Random Mavs News & Articles

[SMC0007]

Originally Posted by DevinHarriswillstart

My thing with firsts is the Mavs are terrible at development. And if they want to use them for chasing a superstar which hasn't worked since ever, then that's even worse. I don't want to give up picks anymore than the next fan, but the Hardy stuff has me thinking they aren't serious about developing young players.

Just checked that he is a FA this summer which would make me hesitate slightly, but otherwise, that move puts you right back into contention this season. He is a top 5 shooter as far as I'm concerned.

But I don't think Bertans and a first gets him anyway.

Nvm, saw he signed an extension. Stupid contract site didn't update that. In that case, I def do it.

But bro, we have the almighty Nico! Brought him in to make killer trades and draft badass players.

[Zeus]

Originally Posted by SMC0007

Looks like we are getting Bojan. I mean if the smoking Cuban says it, go ahead and book it.

Wayback fun machine:
- pick Mitchell in 2017
- Still get Luka in 2018
- Get Bojan in 2019 FA period with the dry powder we thought we would use on Giannis
- 2020 - trade pick 36 to move up one spot to 30th pick to select Desmond Bane after picking Tyrese Maxey at 18.

Current team: Mitchell, Luka, Maxey, Bojan and Bane with other pieces around them. Could flip either Maxey or Mitchell for a high quality 2 way big if necessary. Of course in this wayback machine hypothetical we never make the disastrous KP trade giving up all the draft capital. We would now be a championship contending team with 2 All NBA level players and able to flip draft picks for key pieces around the edges.

[saclare]

Originally Posted by Zeus

Wayback fun machine:
- pick Mitchell in 2017
- Still get Luka in 2018
- Get Bojan in 2019 FA period with the dry powder we thought we would use on Giannis
- 2020 - trade pick 36 to move up one spot to 30th pick to select Desmond Bane after picking Tyrese Maxey at 18.

Current team: Mitchell, Luka, Maxey, Bojan and Bane with other pieces around them. Could flip either Maxey or Mitchell for a high quality 2 way big if necessary. Of course in this wayback machine hypothetical we never make the disastrous KP trade giving up all the draft capital. We would now be a championship contending team with 2 All NBA level players and able to flip draft picks for key pieces around the edges.

Fun exercise, but no way the team could be in position to draft Luka given how good Mitchell was his rookie year. Kinda like draft Giannis and you don't get Luka.

Edit: I mean, we barely got him straight up and that was due to 4 teams ahead being supremely boneheaded including one willing to trade his rights to us for Trae

[Zeus]

Originally Posted by saclare

Fun exercise, but no way the team could be in position to draft Luka given how good Mitchell was his rookie year. Kinda like draft Giannis and you don't get Luka.

Edit: I mean, we barely got him straight up and that was due to 4 teams ahead being supremely boneheaded including one willing to trade his rights to us for Trae

It's a fair point. Ironically the Jazz went from 51 wins the year before Mitchell to 48 wins his rookie year. The bottom line is you never know.

[DevinHarriswillstart]

Hardy with 15 points in 20 minutes tonight. Gosh, whoulda thunk?

If he keeps this up, then that's more of a reason to make a Bojan type trade.

[EricaLubarsky]

Mavs just 1 game behind the Pelicans for 3rd

[Simon2]

So frustrating to watch the Mavs as a fan.

1. Wood needs to start or get more minutes.
2. Hardy needs more minutes
3. Bullock and THJ need minutes to be reduced significantly

Why can fans see this so clearly and the Mavs coaching staff is slow to adjust??

Next one is pay Wood. Mavs won?t realize this till he walks or gets traded.

[DevinHarriswillstart]

Originally Posted by Simon2

So frustrating to watch the Mavs as a fan.

1. Wood needs to start or get more minutes.
2. Hardy needs more minutes
3. Bullock and THJ need minutes to be reduced significantly

Why can fans see this so clearly and the Mavs coaching staff is slow to adjust??

Next one is pay Wood. Mavs won?t realize this till he walks or gets traded.

The frustrating part is that you (Kidd) should have been developing Hardy early on when you can afford to lose a few games. Now you're sort of unfairly putting him in high pressure situations like Celtics and Pels to perform. I'm glad he has stepped up, but it feels like Kidd is setting him up for failure.

