The West is Going to be a F****** Gauntlet Next Season - Dallas-Mavs.com Forums

tap2390 · 08-31-2020, 11:41 AM

I know we're all optimistic as can be after the Mavs performance in the playoffs, but we shouldn't be surprised if the Mavs end up a 6-9 seed next season. The West will be as loaded a conference as has ever existed in the league.

Playoff Teams

LAL - not going anywhere after Davis re-signs

LAC - not going anywhere

DEN - not going anywhere and Murray/ Jokic looking like a superstar duo

HOU - not going anywhere

OKC - have gathered an insane amount of assets including two first round picks in each of the next five seasons

UTA - not going anywhere and Mitchell looking like a superstar

DAL - not going anywhere and Luka looking like a superstar

POR - not going anywhere and Dame looking like a superstar

Non-Playoff Teams

MEM - solid young core including Ja Morant

PHX - were really coming into their own in the bubble... Booker looks great

SAS - arguably the worst team in the conference, but still got Pop

SAC - yeah I got nothing... DeAaron Fox?

NOP - solid young core including Zion and Ingram

MIN - adding the top pick to KAT and Russell

GSW - adding the second pick to a championship caliber team

Assuming the Warriors return to form, you have the worst team from last year contending for the top seed next season... that alone is going to bring everyone down a notch. We need to keep improving or we will be the odd team out.

sefant77 · 08-31-2020, 12:33 PM

Blazers are still razor thin and i cant see Paul playing again a full season without injury. Gallo is maybe gone too.

I think without huge injuries the Warriors replace the Thunder and thats it

KillerLeft · 08-31-2020, 01:03 PM

I'm predicting a drop-off for Houston. No reasons, really, outside of wishful thinking. I hate Houston.

Bryan_Wilson · 08-31-2020, 01:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tap2390

I know we're all optimistic as can be after the Mavs performance in the playoffs, but we shouldn't be surprised if the Mavs end up a 6-9 seed next season. The West will be as loaded a conference as has ever existed in the league.

Playoff Teams

LAL - not going anywhere after Davis re-signs

LAC - not going anywhere

DEN - not going anywhere and Murray/ Jokic looking like a superstar duo

HOU - not going anywhere

OKC - have gathered an insane amount of assets including two first round picks in each of the next five seasons

UTA - not going anywhere and Mitchell looking like a superstar

DAL - not going anywhere and Luka looking like a superstar

POR - not going anywhere and Dame looking like a superstar

Non-Playoff Teams

MEM - solid young core including Ja Morant

PHX - were really coming into their own in the bubble... Booker looks great

SAS - arguably the worst team in the conference, but still got Pop

SAC - yeah I got nothing... DeAaron Fox?

NOP - solid young core including Zion and Ingram

MIN - adding the top pick to KAT and Russell

GSW - adding the second pick to a championship caliber team

Assuming the Warriors return to form, you have the worst team from last year contending for the top seed next season... that alone is going to bring everyone down a notch. We need to keep improving or we will be the odd team out.

Totally agree. West is going to be really really tough. I'm interested in what the entire West does in the off season.

EricaLubarsky · 08-31-2020, 02:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bryan_Wilson

Totally agree. West is going to be really really tough. I'm interested in what the entire West does in the off season.

Honestly wonder if some teams like the Kings, Spurs, Wolves, and Blazers have fire sales.

They aren't going to complete so you might as well retool.

BPo001 · 08-31-2020, 02:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EricaLubarsky

Honestly wonder if some teams like the Kings, Spurs, Wolves, and Blazers have fire sales.

They aren't going to complete so you might as well retool.

I think Buddy Hield and Derozen both get moved. I’ve seen a few sites suggest Hield for THJ. I think their contracts are similar (except Hield has more years)?

tap2390 · 08-31-2020, 03:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BPo001

I think Buddy Hield and Derozen both get moved. I’ve seen a few sites suggest Hield for THJ. I think their contracts are similar (except Hield has more years)?

