Oaktown or toketown: Mavs try to be the road warriors

[EricaLubarsky]

19-6 fourth quarter

[FreshJive]

Center Bertans

[BPo001]

I secretly wanted Bertans to throw down a hammer when he drove the ball

[BPo001]

Thought Dinwiddie had a look there before he kicked it to Bertans for a brick

[Dallas41]

It's weird but they somehow played their best ball without Luka for that long stretch

Now hopefully he doesn't go into hero ball and take those bad 3's

Just keep playong team ball

[BPo001]

First lead of the game for Dallas

[EricaLubarsky]

23-6

[BPo001]

Originally Posted by Dallas41

It's weird but they somehow played their best ball without Luka for that long stretch

Now hopefully he doesn't go into hero ball and take those bad 3's

Just keep playong team ball

Yep. Find the open man. Attack when he gets a mismatch.

[BPo001]

Bench is hype right now!

[EricaLubarsky]

Dinwiddie already had the sort of impact game that KP never had

[FreshJive]

Get used to three guard lineups. Kidd seems to like them, and Dinwiddie is forcing them.

[BPo001]

Originally Posted by FreshJive

Get used to three guard lineups. Kidd seems to like them, and Dinwiddie is forcing them.

It helps that GS doesn’t have a big on the floor either.

[FreshJive]

Originally Posted by BPo001

It helps that GS doesn’t have a big on the floor either.

For sure, but that JB, Dinwiddie, Green lineup looks like it could be a really good solution for Luka’s rest times.

[BPo001]

32-8 run by Dallas

[Melonhead]

Luka 100% free throws. Beautiful

[Melonhead]

Having a real third creator is water in a desert

[BPo001]

Great call ref! Knock down your free throws. Take the W

[EricaLubarsky]

33-13 fourth

Mavs should be proud and the Warriors should be embarrassed

[Melonhead]

Originally Posted by Melonhead

Luka 100% free throws. Beautiful

I jinxed him lol

[DevinHarriswillstart]

Be interesting to see how Brunson's game adapts to Dinwiddie on the team because his last two game haven't been good.

Dinwiddie is a perfect fit because all he really has to do with the second unit is score. What might be selfish on other teams works great on this one. And the fact that he can still pass and playmake anyway is a huge bonus.

[Dallas41]

Originally Posted by BPo001

It helps that GS doesn’t have a big on the floor either.

I'm glad Klay wasn't available.

Mavs were able to steal this game because some of the warriors weren't as reliable as Klay in that 4th qtr.

Good win and Kidd did a good job riding that hot lineup for a long stretch since they got the Mavs back in this game.

[Dallas41]

Originally Posted by FreshJive

Get used to three guard lineups. Kidd seems to like them, and Dinwiddie is forcing them.

I think Luka needs to play off ball more when Kidd uses that lineup.

Luka should be in the post and working the midrange

If they put him in the post and let Brunson or Dinwiddie facilitate the offense i believe Luka's turnovers would go down.

Dude had 9 Turnovers tonight which is ridiculous and at one point Vince Carter practically predicted a turnover by Luka because he said he was leaving his feet too much trying to pass the ball.

9 turnovers are something you expect from Westbrick

[SMC0007]

Luka off ball more taking advantage of his size in midrange and backdown threat is the next wrinkle. Soon enough Kidd and staff will realize this. Dinwiddie is fine running point or running the ball up the floor. He doesn't seem like the blackhole guy.

What a wild win though. I did not think they would make a comeback. We had a stretch in the 3rd quarter with minimal passing and 6 straight missed 3's. Even when Luka hit Bertans and DFS on kick out passes, they bricked them. I felt like it was over at that point. Warriors had other plans.

[DevinHarriswillstart]

Winning can cover most ills, but I'm still down on Maxi who is insanely inconsistent. Two great games followed by two terrible ones. We need him to play well with how little our center depth is right now.

