02-10-2026, 02:21 PM
(02-10-2026, 12:42 PM)Smitty Wrote: With all that said. For next year it breaks down like this for me:
Kyrie |
Max | Klay | AJJ
Flagg | Naji | Martin
PJW
Gafford | Lively
The Mavs have an obvious need at Guard. In the short-term and long-term. If Gafford is in your plans, which I'm not so sure he is, you have a real need for PnR type Guards and less ISO type. The hope for many is that they find that Gaurd with the top pick in this years draft. IF it's a Wing in the Top-10, you will have an opportunity to trade for that Guard with your depth at Wing. Ideally, he would be a great POA defender.
The three point shooting from Kyrie-Max-PJW in the starting lineup is all above average for their position, which is crucial for Flagg to have the space to operate inside. I expect Flagg to also become an average 3PT shooter on good volume as soon as next season.
I have to say, that starting lineup does not inspire confidence. PJ has been one of the worst pairs with Flagg by net rating on the team. I realize he is having a down year, but he is shooting 30% from 3 this season and shot 32% from 3 in the finals year. I'm not sure I would call PJ a plus three point shooter for his position. The 4 man lineup of Gafford/PJ/Flagg/Max is a net -12 for the season. I realize part of the issue is that some of those minutes are without a PG, but its asking a lot for a mid 30s guard coming off major knee surgery to turn that into a big positive.
Personally I don't see Gafford as part of the long term plan. I think you want better defense from your starting center. He is a quality "innings eater" behind an injury prone starter, but he makes too much for that role. I think you can money ball him with guys making a lot less.