Mavs offseason thread

[EricaLubarsky]

THE GOOD
We went from missing the playoffs to making the finals
Everyone but DJJ is on contract
Lively was WAY better than expected and is growing so rapidly.
We have a lot of room to grow just by coaching/growth.
PJ and Gafford looked lost, but maybe Kidd can get them playing well.

THE BAD
We got absolutely WRECKED by the Celtics who also have a full team returning
We have no FRPs for a while
Our SRP is 58th
No cap space
Timmy is on the team
Kidd is on contract next season

What should we do?

[Melonhead]

I truly believe the Mavs could?ve beat any team in a 7 game series except the Celtics. Those mfers got 80 wins this season in total. They were stacked with KP and Jrue additions. So im not going to overreact in the off-season for this team.

Lively is developing. Hardy continuing. OMax.

Bye THJ, (and maybe Green if there?s a piece out there)

Need another offensive threat and im good. Get the new guys a full season under the organization.

[Melonhead]

Or just get Lebron problem solved

[BPo001]

Hopefully a full offseason for Gafford and PJ helps them be less lost. Do what you have to to get rid of THJ amd Maxi. Bring back DJJ if the deal is friendly. Green played great in the final game, but he?s been inconsistent his whole career. See if he can be used to upgrade the roster. Pray Luka takes his conditioning seriously this offseason. HIRE A FREE THROW COACH

[BPo001]

Apparently free agency starts at 12:01 AM?

[DevinHarriswillstart]

Originally Posted by BPo001

Apparently free agency starts at 12:01 AM?

Yep, and it's a great idea. Now we won't have to have anymore Jalen Brunson situations because teams will know long before other teams can make offers.

[FreshJive]

I pretty much have full faith in Nico at this point.

[Amarelooms]

Thj/maxi need be traded. We need a shooter and pf inside. Include either green or Hardy if needed

[tap2390]

Would like to see Maxi and THJ moved. Keep Powell for chemistry/leadership only. No more deadweight on the roster.

[Thespiralgoeson]

Originally Posted by tap2390

Would like to see Maxi and THJ moved. Keep Powell for chemistry/leadership only. No more deadweight on the roster.

That's honestly I think the best we can realistically hope for given our lack of assets. Luckily THJ should FINALLY be tradeable now that his contract is expiring. If THJ is finally gone, then we won't have to worry about him taking minutes away from Hardy.

Focus on developing Hardy, Omax, and especially Lively. I think any improvement is going to have to come from within. But considering we were the 2nd best team in the league, that's not a bad place to be.

The only thing I worry about is our lack of shooting. Luka and Kyrie are our only real shooters in the starting lineup. I think you need at least 3 in today's NBA, preferably more. But it's a tough spot because you definitely don't want to lose DJJ after what he's contributed. I say just re-sign DJJ (after you clear the necessary space for him) and then hope and pray Omax can eventually be our 3 and D starter.

[Melonhead]

Originally Posted by Thespiralgoeson

That's honestly I think the best we can realistically hope for given our lack of assets. I think any improvement is going to have to come from within. Luckily THJ should FINALLY be tradeable now that his contract is expiring. If THJ is finally gone, then we won't have to worry about him taking minutes away from Hardy.

Focus on developing Hardy, Omax, and especially Lively. I think improvement for the Mavs is going to have to come from within. But considering we were the 2nd best team in the league, that's not a bad place to be.

The only thing I worry about is our lack of shooting. Luka and Kyrie are our only real shooters in the starting lineup. I think you need at least 3 in today's NBA, preferably more. But it's a tough spot because you definitely don't want to lose DJJ after what he's contributed. I say just re-sign DJJ (after you clear the necessary space for him) and then hope and pray Omax can eventually be our 3 and D starter.

That?s kind of where im at. I?m reluctant to trade Green in the event to help the THJ trade because there?s not much shooting on this team. Maybe a Bobby Portis type but they really don?t need to overreact to the Celtics. No team in the league can play the defense the Celtics could play.

