MavsBoard

Brian and Mark comment on the latest developments. 


Luka Signing. This is the big news of the week. Puts the Mavs on the clock for building a contending team for Luka. Realistic deadline probably four years. 

Press conference

Cuban said they wanted to surround Luka with shooting. What they actually badly need is a secondary playmaker, and that never came up. Probably just not the time and place. Doesn’t mean they’re not still looking for one. They should be. 

Luka made a couple of remarks that could have been interpreted as an implied criticism of the level of chemistry on/off the court at the Mavs. English is his third language, and Dameris doesn’t think he really intended to take a shot at his teammates through the media. But they were interesting comments, nevertheless, and Nico/Kidd should take note. 

Need for Secondary Playmaker

Probably Dragic or bust at this point. Mavs did not participate in a three-way with MIA/TOR. Mavs balked at giving up a FRP/promising player for a rental of a 35-year-old oft-injured guy who might be available for free before too long. He hasn’t played more than 50 games in any of the last three seasons, so health is a concern.

Dragic may get bought out at the TDL, at which time he may come here. Or, if he is not bought out, at least the price may come down at that point, and they can reconsider the trade. They don’t really need him until the playoffs, so the TDL might not be the worst outcome. At any rate, nothing is likely to happen in the short term on the Dragic front. If it does happen, the Mavs will have to create a roster spot for him. 

Hardaway.  Decreasing contract is a very team-friendly arrangement. Good negotiating by the Mavs, and good on Tim for being amenable to it. If he continues at his current level, the fourth year will be a steal. 

Bullock. Third year only 50% guaranteed, which was a bit of team-friendly news. 

Boban. Was initially reported as a minimum contract, but he got a little more. Might be a bit of an overpay, but it doesn’t affect their ability to make further moves. 

Summer league.  Not much worth focusing on there. May get another two-way out of it. 

Markkanen

The Mavs have some interest, but it’s complicated to get there. Their trade exception is probably too small, and the Bulls don’t want to take salary back. The Bulls want at least one, and preferably two, first round picks for Lauri. Mavs probably aren’t going to give up two FRPs for Markkanen. 

The Mavs don’t really have a need for an additional big, so not totally clear why they are interested.  Maybe trying to accumulate assets, while they still can. Maybe they were considering Markkanen as a replacement for Maxi (whose contract expires after this season), before they knew Bulls weren’t interested in taking salary back. Anyway, not likely that this potential acquisition is going anywhere. 

Tampering. Investigations ongoing over the Kyle Lowry and Lonzo Ball S&Ts. Chances the deals will be undone are close to zero. Unlikely to have an effect on the Mavs. If anything, the MIA tampering was probably good for the Mavs, as they were able to move on quickly from Kyle Lowry. 

COVID. Mavs plan to play a pre-season game in Madrid and maybe a scrimmage in Slovenia, depending in both cases on the COVID situation. Luka should like that. Most of the restrictions stateside have expired. Uncertain whether the resurgence of the Delta variant will change anything.  

New rule on cheap fouls. The new rule is designed to limit the James Harden tactic of an offensive player making a non-basketball move to draw a foul. Those plays will now be a no-call or an offensive foul, depending on the degree of contact. Luka is not the most egregious offender in this respect, but he does do some of that, and he will have to adjust to the new rule. He has a temper with the refs, and he may find it frustrating as he realizes that he isn't getting calls like that any more. Uncertain how rigorously the rule will be enforced. Free throws are already at or near an all-time low in the NBA, so this one may or not be enforced much after the first couple of weeks.



Cuban evaluates the offseason. Brian and Mark did not bring up Cuban’s curious statement at Luka’s press conference that the Mavs "have improved the team considerably." 


Well, I don’t know about that. Nick and Isaac mentioned it on the Locked On podcast, and allowed that they could get down with that statement if “considerably” means somewhere around 10%. 

(08-11-2021, 05:34 AM)mavsluvr Wrote: [ -> ]Luka made a couple of remarks that could have been interpreted as an implied criticism of the level of chemistry on/off the court at the Mavs. English is his third language, and Dameris doesn’t think he really intended to take a shot at his teammates through the media. But they were interesting comments, nevertheless, and Nico/Kidd should take note. 

