25 million? I'd love to get Gortat at that rate. 2016 would be clear still.

Will Gortat want to play with an injury prone Steve Nash and Kobe Bryant though?

Or in Dallas, does he see Jose Calderon and Monta Ellis as a better backcourt then we have here? He would have Dirk who's still a great shooter and a guy you can give the ball to and let him work his magic. We don't have a player who has an unarguable shot.

The same person told me, that Wizards are prefering to go for Monroe...

How would your Lakers 'source' know what's going on within the Wiz organization? The reports out of Washington are that they really want to re-sign Gortat. And it makes sense, everyone here loves him and they've got a good thing going with him.

I'm just selling some quotes my friend from LA told me yesterday. He's close to Kobe and, let's say - knows people inside the NBA. Of course, it's just a rumour. We will see.

[HotrodBeaubois]

From my friend who is "close with Kobe": Lakers will offer 25/2 to Gortat. Dallas wants him, too.

2 years $25 million? I'd love to get Gortat at that rate. 2016 would be clear still.

Will Gortat want to play with an injury prone Steve Nash and Kobe Bryant though?

Or in Dallas, does he see Jose Calderon and Monta Ellis as a better backcourt then we have here? He would have Dirk who's still a great shooter and a guy you can give the ball to and let him work his magic. We don't have a player who has an unarguable shot.

Dallas Fan comes in peace ....Great Season this year and you guys have a very bright future going forward .

Now on to Dallas

1-I wouldn't think Gortat would think that Ellis / Calderon would be better than Wall / Beal . But they are more seasoned veterans and also willing passers . Ellis would also be able to work the pick and roll with Gortat like Wall .

2-I think Gortat would be great with Dirk

3-Dallas has a tremendous amount cap space and depending on how much Gortat would cost they should have plenty of money to also sign Ariza while bringing back the majority of the team . I think Dallas would be greatly improved by replacing Marion / Dalembert in the starting lineup with Ariza / Gortat with Marion probably going elsewhere and Dalembert moving to the bench . One thing that worked so well with Chandler in Dallas was because he had a capable backup coming off the bench . So he was able to play extra hard and not worry about fouls . Gortat / Dalembert could have that same effect

I really think with Ariza / Gortat that we can compete for another title


PG-Calderon / Harris / Larkin
SG-Ellis / Ellington / Ledo
SF-Ariza / Carter / Crowder
PF-Dirk / Tolliver ( Vet Min ) / Boston 2nd
C-Gortat / Dalembert / Dallas 2nd


4-I still think Washington is several years away from truly contending . That's why I think it would be bestfor Washington to go after Monroe and build around Wall / Beal / Porter / Monroe . This way your window to win a championship is wide open for the next 8-10 years. If you keep Gortat and Ariza then it may be several years before you are truly good enough and by then Ariza / Gortat will have started declining .


Again congratulations on the great year and good luck in the future .

[jangles86]

Yeah cool.

Washington are closer to contending then Dallas are. Also Washington are younger, and Wall is a 10 times the passer and player Monta Ellis is.

Good luck with Dallas

[BruceO]

From my friend who is "close with Kobe": Lakers will offer 25/2 to Gortat. Dallas wants him, too.

2 years $25 million? I'd love to get Gortat at that rate. 2016 would be clear still.

Will Gortat want to play with an injury prone Steve Nash and Kobe Bryant though?

Or in Dallas, does he see Jose Calderon and Monta Ellis as a better backcourt then we have here? He would have Dirk who's still a great shooter and a guy you can give the ball to and let him work his magic. We don't have a player who has an unarguable shot.

The same person told me, that Wizards are prefering to go for Monroe...

I actually believe this. For the wizards it makes sense no go after Monroe and I think he's alot better than people give him credit. I think he can have an impact that falls somewhere between nene and gortat. another good thing is he's young so our window is big.
I think he's skilled and plays with a certain physicality that reminds me of nene. Their numbers are actually similar. detroits wing situation sucks. those guys can't shoot, pass or defend and it making the bigs look bad.
my preference would be somehow trotting out a big man combo of nene, gortat and Monroe. ( maybe emeka too for overkill) even if it means ditching ariza. but for long term for this team Monroe makes more sense that gortat but I like him too

[tontoz]

Yeah cool.

Washington are closer to contending then Dallas are. Also Washington are younger, and Wall is a 10 times the passer and player Monta Ellis is.

Good luck with Dallas

Dallas won 49 games in the west and took the Spurs to 7 games. They were by far a better team than the Wizards this season and Dirk is by far better than anyone on our roster.

I can definitely see Dallas being an attractive destination for Gortat/Ariza, especially since there are no state taxes in Texas.

[Illmatic12]

Yeah cool.

Washington are closer to contending then Dallas are. Also Washington are younger, and Wall is a 10 times the passer and player Monta Ellis is.

Good luck with Dallas

Dallas won 49 games in the west and took the Spurs to 7 games. They were by far a better team than the Wizards this season and Dirk is by far better than anyone on our roster.

I can definitely see Dallas being an attractive destination for Gortat/Ariza, especially since there are no state taxes in Texas.