Kidd has this make me make you play minutes mentality. Except that it doesn't apply to every player *cough* Bullock, Powell *cough*

Hardy did say the g league stint helped him, but this process has been way too slow. Especially with all the injuries. Signing Walker was a complete waste and another hurdle to Hardy getting minutes.

[SMC0007]

Originally Posted by Simon2

So frustrating to watch the Mavs as a fan.

1. Wood needs to start or get more minutes.
2. Hardy needs more minutes
3. Bullock and THJ need minutes to be reduced significantly

Why can fans see this so clearly and the Mavs coaching staff is slow to adjust??

Next one is pay Wood. Mavs won?t realize this till he walks or gets traded.

Well Wood is starting now and at this point I don't think it's changing even if we had Maxi and zgreen healthy. That is a situation where we got lucky with unfortunate injury. Most of thr credit goes to Wood for renewed intensity and learning his role defensively.

Hardy needs more mins and due to Injury it also forced Kidds hand. Again, most credit goes to Hardy for actually producing in the little time he has to make it obvious that he needs MEANINGFUL mins like we have been saying. Not garbage mins.

Kidd probably sees these things too, but there is a whole other side to it where he is with all the guys constantly. Tenure, work ethic and relationships all play some factor. My best guess is that Kidd is not oblivious but he is hoping that minutes and roles work itself out. Like Bullock and Dfs aren't players that take us to the promise land, but they've been around a long time so you might lose them if you immediately bump them for prospects. I'm totally spitballing here, but the players aren't blind, they can see they are getting bumped slowly and they probably blame Kidd less because they have been given every chance to retain their roles but aren't producing.

I'd like to think if the players were robots, he would have already made some of the moves we have been screaming about, but you can't turn them on and off. There's tenure, team chemistry, relationships mixed into everything beyond the floor.

[tap2390]

Originally Posted by SMC0007

Well Wood is starting now and at this point I don't think it's changing even if we had Maxi and zgreen healthy. That is a situation where we got lucky with unfortunate injury. Most of thr credit goes to Wood for renewed intensity and learning his role defensively.

Hardy needs more mins and due to Injury it also forced Kidds hand. Again, most credit goes to Hardy for actually producing in the little time he has to make it obvious that he needs MEANINGFUL mins like we have been saying. Not garbage mins.

Kidd probably sees these things too, but there is a whole other side to it where he is with all the guys constantly. Tenure, work ethic and relationships all play some factor. My best guess is that Kidd is not oblivious but he is hoping that minutes and roles work itself out. Like Bullock and Dfs aren't players that take us to the promise land, but they've been around a long time so you might lose them if you immediately bump them for prospects. I'm totally spitballing here, but the players aren't blind, they can see they are getting bumped slowly and they probably blame Kidd less because they have been given every chance to retain their roles but aren't producing.

I'd like to think if the players were robots, he would have already made some of the moves we have been screaming about, but you can't turn them on and off. There's tenure, team chemistry, relationships mixed into everything beyond the floor.

Really good points.

[Simon2]

I understand where you are coming from but this is not highschool basketball anymore where we want to be fair with playing time. It took injuries for the right people to get playing time. That sounds like luck and not good coaching. I understand that there is a whole other aspect aside from basketball. However, basketball is the final product. We talk about keeping some players happy but what about the most important one? The one that needs to be in god mode to win? How does he feel when one person goes for 1/9 and the other has 0 pts, 3 rbs a d 2 asts in 30+ mins? My only guess is Kidd is trying to showcase these people so they can be moved. What?s frustrating is all the negotiations that is supposed to be happening with Wood. The Mavs know how much they can offer him, just offer it already? This is not the flea market where one has to haggle. I feel like the Mavs out think themselves too much out of a good deal. If its not about Xs and Os, then Wood is a great fit! The sad part is that his numbers are there, his attitude is there and he is even endorsed by Luka. Even with all this, Mavs are still acting like a subpar franchise.

Originally Posted by SMC0007

Well Wood is starting now and at this point I don't think it's changing even if we had Maxi and zgreen healthy. That is a situation where we got lucky with unfortunate injury. Most of thr credit goes to Wood for renewed intensity and learning his role defensively.

Hardy needs more mins and due to Injury it also forced Kidds hand. Again, most credit goes to Hardy for actually producing in the little time he has to make it obvious that he needs MEANINGFUL mins like we have been saying. Not garbage mins.