I don?t think Maxi goes anywhere he?s more valuable to us than he would be in a trade meaning I don?t think they?d get much in return.

Whatever moves they make needs to be strategic, doesn?t have to be a home run anymore. Just add some shooting someone that can come in and add to what is already working.

[BPo001]

The Dallas Mavericks star, though, did not want to think about that tournament yet, especially coming off a painful NBA Finals loss to the Boston Celtics. ?I don?t want to talk about what?s next, man. I have some decisions to make. I?m just trying to get a little bit healthier,? Doncic said. ? via BasketNews

[Zeus]

Originally Posted by BPo001

The Dallas Mavericks star, though, did not want to think about that tournament yet, especially coming off a painful NBA Finals loss to the Boston Celtics. ?I don?t want to talk about what?s next, man. I have some decisions to make. I?m just trying to get a little bit healthier,? Doncic said. ? via BasketNews

What the hell is he saying? Decisions about off season surgery/rehab plan? Perhaps that is English as a 3rd language issue but his statement the way you framed it here seems ominous.

[tap2390]

Luka isn?t going anywhere. We were the second best team in the league, you think he?s going to force a trade to Boston?

His comment about decisions to make were quite clearly related to whether or not he?s going to play for Slovenia.

Mavs need to upgrade Maxi and THJ, keep DJJ (but bring him off the bench), and continue to develop Lively & OMax. If we do those things, we are winning a ring within 2-3 years.

[Amarelooms]

Originally Posted by tap2390

Luka isn?t going anywhere. We were the second best team in the league, you think he?s going to force a trade to Boston?

His comment about decisions to make were quite clearly related to whether or not he?s going to play for Slovenia.

Mavs need to upgrade Maxi and THJ, keep DJJ (but bring him off the bench), and continue to develop Lively & OMax. If we do those things, we are winning a ring within 2-3 years.

Kyrie getting old. Wont be a #2 much longer that?s gonna be a problem. He?s not tall - as quickness goes he is limited

[Thespiralgoeson]

Originally Posted by Amarelooms

Kyrie getting old. Wont be a #2 much longer that?s gonna be a problem. He?s not tall - as quickness goes he is limited

He's not that old. He's 32. A 2-3 year championship window sounds about right to me.

[Thespiralgoeson]

Originally Posted by EricaLubarsky

THE BAD
We got absolutely WRECKED by the Celtics who also have a full team returning

The 2024 Celtics are legitimately one of the greatest teams in NBA history. However, I don't they are built to last. Don't get me wrong, they will be very good for years. They might even win another title. But I don't think they're going to be an unstoppable juggernaut again. Not without reloading a bit at least. Holiday and Horford are both old, and does ANYONE trust Porzingis's long term health?

[washedklean77]

For the Love of God, Luka cannot play International ball this offseason. Under any circumstance. I'd love to see him partner closely with Dirk this offseason so Dirk can emphasis how important health, fitness and wellness is to longevity. Dirk has openly confessed that the changes in his fitness regimen, diet, sleep patterns, etc. after the 2007 season is what allowed him to find another level: both mentally and physically. I firmly believe that Luka has another gear that he can reveal if he'll adopt the required lifestyle of an elite athlete!

[Murphy3]

Originally Posted by Thespiralgoeson

He's not that old. He's 32. A 2-3 year championship window sounds about right to me.

He?s getting old for a small guard. But yeah, he should and hopefully still has a couple of elite years left.

[DevinHarriswillstart]

Originally Posted by washedklean77

For the Love of God, Luka cannot play International ball this offseason. Under any circumstance. I'd love to see him partner closely with Dirk this offseason so Dirk can emphasis how important health, fitness and wellness is to longevity. Dirk has openly confessed that the changes in his fitness regimen, diet, sleep patterns, etc. after the 2007 season is what allowed him to find another level: both mentally and physically. I firmly believe that Luka has another gear that he can reveal if he'll adopt the required lifestyle of an elite athlete!