Thing is they're in the West and we're in the East.

Gortat knows this team could potentially compete for the ECF next year, whereas in Dallas he has no chance of getting out of the first round.

[HotrodBeaubois]

Yeah cool.

Washington are closer to contending then Dallas are. Also Washington are younger, and Wall is a 10 times the passer and player Monta Ellis is.

Good luck with Dallas

Dallas won 49 games in the west and took the Spurs to 7 games. They were by far a better team than the Wizards this season and Dirk is by far better than anyone on our roster.

I can definitely see Dallas being an attractive destination for Gortat/Ariza, especially since there are no state taxes in Texas.

Thing is they're in the West and we're in the East.

Gortat knows this team could potentially compete for the ECF next year, whereas in Dallas he has no chance of getting out of the first round.

Dallas has no chance to make it out of the 1st round ? Dallas took the #1 Team in the NBA Spurs to game 7 with Marion / Dalembert Starting and Dalembert only plays 20 MPG .

Game 1 Dallas lost by 5 with Dalembert playing 17 Minutes and scoring 2 Pts and Marion scoring 8 Pts on 4-11 FG 0-2 3P

Game 4 Dallas lost by 4 with Dalembert playing 26 Minutes and scoring 3 pts and Marion scoring 4 pts on 1-6 FG 0-2 3P

You cant tell me that by replacing Marion / Dalembert in the starting lineup with Ariza / Gortat that Dallas wouldn't have had a pretty damn good chance at winning that series . They actually would have had a pretty good chance at a sweep considering they lost Game 1 and 4 by a total of 9 points while getting a total of 17 points from their Starting SF / C

And if they would have the Spurs series they would have made quick work of the TrailBlazers in Round 2 just like the Spurs did .


Sure Dallas is getting old but Dirk hasn't showed signs of slowing down just yet . And if they can replace a 36 year old Marion and .358 3P shooter with a 29 year old Ariza and .407 3P shooter and a 33 year old Dalembert who averaged 20.2 MPG with a 30 year old Gortat who averaged 32.8 MPG then they would be a much different and better team .

[Illmatic12]

Dallas won 49 games in the west and took the Spurs to 7 games. They were by far a better team than the Wizards this season and Dirk is by far better than anyone on our roster.

I can definitely see Dallas being an attractive destination for Gortat/Ariza, especially since there are no state taxes in Texas.

Thing is they're in the West and we're in the East.

Gortat knows this team could potentially compete for the ECF next year, whereas in Dallas he has no chance of getting out of the first round.

Dallas has no chance to make it out of the 1st round ? Dallas took the #1 Team in the NBA Spurs to game 7 with Marion / Dalembert Starting and Dalembert only plays 20 MPG .

Game 1 Dallas lost by 5 with Dalembert playing 17 Minutes and scoring 2 Pts and Marion scoring 8 Pts on 4-11 FG 0-2 3P

Game 4 Dallas lost by 4 with Dalembert playing 26 Minutes and scoring 3 pts and Marion scoring 4 pts on 1-6 FG 0-2 3P

You cant tell me that by replacing Marion / Dalembert in the starting lineup with Ariza / Gortat that Dallas wouldn't have had a pretty damn good chance at winning that series . They actually would have had a pretty good chance at a sweep considering they lost Game 1 and 4 by a total of 9 points while getting a total of 17 points from their Starting SF / C

And if they would have the Spurs series they would have made quick work of the TrailBlazers in Round 2 just like the Spurs did .


Sure Dallas is getting old but Dirk hasn't showed signs of slowing down just yet . And if they can replace a 36 year old Marion and .358 3P shooter with a 29 year old Ariza and .407 3P shooter and a 33 year old Dalembert who averaged 20.2 MPG with a 30 year old Gortat who averaged 32.8 MPG then they would be a much different and better team .

Dallas barely even made the playoffs this year. There's no guarantee they do next year, Suns should be better and their division will be stronger with a healthy Memphis. Even with Gortat/Ariza they probably aren't getting HCA in the West and won't be favored to get out of their first round series.

And the what ifs go both ways, you could just as easily argue that they were a lucky buzzer beater away from probably losing in 5.

Dallas is a great team, but their competition is too tough out West

[tontoz]

Dallas barely even made the playoffs this year. There's no guarantee they do next year, Suns should be better and their division will be stronger with a healthy Memphis. Even with Gortat/Ariza they probably aren't getting HCA in the West and won't be favored to get out of their first round series.

And the what ifs go both ways, you could just as easily argue that they were a lucky buzzer beater away from probably losing in 5.

Dallas is a great team, but their competition is too tough out West

There's no guarantee the Wizards make the playoffs next year either. The East is unlikely to stay historically bad and if Wall misses any time this team will go straight down the toilet.

Dallas won 49 games, and took the Spurs to 7 games, with Dalembert and a washed up Marion in the starting lineup. Marion is almost as old as Andre Miller and has always been heavily dependent on athleticism. Dalembert has always been known as a guy who lacks motivation. It is a pretty safe bet they would be a lot better with Gortat/Ariza.

