Now what?

[Thespiralgoeson]

Originally Posted by EricaLubarsky

Cost seems steep to trade two seconds for one but our seconds are probably 50-60 and thats really how draft value works. Imagine if we were the other team and traded the 30-something pick that was Brunson for a 55 and a 60 pick that are unlikely to be anything

I?m not super high on the guy we got. Even in gleague he struggled to make good decisions and score efficiently but if scouting and coach likes him, he was first round talent. Last time we grabbed a first round talent in the second cut was Brunson. If he washes out, it only cost us two picks that had even worse odds of succeeding

Apparently the Mavs had him like 19th on their draft board, so it's very likely if they had kept #26, they would have selected him anyway. If that's true, then that basically means we got Christian Wood for salary filler and didn't even lose our pick. The glass is definitely half full when you think of it that way. Either way, I imagine the Mavs made the move because they liked him specifically. I don't think they would have made a trade just for the sake of it.

Yes, he was inconsistent in the g-league, but it's important to note that he didn't go to college. He jumped right to the g-league out of high school, where ESPN ranked him the #2 prospect in his entire draft class. Jumping right from high school to the g-league is an extreme adjustment. So by all accounts it looks like he has a ton of talent and physical ability, but he's still very, very raw. It'll probably be at least a year before he is able to contribute. But this is what great teams do- find value with their late round picks and undrafted free agents. Stash them in the g-league or overseas for a year while they develop, and then before you know it, you have a valuable piece of the puzzle. Seems like he's potentially very high reward for very low risk.

[DevinHarriswillstart]

Originally Posted by EricaLubarsky

Cost seems steep to trade two seconds for one but our seconds are probably 50-60 and thats really how draft value works. Imagine if we were the other team and traded the 30-something pick that was Brunson for a 55 and a 60 pick that are unlikely to be anything

I?m not super high on the guy we got. Even in gleague he struggled to make good decisions and score efficiently but if scouting and coach likes him, he was first round talent. Last time we grabbed a first round talent in the second cut was Brunson. If he washes out, it only cost us two picks that had even worse odds of succeeding

Apparently he was one of the first guys we worked out, and I'm sure he made an impression.

It's often hard to gauge g-league, good or bad. It's really not much a developmental league IMO...at least not for an 18 year old kid who shoulda gone to college.

Agreed his efficiency was bad, but he got better as it went on and still lead the team in ppg. The talent is undeniable though at 37.

His game actually reminds me a lot of Corey Maggette.

[EricaLubarsky]

Plus we?ve been spending so much on now guys that it?s easy to forget that good teams are always developing guys like Jordan Poole

[Kidd Karma]

Originally Posted by EricaLubarsky

Plus we?ve been spending so much on now guys that it?s easy to forget that good teams are always developing guys like Jordan Poole

Exactly, with Rick he had no patience to develop guys, Now guys, meant win now.....so the string on developing players are not going to be as long as for a team invested in developing players.

God Shammgod is 3 years into his job, with 1 under Kidd, there's probably a whole new system put into place on how Nico and Kidd would like the developmental system to work.

[Thespiralgoeson]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ABAZlre9-BQ

[BPo001]

Mavs have signed Jalen Lecque and Haowen Guo to the summer league roster.

Marcus Bingham Jr (Mich St) agrees to exhibit-10 deal with the Mavs.

JD Shaw: Free agent Jalen Lecque has accepted a summer league invite with the Dallas Mavericks, source tells @HoopsRumors. The 22-year-old averaged 16.8 points per game with the Wisconsin Herd this past season, shooting 42% from the floor. 6 hours ago ? via Twitter JShawNBA

[Thespiralgoeson]

Also keep in mind that Hardy has only played 12 games in the g-league, so it's an extremely small sample size.

[DevinHarriswillstart]

Originally Posted by Thespiralgoeson

Also keep in mind that Hardy has only played 12 games in the g-league, so it's an extremely small sample size.

Yeah, he likely isn't ready to play right away, BUT it's a good insurance piece to have in case Brunson leaves.

Frankly, if Brunson leaves, then he must really hate it here lol. Can't see a player wanting to leave this team, coach, gm, and owner in this situation. If he does, then that is all on him as long as the money is even.

