Post-Mortem: 2021-22 Dallas Mavericks

[Texas Chuck]

[
I agree that DFS, Bullock and Maxi shouldn't try to be shot creators, but as you point out - they are not a 3 point threat either...!

You do realize that Bullock shoots 39% for his career? That DFS has shot 40% in b2b seasons. I agree Maxi is a bit inconsistent as a shooter, but he did shoot 35, 37, and 41 in the three years leading into this one.

If the requirement to shoot the open 3's the Mavs offense generates is to be a Curry, then well Dallas is screwed. But these are fine shooters especially when you consider the defensive value each of those three guys bring.

Dallas is better off with those 3 guys than say Bertans who while he had a down year is a legit rifle. But he's a poor defender so overall a worse player.

But those three guys being 3&D guys is not a problem. Really confusing take.

[J the Drafter]

This is late, and is specific to the Mavs-Suns series, but Thinking Basketball gave his analysis of how the Mavericks turned things around and won.

Watch on YouTube

Highlights include directing Luka to hedge and recover to avoid switching onto a ball-handler, the Mavericks adjusting to the pick-and-roll by keeping an extra defender in the paint and having the remaining players zone up on the Suns’ shooters, deciding to help off Chris Paul since he doesn’t move without the ball, and committing an extra defender to covering Booker’s drives at the expense of leaving the corner open since Booker has a lot of difficulty making the skip pass to the uncovered corner.

[GroundBound]

[
I agree that DFS, Bullock and Maxi shouldn't try to be shot creators, but as you point out - they are not a 3 point threat either...!

Dallas is better off with those 3 guys than say Bertans who while he had a down year is a legit rifle. But he's a poor defender so overall a worse player.

But those three guys being 3&D guys is not a problem. Really confusing take.

What i trying to point out was I thought their offence was static, predictable, and generated few easy buckets in the Warriors series. A lot of posters have suggested the Mavs need to improve their talent level by changing their roster to go improve (which given the cap and lack of FRP could be a problem). I thought the Mavs could improve by broadening their offence (less one-on-one, more ball and player movement), but clearly everyone who's replied to my post disagrees

[Texas Chuck]

[
I agree that DFS, Bullock and Maxi shouldn't try to be shot creators, but as you point out - they are not a 3 point threat either...!

Dallas is better off with those 3 guys than say Bertans who while he had a down year is a legit rifle. But he's a poor defender so overall a worse player.

But those three guys being 3&D guys is not a problem. Really confusing take.

What i trying to point out was I thought their offence was static, predictable, and generated few easy buckets in the Warriors series. A lot of posters have suggested the Mavs need to improve their talent level by changing their roster to go improve (which given the cap and lack of FRP could be a problem). I thought the Mavs could improve by broadening their offence (less one-on-one, more ball and player movement), but clearly everyone who's replied to my post disagrees

I'm only disagreeing with the notion that the three guys you specifically mentioned as not 3-pt threats are in fact 3-pt threats.

I think a more diverse attack is a good idea. This is part of change from a very good offensive coach to a more defensive oriented one, you give up some things in that change.

I think Dallas needs more talent, more plays that aren't just spamming PNR with Luka or Brunson, but I also think the three guys you cited can all be part of a better offensive team. 2 of them were on the team that 2 seasons ago was the most efficient offense the league had ever seen up to that point.

Wasn't trying to kill your thoughts, Just pointing out those guys can actually shoot the 3 well despite being on the wrong side of variance throughout most of the WCF, in part I'm sure due to fatigue. THJ would have bought Bullock and DFS some rest which would have helped their legs and thus their shot.

[dirkdiggler4177]

[
I agree that DFS, Bullock and Maxi shouldn't try to be shot creators, but as you point out - they are not a 3 point threat either...!

Dallas is better off with those 3 guys than say Bertans who while he had a down year is a legit rifle. But he's a poor defender so overall a worse player.