[Illmatic12]

Dallas barely even made the playoffs this year. There's no guarantee they do next year, Suns should be better and their division will be stronger with a healthy Memphis. Even with Gortat/Ariza they probably aren't getting HCA in the West and won't be favored to get out of their first round series.

And the what ifs go both ways, you could just as easily argue that they were a lucky buzzer beater away from probably losing in 5.

Dallas is a great team, but their competition is too tough out West

There's no guarantee the Wizards make the playoffs next year either. The East is unlikely to stay historically bad and if Wall misses any time this team will go straight down the toilet.

Dallas won 49 games, and took the Spurs to 7 games, with Dalembert and a washed up Marion in the starting lineup. Marion is almost as old as Andre Miller and has always been heavily dependent on athleticism. Dalembert has always been known as a guy who lacks motivation. It is a pretty safe bet they would be a lot better with Gortat/Ariza.

If Dirk misses time the Mavs playoff hopes go down the toilet as well. They needed every single win this year

They'd be better, but not better than the top West teams and not good enough to get HCA

[HotrodBeaubois]

Thing is they're in the West and we're in the East.

Gortat knows this team could potentially compete for the ECF next year, whereas in Dallas he has no chance of getting out of the first round.

Dallas has no chance to make it out of the 1st round ? Dallas took the #1 Team in the NBA Spurs to game 7 with Marion / Dalembert Starting and Dalembert only plays 20 MPG .

Game 1 Dallas lost by 5 with Dalembert playing 17 Minutes and scoring 2 Pts and Marion scoring 8 Pts on 4-11 FG 0-2 3P

Game 4 Dallas lost by 4 with Dalembert playing 26 Minutes and scoring 3 pts and Marion scoring 4 pts on 1-6 FG 0-2 3P

You cant tell me that by replacing Marion / Dalembert in the starting lineup with Ariza / Gortat that Dallas wouldn't have had a pretty damn good chance at winning that series . They actually would have had a pretty good chance at a sweep considering they lost Game 1 and 4 by a total of 9 points while getting a total of 17 points from their Starting SF / C

And if they would have the Spurs series they would have made quick work of the TrailBlazers in Round 2 just like the Spurs did .


Sure Dallas is getting old but Dirk hasn't showed signs of slowing down just yet . And if they can replace a 36 year old Marion and .358 3P shooter with a 29 year old Ariza and .407 3P shooter and a 33 year old Dalembert who averaged 20.2 MPG with a 30 year old Gortat who averaged 32.8 MPG then they would be a much different and better team .

Dallas barely even made the playoffs this year. There's no guarantee they do next year, Suns should be better and their division will be stronger with a healthy Memphis. Even with Gortat/Ariza they probably aren't getting HCA in the West and won't be favored to get out of their first round series.

And the what ifs go both ways, you could just as easily argue that they were a lucky buzzer beater away from probably losing in 5.

Dallas is a great team, but their competition is too tough out West

I feel the same way about Washington who only won 44 games . I highly doubt 44 wins gets you the 5th seed next year . Next year the East will not be as easy as it was this year with so many teams openly tanking ( Washington went 20-7 against those teams ) . Now those teams instead of tanking will have been able to draft great players and also own huge amounts of cap space .

Cleveland- #9 / #33 + $16 Million in Cap Space
Detroit - #8 / #38 + $21 Million in Cap Space
Boston- #5 / #17 + $6 Million in Cap Space
Orlando- #3 / #12 + $17 Million in Cap Space
Philly- #2 / #10 / #32 / #39 / + healthy Noel + $30 Million in Cap Space
Milwaukee - #1 / #31 / #36 + $15 Million in Cap Space
Chicago - #16 / #19 / Healthy Rose ?
Charlotte - #24 + $18 Million in Cap Space
Atlanta - #15 + $14 Million in Cap Space


You don't think all of those teams wont be better next year ?

[Illmatic12]

Dallas has no chance to make it out of the 1st round ? Dallas took the #1 Team in the NBA Spurs to game 7 with Marion / Dalembert Starting and Dalembert only plays 20 MPG .

Game 1 Dallas lost by 5 with Dalembert playing 17 Minutes and scoring 2 Pts and Marion scoring 8 Pts on 4-11 FG 0-2 3P

Game 4 Dallas lost by 4 with Dalembert playing 26 Minutes and scoring 3 pts and Marion scoring 4 pts on 1-6 FG 0-2 3P

You cant tell me that by replacing Marion / Dalembert in the starting lineup with Ariza / Gortat that Dallas wouldn't have had a pretty damn good chance at winning that series . They actually would have had a pretty good chance at a sweep considering they lost Game 1 and 4 by a total of 9 points while getting a total of 17 points from their Starting SF / C

And if they would have the Spurs series they would have made quick work of the TrailBlazers in Round 2 just like the Spurs did .


Sure Dallas is getting old but Dirk hasn't showed signs of slowing down just yet . And if they can replace a 36 year old Marion and .358 3P shooter with a 29 year old Ariza and .407 3P shooter and a 33 year old Dalembert who averaged 20.2 MPG with a 30 year old Gortat who averaged 32.8 MPG then they would be a much different and better team .