[BPo001]

Orlando has a loaded frontcourt looking ahead with Banchero, Jonathan Isaac, and Wendell Carter Jr. It?s unclear how the selection of Banchero will affect the looming free agency of Mo Bamba.

I wonder if we could pry Bamba away? I haven?t watched him play, and I know he?s not a big guy. Can he bang down low with the bigger centers in the league?

[BPo001]

Tim MacMahon: Mavs GM Nico Harrison said it was ?expected? that the Knicks, who are known to have strong interest in Jalen Brunson, would make moves to create cap space tonight. On hopes of re-signing Brunson: ?Until he tells us that he doesn?t want to be here, we?re optimistic.? ? via Twitter espn_macmahon

[Kidd Karma]

Nico did his homework, hopefully kid comes to work with a chip on his shoulder.

https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/2022/6...2022-nba-draft

[DevinHarriswillstart]

Mavs twitter losing their minds thinking Brunson will walk. I mean, I guess the Knicks don't do all of this if they don't have an inside track with Rose, the dad, etc.

Still don't think it happens, but if it did, the only person really to blame is Donnie. And I suppose Cuban for letting Donnie sign Brunson to that absurd contract.

[Dtownsfinest]

Originally Posted by DevinHarriswillstart

Mavs twitter losing their minds thinking Brunson will walk. I mean, I guess the Knicks don't do all of this if they don't have an inside track with Rose, the dad, etc.

Still don't think it happens, but if it did, the only person really to blame is Donnie. And I suppose Cuban for letting Donnie sign Brunson to that absurd contract.

I find it hard to believe that a team even the Knicks are doing all this for Brunson when not too long ago they were talking about Donovan Mitchell. Mitchell is the quality of player I'd expect a team to gut their team for. Brunson? I don't understand it or see it.

[DevinHarriswillstart]

Annnd then Stein stirs up the pot.

https://twitter.com/aesthesis00/stat...10407147429888

[BPo001]

JB would still be the 3rd option in NY though wouldnt he? RJ Barrett and Julius Randle are their top 2. JB would be the lead guard, but wasn?t the Knicks last playoff series win in the 90?s? Going to be tough to lose JB for nothing if he walks.

[purplefrog]

If contradictory information comes out regarding JB's desire to stay or go, it could be Rick Brunson stirring the pot. He most certainly wants JB in NY and thereby might be trying to force the issue. In the end, it could very well be "will JB stand up to his father if he prefers to stay in Dallas or give in to the familial pressure". Put another way, is Papa Brunson willing to push his son to sign with the Knicks at all costs and will JB cave to those wishes?

A more diabolical reasoning would be "Is Daddy just wanting to milk every possible penny out of Cuban's pocket by leaking misinformation to the press?" In other words, they both know JB is going to stay in Dallas, but let's get the biggest possible paycheck.

Bottom line: It is difficult to interpret these statements in any meaningful way.

[DevinHarriswillstart]

Originally Posted by purplefrog

If contradictory information comes out regarding JB's desire to stay or go, it could be Rick Brunson stirring the pot. He most certainly wants JB in NY and thereby might be trying to force the issue. In the end, it could very well be "will JB stand up to his father if he prefers to stay in Dallas or give in to the familial pressure". Put another way, is Papa Brunson willing to push his son to sign with the Knicks at all costs and will JB cave to those wishes?

A more diabolical reasoning would be "Is Daddy just wanting to milk every possible penny out of Cuban's pocket by leaking misinformation to the press?" In other words, they both know JB is going to stay in Dallas, but let's get the biggest possible paycheck.

Bottom line: It is difficult to interpret these statements in any meaningful way.

Stein doesn't screw around though and is easily the most reliable Mavs reporter. So if he is saying it's a real possibility, then I'm at least listening.

But we should all remember that this isn't the Donnie/Rick show anymore. Mavs are in a position of strength with or without Brunson. It would suck to lose him short term, but we just got an 18 ppg center that offsets Brunson's scoring whilst shooting 39% from three. And Hardy who is a potential Brunson replacement in the future. And Dinwiddie at the deadline. Previous FO would let Brunson walk and fill in the gap with a bunch of crap.

Point is, Nico gets stuff done. He'll pivot if and when that time comes.

