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From Zach Lowe's 10 things column today.  I don't think the videos will work here though.

 Can the new-look Mavs find the right amount of variety?
This legitimately startled me:

That can't be the Dallas Mavericks, right? This is what would happen if you told the Mavericks to do an impression of the Golden State Warriors: a hard push from Luka Doncic; an extra ball handler in Spencer Dinwiddie to move things along; a respected gunner (Davis Bertans) to enter the ball and pivot into a split action with Doncic; and finally a step-up screen for Doncic leading into a Maxi Kleber pick-and-pop triple.
The Mavs are probably the league's worst and most disinterested transition team -- the slowest to get up shots after both defensive rebounds and turnovers, per Inpredictable. Dallas has pushed up the standings -- it's 18-6 since Jan. 1 -- behind smart, suffocating defense. The Mavs rank 16th in offensive efficiency overall, and a tick above league average during that 18-6 stretch -- even as Doncic found his A-game.
Imagine how dynamic they could be if they sprinkled in more of this around their Doncic-centric spread pick-and-roll attack? Deviations from that usually took the form of obligatory, low-efficiency post-ups for Kristaps Porzingis. That is a happy trickle-down effect of flipping Porzingis to Washington, which was really about dumping Porzingis: replacing him with two players who added at least the possibility of a healthier sort of variety.
You don't want to over-democratize, and shift too much offense away from Doncic. But more transition play is a no-brainer, and the constant presence of at least one of Jalen Brunson and Dinwiddie around Doncic (and sometimes both) will unlock some around-the-horn sequences Doncic can both start and finish.
Hell, even just getting Doncic a few open catch-and-shoot looks would be a nice reprieve for him:

Dallas has been my sleeper "if all goes well" Finals threat all season. Doncic is that good in the playoffs. My first reaction to the Porzingis deal was that the Mavs had slightly lowered their ceiling now to wriggle more flexibility later -- that they would miss Porzingis' rim protection and occasional bursts of shooting.
What if that turns out wrong?

(02-25-2022, 12:09 PM)Mavs2021 Wrote: [ -> ]Seems an uber-athletic PF/C with skills to be determined. What I found interesting is that in the highlight videos he doesn´t even look to be in great shape. Could probably replace 10 pounds of babyfat with muscles and improve his stamina.

You can see the idea behind the signing.

Chriss also qualifies under that category, so with Omoruyi that already makes Wright the third signing of that kind.

I bet this pattern/strategy is to some degree the result of Finley's work, who also pushed for some structures while drafting.

So at least we seem to have some kind of an actual plan...

(02-25-2022, 02:28 PM)Chicagojk Wrote: [ -> ]From Zach Lowe's 10 things column today.  I don't think the videos will work here though.

 Can the new-look Mavs find the right amount of variety?
This legitimately startled me:

That can't be the Dallas Mavericks, right? This is what would happen if you told the Mavericks to do an impression of the Golden State Warriors: a hard push from Luka Doncic; an extra ball handler in Spencer Dinwiddie to move things along; a respected gunner (Davis Bertans) to enter the ball and pivot into a split action with Doncic; and finally a step-up screen for Doncic leading into a Maxi Kleber pick-and-pop triple.
The Mavs are probably the league's worst and most disinterested transition team -- the slowest to get up shots after both defensive rebounds and turnovers, per Inpredictable. Dallas has pushed up the standings -- it's 18-6 since Jan. 1 -- behind smart, suffocating defense. The Mavs rank 16th in offensive efficiency overall, and a tick above league average during that 18-6 stretch -- even as Doncic found his A-game.
Imagine how dynamic they could be if they sprinkled in more of this around their Doncic-centric spread pick-and-roll attack? Deviations from that usually took the form of obligatory, low-efficiency post-ups for Kristaps Porzingis. That is a happy trickle-down effect of flipping Porzingis to Washington, which was really about dumping Porzingis: replacing him with two players who added at least the possibility of a healthier sort of variety.
You don't want to over-democratize, and shift too much offense away from Doncic. But more transition play is a no-brainer, and the constant presence of at least one of Jalen Brunson and Dinwiddie around Doncic (and sometimes both) will unlock some around-the-horn sequences Doncic can both start and finish.
Hell, even just getting Doncic a few open catch-and-shoot looks would be a nice reprieve for him:

Dallas has been my sleeper "if all goes well" Finals threat all season. Doncic is that good in the playoffs. My first reaction to the Porzingis deal was that the Mavs had slightly lowered their ceiling now to wriggle more flexibility later -- that they would miss Porzingis' rim protection and occasional bursts of shooting.
What if that turns out wrong?

I think they are missing a legit starting center who can provide rim protection and rebounding.  It's a shame they couldn't work that into their TDL moves.  I think with somebody like Holmes they would have a punchers chance.  A THJ for Holmes in the offseason makes a ton of sense.  I wonder if they could have done that at TDL if Timmy didn't break his foot.

