MAVS NEWS:

[F Gump]

Big fan of Lonzo.  Think he would be a really good fit next to Kyrie.  As to his shooting I think you are over focusing on the small sample of current season (high volume 34%) and ignoring his prior three seasons (high volume, high 30s).

A couple of thoughts on Lonzo and the points you raise ...

1 Yes I am weighing this season more heavily than those of the past.

2 HOWEVER -- In light of the severity of his injury, don't we have to? He missed 2 1/2 seasons because of it. Don't we have to assume that what we see now far outweighs what he did before as an indicator of what he offers?

3 I see possible red flags in the current shooting numbers. Now 83% of his shot attempts are 3s (and almost all of those 3 attempts are catch-and-shoot) - has he lost the ability to create a good shot and get to the rim? Add the fact he's only making 34%, and it makes me wonder if he's lost that first step that's crucial to a PG. Before I trade for him, I would have to figure that question out by watching all his games to see how he's moving and what he can (and cannot) do now.  I don't want a player who just floats on the perimeter and has no inclination (or ability) to attack the defense.

4 I'd have no interest at all in including a pick for him. I think he's only a backup caliber anymore, although he has been starting recently for CHI. (Results have not been any better for him in those starts.) Rumors said CHI turned down a 1st for him at TDL, but then more rumors said they would have been giving up a 2nd and likely having to take ongoing salary at his 20M salary range, so I think his could be a low price. I can see Hardy (young offense guy making only 6M, who perhaps would be seen as having upside) being the asset, and Powell being the expiring filler.

5 In the bigger picture of whether he's the right player for the Mavs, I also have to get more looks at Exum and Williams, both of whom imo might make more sense (both as to salary, and fit). But gotta see more.