MAVS NEWS:

[omahen]

I just don't see what Nico's big vision is.  Lets bypass the Luka mistake for now.  Right now we have an expensive, older team who appears to be stuck in the middle.    BTW, I don't think this team makes the playoffs.  Too many changes and such a drastic move.  To me, Nico has to think there is another big move.    I don't see it now, but maybe summer.  I thought it would be Lebron when the Lakers shifted into Luka's timeline.  I think that is doubtful now.  So that leaves KD over the summer.  Making it work and satisfying the Suns is really difficult and I am not sure that is even the right short term path.  Although as we stand the Mavs appear stuck.  Two excellent Robin's....maybe two of the best in the league.  Although almost every playoff series we enter now we won't have the best player in the series.  Right now, we could have a solid team, but nothing near a contender.  With teams getting better and young teams on the rise, he tap dance is going to be so tricky.    Not an ideal spot.

Mavs biggest problem imho is, that all offensive creation will be on Irving now, unless they do something else today. They could of course try to unburden him through Exum and SD, but I don't think this is a very good path. If Kyrie will be forced to play 40 minutes per game for Mavs to be competitive, I am affraid if his body can handle it. If he gets injured just for a couple of weeks, it could end all Mavs chances for this season, as West will be really brutal. "There is always next season" is not exactly something for an aging team to look forward to. 

It is of course a very short time frame, but current effect of THE trade imho had a very clear impact on both teams. Lakers looked rejuvinated, full of hope, full of energy in their first game after THE trade. LeBron + AD story was a dead end getting them nowhere and THE trade brings hope. I don't think they are a contender now, but I think they have more of a chance as they had before. Mavs on the other hand are at least currently shell shocked and full of questions, if this really is the right path. First game after THE trade was a disaster. Second one went better, but still ended in a loss despite Philly being a very average opponent, having a gazillion problems of their own. Winning cures everything, but it needs to start soon. Tough game against Boston today, followed by a first home game (against Houston) after THE trade, that will likely be full of "side events". More being about consequences and emotions related to THE trade than about the game itself. Win against Boston tonight would really mean a lot for Dallas, imho.