(07-16-2021, 03:55 PM)dynamicalVoid Wrote: [ -> ]So...do we know if Carlisle's military style matured Luka's game at all in 3 years...
We know he was retarding Luka's imagination on the floor. But did he actually do anything that helped Luka?
Remember there was reports claiming Luka's camp steered him to Dallas because of Carlisle supposedly...
(07-16-2021, 03:57 PM)ClutchDirk Wrote: [ -> ]Remember there was reports claiming Luka's camp steered him to Dallas because of Carlisle supposedly...
Maybe his camp did. Luka never mentioned Rick in his interviews after the firings I thought I read on here. He mentioned he was close with Donnie and knew him for long time.
Who cares really.
(07-16-2021, 03:58 PM)dynamicalVoid Wrote: [ -> ]Maybe his camp did. Luka never mentioned Rick in his interviews after the firings I thought I read on here. He mentioned he was close with Donnie and knew him for long time.
Who cares really.
He made Luka play to a certain level and commitment on the court...literally benched him before during a game...
Only creative that was held back was constantly showing off...he had the keys to the offense so he matured from rookie year till now as far as I could tell...
(07-16-2021, 04:07 PM)omahen Wrote: [ -> ]That is tough against his teammates.
https://twitter.com/Mavs_FFL/status/1416...wcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fbleacherreport.com%2Fdallas-mavericks
I don't think it is a shot as his teammates and Dame certainly includes himself in the statement. He and his team was the 6th seed and lost in the first round. GSW and Memphis will be better next year. They aren't good enough to win a championship. He's just being giving an honest assessment.
Looking at Portland, they need a good wing. Since Lillard was clear only best ones are good enough, there are only so many options that could be available. Portland is in a good position as far as assets go, as they have all the picks after 2021 draft and some interesting young players. So no problem to do a trade if the player is available. I guess CJ is the outgoing salary. These guys could be:
- Kawhi (problem is he is perhaps out for season)
- Siakam (not sure how he would fit with Nurkic - difficult to play two non shooters)
- Grant
- Simmons (a lot of question marks)
I don't think there is anyone else that is realistically available. I would be all over Grant if I was Portland. Another alternative could be Wood instead of Nurkic, keep CJ. Go a little bit smaller with five out and Wood PnR.
Btw something nobody has mentioned yet, is that the hot preagency tampering phase (including the draft) and the first five days of official free agency overlap with the Olympic tournament.
So what do free agents do that are involved in the games? Make zoom calls with your agent in the middle of the night from Japan before an Olympic semifinal to secure a new deal?
Hit the pause button until the tournament is finished, and risk that all the money is gone.
That´s a really shitty situation for the players and national teams.
(07-16-2021, 04:21 PM)Mavs2021 Wrote: [ -> ]So what do free agents do that are involved in the games?
For the most part, the answer appears to be to not participate. I believe the only FA on the US team is (it still feels weird to type this) Javale McGee, and it's not like he's a day-one free agent. Not sure about the other countries, but in general I imagine anyone angling for big NBA money won't risk injury regardless of the timing.
I know how I would feel if Luka even hinted at requesting a trade.
Agree with earlier comments that some team will likely make a really good deal with the Blazers in their desperation.
(07-16-2021, 04:28 PM)Tyler Wrote: [ -> ]For the most part, the answer appears to be to not participate. I believe the only FA on the US team is (it still feels weird to type this) Javale McGee, and it's not like he's a day-one free agent. Not sure about the other countries, but in general I imagine anyone angling for big NBA money won't risk injury regardless of the timing.
Just off the top of my head Ntilikina, Batum and Fournier play for France.
(07-16-2021, 05:00 PM)Mavs2021 Wrote: [ -> ]CJ McCollum right now...
Its already been reported that CJ being traded is "probable" if not "certain."
POR is going to try to upgrade the roster to please Damian by trading him.
(07-16-2021, 05:02 PM)Kammrath Wrote: [ -> ]Its already been reported that CJ being traded is "probable" if not "certain."
POR is going to try to upgrade the roster to please Damian by trading him.
Olshey: I totally heard you today, and I’m committed to making the team better. We’re looking to trade McCollum for a real upgrade. How do you feel about KP?
Lillard: I see why you want to improve the frontcourt, but I want to play with Luka. That’s a guaranteed championship right there.
Olshey: C’mon, Dame. There’s no way Dallas will trade Luka for CJ.
Lillard: Never said they would. Enjoy KP.
Also lost in the Dame drama is the effect on Portland’s free agency hopes this off-season.
Let’s say you’re Norman Powell and are an unrestricted free agent. You just heard Dame demand lots of trades and threaten to leave if they don’t happen to his satisfaction. Do you sign in Portland knowing that there’s a very good chance that 1. They’ll trade you ASAP to appease Lillard, or 2. Lillard is traded and you’re stuck on a rebuilding team?
Portland is in a really tough spot. My bet right now is that he secures his future with a more dependable home and the Blazers desperately try to turn it into a S&T.
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