Dallas barely even made the playoffs this year. There's no guarantee they do next year, Suns should be better and their division will be stronger with a healthy Memphis. Even with Gortat/Ariza they probably aren't getting HCA in the West and won't be favored to get out of their first round series.

And the what ifs go both ways, you could just as easily argue that they were a lucky buzzer beater away from probably losing in 5.

Dallas is a great team, but their competition is too tough out West

I feel the same way about Washington who only won 44 games . I highly doubt 44 wins gets you the 5th seed next year . Next year the East will not be as easy as it was this year with so many teams openly tanking ( Washington went 20-7 against those teams ) . Now those teams instead of tanking will have been able to draft great players and also own huge amounts of cap space .

Cleveland- #9 / #33 + $16 Million in Cap Space
Detroit - #8 / #38 + $21 Million in Cap Space
Boston- #5 / #17 + $6 Million in Cap Space
Orlando- #3 / #12 + $17 Million in Cap Space
Philly- #2 / #10 / #32 / #39 / + healthy Noel + $30 Million in Cap Space
Milwaukee - #1 / #31 / #36 + $15 Million in Cap Space
Chicago - #16 / #19 / Healthy Rose ?
Charlotte - #24 + $18 Million in Cap Space
Atlanta - #15 + $14 Million in Cap Space


You don't think all of those teams wont be better next year ?

Washington has the advantage of continuity and playoff experience, most of those teams won't have that. I can certainly see Miami, Indiana, Chicago being better than Washington. Other than that it's wide open and I expect the developing Wiz to improve on their win total from last season.

Teams like Boston, Philly, Milwaukee won't be ready to make the jump into the playoffs. All that cap space means nothing until it materializes into actual talent on the roster. The Mavs know that all too well. And it's rare that a draft pick carries a team to the playoffs in his first year .

Where are Dallas' internal improvements going to come from? Dirk is going to be a step slower and may not be able to carry the team on his back again. Monta Ellis is what he is at this point in his career. In DC, Gortat can count on internal improvements from Wall/Beal and further development of team chemistry

[HotrodBeaubois]

Dallas barely even made the playoffs this year. There's no guarantee they do next year, Suns should be better and their division will be stronger with a healthy Memphis. Even with Gortat/Ariza they probably aren't getting HCA in the West and won't be favored to get out of their first round series.

And the what ifs go both ways, you could just as easily argue that they were a lucky buzzer beater away from probably losing in 5.

Dallas is a great team, but their competition is too tough out West

There's no guarantee the Wizards make the playoffs next year either. The East is unlikely to stay historically bad and if Wall misses any time this team will go straight down the toilet.

Dallas won 49 games, and took the Spurs to 7 games, with Dalembert and a washed up Marion in the starting lineup. Marion is almost as old as Andre Miller and has always been heavily dependent on athleticism. Dalembert has always been known as a guy who lacks motivation. It is a pretty safe bet they would be a lot better with Gortat/Ariza.

If Dirk misses time the Mavs playoff hopes go down the toilet as well. They needed every single win this year

They'd be better, but not better than the top West teams and not good enough to get HCA

5 Wins away from 4th and HCA


11 Games lost by 2 points or less


3-1 against the 7th seed Grizzlies losing the only game by 1 pt in OT
1-3 against the 6th seed Warriors with 2 losses by 2 pts
2-1 against the 5th seed Blazers
2-2 against the 4th seed Rockets with 1 loss by 2 pts


Dallas will easily be better with Ariza / Gortat and just the team being together longer . Last year Dallas had 3 new starters 6 new bench players so 9 new players. They were also without their backup PG Harris for 41 games and backup Center Wright 23 games to start the year


As long as Dirk stays healthy and they were able to get Ariza / Gortat Dallas would be a very much improved team and very could be a Top 4 seed . Unless you are suggesting that Ariza / Gortat suck ? I don't think they do I actually think they are exactly what Dallas needs to put them over Top and fighting for a Top 4 Seed .

Sure Phoenix will be better .

But how good will Memphis be after a coaching change ?

How good will Warriors be after a coaching change ?

Portland is all offense and way overachieved this year until they get a bench they are nothing . and without a Pick or Cap Space they have very little means to improve .

Houston needs a coaching change and are a joke . I don't see them getting much better unless they land another Superstar .

Clippers .. Will Rivers still be the coach ? Does Collison goes somewhere else ?

Spurs will be 1 year older

Thunder I think the current Dallas team can beat the current Thunder team . Sure they may get better but who knows .

The West is Wide open next year Dallas just needs a good Starting SF ( Ariza ) and a good Starting ( Center ) and they can be right in the Mix . They have a Coach and a Star Player that have proved they are able to get it done on the big stage .


For the other Washington Fans I wasn't trying to offend any of you . And actually think Washington has a very bright future with Wall / Beal / Porter . I just think Dallas is more built to win now and would be Ariza / Gortat better choice considering their age .

[HotrodBeaubois]

Dallas barely even made the playoffs this year. There's no guarantee they do next year, Suns should be better and their division will be stronger with a healthy Memphis. Even with Gortat/Ariza they probably aren't getting HCA in the West and won't be favored to get out of their first round series.

