2014 Offseason Thread

[Vinsanity]

Kinda off topic but it seems like there's a lot of people thinking that Ellis will walk next summer for more money, and I've seen articles like this...
http://basketball.realgm.com/article...nge-Of-Scenery
but honestly, I think Ellis is here to stay. Monta hasn't been on many winning teams in his career, and the 13-14 Mavs were the best team he's ever played on. He's made it clear in interviews that winning is a priority for him. He left $10-12 mil on the table from Milwaukee last summer so he could come to Dallas and play for a better team. The dude wants to win, plain and simple. You could tell just from his body language that he was MUCH happier here in Dallas this past season than he was in recent years playing for bad Bucks/Warriors teams. And after all the upgrades we made this Summer, the Mavs will be even better than last season. So let's say we get a top 4 seed and make it the 2nd round or even beyond that... no way Monta leaves. Seems like the dude is finally happy. The Mavs were one of the few teams that actually wanted to take a chance on him last summer, and I'm sure that means something to him. The Mavs organization is high class, and he's seen that first hand now. But like I said, he wants to win... and the top teams like OKC, SA, LAC, CLE aren't gonna have the money to offer him next summer... and he's not gonna take slightly more to play for a bad team like the Kings for example.

My prediction for Monta next summer is either A.) he opts in to give us more financial flexibility or B.) (assuming he has another good season for us) we negotiate and give him his well deserved money (but maybe at a slight discount like $10-12mil/per). But I think he'll want to stay. We've made him feel welcomed by taking a chance in him and giving him a big role on our team. He's finally happy, I don't see him going anywhere. Cuban will find a way to make it happen in the best interest of the Mavs and Monta.

[spreedom]

Originally Posted by Vinsanity

Kinda off topic but it seems like there's a lot of people thinking that Ellis will walk next summer for more money, and I've seen articles like this...
http://basketball.realgm.com/article...nge-Of-Scenery
but honestly, I think Ellis is here to stay. Monta hasn't been on many winning teams in his career, and the 13-14 Mavs were the best team he's ever played on. He's made it clear in interviews that winning is a priority for him. He left $10-12 mil on the table from Milwaukee last summer so he could come to Dallas and play for a better team. The dude wants to win, plain and simple. You could tell just from his body language that he was MUCH happier here in Dallas this past season than he was in recent years playing for bad Bucks/Warriors teams. And after all the upgrades we made this Summer, the Mavs will be even better than last season. So let's say we get a top 4 seed and make it the 2nd round or even beyond that... no way Monta leaves. Seems like the dude is finally happy. The Mavs were one of the few teams that actually wanted to take a chance on him last summer, and I'm sure that means something to him. The Mavs organization is high class, and he's seen that first hand now. But like I said, he wants to win... and the top teams like OKC, SA, LAC, CLE aren't gonna have the money to offer him next summer... and he's not gonna take slightly more to play for a bad team like the Kings for example.

My prediction for Monta next summer is either A.) he opts in to give us more financial flexibility or B.) (assuming he has another good season for us) we negotiate and give him his well deserved money (but maybe at a slight discount like $10-12mil/per). But I think he'll want to stay. We've made him feel welcomed by taking a chance in him and giving him a big role on our team. He's finally happy, I don't see him going anywhere. Cuban will find a way to make it happen in the best interest of the Mavs and Monta.

I agree that it's very likely that Monta re-signs next summer, but TBH even with the production he's given us and the great chemistry he has with Dirk, I'd have pretty serious reservations about giving him $12M per season. That's a lot of money to invest in a guy who has, perhaps for lack of a better way of saying it, a very spotty history of success in his career.

[DavidDaMonkey]

Originally Posted by spreedom

I agree that it's very likely that Monta re-signs next summer, but TBH even with the production he's given us and the great chemistry he has with Dirk, I'd have pretty serious reservations about giving him $12M per season. That's a lot of money to invest in a guy who has, perhaps for lack of a better way of saying it, a very spotty history of success in his career.

If he can make a huge step forward in defense this year, he's worth it. That's a real big if though.

[Sportstudi]

Originally Posted by EricaLubarsky

Pretty much this. I appreciate what Terry was and what he did for us. Right now he's an expiring contract of 5mill who may be able to play the role of marksman off the bench for 5-10mpg. As a GM you can't play rivalries-- you have to do what is best for your team. I assume Morey wanted the picks and rental of Terry.