Thanks for the update. I agree Luka didn't want to take shots at teammates but I also think it showed how different Luka felt with national team compared to Dallas. I think Luka had an amazing time with his friends at olympics. These are guys he grew up with, he has seen them after a really long time and has been with them for less than two months. Luka can relax with them, play cards, drink, smoke and speak in his native language. There was also really no result pressure, they were just having fun. Totally different situation than being together two thirds of the year for 82 games plus playoffs. So Luka can't really expect same atmosphere with Dallas and he will have to accept it is different and navigate through this different. Part of leadership.

(08-11-2021, 08:04 AM)omahen Wrote: [ -> ]Thanks for the update. I agree Luka didn't want to take shots at teammates but I also think it showed how different Luka felt with national team compared to Dallas. I think Luka had an amazing time with his friends at olympics. These are guys he grew up with, he has seen them after a really long time and has been with them for less than two months. Luka can relax with them, play cards, drink, smoke and speak in his native language. There was also really no result pressure, they were just having fun. Totally different situation than being together two thirds of the year for 82 games plus playoffs. So Luka can't really expect same atmosphere with Dallas and he will have to accept it is different and navigate through this different. Part of leadership.

That´s what Boban is for (And hopefully Dragic too).

(08-11-2021, 08:04 AM)omahen Wrote: [ -> ]Thanks for the update. I agree Luka didn't want to take shots at teammates but I also think it showed how different Luka felt with national team compared to Dallas. I think Luka had an amazing time with his friends at olympics. These are guys he grew up with, he has seen them after a really long time and has been with them for less than two months. Luka can relax with them, play cards, drink, smoke and speak in his native language. There was also really no result pressure, they were just having fun. Totally different situation than being together two thirds of the year for 82 games plus playoffs. So Luka can't really expect same atmosphere with Dallas and he will have to accept it is different and navigate through this different. Part of leadership.

Luka smokes??! OMG. That can't be doing anything to help his windedness. If this is the case, I think he should quit. 

To your main point, yes, these answers were to questions about what he had learned from playing in the Olympics. The podcasters mentioned, as you point out, that he had a really great time with his teammates. His remarks were to the effect that he learned that the most important thing for winning is chemistry and trust.

(08-11-2021, 08:57 AM)mavsluvr Wrote: [ -> ]His remarks were to the effect that he learned that the most important thing for winning is chemistry and trust.

Which is true. 

I know many will disagree but I still think the biggest issue with the Mavs last year was not talent but chemistry. And if that improves as much as I think it might, then Cuban is not off base with claiming the team is much improved. Raw talent isn't the only way to improve.

(08-11-2021, 09:17 AM)Kammrath Wrote: [ -> ]Which is true. 

I know many will disagree but I still think the biggest issue with the Mavs last year was not talent but chemistry.

How do you mean that?

1. The Mavs had as much talent as any other team, just didn't have chemistry. 

2. The Mavs were at a talent disadvantage, but that was not as important as their lack of chemistry. 

3. Something else entirely. 

4. The most important chemistry is (a) on the court, (b) off the court, or, © both.

(08-11-2021, 08:04 AM)omahen Wrote: [ -> ]I agree Luka didn't want to take shots at teammates Luka can't really expect same atmosphere with Dallas and he will have to accept it is different and navigate through this different. Part of leadership.

Agree that it would be very uncharacteristic of Luka to trash his teammates in the press. 

I took it more as a possible sign of frustration with the organization for their contribution to the lack of chemistry. (For example, his reported frustration with KP for risking suspension by going to a strip club in the middle of the playoffs -- failure of the organization to build a culture where you can trust teammates not to do something like that, possibly failure in his view to adequately address this type of breach of trust? Another example possibly whatever activity resulted in four guys getting COVID?)

Obviously, we don't know for sure. But, even though he is only 22, I don't think he is really under the impression that an NBA season should consist of a lot of partying down. If the organization could do more to facilitate a better culture, they should be alert to their opportunities.

(08-11-2021, 09:17 AM)Kammrath Wrote: [ -> ]if [chemistry] improves as much as I think it might, then Cuban is not off base with claiming the team is much improved

It seems that there hasn't been time for chemistry to develop with the new arrivals yet, so the improvement must have come another way. 


You think maybe JRich, Bey, and Melli were locker room cancers, and the esprit de corps will be better without them?

Or, maybe that the team has taken undisclosed measures to shore up the culture? Possibly by putting in a more player-friendly coach, for example?

Man, I want to believe it, but I'm grasping at straws here.

(08-11-2021, 09:21 AM)mavsluvr Wrote: [ -> ]How do you mean that?