And the what ifs go both ways, you could just as easily argue that they were a lucky buzzer beater away from probably losing in 5.

Dallas is a great team, but their competition is too tough out West

I feel the same way about Washington who only won 44 games . I highly doubt 44 wins gets you the 5th seed next year . Next year the East will not be as easy as it was this year with so many teams openly tanking ( Washington went 20-7 against those teams ) . Now those teams instead of tanking will have been able to draft great players and also own huge amounts of cap space .

Cleveland- #9 / #33 + $16 Million in Cap Space
Detroit - #8 / #38 + $21 Million in Cap Space
Boston- #5 / #17 + $6 Million in Cap Space
Orlando- #3 / #12 + $17 Million in Cap Space
Philly- #2 / #10 / #32 / #39 / + healthy Noel + $30 Million in Cap Space
Milwaukee - #1 / #31 / #36 + $15 Million in Cap Space
Chicago - #16 / #19 / Healthy Rose ?
Charlotte - #24 + $18 Million in Cap Space
Atlanta - #15 + $14 Million in Cap Space


You don't think all of those teams wont be better next year ?

Washington has the advantage of continuity and playoff experience, most of those teams won't have that. I can certainly see Miami, Indiana, Chicago being better than Washington. Other than that it's wide open and I expect the developing Wiz to improve on their win total from last season.

Teams like Boston, Philly, Milwaukee won't be ready to make the jump into the playoffs. All that cap space means nothing until it materializes into actual talent on the roster. The Mavs know that all too well. And it's rare that a draft pick carries a team to the playoffs in his first year .

Where are Dallas' internal improvements going to come from? Dirk is going to be a step slower and may not be able to carry the team on his back again. Monta Ellis is what he is at this point in his career. In DC, Gortat can count on internal improvements from Wall/Beal and further development of team chemistry

I wouldn't exactly say winning 1 series counts as playoff experience.

I do agree the continuity will help Washington . But I do think you are taking for granted that the East will be better next year .

What makes you think that you are better than Toronto or Chicago who should be adding 2 mid picks and a healthy Rose ?

Charlotte also could be better next year with a pick and $18 Million in Cap space and they only finished 1 win behind you .

Brooklyn I will give you that 1 because they are a disaster . But even then with Lopez returning and Kidd getting better as a coach could be a totally different team next year . Brooklyn after January 1st 34-17 .667% that's good for 2nd in the East .


Atlanta you only had 6 more wins than them and that was without their best player Horford for 53 Games . Got to think they could have won 6 more games with a Horford for those 53 games .


Yes Washington will be better next year . But so will the 3 teams that finished below them Lopez / Horford returning will make Brooklyn / Atlanta better . And just like Washington Charlotte will also get better internally and due to their $18 Million in cap space . I have my doubts you would have been the 5th seed had Lopez / Horford been healthy 2 teams that you had a combined record of 6-1


Where does Dallas improvements come from ? Well to start they have $30 Million in Cap Space . And then I would say if they spent $20 Million of that Cap Space on Ariza / Gortat they would be greatly improved .

As for Ellis he led the league in drives to the basket and points off drives . He had 1 of his best years as a Pro . Can he better ? Who knows but right now the Ellis / Dirk Pick and Roll is a thing a beauty . Now add Ariza 3 point shooting to stretch the floor and Gortat in the middle and you make a already Top 3 Offense even better

[Illmatic12]

There's no guarantee the Wizards make the playoffs next year either. The East is unlikely to stay historically bad and if Wall misses any time this team will go straight down the toilet.

Dallas won 49 games, and took the Spurs to 7 games, with Dalembert and a washed up Marion in the starting lineup. Marion is almost as old as Andre Miller and has always been heavily dependent on athleticism. Dalembert has always been known as a guy who lacks motivation. It is a pretty safe bet they would be a lot better with Gortat/Ariza.

If Dirk misses time the Mavs playoff hopes go down the toilet as well. They needed every single win this year

They'd be better, but not better than the top West teams and not good enough to get HCA

5 Wins away from 4th and HCA


11 Games lost by 2 points or less


3-1 against the 7th seed Grizzlies losing the only game by 1 pt in OT
1-3 against the 6th seed Warriors with 2 losses by 2 pts
2-1 against the 5th seed Blazers
2-2 against the 4th seed Rockets with 1 loss by 2 pts


Dallas will easily be better with Ariza / Gortat and just the team being together longer . Last year Dallas had 3 new starters 6 new bench players so 9 new players. They were also without their backup PG Harris for 41 games and backup Center Wright 23 games to start the year


As long as Dirk stays healthy and they were able to get Ariza / Gortat Dallas would be a very much improved team and very could be a Top 4 seed . Unless you are suggesting that Ariza / Gortat suck ? I don't think they do I actually think they are exactly what Dallas needs to put them over Top and fighting for a Top 4 Seed .

Sure Phoenix will be better .

But how good will Memphis be after a coaching change ?

How good will Warriors be after a coaching change ?