I agree. The only sense for Morey to do this was the get Terry's expiring contract + picks.

As much as I like Terry (see my last post above), but over the last two years the JET has unfortunately more looked like this:

[j0Shi]

http://espn.go.com/blog/dallas/maver.../_/id/4703089/

Here at the 2014 FIBA World Cup, Koponen told ESPN.com he intends to make the jump to the NBA after completing the final season on his contract with BC Khimki in Russia.

Covering the World Cup for my current employer, kid is looking strong.

[j0Shi]

dp

[EricaLubarsky]

Originally Posted by j0Shi

http://espn.go.com/blog/dallas/maver.../_/id/4703089/



Covering the World Cup for my current employer, kid is looking strong.

13.7pts, 3reb, 3ast on 60%/45%/90%

Still, he's getting up there (26) and still hasn't proven to be NBA-viable in larger minutes. I like his efficiency, though and seems like a really nice kid with high motor (as well as good size for PG at 6'4.5")

[jay3189]

Originally Posted by spreedom

I agree that it's very likely that Monta re-signs next summer, but TBH even with the production he's given us and the great chemistry he has with Dirk, I'd have pretty serious reservations about giving him $12M per season. That's a lot of money to invest in a guy who has, perhaps for lack of a better way of saying it, a very spotty history of success in his career.

If Monta can be consistent on defense, then he is worth 10-14 million per year. He is of the best scorers attacking the rim, his playmaking ability is on point, and he doesn't play scared. I love his demeanor. I just want him to be a better defender.

[dirt_dobber]

Originally Posted by jay3189

If Monta can be consistent on defense, then he is worth 10-14 million per year. He is of the best scorers attacking the rim, his playmaking ability is on point, and he doesn't play scared. I love his demeanor. I just want him to be a better defender.

agree.

He was 7th in the league last year in total Steals and ahead of some very notable players in that stat.
http://espn.go.com/nba/statistics/player/_/stat/steals

And with Tyson behind him protecting the rim he can afford to take a few more risks :-)

[EricaLubarsky]

Ellis is definitely not a defensive star, but his defensive +/- is also very misleading, because he was being replaced by guys like Harris who are defensive experts and bigger guys like Carter who were underrated defensive players. He also played with one of the worst defensive starting units in basketball (111pp100)

I don't expect him to be good or even above average this year, but he'll at least be average and our defense should be much improved and that is all that matters, really. Also, his gambling won't hurt us as much with a team capable of erasing his mistakes.

[EricaLubarsky]

Ellis is definitely not a defensive star, but his defensive +/- is also very misleading, because he was being replaced by guys like Harris who are defensive experts and bigger guys like Carter who were underrated defensive players. He also played with one of the worst defensive starting units in basketball (111pp100)

I don't expect him to be good or even above average this year, but he'll at least be average and our defense should be much improved and that is all that matters, really. Also, his gambling won't hurt us as much with a team capable of erasing his mistakes.

[rimrocker]

I know very little about Nelson's game...how is his defense?

[EricaLubarsky]

Originally Posted by rimrocker

I know very little about Nelson's game...how is his defense?

Adequate, which is all we need. Last year it was pretty bad, but that was lack of effort. I think when he's here, he'll be serviceable. He'll never be accused of being a defensive star, but he should be alright. The combination of Ellis/Nelson does scare me a bit, because they are both a little challenged (height and fundamentals), but it's not about individual performances as much as it's about team defense.

[rimrocker]

Originally Posted by EricaLubarsky

Adequate, which is all we need. Last year it was pretty bad, but that was lack of effort. I think when he's here, he'll be serviceable. He'll never be accused of being a defensive star, but he should be alright. The combination of Ellis/Nelson does scare me a bit, because they are both a little challenged (height and fundamentals), but it's not about individual performances as much as it's about team defense.

Thanks!!!
I'm a little concerned about that too but I do like the options of Harris/Ellis or Nelson/Crowder (or RJ).
I'm wondering if Harris would be a better option as a starter since we have plenty of offensive fire power with Ellis, Parsons and Dirk.
Nelson would give us more offense off the bench with Crowder, RJ, Aminu and Smith or Wright. Nelson's lack of size and D wouldn't be as exposed if he was paired with Crowder and/or Jefferson (or even Aminu).