Kidd probably sees these things too, but there is a whole other side to it where he is with all the guys constantly. Tenure, work ethic and relationships all play some factor. My best guess is that Kidd is not oblivious but he is hoping that minutes and roles work itself out. Like Bullock and Dfs aren't players that take us to the promise land, but they've been around a long time so you might lose them if you immediately bump them for prospects. I'm totally spitballing here, but the players aren't blind, they can see they are getting bumped slowly and they probably blame Kidd less because they have been given every chance to retain their roles but aren't producing.

I'd like to think if the players were robots, he would have already made some of the moves we have been screaming about, but you can't turn them on and off. There's tenure, team chemistry, relationships mixed into everything beyond the floor.

[SMC0007]

Originally Posted by Simon2

I understand where you are coming from but this is not highschool basketball anymore where we want to be fair with playing time. It took injuries for the right people to get playing time. That sounds like luck and not good coaching. I understand that there is a whole other aspect aside from basketball. However, basketball is the final product. We talk about keeping some players happy but what about the most important one? The one that needs to be in god mode to win? How does he feel when one person goes for 1/9 and the other has 0 pts, 3 rbs a d 2 asts in 30+ mins? My only guess is Kidd is trying to showcase these people so they can be moved. What?s frustrating is all the negotiations that is supposed to be happening with Wood. The Mavs know how much they can offer him, just offer it already? This is not the flea market where one has to haggle. I feel like the Mavs out think themselves too much out of a good deal. If its not about Xs and Os, then Wood is a great fit! The sad part is that his numbers are there, his attitude is there and he is even endorsed by Luka. Even with all this, Mavs are still acting like a subpar franchise.

Totally agree about Wood. Good fit ans he's producing and has been as much as we could have hoped for in regards of providing more on defense.

I think we are on the same page about it being luck regarding playing time for Hardy and Wood starting. Green is in a similar boat. It's luck but also unlucky because we needed Maxi semi-versatile defending.

I think it's different than your analogy of HS ball because they are in hotels, busses, planes, practices etc together. There's much more tenure, relationships between coaches/players and chemistry at this level. I could be wrong but I think his approach is to make small adjustments without rocking the boat as things play out. I'm not saying that's how I would do it, or that it's right but I can't convince my self fully that Kidd is just clueless. Even though i have taken plenty of shots at him, im Not fully convinced.

Regarding keeping Luka happy, I don't think Luka is speaking his mind about rotations and to some degree if he fully disagrees with the aoproach he needs to take steps to ensure his own happiness and push the issue PROPERLY. I don't believe he's there yet mentally. I think he is still trusting the veterans and coaching staff. Though, I'm not sure how much longer that will be the case. I would have already been in coaches ear.

[DevinHarriswillstart]

Originally Posted by SMC0007

I'd like to think if the players were robots, he would have already made some of the moves we have been screaming about, but you can't turn them on and off. There's tenure, team chemistry, relationships mixed into everything beyond the floor.

Mark, is that you?

I kid. I think we all take that stuff into consideration, but it doesn't excuse Powell and Bullock playing into oblivion while Wood and Hardy have to fight tooth and nail for their roles.

If you, as a coach, can't recognize playing your more talented players for success, then you shouldn't be coaching.

Big thing is that Wood and Hardy aren't some luxuries you can just throw out there. We NEED them to be good.

And I understand Powell and Bullock are getting minutes now with injuries, but they were getting minutes when the team was healthy too.

[rimrocker]

Originally Posted by DevinHarriswillstart

Mark, is that you?

I kid. I think we all take that stuff into consideration, but it doesn't excuse Powell and Bullock playing into oblivion while Wood and Hardy have to fight tooth and nail for their roles.

If you, as a coach, can't recognize playing your more talented players for success, then you shouldn't be coaching.

Big thing is that Wood and Hardy aren't some luxuries you can just throw out there. We NEED them to be good.

And I understand Powell and Bullock are getting minutes now with injuries, but they were getting minutes when the team was healthy too.

I honestly think Luka is at a point in his career where he should be leading a young team with an upside, instead of an average talented team filled with players exiting their prime.

Luka/Hardy/Green/Wood along with Lawson and Wright is something to build on.
Trade any combination of the rest of the team to yield a young athletic defensive-oriented center.

