2020-2021 ROSTER TALK: Archived

[ThisIStheYear]

The Mavs already have everything they need. Unless it’s a straight up star player, there’s really no roster tweaking that can help them.

[burekemde]

I like what I saw from the KP-WCS frontcourt.  I'm curious.  Assuming everyone is healthy, what would be your starting lineup be moving forward?

Starters:
Luka
J-Rich
DFS
KP
WCS

Bench:
Brunson
Burke
THJ
Kleber
Powell

Johnson, Green, Iwundu, Boban, Terry, Hinton, and Bey rounding out the bench

I like the versatility of our starters.  The bench is very solid.  Quite frankly, this is a good team that has been constructed by the Mavs brain trust with the potential of being a great team.

Agree with this. We have potential to straight up dominate on defense with that lineup and win games just by defense alone. I would sometimes start Kleber instead of WCS and otherwise same lineup. He brings more blocks and tigther defense and on perimeter and 3pt shooting. But WCS does give more range in the paint and rebounding and inside offensively.

THJ is the perfect 6th man. When he gets going, you keep him in, when not you dont play him much. He has that great character and teammate that he will accept playing the 6th man off the bench. THJ is not the starter due to JRich being far better defender and also as DFS is needed to defend the bigger better wings of the best teams.

Id play Johnson a lot from the bench. He has really showed something. He plays really well and brings the toughness and experience. I would move Powell in that lowest category.

[KillerLeft]

The Mavs already have everything they need.  Unless it’s a straight up star player, there’s really no roster tweaking that can help them.

I think this is pretty close to the truth, as long as they get the best version of everyone on the roster, or damn close to it. 

I think someone playing ahead of Brunson/Burke would be nice, like a George Hill type, but then again, I like that they're young, and one or both of those guys might grow quite a bit over the next couple of seasons. 

I'm saying this now: Hardaway fits here, and I would love to have him back, personally, ESPECIALLY in a 6th man role. Either way, the team needs a lethal catch and shoot guard who knows how to work without the ball to get open shots. DFS, Richardson and Green might all shoot well enough, but none of them are that dude. THJ is, and he's already here. He already fits on and off the court, and he's grateful to be here. I see no reason to chase Hield or Robinson, giving up either assets or overpaying to replace someone who's already here and playing well (and he HAS played well here for over a season now). Give the man a good contract and move on to another need. 

I do think they need a guy who can start at the 4. Someone to make Kleber and WCS amazing bench players. A younger, more athletic version of Johnson, who's tough, plays defense and brings a variety of offensive skills to the table. I think that's the dude they need to look for. But, I'm in no hurry, really. A high percentage of moves out there could potentially make the team worse, so patience is key, imo.

[omahen]

The Mavs already have everything they need.

I think they still need a secondary creator. Too much relies on Luka and the burden he has to carry already in the regular season might show as fatigue as season goes on.

[pompelmo]

I do think they need a guy who can start at the 4. Someone to make Kleber and WCS amazing bench players. A younger, more athletic version of Johnson, who's tough, plays defense and brings a variety of offensive skills to the table. I think that's the dude they need to look for. 

 
You know who'd be nice to have for about 18-20 million$ a year hence we are over the cap?

Harrison Flippin' Barnes!

edit: on second thought though, despite his above average defense, one on one scoring ability and decent three point shooting, he was a ball stopper.

so nevermind.

[Branduil]

I think this is pretty close to the truth, as long as they get the best version of everyone on the roster, or damn close to it. 

I think someone playing ahead of Brunson/Burke would be nice, like a George Hill type, but then again, I like that they're young, and one or both of those guys might grow quite a bit over the next couple of seasons. 

I'm saying this now: Hardaway fits here, and I would love to have him back, personally, ESPECIALLY in a 6th man role. Either way, the team needs a lethal catch and shoot guard who knows how to work without the ball to get open shots. DFS, Richardson and Green might all shoot well enough, but none of them are that dude. THJ is, and he's already here. He already fits on and off the court, and he's grateful to be here. I see no reason to chase Hield or Robinson, giving up either assets or overpaying to replace someone who's already here and playing well (and he HAS played well here for over a season now). Give the man a good contract and move on to another need. 

I do think they need a guy who can start at the 4. Someone to make Kleber and WCS amazing bench players. A younger, more athletic version of Johnson, who's tough, plays defense and brings a variety of offensive skills to the table. I think that's the dude they need to look for. But, I'm in no hurry, really. A high percentage of moves out there could potentially make the team worse, so patience is key, imo.