Guys, I wanted to ask you, which defensive anchor do you like the most, or do you think would fit better? Capella/Turner/Poelt/MRobinson/Holmes

(02-26-2022, 01:05 PM)mvossman Wrote: [ -> ]I think they are missing a legit starting center who can provide rim protection and rebounding.

I would love this, so I'm with you in spirit. 

Where I feel like I diverge from many around here (not sure about you, specifically) is this: I think for the addition of what you describe above to be a positive, it would have to come in the form of a player who can also do what Powell does well. My dude put on a pick-and-roll defending clinic last night. 

I would love to have a player who can do that AND bring the skills you describe above to the table, but there aren't very many of them, frankly. I've seen lots of assumption that Holmes is that guy, and he might be. I'm just not completely sold yet. It's definitely worth a try, I suppose. 

If I had to choose between those two skillsets, I'd do what the Mavericks just did and choose mobility and basketball IQ. I think I'm probably in the minority around here about that, but I just think it's so freaking important these days.

(02-26-2022, 02:19 PM)KillerLeft Wrote: [ -> ]I would love this, so I'm with you in spirit. 

Where I feel like I diverge from many around here (not sure about you, specifically) is this: I think for the addition of what you describe above to be a positive, it would have to come in the form of a player who can also do what Powell does well. My dude put on a pick-and-roll defending clinic last night. 

I would love to have a player who can do that AND bring the skills you describe above to the table, but there aren't very many of them, frankly. I seen lots of assumption that Holmes is that guy, and he might be. I'm just not completely sold yet. It's definitely worth a try, I suppose. 

If I had to choose between those two skillsets, I'd do what the Mavericks just did and choose mobility and basketball IQ. I think I'm probably in the minority around here about that, but I just think it's so freaking important these days.

I agree with all of this.  My understanding is that Holmes (being an undersized and athletic center) fits this qualification.  I have not looked at any p&r defense numbers with him, so there might be some projecting, but assuming he does fit that mold he is the perfect target given our limited resources.

My really crazy idea (that we don't have the assets to pull off) is Collins at the 5.  Atlanta couldn't make it work and brought in Capella, but I think he would be a near perfect 5 in what Kidd is doing.  He is a much better rebounder and a better rim protector than Powell, and he would completely feast without another big clogging up the paint.

(02-26-2022, 02:32 PM)mvossman Wrote: [ -> ]My really crazy idea (that we don't have the assets to pull off) is Collins at the 5.  Atlanta couldn't make it work and brought in Capella, but I think he would be a near perfect 5 in what Kidd is doing.  He is a much better rebounder and a better rim protector than Powell, and he would completely feast without another big clogging up the paint.

It would be SICK on offense, I'll vouch for that. I need to watch him more on defense to have a strong opinion. My first reaction is that the dude is so skinny I'd assume he'd be a step down from Powell defensively, but he absolutely IS mobile enough. It's intriguing.

Collins would be really good offensively, but we would still be a sneak defensively, he has very short arms... in that small ball center mold, there are some guys who could fit, probably cheaper... PJ Washington (excellent shooter for the position). ..Brandom Clarke and Jarred Vandervilt for example are very versatile defenders and good rebounders...although they can't shoot.. Turner and Capella (I hope he's available, with Okongwu playing very well) would be my main targets, I think we urgently need a defensive anchor

Wondering what Orlando plans to do with Mo Bamba. They've got WCS locked up for the next few years, so I imagine they might not want to spend too much money on Bamba if he's gonna be a backup for them. They also probably want to try winning again at some point.

How about a S&T of Bamba + Terrence Ross for THJ, Powell, and the '22 1st?

(03-03-2022, 06:01 AM)Branduil Wrote: [ -> ]How about a S&T of Bamba

As Mavs will be over the apron, they can't do any kind of SnT. They will have the tax payer MLE available, roughly 5 mil per season. But it would actually cost much more due to the tax, so it is not very likely they will use it.

(02-26-2022, 04:55 PM)Mikelo Wrote: [ -> ]I think we urgently need a defensive anchor

I've noticed you bring this up (a lot of this board does to be fair) and I get that we need more rim protection and rebounding most likely to ascend into contender status but what about our defense is making this such an urgent need?  We're currently a top 5 defense so I don't think this team needs much improvement on that end.  Also, how are we defining "anchor"?  Just someone who protects the rim?

To @"KillerLeft" 's point, we really need to make sure that we aren't sacrificing mobility and switchability on defense when upgrading our frontcourt.  Instead of bringing in a more classic rim protecting big, could we simply find a more offensive focused big who still brings the same mobility?  I do think Collins is a very strong option for that route if there was a package we could scrounge together.

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Uf1E9u_upA

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(03-03-2022, 06:01 AM)Branduil Wrote: [ -> ]How about a S&T of Bamba + Terrence Ross for THJ, Powell, and the '22 1st?

This feels like sooooo much for a big man who hasn't proved much.  Do you believe Bamba would bring more to this team than Powell has this year to the point that it's worth burning a first for him?

