The Mavs, Free Agency, RC and fit

[turin]

This is a reply of mine about the subject of Maverick free-agent futility and excuses from a gdt thread. I thought a separate thread might generate more feedback and insight:

Originally Posted by Thespiralgoeson View Post
Why is there "NO" excuse? What are they supposed to do? Jedi mind trick people?

I don't think there is "no excuse." Obviously, there are reasons, but one would expect a competent organization to better pinpoint the reason(s) after so many years of futility and implement changes to offset and alleviate those objections. Personally, I don't think it's so much the "city of Dallas" as people portray. If it is, then the Mavs are just screwed, but I've travelled quite extensively and lived in several large NBA cities, and Dallas, as a city, and Texas, as a state, just don't come up so short in the desireablilty department in my opinion to warrant the record of FA futility. Heck, it looks like half the freaking country wants to move to Texas as it is.

What other factors might be of serious consideration if we set aside location, since we can't really do much about that? Well, we've got organization which I'll just abbreviate as MBT + personnel and facilities, plus the all-important "show me the money." I think those are the major factors.

So how do the Mavs stack up? As far as offers and salary-wise, Cuban has a reputation for willingness to spend the money. Endorsement deals are not in the same league for non-superstars as in CA and NY, but that's somewhat offset by no state income tax, so I don't think money is a consistent sticking point for FA's. What about facilities? Again, by reputation, Cuban takes care of his players. Amenities, perks, travel, the Mavs appear to be top notch in these categories. Fan base is solid and happy to latch on and cheer for their heroes. That pretty much leaves us to personnel and MBT. Again, the Mavs have a very good reputation for solid medical staff as well as trainers and other personnel. They even went above and beyond and hired their very own politically correct SJW CEO. This leaves us with the main constant for the Mavs during all of the years of FA futility - at least since 2008 - MBT.

The MBT have been a stable constant for the Mavs since 2008, and while the stability is a very good thing, one also has to consider the chance that there may be issues here for free agents. Nelson? Well, as GM I don't know that there would be near the "personality" impact as a Cuban or Carlisle. Yes, he should be held accountable for FA and trades, but on the outside looking in, it's hard to know exactly how much and who is accountable to what degree. How much input does Carlisle have? How often does Cuban overrule decisions? We already know the infamous Giannis gaff. Cuban? Well, if it's Cuban and his personality, then we are in the Cowboy conundrum, since that's not going to change any time soon. Barring FA issues with Cuban, that leaves RC. Might FA's have issues with his system? personality? I'm not sure, but if I were betting, I think the odds would be weighted more in favor of FA "issues" arising from RC. There really isn't a need to go over the specifics of system, playing smallish, adjustments, personality, et. al. It is what it is.

I just think that from an organizational standpoint, the biggest issue in my mind, and yes, admittedly, I'm not a big RC fan, is RC. This is not personal. He's a greatly respected coach with more skins than anybody not HoF. I just think he's a "fit" issue for the Mavs in today's NBA based upon the Mavs' lack of FA success as well as style of play, offensive system, and maybe most importantly - personality and coaching style. He's the single, largest, constant factor over the years when it comes to players and FA. Nobody spends as much time with players aside from other players than coaches. Like has been mentioned before, in the end it'll eventually fall on him, but the wait can be excrutiating for the fan base. Look how long Garrett was head of the Cowboys.