Sounds like Draymond lol

[F Gump]

If it turns out that this team is REALLY a top 5 defense (which apparently they already have been, without KP), then the potential for this existing set of 15 is already sky high. Which means there's probably not a good reason to tear it apart (by trading off a bunch of pieces in a team-altering trade), unless someone has a superstar to offer.

Also, Luka hates turnover of the roster. That's another MAJOR reason to be very selective with (or perhaps averse to) more changes.

[DanSchwartzgan]

If it turns out that this team is REALLY a top 5 defense (which apparently they already have been, without KP), then the potential for this existing set of 15 is already sky high. Which means there's probably not a good reason to tear it apart (by trading off a bunch of pieces in a team-altering trade), unless someone has a superstar to offer.

Also, Luka hates turnover of the roster. That's another MAJOR reason to be very selective with (or perhaps averse to) more changes.

I agree and have said so recently.  I love fantasy trades, but can't find much that I like right now.

The implication of standing pat this season is you are probably bringing everyone back next season (at least THJ and JRich).  I don't have an issue with that.  Johnson is trickier because of his age.

I like to look at what they tried to do as a guide for what they might do.  This summer is extension time for Brunson.  Either that, or he is UFA the next summer.  Given the fact they wanted to deal for Haliburton, I could see them moving to a more accomplished PG as early as this summer.  I'm a Brunson fan, but I'm not blind to the fact that his spot could be upgraded.

[Branduil]

There's Kyle Lowry but matching his salary would be difficult unless they want Powell for some reason.

[F Gump]

I agree and have said so recently.  I love fantasy trades, but can't find much that I like right now.

The implication of standing pat this season is you are probably bringing everyone back next season (at least THJ and JRich).  I don't have an issue with that.  Johnson is trickier because of his age.

I like to look at what they tried to do as a guide for what they might do.  This summer is extension time for Brunson.  Either that, or he is UFA the next summer.  Given the fact they wanted to deal for Haliburton, I could see them moving to a more accomplished PG as early as this summer.  I'm a Brunson fan, but I'm not blind to the fact that his spot could be upgraded.

That need for a secondary playmaker was filled superbly on draft day with the trade for Richardson. They don't have any reason to still be looking for one.

Regarding Brunson, I'm not sure I see anything worrisome. He's a backup PG. He does a good job of providing backup PG caliber play for minimum salary. His contract will run out one day, as they all eventually do. Between now and then, they get almost 2 more seasons of pretty solid backup PG play for minimum salary from a guy who knows their system.

I can't see an extension coming for JB for 2022, unless he'd accept something like the Burke deal. He has a role that they can (and do) typically fill for cheap.

[HanspardsShowerVoice]

Richardson isn't a secondary playmaker who is a threat off the dribble. I know people REALLY REALLY REALLY want him to be one, but he's not. That was part of the problem he had in Philly, because without a true half court ballhandler they wanted/needed him to be that guy at times and he wasn't. Doc said part of the appeal of Curry for him wasn't only his shooting, but that Seth was someone who could run the half court offense for them a little part time. Richard is obviously struggling with his shot, but still right now he's a 10 PER player on the season. He's been everything we wanted on defense, and I think the shot will come around, but he's just not a secondary playmaker and scorer on a Championship caliber team.


Burke is basically the scoring guard version of Boban. There are some tasty matchups he can feast on, and other nights he should barely touch the court because of his limitations. The market evaluated and paid Boban and Burke as similar caliber ~3 million a year players.

The Mavs need a 2nd playmaker who can score off the dribble. Preferably one who can be in your crunchtime 5 in the playoffs, which Brunson isn't. Luka just dribbling the air out of the ball isn't going to cut it against NBA playoff defense. Look at what happened to Houston's Harden Ball when they were in the playoffs vs. regular season ... especially when Chris Paul was out. LeBron, the greatest point forward to ever play, is better when he has Kyrie or Playoff Rondo to help balance the offensive ballhandling and keep defenses honest.

[Hypermav]

Is there such a thing as a playoff Blake Griffin?  With Luka's improved defense, can the Mavs afford a LMA, Griffin, Love type who can score the ball playing next to Porzingis.  S. Bey is making Blake expendable for Detroit.  Not my favorite player but its not like we have a high bar at PF.  He could be useful in a playoff run.  Just expensive for Cuban.  This also assumes the Mavs plan on bringing JRich and THJ back next year.

[KillerLeft]

Is there such a thing as a playoff Blake Griffin?  With Luka's improved defense, can the Mavs afford a LMA, Griffin, Love type who can score the ball playing next to Porzingis.  S. Bey is making Blake expendable for Detroit.  Not my favorite player but its not like we have a high bar at PF.  He could be useful in a playoff run.  Just expensive for Cuban.  This also assumes the Mavs plan on bringing JRich and THJ back next year.