Luka's response to Tim asking if he would play seemed like he might take the summer off.

There is just no way he can play when you're that banged up.

https://x.com/espn_macmahon/status/1802904811567775775

[BPo001]

Originally Posted by washedklean77

For the Love of God, Luka cannot play International ball this offseason. Under any circumstance. I'd love to see him partner closely with Dirk this offseason so Dirk can emphasis how important health, fitness and wellness is to longevity. Dirk has openly confessed that the changes in his fitness regimen, diet, sleep patterns, etc. after the 2007 season is what allowed him to find another level: both mentally and physically. I firmly believe that Luka has another gear that he can reveal if he'll adopt the required lifestyle of an elite athlete!

Can we please stop assuming Dirk has an interest in doing this? I doubt he wants to be a free throw coach. I doubt he wants to tell a grown man that he needs to take his nutrition seriously. There are literally people who do this for a profession who will be better at it than Dirk. It starts and ends with Luka WANTING to do this. Let the man enjoy time with his kids.

[Melonhead]

Originally Posted by BPo001

Can we please stop assuming Dirk has an interest in doing this? I doubt he wants to be a free throw coach. I doubt he wants to tell a grown man that he needs to take his nutrition seriously. There are literally people who do this for a profession who will be better at it than Dirk. It starts and ends with Luka WANTING to do this. Let the man enjoy time with his kids.

Also Luka is married with a baby. Completely different situations but we don?t need Dirk in his ear, and I wouldn?t lower Dirk to that. Luka already hears it enough anyway.

[sig]

Lively is special on so many levels. Once that kid makes his jumper useful in the half court look out. Hi BB IQ and potential leadership qualities to go along with defense and competiveness seem off the charts. Mavs got so lucky getting him. I read an article on how told Luka after Game 3 to stop complaining. Of course everybody did but that it came from a 20 yo rookie on the same teamis impressive.

I'd be OK if moving Hardy and Green along with Maxi, THJ and Powell if I could get Markanen and Bruce Brown. Both will be on last years of their deals and may not be part the future plans of the current teams. Brown probably more east to land but Trader Danny might want the rest of the Mavs picks until 2030.

[SMC0007]

Lebron or bust.

[washedklean77]

Originally Posted by BPo001

Can we please stop assuming Dirk has an interest in doing this? I doubt he wants to be a free throw coach. I doubt he wants to tell a grown man that he needs to take his nutrition seriously. There are literally people who do this for a profession who will be better at it than Dirk. It starts and ends with Luka WANTING to do this. Let the man enjoy time with his kids.

Let me caveat my response with this: I have run 100-mile Ultra Marathons while out of shape and overweight and while also in shape and in-weight and the experience and outcome are night and day. Like I've said many times on this board (and only you can appreciate it if you live the lifestyle) is that being overweight is an indication that you're consistently operating in a caloric surplus. And because of this, it means that you're constantly experiencing body pain most notably in your joints and fascia that makes your body less efficient and less agile. You will feel like ass! Add onto this the bumps and bruises that Luka endures and it's gotta be awful. Luka is 25 years old and I'm willing to bet that he feels as if he's 40yrs old due to his lifestyle. His body composition is proof. Ask Jokic as he has become the best version of himself by cleaning up his act. (we've all seen his transformation and it was not by accident)

Luka, by NBA definition and contract value, is an elite athlete. He makes mega-millions to play a game which requires him to be in incredible physical shape. I remember looking at my BIL during the game and even he said to me, "How are both Luka and Kyrie not playing all 48 minutes in a must win game?!" Luka often played 45+ minutes during the regular season but failed to do so during the playoffs because of why? He's out of shape. He'll still bumped and bruised, but his ability to endure the grind will be better if he's in better shape.

