(05-16-2024, 03:24 PM)Scott41theMavs Wrote: Here's a question to consider moving forward - how important is the Landlord? I think Lively is clearly the superior player right now, has growth headroom that absolutely dwarfs Gafford, and has the additional advantage of being on a rookie contract. There was certainly a considerable value to taking the pressure off Lively minutes and foul-wise this year. I think that diminishes as time goes on. I think it would be wonderful still to have Gafford here next year, but far less crucial than this year. I would imagine that Gafford next year is a 20 mpg player in the regular season, and about 15 mpg in the playoffs. Is that enough for him to deserve his salary next year? I'm sure they'd love to have that role filled at a lower salary next year and far moreso the year after. How much lower can the Mavs afford to go talent-wise for the sake of that savings?
Or is there someone who would be just as effective in the role at a fraction of the price?
Jericho Sims. He needs coaching up but the physical tools are there. He is an athletic freak with abnormal lateral quickness for a 6'10-6'11" guy. Anyway, he's a better perimeter defender and rebounder than Gafford or Lively, and is someone who can give the Mavs 15-20 MPG.
That being said, I think Gafford is important and would prefer to keep him. I also think it would be real nice to have 3 Centers of this type... since they can get in foul trouble real quick if the referees decide to call all the ticky-tacky stuff... and nobody knows if Kleber can stay healthy. Gafford, Lively and Sims would be a strong rotation to have, and cheap too.
Possessions from different games