Quote:
Originally Posted by Thespiralgoeson
If Brunson leaves, it'll be because of money, not because his ego won't let him play 2nd fiddle to one of the top 5 players in the league.
I'll just come right out and say that I think Brunson is playing WAY over his head right now. He's playing like a superstar against a piss poor perimeter defense that has zero answer for him. Basically he's 2003 Nick Van Exel against the Kings.
But he is a just quality starting guard. I don't expect him to ever be an all-star. And considering his path to this point in his career- drafted in the 2nd round, just been a role player until his mini-breakout this year- I don't think he all of a sudden is going to chafe at being 2nd fiddle to a megastar like Luka- whom as you mentioned, he seems to be buddies with.
All that being said, the Mavs absolutely, 100% need to do everything they can to keep Brunson. Even though you'll probably have to overpay, the worst thing you can do is let him walk and get nothing back. You can always move a bad contract if you need to, but losing one of your best players for nothing? History has shown us that that is ALWAYS a terrible move.
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I enjoy a hot take. I agree with most of what you're saying...except JB playing way over his head. It IS against a lackluster perimeter team, but there's a beast waiting in the paint. The best shot blocker in the game that he's had to navigate. He may fall back to earth a bit at some point in the playoffs, but the ground isn't very far. He's been trending up and the real test that we were all eager to see was always the playoffs. He's passed with flying colors and picked up his level of play even more so when we needed him most. Stepping in for Luka is a massive ask...and he's carried the team in crucial moments.
We definitely can't let him slip away. The only way he leaves because of money is if some team see him as a super-star and will go beyond 25m. I could be qrong but I think 25m is the new bar that the Mavs are willing to chase him to.