For those that don't truly understand what "in shape" means, let me share. It's not aways about what you weight and what you look like, but more so aerobic efficiencies. Let me ask you this: Would you rather your vehicle travel down the highway via 70MPH at 2K RPM's or at 3K RPM's? The answer is clearly 2K RPM's as this suggests that there's less energy demand from your body to go a set distance. It means that you can do more and maintain longevity while doing it. You can indeed train your body to do this and it takes tremendous discipline and intentionality to get there. I firmly believe that Luka incorporates this into his offseason regimen, but he abandons it during the regular season as he becomes a victim of a caloric burn game that he continues to lose. It's abundantly obvious to most of us which is why there is so much scrutiny towards him via the media.

If I'm in the front office for this franchise going forward, my success criteria for Luka is his status come game 70. Has he digressed from the beginning of the season like he has historically or has he remained strong and prepared for the journey? Only time will tell!

[DevinHarriswillstart]

If a Ferrari is bleeding from the knees and needs chest injections, then that Ferrari isn't going to run well.

Do you know what Luka's weight actually is?

It's fine to want him to be in better shape, but again, for the umpteenth time, no amount of "in shape" can withstand those kinds of injuries.

If he was healthy and looked gassed all the time, then you'd have a stronger position.

And he still played anyway! If he was so miserably out of shape, then there is no way he plays.

[SMC0007]

Originally Posted by washedklean77

Let me caveat my response with this: I have run 100-mile Ultra Marathons while out of shape and overweight and while also in shape and in-weight and the experience and outcome are night and day. Like I've said many times on this board (and only you can appreciate it if you live the lifestyle) is that being overweight is an indication that you're consistently operating in a caloric surplus. And because of this, it means that you're constantly experiencing body pain most notably in your joints and fascia that makes your body less efficient and less agile. You will feel like ass! Add onto this the bumps and bruises that Luka endures and it's gotta be awful. Luka is 25 years old and I'm willing to bet that he feels as if he's 40yrs old due to his lifestyle. His body composition is proof. Ask Jokic as he has become the best version of himself by cleaning up his act. (we've all seen his transformation and it was not by accident)

Luka, by NBA definition and contract value, is an elite athlete. He makes mega-millions to play a game which requires him to be in incredible physical shape. I remember looking at my BIL during the game and even he said to me, "How are both Luka and Kyrie not playing all 48 minutes in a must win game?!" Luka often played 45+ minutes during the regular season but failed to do so during the playoffs because of why? He's out of shape. He'll still bumped and bruised, but his ability to endure the grind will be better if he's in better shape.

For those that don't truly understand what "in shape" means, let me share. It's not aways about what you weight and what you look like, but more so aerobic efficiencies. Let me ask you this: Would you rather your vehicle travel down the highway via 70MPH at 2K RPM's or at 3K RPM's? The answer is clearly 2K RPM's as this suggests that there's less energy demand from your body to go a set distance. It means that you can do more and maintain longevity while doing it. You can indeed train your body to do this and it takes tremendous discipline and intentionality to get there. I firmly believe that Luka incorporates this into his offseason regimen, but he abandons it during the regular season as he becomes a victim of a caloric burn game that he continues to lose. It's abundantly obvious to most of us which is why there is so much scrutiny towards him via the media.

If I'm in the front office for this franchise going forward, my success criteria for Luka is his status come game 70. Has he digressed from the beginning of the season like he has historically or has he remained strong and prepared for the journey? Only time will tell!

Well said, again. He isnt really even that close to elite level of fitness. Tbh, he doesnt have to have Lebron body. He's a big boned boy, but suggesting Luka is peak fitness of an elite 25yr old athlete is just not dealing in reality. You can go to any gym and see about 10 guys with different sizes and body types that are at least as "in shape". They do it without the multi million dollar athlete contracts, too. I was one of them, for about 8 years, 6 days a week, busting my ass and eating right every day. I see all the people disagreeing and cant help but wonder if they fully know what it takes to get there.

