MAVS NEWS:

[mvossman]

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.

Its valid that the long down time and significant injury is cause for concern that he can repeat his shooting.  But you could also make the argument that its reason for him to be very rusty coming back.  The fact that he is only 27 and everything else (rebounds, assists, steals, blocks) looks similar (per 36) to what he was doing prior to the injury makes me think this is more rust and sample noise than he can't shoot any more.  I will concede we don't know yet if he can replicate his pre injury shooting, but there is not nearly enough sample to say that he can't.

The high percentage of shots being catch and shoot 3s has always been his game (its interesting that he is shooting much better on pull ups right now, which is probably due more to limited sample than anything else).  He is kind of the opposite of Luka.  He is not a PG that will break down a defense and get his own shot.  He is more about ball movement (with beautiful passes) transition play and off ball shooting.  Given the eventual plan to play two centers, I think his game might really fit.

I'm afraid Hardy + Powell is probably a negative asset package.  There is a lot to see before its even an option to trade for Ball.  Will he stay healthy, regain his shooting touch and be the same player he used to be?  Will Exum stay healthy and aggressive?  What does Caleb provide?  I would really like to see how the two center rotation plays out and what maybe works with that, but with all of the injuries I'm not sure we are going to be able to see that this season.