[grndmstr_c]

Originally Posted by rimrocker

Thanks!!!
I'm a little concerned about that too but I do like the options of Harris/Ellis or Nelson/Crowder (or RJ).
I'm wondering if Harris would be a better option as a starter since we have plenty of offensive fire power with Ellis, Parsons and Dirk.
Nelson would give us more offense off the bench with Crowder, RJ, Aminu and Smith or Wright. Nelson's lack of size and D wouldn't be as exposed if he was paired with Crowder and/or Jefferson (or even Aminu).

The Mavs' best tool for hiding other players' defensive shortcomings is going to be Tyson, so from that perspective (not to mention the need for shooting on the offensive end) I think it makes sense to start Nelson. Also, as the superior defender you probably want DH out there getting closing minutes a fair share of the time, and accomplishing that while at the same time managing his minutes is probably most easily accomplished by bringing him off the bench. At least that's how I see it.

[rimrocker]

Originally Posted by grndmstr_c

The Mavs' best tool for hiding other players' defensive shortcomings is going to be Tyson, so from that perspective (not to mention the need for shooting on the offensive end) I think it makes sense to start Nelson. Also, as the superior defender you probably want DH out there getting closing minutes a fair share of the time, and accomplishing that while at the same time managing his minutes is probably most easily accomplished by bringing him off the bench. At least that's how I see it.

I think the bottom line is the number of options RC has now for match-ups whether it is the starting lineup, closers, or other critical situations.
I'm hoping Crowder can take his game to another level, especially defensively, to fill a DeShawn Stevenson type role. That is one area where I think we are a bit vulnerable unless Crowder can step it up a notch.

[Vinsanity]

Was just thinking about this... am I the only one who would rather have Jameer Nelson as our starting point guard over Jose Calderon? Calderon was an incredible 3 point shooter for us last season, but let's be honest... that's about all he did. He mostly became a spot up 3 pt shooter with Monta running the point. People are knocking us saying that losing Jose will be a big loss for us, but I think Jameer brings a lot more to the team. Can shoot almost as well as Jose, can drive and get to the rim (something Jose almost never did last season), is a better leader with playoffs/Finals experience, they're the same age so it's not like we got older, both are about equal as passers (even though Jose is less-turnover prone), and Jameer is better defensively (not saying much, but still). Not to mention the contract we have Jameer on ($2.7mill) is much better than Jose's ($8mill).

So I think we've upgraded our starting PG position, and if Felton can get back to himself, our depth even got better. I'm really excited for this season

[EricaLubarsky]

Originally Posted by Vinsanity

Was just thinking about this... am I the only one who would rather have Jameer Nelson as our starting point guard over Jose Calderon? Calderon was an incredible 3 point shooter for us last season, but let's be honest... that's about all he did. He mostly became a spot up 3 pt shooter with Monta running the point. People are knocking us saying that losing Jose will be a big loss for us, but I think Jameer brings a lot more to the team. Can shoot almost as well as Jose, can drive and get to the rim (something Jose almost never did last season), is a better leader with playoffs/Finals experience, they're the same age so it's not like we got older, both are about equal as passers (even though Jose is less-turnover prone), and Jameer is better defensively (not saying much, but still). Not to mention the contract we have Jameer on ($2.7mill) is much better than Jose's ($8mill).

So I think we've upgraded our starting PG position, and if Felton can get back to himself, our depth even got better. I'm really excited for this season

I may look dumb if Nelson completely bombs, because we haven't seen him play yet and the drop-off in Nelson's game very well could be more about his age and less about being on a crappy team and in a bad situation.

BUT (and this is a BIG but), Nelson can't possibly be worse than Calderon. Nelson is weak defensively and not nearly the shooter that Calderon was, but Calderon hurt both our defense AND our offense. His total lack of playmaking/ability to pass to Dirk/Ellis completely erased any benefit of having a jumpshooter on the team. Calderon's inability to pass made Ellis run our offense, which caused our TO rate to increase by 0.8TO/min while both Calderon/Ellis were playing together.

