Trade & FA 2025-26: Free Agency Starts 5pm CST/6pm EST

[Chicagojk]

I think that after Kyrie went down and the Mavs were devoid of several other playmakers as well, Max just tried to do too much. I DO think he has the potential to dribble penetrate and make plays for himself…..we saw that on several occasions early on after he got here. We also need to remember that he’s only 22 years old. We literally just signed Ryan Nembhard who is 22 already as a rookie!  Let’s the give the kid a chance.  He seems like a good guy and from what I’ve heard, has a good work ethic.

Minutes are really tight.  Some players are not going to be very thrilled with their roles.    I have been listening to some pods who assume Cooper gets minutes at the two...even starting at the two.  I don't think I buy that now.   Although, if it does happen they talk about how Klay's and Max's minutes (not even mentioning Caleb's) get crunched.   I even heard one of the Mavs podcasts saying Max being out of the rotation.   

I think this would be bad news.  As you mention, Max is a young player.  I think he plays a smart game.  He has upside still.  I am not sure if he is going to be a top 5 player here, but I think he could potentially be a really nice high minute bench player.   To bury him on the bench would be bad news imo.