1. The Mavs had as much talent as any other team, just didn't have chemistry. 

2. The Mavs were at a talent disadvantage, but that was not as important as their lack of chemistry. 

3. Something else entirely. 

4. The most important chemistry is (a) on the court, (b) off the court, or, © both.

My opinion on the Mavs talent last year...

Because of Luka, the talent gap between the Mavs and the other best teams in the league is not that great. The NBA is a star driven league and so Luka alone basically gets the Mavs into a "contender" conversation all by himself. Yes, KP's performance and cohesion was very lacking last year, but I don't think he is lacking in talent. I do think the rest of the Mavs roster COULD use a talent boost, but I think the Mavs do have solid NBA players throughout most of the roster. Last year the Mavs ran into one of the few teams in the league that I think HAD a clear talent advantage on the Mavs: LAC. I think PG13 & KL are top 12-15 players in the league because of their two way ability to affect a game. Assuming full health, I think only LAC and BRK (and then maybe LAL and MIL, but not sure) had a clear talent advantage on the Mavs last year and were in the "top tier" above them (I think the Mavs are in the second tier of talent in the NBA landscape). 


My opinion on the Mavs chemistry last year...

I think the Mavs were missing chemistry in all three of the important areas: 1) On-the-court, 2) in the lockerroom, and 3) off-the-court (everyday life). I think the first two are the most important. Because of the clear lack of chemistry in all areas (and I believe chemistry starts at the "top"), I stated repeatedly last year that the triangle of Luka-KP-RC must be broken up in the offseason. I assumed it would be KP to go, but RC volunteered. I do not think RC was "the problem" (and do not think he should be a "scapegoat") but I think he was an incredibly poor fit with Luka and KP from a chemistry standpoint. I still question if that is enough of a change. Is removing RC from the dynamic enough to fix the lack of chemistry with Luka and KP? My gut says it is a HUGE improvement but not enough to get where we want the Mavs to be....but the Mavs would know more than me and maybe they do think it is enough (or they need to bide their time to find the right deal for KP).

(08-11-2021, 09:50 AM)mavsluvr Wrote: [ -> ]It seems that there hasn't been time for chemistry to develop with the new arrivals yet, so the improvement must have come another way. 


You think maybe JRich, Bey, and Melli were locker room cancers, and the esprit de corps will be better without them?

Or, maybe that the team has taken undisclosed measures to shore up the culture? Possibly by putting in a more player-friendly coach, for example?

I think it is "addition by subtraction" that would change the chemistry for the better. 

1) I think JR was a terrible fit on-the-court, so him being gone and upgraded massively improves the on court team.

2) I think (as stated above) that the dynamic of Luka-KP-RC was straight up toxic. So removing RC (not because he alone was "the problem") should do incredible wonders for the team chemistry IMO. I still doubt Luka and KP can totally figure it out on and off the court, but not having RC in the mix should be a big improvement IMO. 

I could of course be wrong, time will tell. But I am truly very hopeful. I was rooting for these two changes basically since December (as I had diagnosed them as the problem from my seat starting back then), so I am pretty stoked about things moving forward.

(08-11-2021, 10:02 AM)Kammrath Wrote: [ -> ]I think it is "addition by subtraction" that would change the chemistry for the better. 

1) I think JR was a terrible fit on-the-court, so him being gone and upgraded massively improves the on court team.

2) I think (as stated above) that the dynamic of Luka-KP-RC was straight up toxic. So removing RC (not because he alone was "the problem") should do incredible wonders for the team chemistry IMO. I still doubt Luka and KP can totally figure it out on and off the court, but not having RC in the mix should be a big improvement IMO. 

I could of course be wrong, time will tell. But I am truly very hopeful. I was rooting for these two changes basically since December (as I had diagnosed them as the problem from my seat starting back then), so I am pretty stoked about things moving forward.

I agree that the chemistry between Luka and KP is pretty bad. I think RC could have done things to make that different. If he tried he was very unsuccessful. That is not fully on RC, but, that is also his job, so it is a fail (unless no one can do anything to remedy it). 

Hopefully JKidd can step in and remedy that. If not, it's a fail for him too, BUT we can start to think in terms of the possibility that no one can remedy it at that point. 

That is where we look for trade opps with at least a KP looking like a better player than last year and rehabbing his image and NOT injured. I mean, he's absolutely going to have AT LEAST 23 ppg, 9 rpg and 2 bpg amirite?!!!!