Hield has 4 years at $24 million each. I do the trade if they include the #12 pick for THJ and the #18 pick.

mac222b · 08-31-2020, 03:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tap2390

Hield has 4 years at $24 million each. I do the trade if they include the #12 pick for THJ and the #18 pick.

Only if there is a player they feel is a sure fire star at 12 and they can’t move up any other way. Hield is an elite shooter but downs god much else. He’s like a slightly better, higher paid Hardaway.

mac222b · 08-31-2020, 03:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EricaLubarsky

Honestly wonder if some teams like the Kings, Spurs, Wolves, and Blazers have fire sales.

They aren't going to complete so you might as well retool.

T-Wolves can’t tear down because they are desperate to keep Kat. I could see the Blazers running it back too. If they trade CJ, Dame will ask out.

mac222b · 08-31-2020, 03:44 PM

The West is going to be scary competitive. My prediction: GSW trolls the league and finds a way to get Beal or Giannis. They have the assets. OKC has crazy assets but I can’t see those players wanting to go there.

Major shoes to drop that can change the landscape of the league are: Beal, Giannis, and either Simmons or Embiid moving. Unless I’m forgetting someone.

We don’t have the assets of an OKC or Brooklyn but we are now a desirable location and that could help us compete with Miami, GSW, both LA teams and Brooklyn. I don’t even really consider the Knicks although with their new leadership they could be players in a few years.

EricaLubarsky · 08-31-2020, 04:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mac222b

T-Wolves can’t tear down because they are desperate to keep Kat. I could see the Blazers running it back too. If they trade CJ, Dame will ask out.

What's the point in keeping KAT if they don't make the playoffs year after year after year.

BPo001 · 08-31-2020, 04:11 PM

Does Giannis request a trade? I can’t imagine Milwaukee trading him unless he asks to be traded or says he won’t resign there.

EricaLubarsky · 08-31-2020, 04:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BPo001

Does Giannis request a trade? I can’t imagine Milwaukee trading him unless he asks to be traded or says he won’t resign there.

I highly doubt he asks for a trade. They're dominant in the East and they employ both Giannis and his brother.

BPo001 · 08-31-2020, 04:26 PM

Is the the official offseason thread?

José Juan Barea described today as “frustrating” that he did not have the opportunity to contribute to the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA postseason, which concluded for his team on Sunday, and leaving the Puerto Rican player with many questions about what his future will be in the league and in the game.

“I still want to play basketball; I feel like I can still play basketball, ” said the Puerto Rican national team point guard. “I don’t know exactly where. If it is going to be in Dallas, I know what they want is to move me to coach. If I want to play basketball, I have to go the other way,” he added. – via El Nuevo Dia

BPo001 · 08-31-2020, 04:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EricaLubarsky

I highly doubt he asks for a trade. They're dominant in the East and they employ both Giannis and his brother.

What if Milwaukee doesn’t make it out of the Eastern conference this year. Does that change his thinking? I don’t think he requests a trade either, but asking for discussions sake.

BPo001 · 08-31-2020, 04:40 PM

Sources said the Mavs aren’t likely to make major roster changes right away, especially if Tim Hardaway Jr. picks up his $19 million player option as anticipated. One path for this offseason being pushed within the organization is to target veterans who have earned reputations for toughness and could be signed to short-term deals. – via Tim MacMahon @ ESPN

mac222b · 09-01-2020, 12:29 AM

Supposedly the hang up with the Miami deal last summer was we thought we were getting Olybk and Jones Jr. while they thought they were sending us Dragic. Of course Dragic is balling out for them. If Jones Jr. really was the prize I wonder if he’s our MLE player(getting part of it) if we can’t steal a better guy like Grant or Gallo, the thinking being he’s moveable if we need room for 2021 max. We probably thought the same thing when we signed Delon though.

