TAKE DAT WIT YOU 8/20

[mavsluvr]

I still need more evidence about how Nico will function as a GM, but here are some thoughts and guesses:

Agree that we don't have a lot of evidence on that. I would have to say that, judging by his performance so far, I don't know that we have much objective evidence for the likelihood of major changes. (Of course, we always have the unobjective emotional optimism of being fans.)

Why do I say this? He may not have made any observable mistakes, depending on how his moves work out, but nothing impressive has happened either. We still don't have our second star, our second playmaker, or our rim-protecting, rebounding big. He was sold as a guy who had the contacts to help us in free agency, but if free agency is no longer going to be a primary avenue of acquiring talent, then I don't know. 

Not saying at all that Nico won't eventually move to improve the team, just that he's still a question mark at this point. Which I think agrees with your take that we need more evidence.

1) I think Nico will sign all contracts and extensions moving forward with a two pronged focus, a) to help the team now but ultimately b) to be a future trade asset. 

I am reading this as a statement that, at a minimum, players have the potential to be one or the other. 

2) I fully expect all the contracts on this team to be used (or readily available) for some massive trade to try to get Luka a second star. I do not think the Mavs are truly attached to DFS, JB, Maxi, or anyone else not named Luka. 

Agree that no one is untouchable if a second star is available. As to whether that second star will materialize, who knows? I do think they are still hoping that KP will get back on track and be that second star. 

3) My guess is that especially DP, Maxi, JB, and KP will all be gone within the next year. I think DFS will be in that group too, but am less confident on him.

The next year? Wow. That would be a MAJOR overhaul of the roster, as opposed to the tinkering around the edges that we have seen so far. You think Nico is going to blow it up next summer if the second star doesn't arrive?

Thanks for the thoughts. Specific observations above. 

https://twitter.com/SloHoopsFan/status/1...55936?s=20


Do you disagree with the above take from ESPN?