Portland is all offense and way overachieved this year until they get a bench they are nothing . and without a Pick or Cap Space they have very little means to improve .

Houston needs a coaching change and are a joke . I don't see them getting much better unless they land another Superstar .

Clippers .. Will Rivers still be the coach ? Does Collison goes somewhere else ?

Spurs will be 1 year older

Thunder I think the current Dallas team can beat the current Thunder team . Sure they may get better but who knows .

The West is Wide open next year Dallas just needs a good Starting SF ( Ariza ) and a good Starting ( Center ) and they can be right in the Mix . They have a Coach and a Star Player that have proved they are able to get it done on the big stage .


For the other Washington Fans I wasn't trying to offend any of you . And actually think Washington has a very bright future with Wall / Beal / Porter . I just think Dallas is more built to win now and would be Ariza / Gortat better choice considering their age .

How many games did Dallas win by a few points? Those also could have gone the other way and been Ls.

Ariza/Gortat are good players but they'd shake up your team chemistry and continuity at first, there's no guarantee they'd fit right away. Plus losing beloved vets Marion or Carter could definitely have a negative effect on the locker room. Ariza doesn't suck, but he's in a system that's suited specifically to his strengths and I don't think he'd look as good on another team. If you read this article, you'll see that Ariza's career resurgence is largely due to John Wall's unique style of play:

http://grantland.com/the-triangle/the-r ... corner-3s/


All those West teams you named are younger and already better than Dallas, they're more likely to improve than regress. I trust loaded teams with young superstars over a team whose star is 36 yo and nearing retirement.

I think the West is wide open for the young, talent-laden teams or a complete team like SA. I don't know if it's wide open for an older team like Dallas, who seems like they're just trying to squeeze in another run before starting the rebuild process.

[Illmatic12]

I wouldn't exactly say winning 1 series counts as playoff experience.

I do agree the continuity will help Washington . But I do think you are taking for granted that the East will be better next year .

What makes you think that you are better than Toronto or Chicago who should be adding 2 mid picks and a healthy Rose ?

Charlotte also could be better next year with a pick and $18 Million in Cap space and they only finished 1 win behind you .

Brooklyn I will give you that 1 because they are a disaster . But even then with Lopez returning and Kidd getting better as a coach could be a totally different team next year . Brooklyn after January 1st 34-17 .667% that's good for 2nd in the East .


Atlanta you only had 6 more wins than them and that was without their best player Horford for 53 Games . Got to think they could have won 6 more games with a Horford for those 53 games .


Yes Washington will be better next year . But so will the 3 teams that finished below them Lopez / Horford returning will make Brooklyn / Atlanta better . And just like Washington Charlotte will also get better internally and due to their $18 Million in cap space . I have my doubts you would have been the 5th seed had Lopez / Horford been healthy 2 teams that you had a combined record of 6-1


Where does Dallas improvements come from ? Well to start they have $30 Million in Cap Space . And then I would say if they spent $20 Million of that Cap Space on Ariza / Gortat they would be greatly improved .

As for Ellis he led the league in drives to the basket and points off drives . He had 1 of his best years as a Pro . Can he better ? Who knows but right now the Ellis / Dirk Pick and Roll is a thing a beauty . Now add Ariza 3 point shooting to stretch the floor and Gortat in the middle and you make a already Top 3 Offense even better

I'm not saying the East won't be better, I'm saying it will still be significantly easier than the West. There are no juggernauts in the Eastern conference next year, especially if Miami and Indiana restructure their teams. It's much more wide open for a team in Washington's position (who will potentially have two All-Stars talents in the backcourt, a veteran frontcourt, a top 10 defense and continued chemistry). Whereas in the West you have to contend with a bunch of young superstar-laden teams that are going to improve as their players mature. Even though Dallas is a better team than Washington, adding Gortat and Ariza still does not make them contenders in the West.

And like I said, you keep bringing up cap space but it means nothing until it actually materializes into talent on the roster.

You admit that Monta Ellis may or may not improve. Wall and Beal are 23 and 20, it's a guarantee that they're going to continue improving over the next few years. From that standpoint, if I'm Gortat I'd rather spend the next 3-4 years with a rising Wall+Beal than with Monta Ellis.

[HotrodBeaubois]

If Dirk misses time the Mavs playoff hopes go down the toilet as well. They needed every single win this year

They'd be better, but not better than the top West teams and not good enough to get HCA

5 Wins away from 4th and HCA


11 Games lost by 2 points or less


3-1 against the 7th seed Grizzlies losing the only game by 1 pt in OT
1-3 against the 6th seed Warriors with 2 losses by 2 pts
2-1 against the 5th seed Blazers
2-2 against the 4th seed Rockets with 1 loss by 2 pts


Dallas will easily be better with Ariza / Gortat and just the team being together longer . Last year Dallas had 3 new starters 6 new bench players so 9 new players. They were also without their backup PG Harris for 41 games and backup Center Wright 23 games to start the year


As long as Dirk stays healthy and they were able to get Ariza / Gortat Dallas would be a very much improved team and very could be a Top 4 seed . Unless you are suggesting that Ariza / Gortat suck ? I don't think they do I actually think they are exactly what Dallas needs to put them over Top and fighting for a Top 4 Seed .

