Luka Dealt to Lakers: Nico Harrison is a Basketball Terrorist

[mvossman]

I don't disagree. Those are valid points.

I will, however point out that last season's team had it's core also changed at the trade deadline and it went on to play in the finals. 

I agree with your PnR comment, although I will point out that Gafford was feasting quite regularly after DLive got injured and before his own freak accident.

I do think creation is an issue, however this team has been successful over the last month playing without either bigs or dedicated shot creation. Improved ball movement and whole team involvement has worked in place of standing around waiting to see what Luka's gonna do this time.

I agree it's hard to understand without seeing the healthy team together, but there are glimpses that could be exciting.

I would argue the Luka/AD swap is a much more drastic core change than PJ/Gafford.  PJ and Gafford fit into the current system like a glove.  the Luka trade requires an entirely new system.

I will say that I did not have the Mavs as contenders last season and they made it to the finals, so you never know.  With the prevalence of 3 point shooting there is a lot more variance of outcomes now than there used to be.