Post-Mortem: 2021-22 Dallas Mavericks

[Marmoset]

When I look at this Mavericks team I see a lottery team except for one thing - Luka Doncic. Not a bottom end lottery team like OKC or ORL, but a lottery team nonetheless.

They have some decent players on the roster, but no other stars, no other impact guys, no other players who look like they could become impact guys. I can't believe this team got to the conference finals. I give them full credit for accomplishing it. They play hard and they don't try to be what they aren't. But I don't see how this team takes a step to the next level, and I think it will be very difficult to get this far again next season.

This reminds me a little of LeBron's Cleveland teams in his first tenure there. Basically a superstar player dragging everyone else along with him. Similarly, I think Luka added to a roster resembling many of the other playoff teams (minus the top player on those teams) would be a championship threat. It can't just be Luka and 'a bunch of guys' like it has been. It's unfortunate that the gamble on KP didn't work out because that could have been a terror for other teams to deal with. I don't think it was a bad idea to try that.

[advent11]

I worry this team has peaked without significant change.

Kidd has vastly out performed my expectations (he's grown wiser and surrounded himself with exceptional coaching and played the motivator role) but we have seen his defensive improvements haven't lasted long term in the past.


Ultimately the issue is that we have 65m tied up in Powell, THJ, Dinwiddie and Bertans. And no assets to add to those salaries to turn them into better players.

The big mistake was moving on from KP for that package. Yes, it was a catalyst for change and a short term improvement. But KP had the scope to play himself into better value and he was looking good when healthy this year.

As it stands, only real option is to run it back and try to find a serviceable starting big with the MLE, pay Brunson whatever it takes and hope THJ comes back at his best next year for another conference finals run.

The big mistake was to trade for KP to begin with. Made no sense to give the max to an injury prone player who never proved that he was worth the max.

The Mavs were impatient and tried to cut corners.

The second biggest mistake was probably to trade Curry for JRich... They showed that you can easily get a real 3andD guy by signing bullock. No need to trade one of the best shooter in the game.

Another big mistake: Drafting Josh Green when Maxey and Bane were availible. Front office has been terrible tbh.

[cupcakesnake]

I think everyone is obsessed with finding a second star. I agree that Dallas needs to increase its general level of talent, but I'm not sure if that needs to be in the form of 1 singular all-NBA talent.

jamaal would have supported our desire to finally have a 2nd star. Closest Dallas ever came was pre-peak Nash. Which admittedly was pretty good.

And the 2nd star doesn't have to be peak Kawhi or Giannis. But trying to repeat the Dirk title without Dirk? I'd rather just have another star please. That other way is really hard.

The amount of Josh Howard slander on these boards is getting out of control.

jamaal wouldn't have thought so, but the new me is Josh Howard TRUTHER. A Joshsexual.

[Texas Chuck]

I think everyone is obsessed with finding a second star. I agree that Dallas needs to increase its general level of talent, but I'm not sure if that needs to be in the form of 1 singular all-NBA talent.

jamaal would have supported our desire to finally have a 2nd star. Closest Dallas ever came was pre-peak Nash. Which admittedly was pretty good.

And the 2nd star doesn't have to be peak Kawhi or Giannis. But trying to repeat the Dirk title without Dirk? I'd rather just have another star please. That other way is really hard.

The amount of Josh Howard slander on these boards is getting out of control.

jamaal wouldn't have thought so, but the new me is Josh Howard TRUTHER. A Joshsexual.

You are now as bad as me with Barea.

[Bobbymcgee]

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.

[dc]

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.

It's early to predict. I expect Kawhi (he's a physical freak) to more or less be himself again and the Clips would be a legit contender with him and PG healthy. The Nugz, I would have to see Murray and MPJ about halfway thru the season and where they are physically.

Also can't forget about the Pels with Zion coming back. Wolves should (ideally, anyways) more or less pick up where they left off.

Hard to predict the Mavs. I think Luka is only going to get better, but the Mavs cap situation really limits what they can do in the summer. If I were the Mavs, I wouldn't settle for some short term move that further hurts the cap.

[SinceGatlingWasARookie]

The team must keep Brunson and everybody else except Powell. Replace Powell with a bigger rim running shot blocking center but I don’t how the Mavvercks are supposed to get this player. Also needed is a 3-4 tweener that shoots 3s more reliably than Bullock and Finney smith but this guy be a worse defender.