Sure Phoenix will be better .

But how good will Memphis be after a coaching change ?

How good will Warriors be after a coaching change ?

Portland is all offense and way overachieved this year until they get a bench they are nothing . and without a Pick or Cap Space they have very little means to improve .

Houston needs a coaching change and are a joke . I don't see them getting much better unless they land another Superstar .

Clippers .. Will Rivers still be the coach ? Does Collison goes somewhere else ?

Spurs will be 1 year older

Thunder I think the current Dallas team can beat the current Thunder team . Sure they may get better but who knows .

The West is Wide open next year Dallas just needs a good Starting SF ( Ariza ) and a good Starting ( Center ) and they can be right in the Mix . They have a Coach and a Star Player that have proved they are able to get it done on the big stage .


For the other Washington Fans I wasn't trying to offend any of you . And actually think Washington has a very bright future with Wall / Beal / Porter . I just think Dallas is more built to win now and would be Ariza / Gortat better choice considering their age .

How many games did Dallas win by a few points? Those also could have gone the other way and been Ls.

Ariza/Gortat are good players but they'd shake up your team chemistry and continuity at first, there's no guarantee they'd fit right away. Plus losing beloved vets Marion or Carter could definitely have a negative effect on the locker room. Ariza doesn't suck, but he's in a system that's suited specifically to his strengths and I don't think he'd look as good on another team. If you read this article, you'll see that Ariza's career resurgence is largely due to John Wall's unique style of play:

http://grantland.com/the-triangle/the-r ... corner-3s/


All those West teams you named are younger and already better than Dallas, they're more likely to improve than regress. I trust loaded teams with young superstars over a team whose star is 36 yo and nearing retirement.

I think the West is wide open for the young, talent-laden teams or a complete team like SA. I don't know if it's wide open for an older team like Dallas, who seems like they're just trying to squeeze in another run before starting the rebuild process.

I don't see Ariza /. Gortat having a hard time fitting in Dallas ..


As for Wall and the corner three . Yes Wall is much better than Ellis but Dallas offense is also based off of Ellis driving and kicking to open three point shooters . The difference is Instead Dallas pasing to a league leading Ariza they are passing to a wide open Marion that is knocking them down at just .357% instead of Arizas .450%

http://www.mavsmoneyball.com/2014/5/19/ ... y#comments

Go check the link out talking about if Dallas should sign Ariza or Deng .


As for losing Marion / Carter . I actually think Carter stays . As for Marion I think Ariza can bring pretty much what Marion does and do it better .


As for all these West teams being younger and already better than Dallas . Well isn't this point that Dallas is trying to get younger with a 29 year old Ariza for a 36 year old Marion and a 30 year old Gortat for a 33 year old Dalembert ?


Dallas starting 5 with Gortat / Ariza

Calderon 33 years old
Ellis 29 years old
Ariza 29 years old
Dirk 36 years old
Gortat 30 years old


Sure Dirk is getting old but he had a great year . And when was the last time a team of 25 year olds won a NBA Championship ? Duncan seems to be doing pretty well with at 38 years old . Even Parker is Calderon's age ( While he is a lot better but Calderon doesn't need athleticism to be a Top 5 3 Point shooter . As for the Spurs that old ass team since re-signing a 36 year old Duncan ( same age as Dirk ) are taking their third straight trip to the Western Conference Finals and sticking it too the YOUNGER Thunder

[Illmatic12]

I don't see Ariza /. Gortat having a hard time fitting in Dallas ..


As for Wall and the corner three . Yes Wall is much better than Ellis but Dallas offense is also based off of Ellis driving and kicking to open three point shooters . The difference is Instead Dallas pasing to a league leading Ariza they are passing to a wide open Marion that is knocking them down at just .357% instead of Arizas .450%

http://www.mavsmoneyball.com/2014/5/19/ ... y#comments

Go check the link out talking about if Dallas should sign Ariza or Deng .


As for losing Marion / Carter . I actually think Carter stays . As for Marion I think Ariza can bring pretty much what Marion does and do it better .


As for all these West teams being younger and already better than Dallas . Well isn't this point that Dallas is trying to get younger with a 29 year old Ariza for a 36 year old Marion and a 30 year old Gortat for a 33 year old Dalembert ?


Dallas starting 5 with Gortat / Ariza

Calderon 33 years old
Ellis 29 years old
Ariza 29 years old
Dirk 36 years old
Gortat 30 years old


Sure Dirk is getting old but he had a great year . And when was the last time a team of 25 year olds won a NBA Championship ? Duncan seems to be doing pretty well with at 38 years old . Even Parker is Calderon's age ( While he is a lot better but Calderon doesn't need athleticism to be a Top 5 3 Point shooter . As for the Spurs that old ass team since re-signing a 36 year old Duncan ( same age as Dirk ) are taking their third straight trip to the Western Conference Finals and sticking it too the YOUNGER Thunder

I checked out the link. Ariza is definitely better than Marion on both sides of the ball, but my point is that he probably won't be the Ariza we saw this year. I don't think he would move the needle as much as you think. And he is not that young, when comparing him to other SFs in the West like 25yo Nic Batum, 22yo Kawhi Leonard, 25yo Chandler Parsons.


