AROUND the NBA:

[Smitty]

I think you're on the right track (at least "right" in terms of what they're probably thinking), but I think that's shortchanging both Christie and Marshall a bit. I do agree that it's being widely assumed that Martin is end of the bench useless when, in reality, he does bring some skills the current group needs (even if it's not easy to find a way to get them on the court). 

Having said that, I think it would be a mistake not to get Christie at least 20 minutes per, healthy roster or not. He represents the best on-roster chance to become the type of player they badly need, I think. Defensively, at least.

Re. Christie… If he takes another step this season, I can see the Mavs moving Klay at the TDL or next summer, as an expiring, and sliding Christie to the starting SG.

Still, these are not season average MPG numbers. This is just when everyone is healthy, which will rarely be the case. I think Max will be around that 20 mpg avg season long.

Same for Naji.