Trade & FA 2024-25:

[DallasMaverick]

DJJ was an excellent signing by the Mavs (and the Clippers).  If you remember there was a lot of ho hum when the Mavs signed him.  It also took him a bit to find his footing.  Even when he did, it seemed like it went months before he was consistent from the three.  He was in our run.  He was really good defending. 

The reason is left is pretty simple.  It is tough to tell a player who went to the finals that we want you back but want you to take a step back.  That is literally what the Mavs had in mind when they signed Klay.    DJJ starting spot was gone.  We can argue that until we are blue in the face, but that is reality.  DJJ thinks of himself as a starter and didn't want to go backwards.    So he went to LAC for that opportunity at similar money.

I want to hold off my analysis on Marshall.  I love his toughness and his offensive game has been really suprrising.  His man to man defense has been a little worse than I expected.  He also has some brain dead moments.  I want to see him for a good 20 game run andn hopefully with a healthy roster before I feel confident in my evaluation though.

Does anyone remember last years' series against Boston?  

And how Dallas only had two players that could put the ball on the floor and generate a good look?

And Kyrie was constantly battling against their length to get decent shots?  And missing a lot of those?

And how disappointed we were that DJJ was a zero on offense?

Naji was one of the guys (also Klay, also Grimes, also Dinwiddie) that was supposed to help with that problem.  Two-way guys.