Center is where this team needs to upgrade this offseason. If Dinwiddie keeps playing well, then I feel it's our only true weakness.

[dirt_dobber]

Callie Caplan@CallieCaplan
Spencer Dinwiddie said Jason Kidd has given him a "cheat sheet" to help him acclimate as Mavs' 3rd ball handler:
"Obviously because we’re winning, everything is optimistic and happy, so I accept the praise, but it’s much more a credit to JKidd, Luka and JB helping me."

[Scoobay]

Originally Posted by DevinHarriswillstart

Winning can cover most ills, but I'm still down on Maxi who is insanely inconsistent. Two great games followed by two terrible ones. We need him to play well with how little our center depth is right now.

Center is where this team needs to upgrade this offseason. If Dinwiddie keeps playing well, then I feel it's our only true weakness.

Is there a good big available in FA or the draft that we can snag?

tankathon has us taking some more shooting guard/wing types

a name slotted to go around the same range is EJ Liddell - he's around 6'7" (with shoes), 240, 7'0" wingspan. good shooter putting up big block numbers for a good Ohio St team.

[Kidd Karma]

Originally Posted by Scoobay

Is there a good big available in FA or the draft that we can snag?

tankathon has us taking some more shooting guard/wing types

a name slotted to go around the same range is EJ Liddell - he's around 6'7" (with shoes), 240, 7'0" wingspan. good shooter putting up big block numbers for a good Ohio St team.

Centers, pretty bare in terms of realistic options..

https://www.spotrac.com/nba/free-agents/center/

[EricaLubarsky]

Originally Posted by Scoobay

Is there a good big available in FA or the draft that we can snag?

tankathon has us taking some more shooting guard/wing types

a name slotted to go around the same range is EJ Liddell - he's around 6'7" (with shoes), 240, 7'0" wingspan. good shooter putting up big block numbers for a good Ohio St team.

I'd say the ONLY thing we need is a PF/C. If anything, we have TOO many guards and wings.

Guys over 6'8" on contract next season
Powell - 6'11". Great chemistry guy, but VERY limited. Not really consistent enough to be a starter.
Kleber - 6'11". Great chemistry guy who can occasionally take over with 3/D, but inconsistent. Not consistent enough to be a starter.
Bertans - 6'10" but plays SF naturally. Should very rarely play PF and only small ball C.
Boban - 7'3" but unplayable
Chriss - 6'9" and decent on both sides of the ball-- when healthy. Not a starting-caliber player.

Unfortunately, we are going to be operating way over the cap so we aren't going to make moves in free agency. Maybe there's a trade, but the best option would be to draft

Guys worth a look in the draft
Patrick Baldwin - 6'9" shooter and decent rebounder. Limited defense.
Walker Kessler - reminds me of Myles Turner. Limited offensively, but defensive monster. No jumper but tons of shotblocking.
Nikola Jovic - 6'10" Range and smarts. Few physical tools, but Luka doesn't really either and he's effective. A little raw/project-y
Mark Williams - 7'0" decent rebounder/defender who can finish the oop and set screens
Oscar Tshiebwe - 6'9" long and physical. Reminds me of Kevon Looney or Precious Achiuwa

[Melonhead]

Originally Posted by EricaLubarsky

I'd say the ONLY thing we need is a PF/C. If anything, we have TOO many guards and wings.

Guys over 6'8" on contract next season
Powell - 6'11". Great chemistry guy, but VERY limited. Not really consistent enough to be a starter.
Kleber - 6'11". Great chemistry guy who can occasionally take over with 3/D, but inconsistent. Not consistent enough to be a starter.
Bertans - 6'10" but plays SF naturally. Should very rarely play PF and only small ball C.
Boban - 7'3" but unplayable
Chriss - 6'9" and decent on both sides of the ball-- when healthy. Not a starting-caliber player.