[Coach Carter]

I've said a long time ago, Luka will win a chip. When they got Kidd, I was like ugh but they've been good. Just need to get Luka another star teammate.

[LAL1947]

The amount of Josh Howard slander on these boards is getting out of control.

jamaal wouldn't have thought so, but the new me is Josh Howard TRUTHER. A Joshsexual.

Josh Howard was really good. Jason Terry was too. They'd be perfect next to Luka, haha.

I'd have loved both on the Lakers in the mid-2000s TBH. If someone invents a time-machine, I'm going back to trade Shaq to Dallas for them instead. A Kobe, Terry and Howard trio would have been ferocious, and all three on the same time-line too.

[GroundBound]

I think Dallas could really do with a new Assistant Coach to diversify their offence. Granted I haven't watched too many Mavs games this year - but most of their sets looked like:

Give the ball to Luka and the rest of you, go stand on the 3 point line.

In the playoffs, it really looks like the Mavs struggled to get any cheap baskets on back cuts or any sort of motion. The Golden State series really exposed this. I see a lot of people saying Mavs need another Allstar talent - but that talent will be completely nerfed with this offence. Perhaps its like the pre-triangle Jordan ... until Luka (or the coaching stuff) trusts his team-mates, this team won't grow.

[Branduil]

I think Dallas could really do with a new Assistant Coach to diversify their offence. Granted I haven't watched too many Mavs games this year - but most of their sets looked like:

Give the ball to Luka and the rest of you, go stand on the 3 point line.

In the playoffs, it really looks like the Mavs struggled to get any cheap baskets on back cuts or any sort of motion. The Golden State series really exposed this. I see a lot of people saying Mavs need another Allstar talent - but that talent will be completely nerfed with this offence. Perhaps its like the pre-triangle Jordan ... until Luka (or the coaching stuff) trusts his team-mates, this team won't grow.

This is a bit backwards IMO. The reasons Golden State could play defense like that is because they know DFS, Maxi, and Bullock are no threat outside of their 3-point shot. DFS does have a little bit of a drive game, but it's clear he's not fully confident in it yet. Brunson and Dinwiddie are the only shot creators outside of Luka, and they get a significant number of shots, so I don't know why people think an all-star talent would not get touches. Asking DFS, Bullock, and Maxi to play like shot creators is asking the Mavs to lose a bunch of games.

[agentofatlas]

Great season by the Mavs. Losing sucks but the gsw series really exposed what their weaknesses are and what they need.

Really need to improve that front court. Someone who can rebound and catch lobs. They rely too much on Luka's rebounding.

They also need more dribble drive threats on the wings. They looked good that one game DFS was attacking the close out.

[jpengland]

I worry this team has peaked without significant change.

Kidd has vastly out performed my expectations (he's grown wiser and surrounded himself with exceptional coaching and played the motivator role) but we have seen his defensive improvements haven't lasted long term in the past.


Ultimately the issue is that we have 65m tied up in Powell, THJ, Dinwiddie and Bertans. And no assets to add to those salaries to turn them into better players.

The big mistake was moving on from KP for that package. Yes, it was a catalyst for change and a short term improvement. But KP had the scope to play himself into better value and he was looking good when healthy this year.

As it stands, only real option is to run it back and try to find a serviceable starting big with the MLE, pay Brunson whatever it takes and hope THJ comes back at his best next year for another conference finals run.

The big mistake was to trade for KP to begin with. Made no sense to give the max to an injury prone player who never proved that he was worth the max.

The Mavs were impatient and tried to cut corners.

The second biggest mistake was probably to trade Curry for JRich... They showed that you can easily get a real 3andD guy by signing bullock. No need to trade one of the best shooter in the game.

Another big mistake: Drafting Josh Green when Maxey and Bane were availible. Front office has been terrible tbh.

Noone was more disappointed with the Green pick than me. I was pushing hard for Sadiq Bey and Desmond Bane. But most picks in that range don't make it.

On the KP front, I don't disagree with the logic in trading with him. It was a risk, but his skillset is perfect with Luka.