If Nelson can run basic plays and get it to Dirk where he likes it while not being a black hole when passed to, then he will be a HUGE addition to this team and I'm excited to see him play. I still think I like Harris out there to close out games, because he can run a basic play and defend the more dangerous opposing guard, but Nelson simply can't be worse than Calderon and very well could be a nice spark plug that sets the tone of selflessness that this team needs in the first half.

The contract thing is just icing on the cake and means nothing until this offseason, when Nelson can be re-signed for cheap if he plays well or allowed to walk if he doesn't. Calderon still has two more guaranteed years after this one.

[DevinHarriswillstart]

Nelson really seems like a Carlisle guy. I know that may be overused or cliched, but it really, really matters. Nelson won't need to be "coached" or taught how to play the position. He's a solid vet pg who knows how to run a team and is pretty consistent in what he will offer. I haven't really watched him since Howard left, but I remember him having a good balance of attacking versus shooting. And he is an above average passer.

He's a different player than Calderon so no need to really deeply compare the two. He can offer a different dynamic though and to my eyes (at least from the Howard days) is a better playmaker than Jose. We shall see...

[Underdog]

Originally Posted by Vinsanity

Was just thinking about this... am I the only one who would rather have Jameer Nelson as our starting point guard over Jose Calderon?

Nope.

I was a little apprehensive when Calderon was first traded, but we've done more than enough to improve our team since then... Nobody shoots the ball as well as he does, but everybody does something -- if not many things -- better than him.

[spreedom]

Originally Posted by EricaLubarsky

BUT (and this is a BIG but), Nelson can't possibly be worse than Calderon. Nelson is weak defensively and not nearly the shooter that Calderon was, but Calderon hurt both our defense AND our offense. His total lack of playmaking/ability to pass to Dirk/Ellis completely erased any benefit of having a jumpshooter on the team. Calderon's inability to pass made Ellis run our offense, which caused our TO rate to increase by 0.8TO/min while both Calderon/Ellis were playing together.

I always figured that Calderon's lack of playmaking was a result of him willingly taking on a smaller offensive role so we could maximize the production we'd get out of Ellis (i.e. Calderon is a fantastic catch-and-shoot scorer, while Ellis has always been primarily a scorer off the dribble who loses a lot of value if he doesn't have the ball in his hands). I always secretly wondered last season if we might have been better off starting Calderon with someone like Ellington (probably the best two-way shooting guard on the team), while still giving Ellis 25-30mpg off the bench. Probably not, but to me the reason why Calderon had to go was because both he and Ellis need the ball in their hands to be most effective.

I bet Calderon's going to be close to the 9-10APG mark that he's been at or around for a lot of his career... I think here it had a lot more to do with fit than it had to do with ability. And obviously that means that trading him was probably still a really good decision.

[BGMaverick9]

Meet the Mavs is still on the books, but they're still finalizing a date. Could hover around the 22, 23 or 24th.

[BGMaverick9]

Double posts are pretty dumb here...

[DevinHarriswillstart]

Originally Posted by BGMaverick9

Meet the Mavs is still on the books, but they're still finalizing a date. Could hover around the 22, 23 or 24th.

I actually like it closer to the season. Gives us something to look forward to in the month of September...then camp is around the corner.

[EricaLubarsky]

Originally Posted by spreedom

I always figured that Calderon's lack of playmaking was a result of him willingly taking on a smaller offensive role so we could maximize the production we'd get out of Ellis (i.e. Calderon is a fantastic catch-and-shoot scorer, while Ellis has always been primarily a scorer off the dribble who loses a lot of value if he doesn't have the ball in his hands). I always secretly wondered last season if we might have been better off starting Calderon with someone like Ellington (probably the best two-way shooting guard on the team), while still giving Ellis 25-30mpg off the bench. Probably not, but to me the reason why Calderon had to go was because both he and Ellis need the ball in their hands to be most effective.

I bet Calderon's going to be close to the 9-10APG mark that he's been at or around for a lot of his career... I think here it had a lot more to do with fit than it had to do with ability. And obviously that means that trading him was probably still a really good decision.

I thought that too, but watching games, I just saw a guy who was unwilling or incapable of passing to Dirk. We'd run three or four plays and then pass it out to him. He'd either take a defended three, or make some awful pass without creating any movement. I can't tell you how many times the ball went to him, Dirk posted up and waited for the pass while Ellis called for it at the top of the circle and Calderon just waited 3-4 seconds and either took the three or passed around the outside. It drove me nuts. I don't think he's a dumb player, but he sure played dumb here and the idea that we wanted him to just be a spot-up shooter doesn't explain all of those stupid plays.