Unfortunately, we are going to be operating way over the cap so we aren't going to make moves in free agency. Maybe there's a trade, but the best option would be to draft

Guys worth a look in the draft
Patrick Baldwin - 6'9" shooter and decent rebounder. Limited defense.
Walker Kessler - reminds me of Myles Turner. Limited offensively, but defensive monster. No jumper but tons of shotblocking.
Nikola Jovic - 6'10" Range and smarts. Few physical tools, but Luka doesn't really either and he's effective. A little raw/project-y
Mark Williams - 7'0" decent rebounder/defender who can finish the oop and set screens
Oscar Tshiebwe - 6'9" long and physical. Reminds me of Kevon Looney or Precious Achiuwa

I know Cuban runs the show, but Nico has to be thinking we are literally only in need of a center. FIngers crossed

[saclare]

Originally Posted by EricaLubarsky

I'd say the ONLY thing we need is a PF/C. If anything, we have TOO many guards and wings.

Guys over 6'8" on contract next season
Powell - 6'11". Great chemistry guy, but VERY limited. Not really consistent enough to be a starter.
Kleber - 6'11". Great chemistry guy who can occasionally take over with 3/D, but inconsistent. Not consistent enough to be a starter.
Bertans - 6'10" but plays SF naturally. Should very rarely play PF and only small ball C.
Boban - 7'3" but unplayable
Chriss - 6'9" and decent on both sides of the ball-- when healthy. Not a starting-caliber player.

Unfortunately, we are going to be operating way over the cap so we aren't going to make moves in free agency. Maybe there's a trade, but the best option would be to draft

Guys worth a look in the draft
Patrick Baldwin - 6'9" shooter and decent rebounder. Limited defense.
Walker Kessler - reminds me of Myles Turner. Limited offensively, but defensive monster. No jumper but tons of shotblocking.
Nikola Jovic - 6'10" Range and smarts. Few physical tools, but Luka doesn't really either and he's effective. A little raw/project-y
Mark Williams - 7'0" decent rebounder/defender who can finish the oop and set screens
Oscar Tshiebwe - 6'9" long and physical. Reminds me of Kevon Looney or Precious Achiuwa

What am I missing on Baldwin? Not seeing an impact NBA level player...

Would love to snag a high floor type like Tshiebwe or Kessler, productive college big men who might not project a super high ceiling otherwise.

I'll also throw Colin Castleton into the mix from Florida.

[EricaLubarsky]

Originally Posted by saclare

What am I missing on Baldwin? Not seeing an impact NBA level player...

Would love to snag a high floor type like Tshiebwe or Kessler, productive college big men who might not project a super high ceiling otherwise.

I'll also throw Colin Castleton into the mix from Florida.

Yeah I shouldn't have included him. I just saw him on a bunch of draft lists at 21 where we are. He's got a quick jumper with good mechanics, but otherwise he's very limited. His ceiling is Bertans.

I think our best bet is drafting someone limited offensively and teaching them to set good screens and roll to the hoop. Powell's entire skillset can't be that rare. If all they can do is defend and rebound, they shouldn't be a lottery pick. Grab someone like that at 21, train them to set screens and catch lobs from Luka/JB/Dinwiddie and they can be a 10-15 year starter. We don't need Wilt Chamberlain to score 60. We just need a screener for Luka, an oop recipient to keep offenses honest inside, and a rebounder to make sure we don't give up 40-second chance points.

[rimrocker]

I’d be happy with Kessler or Williams.
Both should have decent nba careers.
Kessler is probably the most nba ready, but I’d love to see what TC could do with Williams.
That ridiculous WS of Williams, and seems aggressive in the paint is exactly what we need.

[liqwidhalo]

This is why the Mavs traded Porzingis:
https://youtu.be/f6XyX_iHNxM

[saclare]

Originally Posted by EricaLubarsky

Yeah I shouldn't have included him. I just saw him on a bunch of draft lists at 21 where we are. He's got a quick jumper with good mechanics, but otherwise he's very limited. His ceiling is Bertans.