(08-11-2021, 10:11 AM)ItsGoTime Wrote: [ -> ]Hopefully JKidd can step in and remedy that. If not, it's a fail for him too, BUT we can start to think in terms of the possibility that no one can remedy it at that point. 

It seems like Nico might be banking on this. It feels like he just wants to see (if only briefly) what Luka and KP look like without RC in the mix. I can't say I blame him....but I personally would trade KP now (of course I am not privy to the packages being offered, so maybe I wouldn't).

(08-11-2021, 10:20 AM)Kammrath Wrote: [ -> ]of course I am not privy to the packages being offered, so maybe I wouldn't

If you listen to fans (ours or other teams) it's about the packages. I think this is a combination of something to the effect that the Mavs were willing to part with him for something like what Morey is requiring but didn't get that, or when the rumors were flying around, they really were just gauging his value in case THIS coming season nothing clicks.

(08-11-2021, 10:02 AM)Kammrath Wrote: [ -> ]I think it is "addition by subtraction" that would change the chemistry for the better. 

1) I think JR was a terrible fit on-the-court, so him being gone and upgraded massively improves the on court team.

2) I think (as stated above) that the dynamic of Luka-KP-RC was straight up toxic. So removing RC (not because he alone was "the problem") should do incredible wonders for the team chemistry IMO. I still doubt Luka and KP can totally figure it out on and off the court, but not having RC in the mix should be a big improvement IMO. 

I could of course be wrong, time will tell. But I am truly very hopeful. I was rooting for these two changes basically since December (as I had diagnosed them as the problem from my seat starting back then), so I am pretty stoked about things moving forward.

Carlisle was apparently not great at most personal interactions. I say this from the way he carried himself, interacts with media, interacts with players, etc. I always had the impression that he wanted a competitive locker room, not necessarily a complacent one. Combined with the constant roster turnover the last several years, this environment didn't lead to much chemistry building.  At least to my eyes.

Add in injuries, a short preseason and COVID effects, last season never really had a chance since they whole team didn't really get together until after the ASG. I was pretty happy with making the playoffs and missing the play-in. 

The Bubble team from the year before seemed to have more chemistry, probably because they were forced to spend time together. I never got the same sense about last year's team. I'm hoping a more normal schedule, change in leadership style by the coaching staff and more familiarity between teammates will help improve the team's chemistry this season.

(08-11-2021, 09:57 AM)Kammrath Wrote: [ -> ]My opinion on the Mavs chemistry last year...

I think the Mavs were missing chemistry in all three of the important areas: 1) On-the-court, 2) in the lockerroom, and 3) off-the-court (everyday life). I think the first two are the most important. Because of the clear lack of chemistry in all areas (and I believe chemistry starts at the "top"), I stated repeatedly last year that the triangle of Luka-KP-RC must be broken up in the offseason. I assumed it would be KP to go, but RC volunteered. I do not think RC was "the problem" (and do not think he should be a "scapegoat") but I think he was an incredibly poor fit with Luka and KP from a chemistry standpoint. I still question if that is enough of a change. Is removing RC from the dynamic enough to fix the lack of chemistry with Luka and KP? My gut says it is a HUGE improvement but not enough to get where we want the Mavs to be....but the Mavs would know more than me and maybe they do think it is enough (or they need to bide their time to find the right deal for KP).

Thanks for the thoughts. 


I am sure you see where I am going with all these questions I am peppering you with. Different types of problems would lead to different types of solutions, and I am wondering to what extent the Mavs are on top of that. 

Personally, I think they are still in need of a talent infusion, even if they do shore up the chemistry. My impression is that you would like to see more talent, but maybe don't think that's Priority One. My main disappointment is that, although they made a few moves on the edges, they have seemingly not addressed the most glaring needs at all. But, the season is long, and maybe they'll get there. 

Wrt chemistry, if Luka thinks it needs improvement, then that requires responding in and of itself. Kidd seems to be the most major change in terms of addressing the locker room. We don't know yet know how that is going to shake out, but there is certainly the possibility (probability?) that the court/locker room are different places, once Kidd infuses them with his personality. At the press conference, he said he sees his job, primarily, as player development of Luka. But that was Luka's press conference, and a Luka-centric response was probably indicated there. 

Various chemistry issues can be addressed different ways -- team-bonding activities, cracking down on people not pulling their weight/takng advantage, lightening up in certain other circumstances, eliminating guys with a toxic attitude, etc. I think it is too soon to know whether any measure they have taken have substantially improved the atmosphere, but at least they have taken some action that has a chance to address it in a material way.

