MAVS NEWS:

[Chicagojk]

DLEBRON says Klay and Naji have been below average to bad while Grimes has had a positive defensive impact. The Mavs need a wing defender. The problem isn’t so much acquiring one but that you basically then need to consign Klay into a low minute bench player. Signing Klay and becoming hostage to his reputation has turned into a trap.

The perimeter defender could be an issue.   That is why I may be interested in a small trade to get a good defender, even if he may be outside the main rotation.  I keep coming back to Thybulle.   Finding a trade to work is difficult.

I think, when healthy, Mavs have a real good finishing 8 minute team.    It may be slightly behind OKC and Boston, but it should be real good.   A couple things are needed though:

1) Get Luka right.  I don't think his body has been right since last year.   He has played well in stretches this year, but I think it is mostly with Grit, IQ and skill.   If Mavs are going to go on a late run, they need healthy, in shape Luka.  Without it, it doesn't matter what else is done.  

2) Lively needs to make a jump.  I had hopes he could be our third best player this year.   He has had some fabulous games.   He has also been injured and has had some very pedestrian games.   I don't know if he will be our third best player this year, but can he make a little jump sometime in the year.  If so, things fit really well together.

3) Can they find the right rotation with Klay, Marshall and Grimes and keep everyone happy.   I want to see a good 20 game run when everyone is healthy with Klay.   I want to see how he fits in.  I imagine he will close some games and some games he won't.  Will that cause any issues?