Better Plan than Shaq?

[Day1MavsFan]

Wouldn't it be better to somehow move up to #1 and take Okafer, who has a long career ahead of him, than take a risk on an old, declining Shaq? Could we package Josh H. and the #5 and get the #1 from Orlando?
Another plan might be to swing a deal for Dampier and move down to take Ramos. This way, we essentially keep the team intact and we have a huge window of opportunity.
I say this because I'm not sure if we can win the title with Shaq and Dirk if Nash and Josh, etc., are gone. I'm just not sure that we are any better than the Lakers were this year or last. We certainly don't have the defenders they had.
On the other hand, if we simply add a decent big man to what we already have, assuming we resign Marquis, then I think we are just as good as anyone else. Even if LA keeps Shaq, they wouldn't be better than the Mavs necessarily. Would Sac, Minny, Detroit, SA be better? We could still be the favorite, even without Shaq. And if not quite as strong the next 2 years, then we certainly would be moreso after that when all of the young talent blossoms.
What does everybody think it take to move up to #1?

[ocelot_ark]

I'd take that as well. Honestly, looking at things long term, I'd much, MUCH rather have TMac and Okafor. For what Houston's offering, I think we could pull that off easier than getting Shaq. Then you're looking at your 3 best players ALL being really young, and really good.

[FilthyFinMavs]

Well it's not like Okafor doesn't have any questions on him but I do somewhat agree with your post. Unless we give up Dirk or Nash I disagree this being a better plan than getting Shaq. This is more of a consolation prize if anything. I'd definately take Okafor but I honestly think you could pull off a Walker and number 5 for the number 1 and Grant Hill's contract. Not sure if Mavs fans do it but I know I would. Magic then look like this if the deal for T-Mac goes through:

Declerq or Stephen Hunter
Gooden
Walker
Francis/Mobley
If he's still here Livingston

Not sure how they work the above out but I believe if the Magic could turn Grant Hill's contract into a 1 year deal worth 14 mill I think they'd jump on it. Maybe we can even get a bit more for taking on Grant Hill's contract. I wouldn't mind Stephen Hunter at all.

[FilthyFinMavs]

Originally posted by: ocelot_ark
I'd take that as well. Honestly, looking at things long term, I'd much, MUCH rather have TMac and Okafor. For what Houston's offering, I think we could pull that off easier than getting Shaq. Then you're looking at your 3 best players ALL being really young, and really good.

But Shaq is what we need. T-Mac sounds great but does he improve us inside at all? Instead of putting up 104 points a game this season he'll probaly raise that up to about 106 or 107. The Shaq deal should be our main priority and if they still continue to want Dirk for Shaq then jump on getting Okafor in here. The Mavs don't have to blow this team up. They need to add that final piece at the 5 position and who better to do it then Shaq?

[sike]

Originally posted by: Day1MavsFan
Wouldn't it be better to somehow move up to #1 and take Okafer, who has a long career ahead of him, than take a risk on an old, declining Shaq? Could we package Josh H. and the #5 and get the #1 from Orlando?
Another plan might be to swing a deal for Dampier and move down to take Ramos. This way, we essentially keep the team intact and we have a huge window of opportunity.
I say this because I'm not sure if we can win the title with Shaq and Dirk if Nash and Josh, etc., are gone. I'm just not sure that we are any better than the Lakers were this year or last. We certainly don't have the defenders they had.
On the other hand, if we simply add a decent big man to what we already have, assuming we resign Marquis, then I think we are just as good as anyone else. Even if LA keeps Shaq, they wouldn't be better than the Mavs necessarily. Would Sac, Minny, Detroit, SA be better? We could still be the favorite, even without Shaq. And if not quite as strong the next 2 years, then we certainly would be moreso after that when all of the young talent blossoms.
What does everybody think it take to move up to #1?

you pair Shaq and Dirk and win now and the next two seasons...dont bet on 4 years from now....if daddy is there get him.

[ocelot_ark]

I just think really highly of Okafor. I think he could be a Ben Wallace clone. I think he WOULD anchor the defense.

[ddh33]

It honestly depends on the price to me.

If the cost is equal or near equal, I would rather have Shaq. If LA is being rediculous, while Orlando is accomodating, I do that deal.

[ocelot_ark]

Originally posted by: ddh33
It honestly depends on the price to me.

If the cost is equal or near equal, I would rather have Shaq. If LA is being rediculous, while Orlando is accomodating, I do that deal.

Yeah...that's what I'm trying to say.

[SaltwaterChaffy]

If I had to choose between giving up Nash (and others obviously) for Shaq, or keeping Dirk and Nash and getting the #1 (with Walker/Howard/others), I take the #1 in a heartbeat.

We already know that Okafor can play amazing defense. His offensive game has grown leaps and bounds over his four years at Connecticut, and he is smart enough and has the work ethic to make it even better. With no need for him to exert himself too hard offensively in his early years, he'll have plenty of time to develop, and plenty of time to collect those rings.

Okafor is a young (albeit undersized) Olajuwon. Book it.

[mavs413]

Would this make sense?

Antione Walker
Christian Laettner
#5

for

Grant Hill
Juwan Howard
#1

[Hitman]

If the Mavs could get Okafor and Grant Hill for #5 and Antoine Walker, I would be joyous.

[Hitman]

If the Magic are serious about rebuilding, wouldn't they love to get rid of TMac AND Grant Hill's contracts for ones that are expiring next year (Lattner, Walker,) and Josh Howard AND the # 5 pick, which they could use on Livingston, who lots of people think will turn out to be the best player in the draft?

Okafor would be the greatest thing to happen to the Mavs since Nowtizki.

[FolterKammer84]

what about trading finley for chicagos #3 and a player and then sending orlando #3 #5 + howard + walker for mcgrady hill and #1. doesnt sound that bad to me . perhaps stackhouse is going to chicago to .
i´ve read many articles that said chicago would shot the #3 pick .

[PubaNWO]

If some how the Mavs get #1/Tmac/Shaq while losing only one of the big 3 plus others then it will be a steal.....

Okafor can play offense he is not a liability like Ben Wallace.