(08-11-2021, 11:04 AM)mavsluvr Wrote: [ -> ]Personally, I think they are still in need of a talent infusion, even if they do shore up the chemistry. My impression is that you would like to see more talent, but maybe don't think that's Priority One. My main disappointment is that, although they made a few moves on the edges, they have seemingly not addressed the most glaring needs at all. But, the season is long, and maybe they'll get there. 

Wrt chemistry, if Luka thinks it needs improvement, then that requires responding in and of itself. Kidd seems to be the most major change in terms of addressing the locker room. We don't know yet how that is going to shake out, but there is certainly the possibility (probability?) that the court/locker room are different places, once Kidd infuses them with his personality. At the press conference, he said he sees his job, primarily, as player development of Luka. But that was Luka's press conference, and a Luka-centric response was probably indicated there. 

Various chemistry issues can be addressed different ways -- team-bonding activities, cracking down on people not pulling their weight/takng advantage, lightening up in certain other circumstances, eliminating guys with a toxic attitude, etc. I think it is too soon to know whether any measure they have taken have substantially improved the atmosphere, but at least they have taken some action that has a chance to address it in a material way.

I think most fans probably think the Mavs need more of a talent infusion than I do (of course I always "want" more talent, just do not think it is priority one). You are spot on that I think "priority one" for this offseason was fixing the chemistry issues that I believed were there.

It will be very interesting if Kidd is indeed the right guy for this job. He might have one thing going for him above all else, he is not RC. Again, don't misunderstand me as "scapegoating" RC, it is just that from Luka and KP's perspectives "anyone else" might be an improvement. I am incredibly interested to see the vibes that come out of training camp this year.

P.S. There is always the possibility of the "honeymoon" where everyone is happy because change has happened....and then reality eventually sets in that maybe Kidd isn't any better of a fit and he also clashes with Luka. I am hopeful that is not the case, because I am not aware of Luka having a "history" of clashing with coaches.

(08-11-2021, 11:13 AM)Kammrath Wrote: [ -> ]P.S. There is always the possibility of the "honeymoon" where everyone is happy because change has happened....and then reality eventually sets in that maybe Kidd isn't any better of a fit and he also clashes with Luka. I am hopeful that is not the case, because I am not aware of Luka having a "history" of clashing with coaches.

Yep, I think this will happen no matter what. What it settles down to towards the middle of the season is where we'll see the change. One thing really going well for Kidd is he hired Luka's coach on the staff. That's got to help IMO.

(08-11-2021, 11:13 AM)Kammrath Wrote: [ -> ]I think most fans probably think the Mavs need more of a talent infusion than I do (of course I always "want" more talent, just do not think it is priority one). You are spot on that I think "priority one" for this offseason was fixing the chemistry issues that I believed were there.

It will be very interesting if Kidd is indeed the right guy for this job. He might have one thing going for him above all else, he is not RC. Again, don't misunderstand me as "scapegoating" RC, it is just that from Luka and KP's perspectives "anyone else" might be an improvement. I am incredibly interested to see the vibes that come out of training camp this year.

P.S. There is always the possibility of the "honeymoon" where everyone is happy because change has happened....and then reality eventually sets in that maybe Kidd isn't any better of a fit and he also clashes with Luka. I am hopeful that is not the case, because I am not aware of Luka having a "history" of clashing with coaches.

I had the impression that the issues with RC were more to do with KP than Luka, but maybe they extended to most everybody. 

There is some stuff on Twitter today with clips of excerpts from the new book on Giannis, having to do with Kidd as the coach. If the incidents are true, they make RC look downright relaxed. But even if they are true, Kidd may well have seen the light in his time at the Lakers.  EDIT: Looks like you've already posted some of it in another thread.

On talent infusion; a couple points.

If trading KP is going to be the egg that leads to the chicken, I say “good luck” bc as it stands the only way to get more out of KP is to keep KP.

If trading other more ‘marginal’ players was the choice, I say “good luck” and tell me who our patsy is?

If signing Kawhi or Kyle Lowry was our solution, I say “we tried.”

I can imagine a scenario where Mavs just keep adding more and more starter level talent over the next couple years. Starting with Bullock, then Dragic, maybe Markennan? If we somehow came away with those 3 this summer, would that be a satisfactory upgrade of talent infusion?