But those three guys being 3&D guys is not a problem. Really confusing take.

What i trying to point out was I thought their offense was static, predictable, and generated few easy buckets in the Warriors series. A lot of posters have suggested the Mavs need to improve their talent level by changing their roster to go improve (which given the cap and lack of FRP could be a problem). I thought the Mavs could improve by broadening their offence (less one-on-one, more ball and player movement), but clearly everyone who's replied to my post disagrees

The slow and static offense works well for the Mavericks because Luka is the best playmaker in the NBA in the halfcourt. If you don't double him he will score, if you double he will find the open shooter. Also, when they play as slow as they do, the other never gets a rythme because the game is slow and there are fewer shots available against a set defense.

For the first time in the playoffs, a player (Wiggins) was able to slow him down. Luka has dominated against Kawhi, PG13, and whatever the Suns or Jazz has thrown at him. This time Wiggins played his best defense, made it hard to score, and fought him so it was not easy to get switched with Curry. At the same time, Wiggins was attacking Luka and did so extremely well. It forced Luka to spend energy on defense.

I disagree with making Luka run around screens for spot-up shooting or anything that takes away the ball from him. The only change I want to see is pushing tempo more on live turnovers and putting Luka more in the high post. Don't make him dribble the ball up the halfcourt, but post him up with Brunson as the main ballhandler on some occasions.

[weekend_warrior]

I think there's a great trade to be made to dump THJ and Bertans long-term salaries to test-drive Westbrook for a season.

If it doesn't work, you have a ton of salary coming off the books to make moves around Luka next off-season; or a huge expiring contract as a trade piece at the deadline, if an opportunity arises earliier.

High risk, high reward move for the Mavs, for only one season, at worst. Half a season, if things really go south.

In return, the Lakers get shooting around Lebron, which has always been the formula for success.

It's a bit of an outrageous proposition but I came to the exact same thought before reading this thread.

Right now, the Mavs aren't extremely far away from being a realistic title team, but there is a sizable gap still to be bridged. They might get there next season by making some brilliant moves and probably sending out some future assets. But with their roster, cap situation and available assets it feels a bit unrealistic and increases the danger of mortgaging a multi-year run for a short term chance. I wouldn't do it.

It could be a shrewd move for them to "punt" next season (meaning: not increase their title chances with respect to this season, but still be very competitive) and improve their cap/asset situation. The longterm money commited to Bertans, Dinwiddie and Hardaway is dragging their chances down. If they could get rid of those contracts like you said, that's a win for me.

Bertans, Dinwiddie & Powell for Westbrook straight up
resign Brunson
sign the best available big man with the tax-MLE

Then they'd have a lot of flexibility in 2023.

[GroundBound]

snip...

The slow and static offense works well for the Mavericks because Luka is the best playmaker in the NBA in the halfcourt. If you don't double him he will score, if you double he will find the open shooter. Also, when they play as slow as they do, the other never gets a rythme because the game is slow and there are fewer shots available against a set defense.

[...snip]

I disagree with making Luka run around screens for spot-up shooting or anything that takes away the ball from him. The only change I want to see is pushing tempo more on live turnovers and putting Luka more in the high post. Don't make him dribble the ball up the halfcourt, but post him up with Brunson as the main ballhandler on some occasions.

I agree that allowing someone else to bring the ball up court and let Luka find some different spots is a good start.

Haha...the idea of making Luka run around off-ball ala Rip Hamilton in his current shape...is hilarious...but clearly not playing to his strengths! But personally, I'd have the other 4 guys being a little more active, even if it's just run the opposition through some screens to body them. Ah...90s ball where have you gone

From a casual point of view (I admit to not seeing many Mavs games this season), the Mavs seem to lack any plan B when either Luka is having an off-night or the 3pt shooters are struggling. I was really surprised at the lack of hockey assists generated by the offence - it seemed like as Luka found the open shooter - they shot rarely did I see the extra pass. I understand that the open 3 is 'good' shot - but when you are struggling and the other team has a lead and/or your shooters are starting to tighten up, sometimes you just need a 2 to keep the offence ticking. I think Golden State does an excellent job at this. They find a way to punish the 3pt closeouts and string a few cuts/passes together to get an easy dunk or layup.

