Next GM Watch

[FireNicoHarrison]

Isn't that what you want in a GM?  It would be nice to have a guy take advantage of others instead of being the other way around for a change.  I would be all in on Presti if I thought there was any chance we could/would pry him away.

Agree 

I want a GM who has clear ideas, no more stupid 2 timelines or other **** please.

[ThisIStheYear]

It’s good to kick the tires on Presti but not happening — maybe one of his assistants. How about Dirk?

[WillE]

It’s good to kick the tires on Presti but not happening — maybe one of his assistants. How about Dirk?

I'm not sure if I want to see Dirk in operative responsibility. Any executive will be let go sooner or later.

Plus I am not sure he and his family would like to have him at the AAC and elsewhere that much...him starting at Amazon tells me more of the opposite, that his availability is limited.

[ThisIStheYear]

I'm not sure if I want to see Dirk in operative responsibility. Any executive will be let go sooner or later.

Plus I am not sure he and his family would like to have him at the AAC and elsewhere that much...him starting at Amazon tells me more of the opposite, that his availability is limited.

It wasn’t a top of mind until today when I saw his statement about Nico. I’m sure I’m giving it too much weight, but what he said was perfect in every respect and irrefutable.

[F Gump]

1 It’s good to kick the tires on Presti but not happening —
2 maybe one of his assistants. How about Dirk?

1 I am the one driving the Presti bus, and your "kick the tires" approach is the typical response. Respectfully to you and all, I really HATE that thinking.

Yes, it's possible Presti, or his representatives, would have no interest and would slam the door shut before talks ever started. And/or OKC. I get it. It's obvious. But that doesn't deter me from wanting Presti as the Mavs GM, and wanting them to pursue him fully and vigorously (not just a cursory going through the motions and assuming it's not going anywhere and moving on), until the door is slammed shut - and slammed and slammed. The idea we assume defeat before we ever try, and need to be dismissive and quickly deterred from chasing THE BEST (and what we really want), is not the world I want to live in.

Negotiating in a winning way isn't about waiting for easy deals. It's about figuring what you really want, and then working to find a way to get to "yes." 

As an aside, I will add this: if the Mavs do pursue Presti, I wager it would not be known until the deal is just about to happen (like, in June after the playoffs end). And if there was a pursuit that went nowhere, I don't think we'd ever know it happened. 

2 " maybe one of his assistants. How about Dirk" -- I have no interest. We need an expert, not an experiment. We need the trainer, not the trainee. My cutoff is limiting it to someone who has previously negotiated and proven excellence in such things over time.

Dirk needs to be in the FO mix, that's for sure. He embodies what you want this team and organization to look like. But they need to enlist him to participate in ways that use some of his many strengths - taking him out of his lane would be bad for him, and bad for you.

[cow]

1 I am the one driving the Presti bus...

Sorry Scoob, but you are merely a passenger in my Presti Mystery Van.

[KillerLeft]

1 I am the one driving the Presti bus, and your "kick the tires" approach is the typical response. Respectfully to you and all, I really HATE that thinking.

Yes, it's possible Presti, or his representatives, would have no interest and would slam the door shut before talks ever started. And/or OKC. I get it. It's obvious. But that doesn't deter me from wanting Presti as the Mavs GM, and wanting them to pursue him fully and vigorously (not just a cursory going through the motions and assuming it's not going anywhere and moving on), until the door is slammed shut - and slammed and slammed. The idea we assume defeat before we ever try, and need to be dismissive and quickly deterred from chasing THE BEST (and what we really want), is not the world I want to live in.

Negotiating in a winning way isn't about waiting for easy deals. It's about figuring what you really want, and then working to find a way to get to "yes." 

As an aside, I will add this: if the Mavs do pursue Presti, I wager it would not be known until the deal is just about to happen (like, in June after the playoffs end). And if there was a pursuit that went nowhere, I don't think we'd ever know it happened. 

I don't think anyone disagrees with this. It's just such a long shot that it feels pointless to get our hopes up about it, especially in light of the last point you made above. We will probably only know A) whether they had interest in Presti or B) how hard they went after him if he suddenly gets announced as the dude. So, it seems silly expect it or talk about too much, to the point where anything less than that specific outcome will feel disappointing.

[cow]

I don't think anyone disagrees with this. It's just such a long shot that it feels pointless to get our hopes up about it, especially in light of the last point you made above. We will probably only know A) whether they had interest in Presti or B) how hard they went after him if he suddenly gets announced as the dude. So, it seems silly expect it or talk about too much, to the point where anything less than that specific outcome will feel disappointing.