Regardless, there is no difference between a good player in the wrong system/poorly coached or a bad player who just plays up to his ability on the court-- they both hurt the team. I wish Calderon the best, but he was either an awful fit or a subpar player.

[DGM]

[QUOTE=EricaLubarsky;1355633]I may look dumb if Nelson completely bombs, because we haven't seen him play yet and the drop-off in Nelson's game very well could be more about his age and less about being on a crappy team and in a bad situation.

BUT (and this is a BIG but), Nelson can't possibly be worse than Calderon. Nelson is weak defensively and not nearly the shooter that Calderon was, but Calderon hurt both our defense AND our offense. His total lack of playmaking/ability to pass to Dirk/Ellis completely erased any benefit of having a jumpshooter on the team. Calderon's inability to pass made Ellis run our offense, which caused our TO rate to increase by 0.8TO/min while both Calderon/Ellis were playing together.

If Nelson can run basic plays and get it to Dirk where he likes it while not being a black hole when passed to, then he will be a HUGE addition to this team and I'm excited to see him play. I still think I like Harris out there to close out games, because he can run a basic play and defend the more dangerous opposing guard, but Nelson simply can't be worse than Calderon and very well could be a nice spark plug that sets the tone of selflessness that this team needs in the first half.

The contract thing is just icing on the cake and means nothing until this offseason, when Nelson can be re-signed for cheap if he plays well or allowed to walk if he doesn't. Calderon still has two more guaranteed years after this one.[/QUOTE


Just like I said about Ellis last year Mavs fans will love Nelson. This guy is a little bulldog who can lead a team and score. I am very excited about seeing him with the other four starters.]

[BPo001]

Shams Charania: Free agent Charlie Villanueva is nearing a decision between vet minimum offers from the Mavericks and Clippers, league source tells RealGM. Twitter @ShamsCharania - See more at: http://hoopshype.com/rumors/tag/dall....r18Pyt8U.dpuf

[BPo001]

Shams Charania: Free agent Charlie Villanueva is nearing a decision between vet minimum offers from the Mavericks and Clippers, league source tells RealGM. Twitter @ShamsCharania - See more at: http://hoopshype.com/rumors/tag/dall....r18Pyt8U.dpuf

[spreedom]

I don't get why Villanueva would choose us over the Clippers, and I understand even less why we would pursue him at this stage.

[spreedom]

I don't get why Villanueva would choose us over the Clippers, and I understand even less why we would pursue him at this stage.

[j0Shi]

Originally Posted by spreedom

why we would pursue him at this stage.

Stretch Four. Nuff said?

[EricaLubarsky]

Originally Posted by j0Shi

Stretch Four. Nuff said?

A) Why do we need another stretch 4? We have Dirk, Parsons, and Jefferson as well as non-stretch guys like Aminu and Wright. That is a ton of depth.

B) He's not really better than any of those guys and we have 15 guaranteed contracts.

[Vinsanity]

I'd rather give any minutes that Villenueva would possibly get with us to Ivan Johnson. We don't really need another stretch 4. We have the best stretch 4 of all-time, we have Parsons who's gonna see time at PF when Dirk subs out, and Jefferson (40 3pt% last season) can play the 4 as well.

I hope he goes to the Clips.

[Vinsanity]

I <3 double posts

[bunkmoreland]

Espn reporting done deal. Charlie V a Mav, but non-guaranteed.
http://m.espn.go.com/general/story?s...ogle.com%22%7D

[yahyes]

Added perimeter depth if Charlie V can spread the floor like he used to.

[yahyes]

Originally Posted by spreedom

I don't get why Villanueva would choose us over the Clippers, and I understand even less why we would pursue him at this stage.

It gives Greg Smith less pressure to preform good right away. Especially if we don't know how healthy he is quite yet.

[rimrocker]

It'll be interesting to see if he will fit. My guess is that his role will be similar to Brian Cardinal's in 2011.

[EricaLubarsky]

He does have size, but his game is as suitable for PFs as Wright's is, but significantly less talented.

[grndmstr_c]

The Legends are going to be stacked.