10-12-2024, 11:31 PM
(This post was last modified: 10-12-2024, 11:32 PM by DL2RimRocker.)
(10-12-2024, 10:13 PM)F Gump Wrote: This conversation is partly about Gafford and partly about Sharp. In some ways they are related, but it's not as simple as replacing (or being able to replace) one with the other.
The point being, there's a lot of time between now and a decision point on either one. Values and needs go up and down. You have to deal with each of them independently and see where it goes.
ABOUT SHARP. Sharp has showed a few good things, but he's very raw. His size is his best trait, but it's not like that has been a secret. And he went undrafted. That's how the entire NBA world sees him. That says a lot about how far he has to progress, to be of value here.
ABOUT GAFFORD. To some degree, the same point is true with Gafford. While we like what we see, there are some weaknesses, and as a result he was not highly regarded in WAS (or CHI either) which is what made him so easily available. The point being, while he's a good fit here, he may not have a price tag that is too expensive for the Mavs when this contract ends. Maybe he sees what we all see, and feels like this is a good fit for home, and signs an extension for a similar deal. We also forget easily that while Gafford is a bit in favor right now in Dallas, he's only the flavor of the day at a position that is not necessarily highly regarded in the NBA anymore. As a comp, think Portis, or B Lopez, as they settled into their teams. I don't expect Gafford contract and ability to keep to become much different.
Fair enough and all good points.
Not too much different than the point I'm making but there seems to be a lot of notions in Mavs land (this board and others) that Gafford should not be traded under any circumstances. My original point is that I could see him being dealt next off-season due to all of the reasons I've mentioned earlier.
He is a wonderful luxury to have in our current situation, but those circumstances will change next off season, and I could see him being an option as a trade piece to address other areas of possible need.
Sharp entered the conversation because he could be a possible cheap replacement for Powell and if we get lucky, a suitable backup to Lively.
Keep in mind, we may not necessarily need a backup the caliber of Gaff if Lively's minutes go up significantly. Gaff is a great piece to have while Lively develops into a bigger role but as he enters into a new contract, Gaff may not be as satisfied as a 12-15 minute backup.
Maybe my expectations of Lively and Gaff are too high, but I'd be shocked if Lively doesn't turn out to be a top 5 center in the league in a few years.
As you mention, Gaff's value might not be that high and he might settle for backup role on a championship caliber team.