Thespiralgoeson · 09-01-2020, 03:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tap2390

I know we're all optimistic as can be after the Mavs performance in the playoffs, but we shouldn't be surprised if the Mavs end up a 6-9 seed next season. The West will be as loaded a conference as has ever existed in the league.

It's par for the course. The West has been a brutal gauntlet every year since at least the early 90s. Unfortunately though, I do think you're right that we might end up a 6-9 seed next season. Luka can only do so much, and I don't see any big roster moves happening this offseason.

We REALLY need to make our two draft picks count.

NeedlesKane · 09-01-2020, 06:05 AM

I am really concerned for our Mavs next season. It all depends on if KP has surgery. Some think he could miss next season. I certainly hope not. If he does, well, maybe we strike some luck in the lottery to get our 3rd Dirk!

Thespiralgoeson · 09-01-2020, 06:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NeedlesKane

I am really concerned for our Mavs next season. It all depends on if KP has surgery. Some think he could miss next season. I certainly hope not. If he does, well, maybe we strike some luck in the lottery to get our 3rd Dirk!

KP could miss the entire season, and the Mavs would still probably make a playoff push because Luka is that f*cking good.

Thespiralgoeson · 09-01-2020, 06:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BPo001

What if Milwaukee doesn’t make it out of the Eastern conference this year. Does that change his thinking? I don’t think he requests a trade either, but asking for discussions sake.

I said this in the Around the NBA section, but I'll say it again here. I don't think there's any scenario in which Giannis asks for a trade. However, if the Bucks don't make it to the finals either this year or next, then I think he will probably walk in free agency. If he does indeed walk, I think the Mavs have as good a chance as anyone and better than most at luring him. Miami and Golden State are probably the other likeliest destinations for him.

KillerLeft · 09-01-2020, 08:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KillerLeft

I'm predicting a drop-off for Houston. No reasons, really, outside of wishful thinking. I hate Houston.

Not for nothing, but this joke is starting to look more serious. If they lose in the first round...yikes.

EricaLubarsky · 09-01-2020, 08:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KillerLeft

Not for nothing, but this joke is starting to look more serious. If they lose in the first round...yikes.

As much as I hate CP, I am praying that he comes in and wrecks Harden/Westbrick

SMC0007 · 09-01-2020, 09:26 AM

Neither Houston or OKC have a chance at getting to WCF. It's like watching prelims on a UFC main event card. It's a little exciting but they aren't ready for the big stage yet.

The Nugs and Jazz are the only teams I'm ok with winning the west.

What little hope of Giannis leaving the Bucks is likely over if they get to the finals or win it all. I hope Miami puts them out.

Thespiralgoeson · 09-01-2020, 10:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SMC0007

Neither Houston or OKC have a chance at getting to WCF. It's like watching prelims on a UFC main event card. It's a little exciting but they aren't ready for the big stage yet.

The Nugs and Jazz are the only teams I'm ok with winning the west.

What little hope of Giannis leaving the Bucks is likely over if they get to the finals or win it all. I hope Miami puts them out.

Funny enough, I was just listening to the Bill Simmons podcast, and he's very confidently predicting that Miami beats Milwaukee.

DevinHarriswillstart · 09-01-2020, 12:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thespiralgoeson

Funny enough, I was just listening to the Bill Simmons podcast, and he's very confidently predicting that Miami beats Milwaukee.

Bucks lack a killer instinct, and it doesn't help they start Wes Matthews. He is as boneheaded as ever.

mac222b · 09-01-2020, 02:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DevinHarriswillstart

Bucks lack a killer instinct, and it doesn't help they start Wes Matthews. He is as boneheaded as ever.

And Spoelstra is a better coach than Bud. Playoffs expose coaches as well as players weaknesses.

EricaLubarsky · 09-01-2020, 03:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mac222b

And Spoelstra is a better coach than Bud. Playoffs expose coaches as well as players weaknesses.