[SMC0007]

Originally Posted by rimrocker

I honestly think Luka is at a point in his career where he should be leading a young team with an upside, instead of an average talented team filled with players exiting their prime.

Luka/Hardy/Green/Wood along with Lawson and Wright is something to build on.
Trade any combination of the rest of the team to yield a young athletic defensive-oriented center.

I really would hate this at all.

[JustJay]

Originally Posted by Simon2

So frustrating to watch the Mavs as a fan.

1. Wood needs to start or get more minutes.
2. Hardy needs more minutes
3. Bullock and THJ need minutes to be reduced significantly

Why can fans see this so clearly and the Mavs coaching staff is slow to adjust??

Next one is pay Wood. Mavs won?t realize this till he walks or gets traded.

This is why I believe in conspiracy theories that most on the board don't agree with, such as Cuban started Powell because they go to movies together. There's just no logical reason to start Dwight f'n Powell over Christian Wood much less should he have been a Mav this year. He's been here since we traded for Rajon Rondo and he's mediocre.

[saclare]

Originally Posted by JustJay

This is why I believe in conspiracy theories that most on the board don't agree with, such as Cuban started Powell because they go to movies together. There's just no logical reason to start Dwight f'n Powell over Christian Wood much less should he have been a Mav this year. He's been here since we traded for Rajon Rondo and he's mediocre.

Theories have been abounded. But I stick with the idea Kidd was trying to force Wood to buy into being less of a liability on the defensive end and wasn't going to start him until it was far enough along the process.

I don't agree with it, but Wood has opined to as much in his interviews lately and that's all we really have other than conspiracies....

[BPo001]

Chris Fedor: The Cavs believe this player is available. And my sources are telling me that he could be had. It?s again at the right price. And it?s a little bit tricky, because he?s on a team that?s fourth place currently in the Western Conference? Tim Hardaway Jr is somebody that the Cavs have been watching. And they?ve been keeping an eye on. And I think if the Cavs had their choice, it would be very, very close. And they?re not going to have their choice. It doesn?t work that way. But if they had their choice, it would be between Bojan (Bogdanovic) and Tim Hardaway Jr. ? via Spotify

[SMC0007]

Reggie Bullock is asssss.

3 games this season with 0 points in over 30 mins of play. I could list a handful of atrocities but go ahead and take a look at his games this season.

https://www.basketball-reference.com.../gamelog/2023/

[saclare]

Originally Posted by SMC0007

Reggie Bullock is asssss.

3 games this season with 0 points in over 30 mins of play. I could list a handful of atrocities but go ahead and take a look at his games this season.

https://www.basketball-reference.com.../gamelog/2023/

It's been tough watching him. I can tell when a ball is just off from the fingertips and that occurred multiple times last night. And his defense is just average to maybe slightly above average this year. If you put up those type of offensive numbers, then you damn sure well be playing lights out D.

[SMC0007]

Originally Posted by saclare

It's been tough watching him. I can tell when a ball is just off from the fingertips and that occurred multiple times last night. And his defense is just average to maybe slightly above average this year. If you put up those type of offensive numbers, then you damn sure well be playing lights out D.

Yea. I'm not impressed at all with his defense. He's dropped off as much or more on defense as he has on offense from last season.

I personally can't stand that he catches and immediately looks to pass and it's not to anyone in position to score, it's strictly to get the ball out of his hands. He is lucky to have 1 assist per game.

[saclare]

It's been a month, WTF is up with Green's injury? Seems he's gotten into some contact drills, but quite some time for a young guy to miss. Same article said Maxi was already running around which is somewhat surprising. No clue on DFS, groin strains suck and vary greatly. Could really use these three back but I couldn't tell you which one shows up first...

[DevinHarriswillstart]

Seeing a lot of fans balk at THJ for Levert. Caris's health would give me pause, but otherwise, I do that trade. We can't bitch and moan to get rid of THJ, and then be too good for a move like that. Levert is a much better handler/playmaker which is what we need more than anything. He isn't as good of a shooter as THJ, but Tim is so hit or miss in that department. Like, are we going to pin our playoff hopes on whether Tim makes shots or not? And I've defended Tim a lot this season.