[BPo001]

JD Shaw: The Dallas Mavericks are bringing free agent forward Justin Gorham to summer league, his agent Adie von Gontard tells @HoopsRumors. Gorham, 23, recently impressed at the team?s free-agent mini-camp. ? via Twitter JShawNBA

[EricaLubarsky]

Why can?t it both be true?

Rick leaks that Jalen is listening and it?s not a complete deal so NY makes a big deal

Brunson wants to get I to the finals and finish what we started

Bigger offer from NY means more money for Jalen. He gets paid more AND returns to Dallas with his friends.

[DevinHarriswillstart]

It just needs to be an all hands on deck thing. Is Cuban gonna be filming shark tank? Luka playing overseas? If these guys really think Brunson makes them a contender, then they need to let him know and be there in the meeting. That stuff does make a difference when it comes down to the wire.

Still think he stays, but I want it to be our org prioritizing him like the Knicks seem to be doing. (and maybe they are)

Again though, we should ask ourselves. Can the Mavs make it back to the West finals without Brunson?

[tap2390]

Going to be in the minority here, but we might look back on Brunson walking (if he does) as the best thing to ever happen in the Luka era. He's just an odd fit here.

[BPo001]

Originally Posted by tap2390

Going to be in the minority here, but we might look back on Brunson walking (if he does) as the best thing to ever happen in the Luka era. He's just an odd fit here.

He?s not the best fit next to Luka, but I don?t think if it came to it that Brunson would be seen as a negative trade asset down the line. I say run it back this season and see how well they play together. You just added Wood, possibly THJ, and whatever we round out the bench with.

[Zeus]

Originally Posted by tap2390

Going to be in the minority here, but we might look back on Brunson walking (if he does) as the best thing to ever happen in the Luka era. He's just an odd fit here.

He is a useable and valuable asset that if he walks is by definition irreplaceable from a cap asset perspective. He might be a great trade piece in 2 or 3 years to get us the missing piece. Hard to do that if he is gone. The only thing that benefits by JB walking is Mark's immediate bank account.

[Thespiralgoeson]

Originally Posted by Zeus

He is a useable and valuable asset that if he walks is by definition irreplaceable from a cap asset perspective. He might be a great trade piece in 2 or 3 years to get us the missing piece. Hard to do that if he is gone. The only thing that benefits by JB walking is Mark's immediate bank account.

This. 100% this.

[Kidd Karma]

Originally Posted by Zeus

He is a useable and valuable asset that if he walks is by definition irreplaceable from a cap asset perspective. He might be a great trade piece in 2 or 3 years to get us the missing piece. Hard to do that if he is gone. The only thing that benefits by JB walking is Mark's immediate bank account.

Exactly, GSW signed and traded KD for a sign and traded Deangelo Russell, not the perfect fit next to Curry, but less than a year later morphed that salary slot into Andrew Wiggins and a 1st round pick. Wiggins playing a key role in....this year's title....and who knows that 1st round pick is Kuminga.....so to me, given the win now mentality with Luka, you have to max out your pieces and if JB wants 25 million per.....you give him 25.5 per.

[saclare]

Originally Posted by Kidd Karma

Exactly, GSW signed and traded KD for a sign and traded Deangelo Russell, not the perfect fit next to Curry, but less than a year later morphed that salary slot into Andrew Wiggins and a 1st round pick. Wiggins playing a key role in....this year's title....and who knows that 1st round pick is Kuminga.....so to me, given the win now mentality with Luka, you have to max out your pieces and if JB wants 25 million per.....you give him 25.5 per.

My worry is it sneaking up to $30MM just because some dumb ass team like the Knicks or Pistons has it and is stupid enough to offer it. At what AAV does Brunson start to become less appealing? Don't get me wrong, fully understand we won't be able to replace him, but damn, the rumored numbers are starting to get a little large.

[Thespiralgoeson]

Originally Posted by tap2390

Going to be in the minority here, but we might look back on Brunson walking (if he does) as the best thing to ever happen in the Luka era. He's just an odd fit here.

That may be true, but the problem is, the Mavs can't turn around and use that money to improve other parts of the roster. You either re-sign Brunson, or you lose him for nothing. That's it. I think losing him for nothing would be a massive step backwards and would be borderline catastrophic. From a purely basketball standpoint, and also from a perception standpoint. He was easily the second best player on the team this year, and next year he'll still be the second or third best player. You don't lose one of your top three players and not feel the pain.

