GDT: game 8/82 - Raptors (3-4) at Mavs (6-1) 7:30pm

[dirt_dobber]

Iztok Franko@iztok_franko
Mavs - Raptors observations

1. Second loss and second game (like vs Denver) where Dallas was outsized & outmuscled
72 points in the paint allowed & crushed on the offensive glass
Tough to win these games when Luka & Kyrie are not at their peak dominating games on offense

2. It's becoming a trend
They surely missed Lively in this one. But rebounding and paint protecting have been a problem since the first 3 games
Mavs are now:
2nd worst in NBA in opp paint points & opp rim FG%
4th worst in opp OFF REB%

3. Raptors length & disruption made Dallas go smaller
Barnes (!!), OG & Siakam were disrupting so much with length & ability to help and recover that Mavs needed more dynamic players to attack that.

4. Raptors killing Dallas in transition
Saying all that (like against the Nuggets) Mavs were still better in half-court offense. But the Raptors generated so many defense to offense opportunities:
25% of their offense was in transition
With bad rebounding to much to overcome.

5. Raptors small-ball was way bigger than Mavs small ball
In my preview I speculated how much Poeltl will play. He got only 20 mins.
But Raptors wings Barnes, OG, Siakam, Boucher, Porter are way bigger than Mavs wings/guards. Punished mismatches on post-ups and off glass.

[saclare]

A viable backup center is needed but the true improvement would be a bruising 4/5 combo that can allow Lively to free up on defending the paint. Rebounding at a minimum and defense, would be great find someone who can do both.

Siakam? Are the Raptors still planning to sell? Edit: for what it's worth, I think no. And even then, does Green and Hardy plus even get there?

[tap2390]

If the Bulls blow it up, I would do whatever it takes to get Caruso. Green + a pick. He is the best perimeter defender I've seen since Tony Allen. Put him in the starting lineup and move DJJ.

[Melonhead]

Originally Posted by tap2390

If the Bulls blow it up, I would do whatever it takes to get Caruso. Green + a pick. He is the best perimeter defender I've seen since Tony Allen. Put him in the starting lineup and move DJJ.

Why would we move a pf out of the lineup for another sg. And DJJ has been one of the actual bright spots with new guys

[EricaLubarsky]

Originally Posted by tap2390

If the Bulls blow it up, I would do whatever it takes to get Caruso. Green + a pick. He is the best perimeter defender I've seen since Tony Allen. Put him in the starting lineup and move DJJ.

dunno if I'd give a first, but maybe a first swap or a couple of seconds. I think we may be okay at guard, though, compared to 2nd string center.

If we were offered Jarrett Allen or Caruso for Green and a FRP, I would choose Allen.

[dirt_dobber]

We went into the offseason purportedly with our best player wanting to get a true starting level center.
We got a backup in Richard Holms(sp)
The Mavs are 23rd in defensive rating and 28th in defensive rebound percentage.
I think all of our victories this season have been come from behind wins.
This team, as presently constructed, is a 8,9,10 seed...

[sig]

Like to thnk the way Lively is playing that Luka may have changed his opinion. Mavs need a PF most. GW is not a full time PF and neither is DJJ. They are more combo types.

With Green's extension and OMAX being a rookie 1st round pick they are under control for a while at a reasonable price. Toronto has Siakum, OG, Achiuwa at PF. All can be FA's this summer though Achiuwa is RFA. Toronto seems to want a lot for OG but I'd offer both Green and OMAX in deal to get him. Don't know how the Mavs go more withput dipping into their limited picks of the future. Not sure I'd that but besides OMAX and Green, you would hve to send some salary matching player. Trent is also FA so Green could potentially slot in as their starting SG with Barnes moving to the front court more at SF. OG is going to get a big payday if he makes it thru year healthy.