05-13-2025, 02:28 PM
(05-13-2025, 02:22 PM)cow Wrote: As help defenders, when AD is on the floor and at is best (two massive ifs), that's some devastating defense. I'm not sure AD does much for Flagg as a mentor as that isn't his personality (no shade). From everything I've read about Flagg and heard from a few people I trust, Flagg needs time to develop which makes all the sense in the world considering his age. You also have to take into account the landscape of our conference and the makeup of our team. With Kyrie's injury, next year is going to be a throw away. Sure we could make the playoffs, but we aren't going to be a contender short of Tatum-like injuries to other teams in the conference. Ky is 33. AD is 32. If you are being optimistic, that core has a 3-year window and next year erases one of those years. That's assuming Kyrie comes back close to what he was (we all hope he does) and AD can have another mostly healthy year (we should all be doubtful on this). The answer seems painfully obvious of what the team should do and I'd think most Mav fans would be dying to try a different approach to roster building than what we've experienced for oh so long. I also think there is no shot we'll go this route.
I agree with a lot of this.
I don't mean mentoring so much, just that Flagg having an opportunity to watch AD (a help defender Flagg is being compared to coming out of college) up close for a couple of years could be quite helpful in his development, possibly.
I also think this development raises my personal level of hope that they can build a team this summer capable of being high enough in the standings for Kyrie's timetable to matter next year. I think it would require Flagg to hit the ground running a little more than you seem to expect, but the real reason is that this frees up an asset or two that I wouldn't think they'd have considered moving last week. I think more is in play for them this summer all of a sudden, trade-wise, which makes more seem possible.
Obviously, one can take the view that "of course Harrison will screw all this up" and sure - he might! But, if he does, there will be plenty of time for doom and gloom at that point.