Re-sign him. I don't care how much of an overpay it is. You can always shed salary if you need to. Every team has bad contracts. And if it turns out the team has better options in the future, then he is not untradeable, no matter how much he's getting paid. Far worse players on worse contracts than his get traded all the time.

If the Mavs can trade him and get something of value for him, I'm very eager to hear those options. But losing him for nothing is NOT an option the Mavs should remotely entertain.

[Dtownsfinest]

Originally Posted by tap2390

Going to be in the minority here, but we might look back on Brunson walking (if he does) as the best thing to ever happen in the Luka era. He's just an odd fit here.

Its hard to call the guy a odd fit when Luka got hurt he put up some good basketball. To the point that we probably don't even beat the Jazz if not for him. This team needs to dial back Luka's minutes as is.

I'm more disappointed if he walks for nothing.

[EricaLubarsky]

Originally Posted by DevinHarriswillstart

It just needs to be an all hands on deck thing. Is Cuban gonna be filming shark tank? Luka playing overseas? If these guys really think Brunson makes them a contender, then they need to let him know and be there in the meeting. That stuff does make a difference when it comes down to the wire.

Still think he stays, but I want it to be our org prioritizing him like the Knicks seem to be doing. (and maybe they are)

Again though, we should ask ourselves. Can the Mavs make it back to the West finals without Brunson?

Who cares where Cuban is? Hopefully he?ll be doing his billionaire stuff. For every one good thing that Cuban does interfering I wonder how many things he?s messed up. 6? 8?

We have a decent GM now. Nico just needs to do his job.

[Thespiralgoeson]

My guess is, the stuff about JB leaving is just him and his people playing hardball with the Mavs, stoking the bidding war. I think he's letting them know that if the Mavs want to keep him, they will have to outbid the Knicks. He's not taking a home team discount.

[SMC0007]

To lose JB for nothing would suck...but mostly because he has the power to not do us dirty in the process. Not because I'll miss him terribly as a player.

[Thespiralgoeson]

I found this excellent article about Hardy on r/Mavericks.

Apparently in high school his real strengths were scoring and playing off the ball, and a lot of his struggles in the g-league were due to him all of a sudden being made the primary ball handler. He struggled hard at first, but if you just look at the numbers, he progressed A LOT over his 24 games there (not 12 as I originally thought.)

First 8 Games:

17.1 PTS | 5.0 REB | 3.8 AST

1.4 STL | 3.3 TOV | 28.8 USG% | 45.5 TS%

32.9 FG% | 25.9 3P% | 90.5 FT%

Second 8 Games:

17.6 PTS | 2.9 REB | 2.9 AST

0.8 STL | 3.9 TOV | 31.2 USG% | 54.0 TS%

37.1 FG% | 27.8 3P% | 70.0 FT%

Last 8 Games:

22.5 PTS | 4.9 REB | 4.1 AST

1.8 STL | 2.9 TOV | 30.8 USG% | 54.9 TS%

42.2 FG% | 37.7 3P% | 85.7 FT%

When you look back at Jaden Hardy as a high school basketball player, it?s not difficult to figure out his strengths. Hardy has lethal, and I do mean LETHAL, range from beyond the perimeter. Sometimes you wonder if he was ever going to hit the rim with some of his shooting displays. Hardy showed the most confidence when it came to playing off the ball. He?d run off a screen or two, catch a pass seven feet beyond the three-point line, and let it fly without any hesitation that it was going to be nothing but net.

Fast forward to the G-League Ignite, and it was a rude awakening at the beginning of the year for the sharpshooting guard. Many continued to scratch their heads and wonder what was happening to this once-projected Top 5 selection. If Hardy was supposed to be such a sensational talent when it came to his scoring ability, why was he struggling so much?

The best part about watching young prospects in the G-League is that you get a real opportunity to see the growth throughout the season. The Ignite knew exactly what Hardy was going to be comfortable with doing. They understood that the 19-year-old guard was a weapon from well beyond NBA range. But they also knew they needed to develop the rest of his game, even if it meant some growing pains were expected.

The G-League Ignite will put players in uncomfortable positions so they can get comfortable. In life, if you want to see growth, you got to get out of your comfort zone. The same can be said for basketball, especially when it comes to developing a young player.