I think Griffin fits, but I don't want or think they need anyone that old. 

He wouldn't improve them enough to open the contention window earlier, imo, and who knows how long he'd even be here, playing well? 

I really think they stand pat unless they can find someone in that 23-28 age range.

[MFFL OLD]

Who would you trade for Tucker? I think he is great but I just don't see it. Besides, he wants extension which I would be very reluctant to give to a 35 year old.

It would only be for 2 years - Tucker turns 36 in May

[jesusshuttlesworth82]

That need for a secondary playmaker was filled superbly on draft day with the trade for Richardson. 

Disagree

[bodhisattva]

I agree with 90% that has been written in this tread in the last 8 hours. And as much as i can concur basically all posters agree between themselves.

1. THJ resigns. Yes he can be streaky, but is he much worse than Hields of this world? If you can get him for 20 or less, sign.
2. We need secondary ball handler. Chris Paul ideally, Lowry looking like realistic option, although personally i don´t like either. Timeline. I like Burke and Brunson, but i do agree that you could easily upgrade them. If it turns out we are a good defensive team and top 4 in the West i don´t mind Rondo or Hill type of guy for playoffs
3. It´s been only 1 game with Unicorn and WCS against pathetic Charlotte, and god knows what plans Carlisle has got with Powell, but like has been said, this team when healthy and locked is built perfect. There is little you can upgrade at the moment like many have said before.
4. I like the guys and i like how they play. Every single one of them. When at their best they look as god as they do on paper. And judging by interviews and court behavior they all seem to be happy to be in Dallas. Personally i think they are absolutely lovable.
5. If you would have to go for a superstar in the near/distant future, only guys i would go for and could realistically see coming to Dallas would be Lavine, Jokič, after his contract is up or maybe Beal. Ster clear From Tuckers, Griffins, Lowrys of this world. Other than that the only thing we need is good, experienced PG.
6.I hope we trash the Bucks and the Bulls, covid boys return, KP warms up and sky is the limit. If we stay healthy second round of playoffs or WCF should be ok this year.

This team coud be led by DSJ right now. Instead we have KP and Hardaway. Take a moment to appreciate. Great things ahead in next few years.

[dirkfansince1998]

Still thinking that the best and maybe only option to upgrade the roster is a Johnson + picks deal.
THJ and Richardson are both proving their on court value and I would prefer to resign them. Using Johnsons contract is simply smart asset management. Mavs can stay over the cap and add one more rotation piece on a longterm deal without losing THJ and/or Richardson. Basically adding one more high impact rotation player without losing anyone that is part of the longterm plans.
Losing Johnson would hurt but it´s not like the Mavs could not try to get him back in the summer if they really like him. Depending on the cap situation the Mavs will have the BAE, MLE or at least the tax-payer MLE.

[F Gump]

Richardson isn't a secondary playmaker who is a threat off the dribble.  I know people  REALLY REALLY REALLY want him to be one, but he's not.    That was part of the problem he had in Philly, because they wanted/needed him to be that guy and he wasn't.    He is obviously struggling with his shot, but still right now he's a 10 PER player on the season.    He's been everything we wanted on defense, I think the shot will come around, but he's just not a secondary playmaker and scorer on a Championship caliber team. 


Burke is basically the scoring guard version of Boban.  There are some tasty matchups he can feast on, and other nights he should barely touch the court because of his limitations.    The market evaluated and paid Boban and Burke as similar caliber ~3 million a year players.

The Mavs need a 2nd playmaker who can score off the dribble.  Preferably one who can be in your crunchtime 5 in the playoffs.    Luka just dribbling the air out of the ball isn't going to cut it against NBA playoff defense.  Look at what happened to Houston's Harden Ball when they were in the playoffs vs. regular season.    LeBron, the greatest point forward to ever play, is better when he has Kyrie or Playoff Rondo to balance the offense.

I think J Rich is as much of a secondary playmaker as the Mavs need alongside Luka.

[SkenfromLMF]

The best option for a secondary playmaker - IF we think that is the greatest need - might be Victor Oladipo.

I would not be surprised that Houston falls out of contention and they make another move to further reduce their tax bill, and VO would be the easiest piece to accomplish that goal.

[dirkfansince1998]

I think J Rich is as much of a secondary playmaker as the Mavs need alongside Luka.

Based on the way he played this season I just don´t see it but he obviously is still trying to figure out his role. So far Brunson, Burke, THJ and Johnson are doing a better job on the ball. More assists, better ast/tov ratio, more shot creation and except for Johnson a higher usage.