This front office have made some bad moves, but let's not forget the good. Kleber and DFS came from nowhere. The Brunson pick. THJ was trash before he came here etc.

I'm more concerned with a couple of the knee jerk moves we have made which has set us back, that were obvious mistakes at the time. Trading away Curry and the terrible package we sold KP for the big two.

[GroundBound]

I think Dallas could really do with a new Assistant Coach to diversify their offence. Granted I haven't watched too many Mavs games this year - but most of their sets looked like:

Give the ball to Luka and the rest of you, go stand on the 3 point line.

In the playoffs, it really looks like the Mavs struggled to get any cheap baskets on back cuts or any sort of motion. The Golden State series really exposed this. I see a lot of people saying Mavs need another Allstar talent - but that talent will be completely nerfed with this offence. Perhaps its like the pre-triangle Jordan ... until Luka (or the coaching stuff) trusts his team-mates, this team won't grow.

This is a bit backwards IMO. The reasons Golden State could play defense like that is because they know DFS, Maxi, and Bullock are no threat outside of their 3-point shot. DFS does have a little bit of a drive game, but it's clear he's not fully confident in it yet. Brunson and Dinwiddie are the only shot creators outside of Luka, and they get a significant number of shots, so I don't know why people think an all-star talent would not get touches. Asking DFS, Bullock, and Maxi to play like shot creators is asking the Mavs to lose a bunch of games.

How did the Mav's play while Luka was out in the earlier series? I'm interested to know if the offence pretty much the same.

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...so why have them stand statically at the 3 point line so often? I was suggesting the Mav's overall offence could benefit from a little more player movement, off ball screens and cuts. I honestly can't remember the Mav's running players off ball screens - even to just to put a little body on the opposition.

Hahaha may be I'm too used to how the Warrior play. Thanks for the response!

[boogiezen]

I think Dallas could really do with a new Assistant Coach to diversify their offence. Granted I haven't watched too many Mavs games this year - but most of their sets looked like:

Give the ball to Luka and the rest of you, go stand on the 3 point line.

In the playoffs, it really looks like the Mavs struggled to get any cheap baskets on back cuts or any sort of motion. The Golden State series really exposed this. I see a lot of people saying Mavs need another Allstar talent - but that talent will be completely nerfed with this offence. Perhaps its like the pre-triangle Jordan ... until Luka (or the coaching stuff) trusts his team-mates, this team won't grow.

This is a bit backwards IMO. The reasons Golden State could play defense like that is because they know DFS, Maxi, and Bullock are no threat outside of their 3-point shot. DFS does have a little bit of a drive game, but it's clear he's not fully confident in it yet. Brunson and Dinwiddie are the only shot creators outside of Luka, and they get a significant number of shots, so I don't know why people think an all-star talent would not get touches. Asking DFS, Bullock, and Maxi to play like shot creators is asking the Mavs to lose a bunch of games.

How did the Mav's play while Luka was out in the earlier series? I'm interested to know if the offence pretty much the same.

I agree that DFS, Bullock and Maxi shouldn't try to shot creators, but as you point out - they are not a 3 point threat either...so why have them stand statically at the 3 point line so often? I was suggesting the Mav's overall offence could benefit from a little more player movement, off ball screens and cuts. I honestly can't remember the Mav's running players off ball screens - even to just to put a little body on the opposition.

Hahaha may be I'm too used to how the Warrior play. Thanks for the response!

You didn't watch the Utah series? Basically the same even without Luka. Just isolate either Brunson or Spencer because Utah didn't have the perimeter defense to counter it.

[sunsbg]

GSW might not have backup C, but Powell's 3 points and 2 rebounds as starter are difficult to be beaten. 3rd Suns C would be great for Mavs .

Powell looked good a few seasons ago finishing lobs from Luka. Bad luck for him and the Mavs he got injured, but it happens. McGee plays hard half the time and while Biyombo plays hard all the time he can air ball a near the basket shot so not great on offense, but on D he'll do the job for the Mavs. Suns screwed not signing Jalen Smith who's better suited as a C rather than PF. He showed signs of breaking out playing with the starters when Ayton was out and had good games for the Pacers. Improved 3pt shot, can finish lobs, blocks shots and is a great offensive rebounder. Don't know if Mavs have cap space to sign him, but he'll fit well on the Mavs IMO.