We need a low dollar, rim protecting/rebounding/picknroll big. That is my assessment. The template for such a big is Zubac or Poeltl. Someone who is mobile enough to not be played off the court immediately, but is also not so high dollar that they have to be on the court all the time.

All these small ball bigs are fine for stints during the game (even extended stints at times), but to make that our main or only avenue to play would be a mistake IMO (see the RoCo/Tucker year). These teams that employ mostly small ball teams are getting injured all the time also. Look at Draymond. Amazing player, always hurt cause he does too much for his body to handle (esp as he ages).

(03-03-2022, 01:33 PM)ItsGoTime Wrote: [ -> ]We need a low dollar, rim protecting/rebounding/picknroll big. That is my assessment. The template for such a big is Zubac or Poeltl. Someone who is mobile enough to not be played off the court immediately, but is also not so high dollar that they have to be on the court all the time.

I think this is right on the money. 

You need a Zubac, but you should not put yourself in a position where you feel like you have to play him. Honestly, if Boban's spot would just go to a guy like that (wouldn't even have to be as good as Zubac) I'd feel a lot better.

I agree with the idea that a more traditional big that can't get played off the floor because of matchup hunting is what we want, but of all fan bases....shouldn't we be the ones recognizing that Zubac is not that guy?  He got played off the floor in two straight series against us as well as the Jazz series.  The limitations of a player like that is also why I'm way out on Gobert.  I know that he's more talented than other bigs and could probably make up for some of his limitations when getting switched out to the perimeter (which we were all witnesses to a week ago), but the skillset he brings isn't worth the contract he brings because then you're kind of stuck again in terms of roster rearrangement the same way we were with KP.

(03-03-2022, 02:46 PM)StrandedOnBeauboisHill Wrote: [ -> ]shouldn't we be the ones recognizing that Zubac is not that guy?

I think a team needs a center like Zubac to get through regular season and to have a team flexibility. Small ball would be likely killed against skilled bigs. As others have said - it is no worry if you bench him due to some bad match-up. You have 95 % of cap still available on the floor.

(03-03-2022, 01:33 PM)ItsGoTime Wrote: [ -> ]We need a low dollar, rim protecting/rebounding/picknroll big. That is my assessment. The template for such a big is Zubac or Poeltl. Someone who is mobile enough to not be played off the court immediately, but is also not so high dollar that they have to be on the court all the time.

From my POV, there are maybe 15 of those guys?

The sneaky one I hope to pry away is Isaiah Stewart

(03-03-2022, 02:54 PM)SleepingHero Wrote: [ -> ]From my POV, there are maybe 15 of those guys?

The sneaky one I hope to pry away is Isaiah Stewart

He’s a guy I lead the charge on around here during that draft. No mocks had him going as high as he did though.

(03-03-2022, 02:51 PM)omahen Wrote: [ -> ]I think a team needs a center like Zubac to get through regular season and to have a team flexibility. Small ball would be likely killed against skilled bigs. As others have said - it is no worry if you bench him due to some bad match-up. You have 95 % of cap still available on the floor.

Agree with all of this and it kind of hints to my point about Gobert (which I believe is something you've echoed as well around here).

I think that's why people are very enamored with someone like Collins who may not necessarily be someone who gives us more size, but improves on what we're currently doing and isn't someone who will be played off during the playoffs.  More likely, he'd be someone forcing folks off the floor.

(03-03-2022, 02:46 PM)StrandedOnBeauboisHill Wrote: [ -> ]I agree with the idea that a more traditional big that can't get played off the floor because of matchup hunting is what we want, but of all fan bases....shouldn't we be the ones recognizing that Zubac is not that guy?  He got played off the floor in two straight series against us as well as the Jazz series.  The limitations of a player like that is also why I'm way out on Gobert.  I know that he's more talented than other bigs and could probably make up for some of his limitations when getting switched out to the perimeter (which we were all witnesses to a week ago), but the skillset he brings isn't worth the contract he brings because then you're kind of stuck again in terms of roster rearrangement the same way we were with KP.

The list of established guys that don’t get played off the court in the playoffs is small. Giannis, Jokic, Embiid, Bam…..and maybe Ayton now too. It’s not easy to get one of these guys who can do it all in the playoffs 

We need the “Zubac” big mainly for the regular season, but also possibly for the playoffs. Being versatile and having lineup options will make us a better team…..the main lineup though should continue to be small ball going forward with one mobile big or even none if we feel like it. I view DFS as the Draymond Green of this defense who can guard 1-5

Gobert makes no sense. Strategically it makes sense to go cheap on bigs and save the big money for the other positions. Like how smartly run NFL franchises go cheap at RB

Collins and Grant make the most sense if you want a big name player who fits what we want to do. Holmes would be great for a mid level option, though he could sit during the playoffs if we need him too. Cheap (vet min) options are everywhere. Thomas Bryant?