We don't know if Dirk will play at such a high level again. He actually surprised everyone, based on his play in 2012 it looked like he was on the decline. You're banking on him having that kind of year again which is an outlier for players his age. And it's not like Dallas is San Antonio where they can rest him throughout the season. He'll have to carry them for 82 games again, and chances are his defense will fall off a cliff because he'll be using all his energy on offense.

Duncan isn't the one carrying the Spurs, for the last ~5 years it's been Parker who is still only 32. And they have an amazing bench and were well-rested throughout the season. Dallas is gonna be relying on 36-year old Dirk as the main pivot of their offensive attack, it's not the most optimistic situation going into a loaded Western conference.

[HotrodBeaubois]

I wouldn't exactly say winning 1 series counts as playoff experience.

I do agree the continuity will help Washington . But I do think you are taking for granted that the East will be better next year .

What makes you think that you are better than Toronto or Chicago who should be adding 2 mid picks and a healthy Rose ?

Charlotte also could be better next year with a pick and $18 Million in Cap space and they only finished 1 win behind you .

Brooklyn I will give you that 1 because they are a disaster . But even then with Lopez returning and Kidd getting better as a coach could be a totally different team next year . Brooklyn after January 1st 34-17 .667% that's good for 2nd in the East .


Atlanta you only had 6 more wins than them and that was without their best player Horford for 53 Games . Got to think they could have won 6 more games with a Horford for those 53 games .


Yes Washington will be better next year . But so will the 3 teams that finished below them Lopez / Horford returning will make Brooklyn / Atlanta better . And just like Washington Charlotte will also get better internally and due to their $18 Million in cap space . I have my doubts you would have been the 5th seed had Lopez / Horford been healthy 2 teams that you had a combined record of 6-1


Where does Dallas improvements come from ? Well to start they have $30 Million in Cap Space . And then I would say if they spent $20 Million of that Cap Space on Ariza / Gortat they would be greatly improved .

As for Ellis he led the league in drives to the basket and points off drives . He had 1 of his best years as a Pro . Can he better ? Who knows but right now the Ellis / Dirk Pick and Roll is a thing a beauty . Now add Ariza 3 point shooting to stretch the floor and Gortat in the middle and you make a already Top 3 Offense even better

I'm not saying the East won't be better, I'm saying it will still be significantly easier than the West. There are no juggernauts in the Eastern conference next year, especially if Miami and Indiana restructure their teams. It's much more wide open for a team in Washington's position (who will potentially have two All-Stars talents in the backcourt, a veteran frontcourt, a top 10 defense and continued chemistry). Whereas in the West you have to contend with a bunch of young superstar-laden teams that are going to improve as their players mature. Even though Dallas is a better team than Washington, adding Gortat and Ariza still does not make them contenders in the West.

And like I said, you keep bringing up cap space but it means nothing until it actually materializes into talent on the roster.

You admit that Monta Ellis may or may not improve. Wall and Beal are 23 and 20, it's a guarantee that they're going to continue improving over the next few years. From that standpoint, if I'm Gortat I'd rather spend the next 3-4 years with a rising Wall+Beal than with Monta Ellis.

I will agree that it is tougher in the West and teams in the East will have a easier path ( Really sad ) .


As for Adding Gortat / Ariza I think it gives Dallas exactly what it needs to be a contender .


As for having to spend the Cap space its not like Dallas is just going to keep their $30 Million in Cap Space . I say $30 Million but it could and should actually be more .

Its actually $31 Million after adding their 2 2nd rd picks and could be even more if they get rid of Wright / Ellington / Mekel . Their Cap Space would raise to $39.5 Million


With Dirk Re-signing for around $10 Million Dallas could have as much as $29.5 Million in Cap Space .

1-They could spend $20 Million on Ariza / Gortat and $3 Million on Harris , With Carter taking the Room exception that leave $6.5 Million to bring in another player maybe a backup for Dirk ?

2-If they go in with just the $21 Million they could dump Ellington for $2.7 Million giving you Harris ./ Carter re-signing them Dallas could trade Wright + Mekel + up to 3 1st rd picks and take back a player making $8.8 Million

I don't see any reason why Dallas cant get some really good players for their cap space .


Sure I admit Ellis may or may not improve . But he did improve this year so I see no reason why he cant but sure its no guarantee . Just like its no guarantee that Wall / Beal improve . Sure I think they will but there is no guarantee they get better than they are now .


Hey look I can see you love your team just like I love my team . I didn't come here to get in a fight or rag on Washington . I don't know who Ariza / Gortat choose but I do feel that they would greatly help Dallas and with Dallas not being a really young team so they have experience / playoff experience / championship experience I feel that's the best shot for them the next 3-4 years .

I actually think Washington's best route to take is sign Monroe who keeps their window open much longer than it does with signing Ariza / Gortat . Maybe a 3way SNT with Dallas / Detroit with Gortat going to Dallas and Monroe going to Washington ?