[FreshJive]

Out of shape Luka was second in the league for MPG in the regular season, and only .3 MPG behind the leader. He was also 8th in the playoffs at 41 MPG, and his minutes when up and not down in the playoffs as this dude seems to suggest.

[Thespiralgoeson]

Luka never has been and never will be an elite physical specimen. But I will fight back against the notion that he was "out of shape" at all this season, because he just wasn't. Could Luka be in better shape? I dunno, maybe? I look at Luka in 2024 and I see the same level of conditioning as a great number of any other NBA stars. There are lots of reasons the Mavs lost to the Celtics, but Luka's conditioning wasn't one of them. We've seen Luka out of shape in the past. This wasn't one of those instances.

And using Jokic as the positive version of what kind of shape Luka should be in is funny to me, because Luka looks to me like he's in the exact same condition as Jokic.

[rimrocker]

Hoping Prosper takes a huge leap and can become a 5th starter.
We seem to be starving for 2way players and he has a chance to be one.

[rimrocker]

Originally Posted by Melonhead

Also Luka is married with a baby. Completely different situations but we don?t need Dirk in his ear, and I wouldn?t lower Dirk to that. Luka already hears it enough anyway.

Speaking of Dirk....Happy 46th BDay!!!

[DevinHarriswillstart]

Originally Posted by rimrocker

Hoping Prosper takes a huge leap and can become a 5th starter.
We seem to be starving for 2way players and he has a chance to be one.

Whose spot does he take though? DJJ or PJ?

[tap2390]

On some level I wonder if both DJJ and PJ need to be upgraded. Both were fantastic defensively, but both have severe shortcomings on offense because they are inconsistent when catching and shooting, and nonexistent when creating their own shots.

I'm not sure OMax is the answer -- he seems to me to be more in the PJ mold than a true upgrade.

Would the Knicks consider a sign-and-trade for OG vs. losing him for nothing? THJ's expiring, Maxi, Green, and a pick?

[DevinHarriswillstart]

Well we shouldn't do everything just to keep DJJ. If you have to attach a single second to THJ, fine, but serious assets? That makes little sense.

I'd find a bigger package to get more assets like THJ/Green/2nds for something better than just a salary dump.

[Thespiralgoeson]

Originally Posted by tap2390

I'm not sure OMax is the answer -- he seems to me to be more in the PJ mold than a true upgrade.

Omax seems to have a much better 3pt shot, and that's the only thing that PJ and DJJ are missing. If PJ could consistently hit threes, he'd be an all-star.

[Zeus]

Originally Posted by washedklean77

Let me caveat my response with this: I have run 100-mile Ultra Marathons while out of shape and overweight and while also in shape and in-weight and the experience and outcome are night and day. Like I've said many times on this board (and only you can appreciate it if you live the lifestyle) is that being overweight is an indication that you're consistently operating in a caloric surplus. And because of this, it means that you're constantly experiencing body pain most notably in your joints and fascia that makes your body less efficient and less agile. You will feel like ass! Add onto this the bumps and bruises that Luka endures and it's gotta be awful. Luka is 25 years old and I'm willing to bet that he feels as if he's 40yrs old due to his lifestyle. His body composition is proof. Ask Jokic as he has become the best version of himself by cleaning up his act. (we've all seen his transformation and it was not by accident)

Luka, by NBA definition and contract value, is an elite athlete. He makes mega-millions to play a game which requires him to be in incredible physical shape. I remember looking at my BIL during the game and even he said to me, "How are both Luka and Kyrie not playing all 48 minutes in a must win game?!" Luka often played 45+ minutes during the regular season but failed to do so during the playoffs because of why? He's out of shape. He'll still bumped and bruised, but his ability to endure the grind will be better if he's in better shape.