[saclare]

Originally Posted by DevinHarriswillstart

Seeing a lot of fans balk at THJ for Levert. Caris's health would give me pause, but otherwise, I do that trade. We can't bitch and moan to get rid of THJ, and then be too good for a move like that. Levert is a much better handler/playmaker which is what we need more than anything. He isn't as good of a shooter as THJ, but Tim is so hit or miss in that department. Like, are we going to pin our playoff hopes on whether Tim makes shots or not? And I've defended Tim a lot this season.

I 100% do that trade and I like THJ and what he provides here, but it can be replaced much easier than ballhandling.

LeVert is also expiring so offers flexibility in that regard. Like you said, he is extremely better in the ball handling and playmaking department, so I'd make it based on that alone. And I think the shooting aspect is oversold in THJ's favor as the TS% are not far off (less than 2%) and LeVert actually has a higher 3p% though not by much.

I always ask myself the impact of playing with Luka here, as well. That is, give a notch higher to the incoming player as I simply think the looks and spacing will be better.

How is LeVert's defense? We know THJ's shortcomings there, just curious if that improves the case to this swap.

[Melonhead]

I hope theres something better out there than Caris. Dude is so bad.

Yes he can dribble, but hes definitely not someone who will be here after the season. So if its just about getting off thj contract, then fine.

[SMC0007]

Originally Posted by saclare

I 100% do that trade and I like THJ and what he provides here, but it can be replaced much easier than ballhandling.

LeVert is also expiring so offers flexibility in that regard. Like you said, he is extremely better in the ball handling and playmaking department, so I'd make it based on that alone. And I think the shooting aspect is oversold in THJ's favor as the TS% are not far off (less than 2%) and LeVert actually has a higher 3p% though not by much.

I always ask myself the impact of playing with Luka here, as well. That is, give a notch higher to the incoming player as I simply think the looks and spacing will be better.

How is LeVert's defense? We know THJ's shortcomings there, just curious if that improves the case to this swap.

His defense is THJ ish, minus the drawn charges.

[Simon2]

I am not as opposed to playing Powell sa some on this board. He knows his defensive assigments and he gives 110% all the time. He and Luka also has a pick and dunk energy going on there. Wood is definitely the better player but DP is usable.

[saclare]

Originally Posted by Simon2

I am not as opposed to playing Powell sa some on this board. He knows his defensive assigments and he gives 110% all the time. He and Luka also has a pick and dunk energy going on there. Wood is definitely the better player but DP is usable.

I think you'll find most don't mind Powell playing. It's more as to how much and who he's playing over, which to start the season he was blocking Wood.

Powell is pretty important to this team. But he'd be much more efficient in a more limited role.

[saclare]

Some good updates on Josh Green on my twitter TL with him scrimmaging and doing more. Kidd left the door open for a return tomorrow. While I doubt that, it does sound like he is close.

Edit: he's out for tomorrow but "He's close to returning" according to T-Mac

[SMC0007]

Originally Posted by saclare

Some good updates on Josh Green on my twitter TL with him scrimmaging and doing more. Kidd left the door open for a return tomorrow. While I doubt that, it does sound like he is close.

Edit: he's out for tomorrow but "He's close to returning" according to T-Mac

Good news. Hopefully that means Bullock loses his mins and Hardy keeps his. I'm sick and tired of watching that guy

[BPo001]

Originally Posted by SMC0007

Good news. Hopefully that means Bullock loses his mins and Hardy keeps his. I'm sick and tired of watching that guy

Bullock has gotta go. Move him for a couple of popcorn vendors if you have to. Guy brings nothing to the table.

[JustJay]

Bullock is another example of many many so called "role players" that can't even play their role as a Mav. If we just had competent role players with Luka we'd win it all.

[JustJay]

Knicks have the exact same record as us, 23-19.

[EricaLubarsky]

29 days

[JustJay]

[SMC0007]

Originally Posted by JustJay

Very on brand for Cuban. This mural has only cemented Cubans stubbornness.

[EricaLubarsky]

24 days for Nico to get it done

[SMC0007]

How much did Cuban pay to take down the mural down and do an "approved" one?

[tap2390]

Word on the street is Luka reached out directly to the artist.

[DevinHarriswillstart]

Art is interpretive or a reason. It looks to be having fun and joking in my eyes. This idea of disrespect is ridiculous. These are grown men who make millions.

Luka, the FO, and everyone on the Mavs know the reality of the situation.