I think our best bet is drafting someone limited offensively and teaching them to set good screens and roll to the hoop. Powell's entire skillset can't be that rare. If all they can do is defend and rebound, they shouldn't be a lottery pick. Grab someone like that at 21, train them to set screens and catch lobs from Luka/JB/Dinwiddie and they can be a 10-15 year starter. We don't need Wilt Chamberlain to score 60. We just need a screener for Luka, an oop recipient to keep offenses honest inside, and a rebounder to make sure we don't give up 40-second chance points.

For sure on Baldwin, it seems some mockers are relying way too much on his HS rankings. He's not really performed in college to warrant a 1st round pick, much less at a smaller school. One would expect him to be dominating. His physical traits are intriguing, but I need better production at the next stage to rely on HS ranks and physical traits.

You hit it on the head. Don't need Bam or Ayton type, could easily get away with a bigger body type, Steven Adams ceiling. Set screens, rebound, and body other bigs in the paint.

[saclare]

Originally Posted by liqwidhalo

This is why the Mavs traded Porzingis:
https://youtu.be/f6XyX_iHNxM

Hurts to see those bricks...

[DevinHarriswillstart]

Originally Posted by liqwidhalo

This is why the Mavs traded Porzingis:
https://youtu.be/f6XyX_iHNxM

KP became noticeably less mobile in January. Injuries? Disinterest? Not working out with Luka? Likely a combo, but he just wasn't doing what was necessary to get open, make plays, do something without the ball in his hands.

My observation was when I went to the Toronto game in January. He didn't make a three though he was 8/8 on FTs with 18/7. 5 turnovers though. Just was coming up the court and then being stiff.

And the fact that it's now even being questioned that he might not play again this season is the last straw in the discussion. Mavs would be killed in a trade this offseason had KP not been able to come back this year.

https://www.nbcsports.com/washington...taps-porzingis

Problem is you don't know these things for certain until time passes, so it's still understandable why people (myself included) were upset with the trade at the time.

[Dallas41]

Originally Posted by DevinHarriswillstart

KP became noticeably less mobile in January. Injuries? Disinterest? Not working out with Luka? Likely a combo, but he just wasn't doing what was necessary to get open, make plays, do something without the ball in his hands.

My observation was when I went to the Toronto game in January. He didn't make a three though he was 8/8 on FTs with 18/7. 5 turnovers though. Just was coming up the court and then being stiff.

And the fact that it's now even being questioned that he might not play again this season is the last straw in the discussion. Mavs would be killed in a trade this offseason had KP not been able to come back this year.

https://www.nbcsports.com/washington...taps-porzingis

Problem is you don't know these things for certain until time passes, so it's still understandable why people (myself included) were upset with the trade at the time.

Makes you wonder what the value is on Anthony Davis would be this summer especially if he misses playoffs games again

[DevinHarriswillstart]

Originally Posted by Dallas41

Makes you wonder what the value is on Anthony Davis would be this summer especially if he misses playoffs games again

See, teams can usually dump bad contracts, but max bad contracts are the exception. Tobias Harris definitely in that conversation of unmovable contracts.

That fact that we got two useable payers is a win.

I think teams could still see championship gold with Davis, and someone might bite...but maybe not. That guy is worse healthy-wise than KP. And I'm not sure he has much left if he isn't playing with a few superstars.

[Dallas41]

Originally Posted by DevinHarriswillstart

See, teams can usually dump bad contracts, but max bad contracts are the exception. Tobias Harris definitely in that conversation of unmovable contracts.

That fact that we got two useable payers is a win.

I think teams could still see championship gold with Davis, and someone might bite...but maybe not. That guy is worse healthy-wise than KP. And I'm not sure he has much left if he isn't playing with a few superstars.

Yeah he's as fragile as KP

But it wouldn't shock me if Kidd would still like to have him on this roster.