Gump and I in lockstep for the first time ever.  Presti is totally happening.  #Believe

[KillerLeft]

Gump and I in lockstep for the first time ever.  Presti is totally happening.  #Believe

Well, he DID speak the drafting of Cooper Flagg into existence, and then he DID speak the firing of Nico Harrison into existence, so he's on a heater, I suppose.

[FireNicoHarrison]

I think there is a lot of GMs interested in this job, Flagg + a couple of (maybe former) all stars to trade and no pressure about win games for at least the next 2 years.

Every bad stuffs will adressed to Harrison.

If some GM has a real vision then Dallas is the perfect place.

[ThisIStheYear]

You Presti guys can dream a little. It would be great. But he has his team poised for one of the greatest runs in NBA history. Why would he want to miss out on that and the opportunity to be remembered as the greatest basketball executive of all time for a lateral move to a team that doesn’t really have good draft picks after this season? He’d have to have an out in his contract and be in line for triple the money or something huge like that. It doesn’t sound realistic.

Whoever the Mavs hire, it should be soon and they better understand this draft class. The Mavs don’t have assets for a careful rebuild over multilple seasons. If they don’t land an all star in this draft, their situation will become untenable and the franchise will sink into mediocrity or worse for the foreseeable future. Nico has left them with just one out and it’s a 1.8% miracle they even have that.

[khaled1987]

I think the owners needs a direction they decide on first.

Are they still in win now mode? Not necessarily a championship but playoffs and being contender? Or they want to his the reset button?
I think many wants the later, but with Cuban in the mix, and new owner syndrome I think they want to stay competitive and be pretenders over rebuild.

This is essential when you pick a GM.

Usually there are few types of good GM out there

One that accumulate assets, just Ainge used to do.
One that is more focused on the draft, like Presti
One that supports the coach and gets pieces that fits on court. Like Riley or Brad Stevens.

Obviously, most are mix of that, Presti managed to accumulate assets during rebuild, Ainge drafted Brown and Tatim etc

I feel that Lindsey is more of a the 3rd type. Our moves here during his time was about the X and Os of the game, getting pieces that fits Luka and what Kidd needed as a coach (regardless of how good Kidd as a coach is).

So, if they want to continue the process of being competitive and try to develop Flagg in a competitive team rather than with players of his age (except Lively and next year pick) it makes sense to go for him or Ujiri,in such scenario don't expect an AD trade. His value is at all time law, there is a thread on Realgm about AD trade and not a single fanbase that is interested in getting him. Maybe Spurs for Fox as some of their fans don't rate him but I am not sure I want that.

On the other hand,if we want a rebuild, I think it needs to be someone else, and likely it will be someone new at the job. A former assistant GM from OCK/Celtics/Spurs rather than a free agent one.

[KillerLeft]

I think the owners needs a direction they decide on first.

Are they still in win now mode? Not necessarily a championship but playoffs and being contender? Or they want to his the reset button? 

This is a really astute point, imo. 

It's tempting to think that the team should hire an expert and then ask him "where do we go from here?" But, the reality of the situation is that the franchise already has an idea of what options are available to them, and discovering which candidates might be most interested and best able to execute which direction is likely to be a determining factor in the GM hire. I imagine it's similar to hiring a head coach, in that you need more than a guy who can coach, you need a guy with a compelling plan to coach your specific players. The Mavs' situation, and the direction the organizational wind is blowing in terms of how to approach it will very likely have a big effect on who's interested in the job and who stands out from among the applicants.

[mvossman]

I think the owners needs a direction they decide on first.

Are they still in win now mode? Not necessarily a championship but playoffs and being contender? Or they want to his the reset button?
I think many wants the later, but with Cuban in the mix, and new owner syndrome I think they want to stay competitive and be pretenders over rebuild.

This is essential when you pick a GM.

Usually there are few types of  good GM out there

One that accumulate assets, just Ainge used to do.
One that is more focused on the draft, like Presti
One that supports the coach and gets pieces that fits on court. Like Riley or Brad Stevens.

Obviously, most are mix of that, Presti managed to accumulate assets during rebuild, Ainge drafted Brown and Tatim etc

I feel that Lindsey is more of a the 3rd type. Our moves here during his time was about the X and Os of the game, getting pieces that fits Luka and what Kidd needed as a coach (regardless of how good Kidd as a coach is).

