You’re now the Mavs’ GM. What are you going to build?

[michaeltex]

This is kind of where I am with it, too, but for me it's just as much about his age (and the fact that he's just gotten his golden parachute) as the injury. I guess the question is: to what extent will we notice a drop-off, and how quickly? Hopefully it will be a mild, slowly progressing drop-off, but I think it's only prudent to plan for the idea that he's about to begin a decline of some kind. 

Even without the age or injury, I don't think he's right for the role of "primary playmaker," nor was he ever, imho. His legend was born from an era in which he played next to LeBron James, and his strong play here came while playing with Luka. I'm skeptical about him as a PG, basically. I think he's much, much better as a secondary playmaker (his off-ball movement skills and IQ are his most underrated skill) and as an iso player in situations where his matchup is favorable (which will be far less frequent if he's the primary ball-handler).

If I KNEW Flagg was on a trajectory to play on-ball a lot, like Luka (but differently, of course), then I might have more hope for "window 1," and even without that knowledge I'm more hopeful than some, but I won't truly take this team seriously until we see that reality on the court or until a replacement for Luka is added. Part of me still thinks the best version of Flagg will end up being almost exclusively off-ball, and while that's more than ok with me, it does leave a sizable hole in how this roster is built.

Kyrie has been amazing during his time in DAL. Killer 3pt game and awesome attacking-the-basket (ATB) creativity. He was THE guy LBJ left MIA to play with, but he got tired of the LBJ circus and wanted out. His time in BOS and NY were productive (winning wise) but his off court activities created a kerfuffle that destroyed his relationship with the Nets.

I also have my doubts that Kyrie will be fully back at mid-season. He might be physically ready, but he may need time to get there mentally. Although, I'm certainly no expert on mental aspects of athletic injury recovery. That said, I'm hopeful the current roster design will take some of the need for his ATB and put the burden on bigger, younger bodies. He's not a true setup PG like Luka, but I'm hoping the realizes there are a lot of finishers available on this team.

Larger picture...Kidd is notorious for his early season experimentation, but that usually ends by around Christmas. I'm looking at January results to get a feel on whether this roster can contend. If not, the there should be some TDL activities.

Final question...If PJW gets extended like the stories are now suggesting, does that make it harder to make trades for improvement, i.e., does that put DAL over the 2nd apron?