07-19-2024, 02:39 AM
(07-18-2024, 11:11 PM)SleepingHero Wrote: @esidery
The market has cratered over two weeks into free agency.
Most players who were hoping for solid paydays will now likely have to settle for prove-it deals on the veteran’s minimum.
Contending teams could find solid value with the best available remaining:
Tyus Jones
Markelle Fultz
Isaac Okoro (RFA)
Lonnie Walker
Luke Kennard
Precious Achiuwa
Spencer Dinwiddie
Gordon Hayward
Jae Crowder
Marcus Morris
Dennis Smith Jr.
Robert Covington
Cedi Osman
Doug McDermott
Very interesting names on the list, most of them would be at least positive end of rotation guys. Although, they would probably look for minutes in the "prove it" deal. And Mavs are difficult to provide some. I think Jones will resign with Washington at a decent number (is not a vet min guy). Some other guys too might resign with their current teams, but I could see most of them getting vet min only.
Biggest Mavs question before next season are the back-up PG minutes when one of the stars is out. Is anyone on the team capable of leading the team in those games for 15 minutes or will they need to run the other star to the ground playing 40+ minutes, because no one else will be capable leading the team. More or less what happened last season - when Kyrie was injured, Luka played almost 40 minutes in December and several consecutive games with 40+ minutes. This takes a toll. I don't see Hardy in that role, I think he can only perform well while playing with one of the stars. Unfortunately, I think it is very similar situation with Exum, although he is imho more of a PG than Hardy. However, if you do bring another capable PG into the mix, he will likely expect minutes in regular rotation on a prove it deal, which means minutes are getting tight for Hardy and Exum. Not a big deal, as both are on vet minimums. If they can't perform, they will likely be out of the league.
Jones, Fultz, SD and Smith Jr are PG on that list. Jones would be great for regular season, although he is small and difficult to play next to Kyrie. But, I don't see him sign for vet min. Fultz is not really a great fit on this team with his weak shooting. Would only be able to play as the lead ballhandler, so probably not a lot of love between him and Mavs. DSj is a vet min guy, but I don't see him as considerably better option than Exum or Hardy. SD could be the most interesting in the role, but only if he accepts the third PG role. I wouldn't play him with everyone healthy, because he is not a good enough defender.
Mavs don't need score first shooting guards, imho, which takes Kennard, McDermott and Walker out of the picture. You can never have enough wings, but it would be difficult to find minutes for them. Okoro is best on the list, but he will certainly look for a bigger role and someone will give it to him. Hayward, Morris, Crowder and RoCo could all be decent deep rotation players, capable of providing a good game here and there. A lot of experience. Much better deep bench vets than Powell and our current Morris. If they accept the role. Achiuwa is a very interesting name, but I think it would take Mavs to give him Maxi role and minutes, to get him here. Difficult to play another non shooter next to Lively and Gafford. Osman is imho meh.