So, if they want to continue the process of being competitive and try to develop Flagg in a competitive team rather than with players of his age (except Lively and next year pick) it makes sense to go for him or Ujiri,in such scenario don't expect an AD trade. His value is at all time law, there is a thread on Realgm about AD trade and not a single fanbase that is interested in getting him. Maybe Spurs for Fox as some of their fans don't rate him but I am not sure I want that.

On the other hand,if we want a rebuild, I think it needs to be someone else, and likely it will be someone new at the job. A former assistant GM from OCK/Celtics/Spurs rather than a free agent one.

I would be really surprised if this organization or Cuban is thinking win now this season.  The fact that Dumont is personally keeping AD from getting on the court is a very strong signal that the focus is now long term.  But I don't think anybody is seriously considering a long term tear down either.  Not only because they don't have their own picks, but also because its not good for your prized prospect to lose for several years in a row.  I am guessing the mindset is to be very careful with injured players, get a good draft pick and make trades to get younger.  Whether AD and Kyrie stay here will probably be more about what those guys want than anything else.

So I think they will need some of the first two types of GM in year one but likely shift into the third kind of GM soon after.

[cow]

You Presti guys can dream a little. It would be great. But he has his team poised for one of the greatest runs in NBA history. Why would he want to miss out on that and the opportunity to be remembered as the greatest basketball executive of all time for a lateral move to a team that doesn’t really have good draft picks after this season? He’d have to have an out in his contract and be in line for triple the money or something huge like that. It doesn’t sound realistic.

You'd hope OKC repeats this year which would cement they aren't a fluke (I doubt anyone believes this in the first place) and their past, current and future success with this team will already be attributed to Presti whether he is there for what comes after his departure or not.  You'd also have to hope he's the type that is looking for the next challenge.  Yes, you can overwhelm him with yearly salary, but I think the more interesting thing would be giving him a part of the Mavericks who Nico turned into a bit of a depressed asset.  That's leverage for him in what % he can demand and all the incentive in the world to turn it around.  That stake is far more valuable than what he'll ever make as a GM.  I'm not saying this is at all likely, but I'd sure would kick the hell out of that tire.  Alternatively, I'd look at people on his staff to interview so that we can find the next Presti.

This is a really astute point, imo. 

It's tempting to think that the team should hire an expert and then ask him "where do we go from here?" But, the reality of the situation is that the franchise already has an idea of what options are available to them, and discovering which candidates might be most interested and best able to execute which direction is likely to be a determining factor in the GM hire. I imagine it's similar to hiring a head coach, in that you need more than a guy who can coach, you need a guy with a compelling plan to coach your specific players. The Mavs' situation, and the direction the organizational wind is blowing in terms of how to approach it will very likely have a big effect on who's interested in the job and who stands out from among the applicants.

If I were Dumont, and especially if I were him, I wouldn't share any preconceived direction I have during the interview process nor would I be married to that notion beyond long term success and how to maximize Flagg. I'd have the interview candidate sell me on their vision, player evaluations and plans to get to success. Their thoughts could bolster my position or sell me on something completely different. I need to undo a lot of the reputational and financial damage I did to this team and that I signed off on. I need to be smart enough to now what I don't know.

[khaled1987]

I would be really surprised if this organization or Cuban is thinking win now this season.  The fact that Dumont is personally keeping AD from getting on the court is a very strong signal that the focus is now long term.  But I don't think anybody is seriously considering a long term tear down either.  Not only because they don't have their own picks, but also because its not good for your prized prospect to lose for several years in a row.  I am guessing the mindset is to be very careful with injured players, get a good draft pick and make trades to get younger.  Whether AD and Kyrie stay here will probably be more about what those guys want than anything else.

So I think they will need some of the first two types of GM in year one but likely shift into the third kind of GM soon after.

It isn't necessarily this season, the team tanked at the end of 2023 season but had the franchise direction laser focused on win now anyway. Same when your franchise player gets injured, like with the Pacers. They will be aiming for a ring in 2027 despite hoping for the 1st pick in 2026. 

The direction here determines what is priority, for example, I think there are ways to get the 2027 back and the Hornets would be happy, Maybe even with OKC, but there will be a price to pay. 

Or if you are making a trade, do you want a vet who helps to win now, or you look for a decent prospect. When you hire, do you go for someone whose strongest attribute is talent evaluation and draft? or Someone good in roster construction? 

The last sentence is what worries me tbh, it means they will try to get it all. The whole "2 timelines" thing, which isn't going to end well IMO.