For those that don't truly understand what "in shape" means, let me share. It's not aways about what you weight and what you look like, but more so aerobic efficiencies. Let me ask you this: Would you rather your vehicle travel down the highway via 70MPH at 2K RPM's or at 3K RPM's? The answer is clearly 2K RPM's as this suggests that there's less energy demand from your body to go a set distance. It means that you can do more and maintain longevity while doing it. You can indeed train your body to do this and it takes tremendous discipline and intentionality to get there. I firmly believe that Luka incorporates this into his offseason regimen, but he abandons it during the regular season as he becomes a victim of a caloric burn game that he continues to lose. It's abundantly obvious to most of us which is why there is so much scrutiny towards him via the media.

If I'm in the front office for this franchise going forward, my success criteria for Luka is his status come game 70. Has he digressed from the beginning of the season like he has historically or has he remained strong and prepared for the journey? Only time will tell!

It seems to me that Luka's issue is caloric intake control. He gets plenty of caloric burn through game and practice exertion but he seems to be in caloric intake surplus during the season. If he were to clean up his diet and eat 15% less calories in perpetuity he would revert back to his age 18/19 physique when he could do reverse dunks with ease. His fitness level during the bubble playoffs against the clippers is startling to go back and see. Even with an ankle sprain he had lateral quickness. He appears he could stand to lose 20 to 30 lbs given his height of 6'7"

[saclare]

If anyone is to be upgraded, it's DJJ. Love the guy on a smaller deal, a bigger deal will minimize his impact to cap.

Don't sleep on PJ. Guy can fill it up and I have big time faith in his game next season. You're right in that he has to find consistency in his outside shot. But I feel like he was almost limited offensively given the usage of Luka and Kyrie. If those two can find a balance and trust PJ and whoever else is here next year, there's a natural "rest" during the regular season and less of a need to max out minutes and playing time of those two.

Hardy, Green, an expiring THJ, and Maxi are the player assets in that order. Then you have some picks to work with but not a whole lot of draft capital.

[rimrocker]

Originally Posted by DevinHarriswillstart

Whose spot does he take though? DJJ or PJ?

I think we need scoring from the bench so I'm thinking if OMax can take DJJs spot, then we can use use MLE for a legit scorer who can improve our offense.
Our D was pretty solid but I don't see any upside on DJJ offensively. If OMax can give us 80% of DJJ's D and continue to improve offensively, we might have something.
Basically substitute DJJ for a NVE/ Terry type player and hope our starting lineup doesn't suffer too much in the process.

I also think Lawson could give us nearly everything Green does and makes Green expendable for a trade.

Realistically I see OMax being developed into Maxi's eventual replacement.

[FreshJive]

Originally Posted by Zeus

It seems to me that Luka's issue is caloric intake control. He gets plenty of caloric burn through game and practice exertion but he seems to be in caloric intake surplus during the season. If he were to clean up his diet and eat 15% less calories in perpetuity he would revert back to his age 18/19 physique when he could do reverse dunks with ease. His fitness level during the bubble playoffs against the clippers is startling to go back and see. Even with an ankle sprain he had lateral quickness. He appears he could stand to lose 20 to 30 lbs given his height of 6'7"

Why do these people exist?

[SMC0007]

Originally Posted by Thespiralgoeson

Luka never has been and never will be an elite physical specimen. But I will fight back against the notion that he was "out of shape" at all this season, because he just wasn't. Could Luka be in better shape? I dunno, maybe? I look at Luka in 2024 and I see the same level of conditioning as a great number of any other NBA stars. There are lots of reasons the Mavs lost to the Celtics, but Luka's conditioning wasn't one of them. We've seen Luka out of shape in the past. This wasn't one of those instances.

And using Jokic as the positive version of what kind of shape Luka should be in is funny to me, because Luka looks to me like he's in the exact same condition as Jokic.

Could Luka be in better shape?. The answer to that question is unquestionably, yes. Hell, he could lose 15lbs and gain quite a bit of lateral quickness, agility and stamina. He needs more than just consistent diet though.

Its actually not a good thing even if he is in same condition as Jokic. He is playing PG and required to defend on the perimeter.