Also having 4 people standing statically at the 3pt line making offensive rebounding pretty hard...Mavs were 28th/30.

[Ballerhogger]

Mavs overachieved but I am happy they eliminated the Jazz and the Suns. They probably would have gotten one more win from the Warriors if THJ had played but that was about it. Next year is going to be even tougher with the Clippers and the Nuggets back to full strength if not better. Next year I predict a first round exit for the Mavs.

Wait and see with the clippers

[LukaSmile]

Great season and a rising team. Mavs will make moves to get even better. Book it.

[DreamTeam09]

Gotta figure out if we're keeping Brunson or SnT him for someone else.

Gotta find away to trade Hardaway + Bertans

[LAL1947]

Gotta figure out if we're keeping Brunson or SnT him for someone else.

We? Aren't you a Raptors fan?

[DreamTeam09]

Gotta figure out if we're keeping Brunson or SnT him for someone else.

We? Aren't you a Raptors fan?

Dirks my fav player ever

[Schmooftie]

Gotta figure out if we're keeping Brunson or SnT him for someone else.

Gotta find away to trade Hardaway + Bertans

Paying Brunson $25M+ per year is not the right move IMO.
I think they are better off if they can get a S&T for him and get some assets back for a move down the line

[GeorgeSears]

Just read some news from Tim MacMahon that should deeply concern all Mavs fans: Luka is playing for Slovenia this summer for something called "Eurobasket." A completely irrelevant tournament. That's going to ensure that he'll show up next season out of shape, again, with no improvement in his game. In 2023 there's the world cup (more significant), and then there's the Olympics in 2024. So, when exactly is he going to have time to improve his conditioning and other aspects of his game?

[Bob8]

Just read some news from Tim MacMahon that should deeply concern all Mavs fans: Luka is playing for Slovenia this summer for something called "Eurobasket." A completely irrelevant tournament. That's going to ensure that he'll show up next season out of shape, again, with no improvement in his game. In 2023 there's the world cup (more significant), and then there's the Olympics in 2024. So, when exactly is he going to have time to improve his conditioning and other aspects of his game?

Completely irrelevant tournament? Maybe for Americans. We will see many Nba players from Europe there, including Giannis.

[Swish1906]

Just read some news from Tim MacMahon that should deeply concern all Mavs fans: Luka is playing for Slovenia this summer for something called "Eurobasket." A completely irrelevant tournament. That's going to ensure that he'll show up next season out of shape, again, with no improvement in his game. In 2023 there's the world cup (more significant), and then there's the Olympics in 2024. So, when exactly is he going to have time to improve his conditioning and other aspects of his game?

As Nuggetsfan get used to this "irrelevant tournament"
https://m.basketnews.com/news-170938-raznatovic-about-jokic-there-are-great-chances-that-he-will-play-at-eurobasket.html

[LAL1947]

Just read some news from Tim MacMahon that should deeply concern all Mavs fans: Luka is playing for Slovenia this summer for something called "Eurobasket." A completely irrelevant tournament. That's going to ensure that he'll show up next season out of shape, again, with no improvement in his game. In 2023 there's the world cup (more significant), and then there's the Olympics in 2024. So, when exactly is he going to have time to improve his conditioning and other aspects of his game?

Completely irrelevant tournament? Maybe for Americans. We will see many Nba players from Europe there, including Giannis.

Well, it's not completely irrelevant but George does make a good point about it being the least relevant thing that Luka is competing for over the next few years.

1) NBA titles
2) Olympics
3) World Cup
4) Eurobasket

Luka needs to take a step back and see where he is (overweight, possibly doing too much)... and what is needed to go from there to where (I hope) he wants to be, i.e., the best player in the world and winning NBA titles. He needs time off to just rest and regenerate... and then after he's rested, to work hard on getting in the best shape for the next NBA season.