If I were Dumont, and especially if I were him, I wouldn't share any preconceived direction I have during the interview process nor would I be married to that notion beyond long term success and how to maximize Flagg.  I'd have the interview candidate sell me on their vision, player evaluations and plans to get to success.  Their thoughts could bolster my position or sell me on something completely different.  I need to undo a lot of the reputational and financial damage I did to this team and that I signed off on.  I need to be smart enough to now what I don't know.

I mean, that sound good, but who are your candidates in such case? Who would you interview? You still need to identify a type and look for the one that impresses you the most.
I mean, if it was a normal job, you would want your applicants to share their vision, but from my understanding, it is teams that approach candidates first, and then ask them to impress them.

[Mavs2021]

I would be really surprised if this organization or Cuban is thinking win now this season.  The fact that Dumont is personally keeping AD from getting on the court is a very strong signal that the focus is now long term.  But I don't think anybody is seriously considering a long term tear down either.  Not only because they don't have their own picks, but also because its not good for your prized prospect to lose for several years in a row.  I am guessing the mindset is to be very careful with injured players, get a good draft pick and make trades to get younger.  Whether AD and Kyrie stay here will probably be more about what those guys want than anything else.

So I think they will need some of the first two types of GM in year one but likely shift into the third kind of GM soon after.

Cuban literally sat on the #1 pick at the ASB and turned Tatum/Markkanen into DSJ. Then he f**** up the Luka draft, too. Needed to trade an additional first to get Luka, but ultimately was lucky he did not end up with WCJ or Bagley. So if he tanked properly, he ends up with Tatum/Markkanen, Luka and an extra 1st round pick. That guy will go for a tanking strategy?   

Okay I guess so. It means he can rub the failure in Nico´s face and celebrate himself as the saviour, when they get a top 3 pick. That´s the only reason. 

Otherweise he´d just win now the team to get swept by OKC/Denver in the 1st round, if they somehow survive two play-in games.

[Mavs2021]

It isn't necessarily this season, the team tanked at the end of 2023 season but had the franchise direction laser focused on win now anyway. Same when your franchise player gets injured, like with the Pacers. They will be aiming for a ring in 2027 despite hoping for the 1st pick in 2026. 

The direction here determines what is priority, for example, I think there are ways to get the 2027 back and the Hornets would be happy, Maybe even with OKC, but there will be a price to pay. 

We don´t have enough picks to trade to get Presti off that pick swap.

[cow]

I mean, that sound good, but who are your candidates in such case? Who would you interview? You still need to identify a type and look for the one that impresses you the most.
I mean, if it was a normal job, you would want your applicants to share their vision, but from my understanding, it is teams that approach candidates first, and then ask them to impress them.

For my approach, who the candidate is doesn't really matter.  I allowed Luka to be traded and worse, my return was pitiful.  I trusted Nico's vision of win now.  While I might not want to take the hit of a long term rebuild, I need to trust someone's long term vision of what Cooper is, how to build around him, and what bits and pieces of the team should be kept and which should be used to try to fill our asset deficit.  Or maybe someone thinks we can win now or in the short term.  Ideally you'd want someone who has a long term vision, but can navigate things that might accelerate that vision (maybe you hit on the 2026 draft and Cooper's second year leap puts you ahead of pace).  I'd also interview a lot of candidates and a lot of candidates without ties to the organization.  That's not to say I wouldn't interview Lindsay or the co-GM tandem.

[mvossman]

It isn't necessarily this season, the team tanked at the end of 2023 season but had the franchise direction laser focused on win now anyway. Same when your franchise player gets injured, like with the Pacers. They will be aiming for a ring in 2027 despite hoping for the 1st pick in 2026. 

The direction here determines what is priority, for example, I think there are ways to get the 2027 back and the Hornets would be happy, Maybe even with OKC, but there will be a price to pay. 

Or if you are making a trade, do you want a vet who helps to win now, or you look for a decent prospect. When you hire, do you go for someone whose strongest attribute is talent evaluation and draft? or Someone good in roster construction? 

The last sentence is what worries me tbh, it means they will try to get it all. The whole "2 timelines" thing, which isn't going to end well IMO.

In the year+ that Lindsey was here we added Lively, Omax, DJJ, Exum, Williams, PJ, Gafford and Grimes.  The team got significantly younger while fitting perfectly with our superstar player.  That is the kind of overhaul we need between now and the end of next off season, only our guy is 18 instead of 23 so we should go even younger.  I don't think there will be a focus on asset collection.  I think it will be more about the draft and quality roster construction.