So that?s exactly what the Ignite did. They put Hardy in an unfamiliar situation. They made him a primary ball-handler, asking him to run the offense and learn how to read opposing defenses. Sure, the Ignite could have simply allowed Hardy to play off the ball the entire year and continued to hammer away at his ?strength? on a nightly basis. But then what happens if he got to the NBA and can?t read a defense? What happens if he?s asked to run a pick-and-roll at the next level and he doesn?t understand how to go through his progressions?

https://www.noceilingsnba.com/p/exit...ne-jaden-hardy

I'm downright excited about this kid now. Could be a total steal. It'll probably be a season or two before we really see it, but down the road he could really be something.

[FreshJive]

The idea that Brunson is a poor fit for this team, is an odd take. There are 3 players on the team that can dribble, get in the lane, and create their own shot. One of those players is quite flawed, and not a starter for a contender. The rest of the team can?t do any of those things. At all. Players who create their own shots are the most valuable thing in the game.

[SMC0007]

Originally Posted by FreshJive

The idea that Brunson is a poor fit for this team, is an odd take. There are 3 players on the team that can dribble, get in the lane, and create their own shot. One of those players is quite flawed, and not a starter for a contender. The rest of the team can?t do any of those things. At all. Players who create their own shots are the most valuable thing in the game.

I agree with the value of a guy creating his own offense.

But.... JB is poor defensively. That's not a good fit next to Luka who is also sub par defensively.

[Dtownsfinest]

Originally Posted by SMC0007

I agree with the value of a guy creating his own offense.

But.... JB is poor defensively. That's not a good fit next to Luka who is also sub par defensively.

I don't view JB as a poor defender...his size probably iimits him against some guys but in 2022 I'm not really concerned with if one of my best scorers can play defense. I'd love a 2 way guy like Jimmy but they just aren't out there. So then you're stuck with one dimensional guys who can just play D and shoot 3's or a scorer who's limited defensively. If I have Bullock and DFS around Brunson I'm ok .

[SMC0007]

Originally Posted by Dtownsfinest

I don't view JB as a poor defender...his size probably iimits him against some guys but in 2022 I'm not really concerned with if one of my best scorers can play defense. I'd love a 2 way guy like Jimmy but they just aren't out there. So then you're stuck with one dimensional guys who can just play D and shoot 3's or a scorer who's limited defensively. If I have Bullock and DFS around Brunson I'm ok .

Yea having Jimmy would be incredible for us.

Brunson is bad defensively though. I watch him fail on assignments and simply lose his man about 3 times per game. That's fundamental basketball too. I'm not saying he isn't worth what we are about to offer him. He's a great player, but next to a top 2 or 3 player in the game (Luka) who also can't play defense well yet...it's not exactly a perfect fit.

[FreshJive]

Originally Posted by SMC0007

I agree with the value of a guy creating his own offense.

But.... JB is poor defensively. That's not a good fit next to Luka who is also sub par defensively.

The Mavs are good defensively as a team, so JB?s individual defense is not important. The players that make the team good defensively are the kind of stand and shoot players that require you to have a Luka or Jalen on the floor at all times to be able to compete.

[SMC0007]

Originally Posted by FreshJive

The Mavs are good defensively as a team, so JB?s individual defense is not important. The players that make the team good defensively are the kind of stand and shoot players that require you to have a Luka or Jalen on the floor at all times to be able to compete.

JB single handedly cost us really big moments defensively numerous times. Again, I'm certainly hoping he signs back up because I thoroughly believe he has the work ethic and smarts to continually improve all aspects of his craft, including defense. It's not even getting blasted 1v1, its simple keeping up with his man and not getting lost and recognizing switches better. I've been on bring JB back train, even at 25m. I was only speaking to it not being a perfect fit. When 6'7'' Reggie or DFS has to guard other team PGs...there's a bit of a problem.

[EricaLubarsky]

Rafael Barlowe
@Barlowe500
Jaden Hardy shot 54.5% on unguarded Catch & Shoot opportunities this season. I believe he's going to thrive in a reduced role in Dallas.

He?s gonna get some open looks if he ever earns some minutes next to Luka

[EricaLubarsky]

Man watching Luka and

1) dude has to work on his scoring efficiency. 30% from the field. Bad from three. Bad from FT line

2) Wood is going to feast on open shots? both picks and pops.