[Bob8]

Just read some news from Tim MacMahon that should deeply concern all Mavs fans: Luka is playing for Slovenia this summer for something called "Eurobasket." A completely irrelevant tournament. That's going to ensure that he'll show up next season out of shape, again, with no improvement in his game. In 2023 there's the world cup (more significant), and then there's the Olympics in 2024. So, when exactly is he going to have time to improve his conditioning and other aspects of his game?

Completely irrelevant tournament? Maybe for Americans. We will see many Nba players from Europe there, including Giannis.

Well, it's not completely irrelevant but George does make a good point about it being the least relevant thing that Luka is competing for over the next few years.

1) NBA titles
2) Olympics
3) World Cup
4) Eurobasket

Luka needs to take a step back and see where he is (overweight, possibly doing too much)... and what is needed to go from there to where (I hope) he wants to be, i.e., the best player in the world and winning NBA titles. He needs time off to just rest and regenerate... and then after he's rested, to work hard on getting in the best shape for the next NBA season.

Eurobasket is very important for fans from Europe, much more than Nba for sure. Quality wise Eurobasket is much better than Olympics.

Anyway Luka is playing there for sure, but Slovenia might missed next WC, in this case he will have enough time next year.

[deb]

Just read some news from Tim MacMahon that should deeply concern all Mavs fans: Luka is playing for Slovenia this summer for something called "Eurobasket." A completely irrelevant tournament. That's going to ensure that he'll show up next season out of shape, again, with no improvement in his game. In 2023 there's the world cup (more significant), and then there's the Olympics in 2024. So, when exactly is he going to have time to improve his conditioning and other aspects of his game?

Completely irrelevant tournament? Maybe for Americans. We will see many Nba players from Europe there, including Giannis.

Well, it's not completely irrelevant but George does make a good point about it being the least relevant thing that Luka is competing for over the next few years.

1) NBA titles
2) Olympics
3) World Cup
4) Eurobasket

Luka needs to take a step back and see where he is (overweight, possibly doing too much)... and what is needed to go from there to where (I hope) he wants to be, i.e., the best player in the world and winning NBA titles. He needs time off to just rest and regenerate... and then after he's rested, to work hard on getting in the best shape for the next NBA season.

Ha, for me, as a Slovenian, Eurobasket is number one, after that it's the World Cup and the NBA, while the Olympics are the least important. Eurobasket is the international competition I grew up watching the most and it is actually generally speaking the most competitive of the lot. The reason is, there's always like 10 or even more European teams that can, with a bit of luck, win a medal at every international competition. And in the world cup, there was, until recently, only 6 European teams participating. So while it is more difficult (impossible) to win the WC due to team USA, and there are some good nonEuropean teams out there (Australia, Argentina, Canada,...), the rest of the competition is generally easier with teams from Asia and Africa being complete nonfactors and cannon fodder. It's even more so with the Olympics, where I get the impression its more of a friendly/exhibition event.

As for NBA titles, NBA is an American league, it's an awesome level of competition, but I just don't care all that much outside my current and former compatriots playing. I most certainly won't get up in the middle of the night to see GSW v Boston.

[Petergrifindor]

Well, it's not completely irrelevant but George does make a good point about it being the least relevant thing that Luka is competing for over the next few years.

1) NBA titles
2) Olympics
3) World Cup
4) Eurobasket

Luka needs to take a step back and see where he is (overweight, possibly doing too much)... and what is needed to go from there to where (I hope) he wants to be, i.e., the best player in the world and winning NBA titles. He needs time off to just rest and regenerate... and then after he's rested, to work hard on getting in the best shape for the next NBA season.

In basket, for most of europeans it would rather go like this:

1 Olympics
2 World Cup
3 NBA
4 Eurobasket