[Mavrelous]

Just find a center and stay away from the Clippers bracket and everything will be fine.

[Bob8]

GSW might not have backup C, but Powell's 3 points and 2 rebounds as starter are difficult to be beaten. 3rd Suns C would be great for Mavs .

Powell looked good a few seasons ago finishing lobs from Luka. Bad luck for him and the Mavs he got injured, but it happens. McGee plays hard half the time and while Biyombo plays hard all the time he can air ball a near the basket shot so not great on offense, but on D he'll do the job for the Mavs. Suns screwed not signing Jalen Smith who's better suited as a C rather than PF. He showed signs of breaking out playing with the starters when Ayton was out and had good games for the Pacers. Improved 3pt shot, can finish lobs, blocks shots and is a great offensive rebounder. Don't know if Mavs have cap space to sign him, but he'll fit well on the Mavs IMO.

Yea, players like Biyombo, McGee, Whiteside, Looney, who played against Mavs in playoffs, would be all big upgrade for Powell and gave Mavs realistic chances in WCF. Ayton is of course perfect player for Mavs and with him Mavs would be legit title contenders. I would gladly take Gobert's max. too, because with him nobody will ever mention Luka's defensive game anymore. Unfortunately Mavs are not getting those 2.

Jalen Smith would be ok too. C is for sure first priority.

[rocketsfan100]

Here is a name one out of the left field who will be a free agent. Nick Claxton. Dude is an athletic freak shot blocker with great length and a great rim runner to provide Luka with vertical spacing and pick and roll game.

[The-Power]

Meh they have Luka so will be a constant playoff team so a matter of getting over the hump. With Suns and Warriors' average age up there, it's going to be a matter of time when they replace those teams at the top.

The NBA moves way too quickly to think like that. Go back 3 or 5 years in time, from whatever starting date, and look at the predictions – they are wrong or grossly incomplete more often than not.

You can't make your moves with that in mind, thinking it's just naturally going to happen. A couple of injuries, trades, or break-outs in your conference and the entire power dynamic shifts.

Just some funny examples from the GM.

In 2015, Minnesota was voted as the team with the best future over the next 5 years over the Suns, 76ers, Jazz and Nuggets – and it wasn't even a close vote. They had considerably more votes than those 4 teams COMBINED! Oh, and the Magic received the 2nd most votes. In another vote during the same year, the Timberwolves had an over larger lead over the field that now also included the Bucks (who only got 12% of all votes to Minnesota's 50%).
https://forums.realgm.com/boards/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=1373953&hilit=Future
https://forums.realgm.com/boards/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=1396169&hilit=Future

In 2017, the best future out of the Bucks, Nuggets, 76ers, Suns and Timberwolves was voted on. Bucks were #1 (turned out to be a good prediction), ahead of the 76ers and – again – the Timberwolves. By far last were Nuggets and Suns with only 2% of all votes each. Same season but in early 2018, the Board was asked about the team with the brightest futures among a bunch of ‘bad’ teams. Top 3 in votes were the Lakers (clearly #1), the Bulls and Suns (both clearly ahead of the rest, including the Nets and Mavericks). Doesn't look as bad but clearly the reason people voted for the Lakers was not because they expected LeBron to be with them but because of their young core that's not there anymore (although it was certainly needed to have them as assets), and the Bulls... underachieved so far compared to the voting results and I doubt they'd be voted today as a team with one of the brightest futures.
https://forums.realgm.com/boards/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=1511179&hilit=Future
https://forums.realgm.com/boards/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=1676135&hilit=Future

And just at the start of last season, people essentially split the vote between Memphis and New Orleans with respect to their futures. This can still turn out to look decent depending on what moves the Pelicans make; but it also shows that your current confidence in the Grizzlies over the Pelicans (which to me is implied in your statement in the follow-up post in this thread) was not shared just one and a half years ago – and at that point both JJJ and Morant were obviously already on your roster and had excellent early seasons under their belt.
https://forums.realgm.com/boards/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=2013087&hilit=Future

Point being: you should never just believe that a (seemingly) upcoming team is going to become the best by natural progression and the decline of competitors. There are way too many variables involved to be certain of that, as history shows us all the time.