2025 draft thread: THE MAVS SELECT COOPER FLAGG

[DallasMaverick]

I'd note that FG has Flagg off the bench in his projected lineup.  Obviously, not permanent, but it would be a way to start PJ.

I'm not advocating this being a 'contract year' for either.  I'm advocating giving both their extensions this summer.  It won't be a comfortable negotiation, but if the years/salary are right, I think it is possible.  One might say "yeah, but aren't you just setting them up to be traded later".  Well, everyone is subject to being traded later.  Both would much rather have the certainty of an extension (at a preferred number) than the uncertainty of going into free agency.  S&T's are really hard for good (expensive) teams to pull off as it is a hard cap trigger.  So, free agency probably means going back to situations (Charlotte/Washington) that both recently escaped from.

Thinking about playing time...

We had a weird situation last year where players 6-15 received far more playing time than we would have expected in a relatively injury-free season. We saw significant contributions from almost everyone on the roster.  BWill, anyone?  Kessler Edwards?

With Kyrie out the majority of this upcoming year, we're looking for replacement minutes from other guys.  BWill, Exum, maybe a trade for another creator.

But for the bigs and wings, we have a glut.  So, whose contributions are most disposable?

I sure love the two-headed Gaff/Lively monster.  Gives us so much versatility matching up with opposing bigs.  And is Lively really going to stay healthy?  The only truly disposable part seems to be Powell.

AD / PJ / Flagg would seem to provide all the minutes at the 4. OMax disposable.

PJ / Naji / Flagg at the 3. Martin disposable.

Klay / Christie / Exum at the 2.  Hardy disposable.

For all the "NO!" moments from Dinwiddie, he had plenty of "YESS!" moments, too.  And such a bargain.  And he can create for himself and others.  And with Kyrie out, he exactly fills a position of need.  I'd keep, at the vet minimum, if he's willing.

May I also observe that Flagg might not start, nor get a ton of minutes?  Is 15 a game reasonable?

What can you get for Powell / Omax / Martin / Hardy?  I'm thinking "not much".  Almost certainly not a well-rounded two-way player.  Based on Nico's proclivity towards defense-first players, maybe another guy like Exum, but with better health?