The truly elite coaches don't just inspire and run practices. They're there to make adjustments and get the most out of the team. That doesn't show up much in the regular season when teams are just playing, but in the playoffs, the coaches really show up or get exposed.

Spoelstra is a coach who knows how to make adjustments. Rick can make adjustments. Bud? He has the pieces on the roster to make adjustments, but he often fails to make the right call.

MFFL · 09-01-2020, 05:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SMC0007

What little hope of Giannis leaving the Bucks is likely over if they get to the finals or win it all. I hope Miami puts them out.

I really hate Miami but I am rooting for them in this series

MFFL · 09-01-2020, 05:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tap2390

I know we're all optimistic as can be after the Mavs performance in the playoffs, but we shouldn't be surprised if the Mavs end up a 6-9 seed next season. The West will be as loaded a conference as has ever existed in the league.

I think the 8th seed will need to win 50 games. Its been a long time since the 8 seed was at 50 wins

SMC0007 · 09-01-2020, 06:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thespiralgoeson

Funny enough, I was just listening to the Bill Simmons podcast, and he's very confidently predicting that Miami beats Milwaukee.

it's possible, but I'm not sure about that. Miami has played well but Boston may have to take care of this one. Idc really As long as it gets done.

SMC0007 · 09-01-2020, 06:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MFFL

I really hate Miami but I am rooting for them in this series

Yea, it's odd. I'm not near as hateful towards them now that Wade isn't there.

mac222b · 09-01-2020, 07:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SMC0007

Yea, it's odd. I'm not near as hateful towards them now that Wade isn't there.

I still hate them. They are still tampering and getting away with it. And I hate Butler.

DevinHarriswillstart · 09-01-2020, 07:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SMC0007

it's possible, but I'm not sure about that. Miami has played well but Boston may have to take care of this one. Idc really As long as it gets done.

Boston/Miami will be a good series. Both teams play with a sense of purpose.

sefant77 · 09-01-2020, 09:23 PM

I really hate Chris Paul but i will cheer so hard for them to kick out the Rockets.

In the 22-23 season they are going to pay 33y old Harden, 34y old Westbrook and 34y old Gordon a combined 105 million, rofl.

Gordon cant stay healthy since years and they extended him until age 35 at almost 20y a season...

SMC0007 · 09-01-2020, 09:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sefant77

I really hate Chris Paul but i will cheer so hard for them to kick out the Rockets.

In the 22-23 season they are going to pay 33y old Harden, 34y old Westbrook and 34y old Gordon a combined 105 million, rofl.

Gordon cant stay healthy since years and they extended him until age 35 at almost 20y a season...

Ugh. This is their win now group... Good luck

SMC0007 · 09-01-2020, 09:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mac222b

I still hate them. They are still tampering and getting away with it. And I hate Butler.

I watched the ringer interview I think it was, where JJ Reddick talked with Butler. It was interesting. Showed the lack of leadership and how did functional Philly really seems to be. He came across decent in that.

https://youtu.be/HrGv50kR7A4

FreshJive · 09-02-2020, 03:13 AM

I don't get Chris Paul hate

sefant77 · 09-02-2020, 04:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FreshJive

I don't get Chris Paul hate

Nut punching, flopping etc

cutlerny313 · 09-02-2020, 02:57 PM

west is going to be killer tough. Pelicans and Suns could be coming. But zion health is a big if. Minnesota just doesnt have enough pieces around there big two. And GS will be back in the playoffs, them getting that 2 pick will be a boost for them.

For the mavs i would like to see some trades using our picks and players like brunson, jackson, wright and maybe powell. Hardaway as an expiring deal might be usefull
try to get wing guys like Crowder, Morris, veteran wing guys that can defend and shoot. Have some toughness.

Bring back Stein or a true athletic center with size for the 15-20 minutes a game that he would be needed.

Can't get everything in one offseason. But start building pieces now.