Building Around Cooper: A Backward-Looking Thought Experiment

[mvossman]

Interesting question. Thanks.

I have been intrigued by Giannis-to-Dallas in conjunction with trying to find an avenue forward for an AD trade, and I like AD a lot.

But I don't think I would do this trade. 

I think the Mavs are better off to build around Flagg as Giannis #2, and that rather than have 2 of them who have somewhat the same approach, they should build around CF the same way that MIL built around Giannis. They aren't exactly the same player, and their strengths are a bit different, but similar enough imo.

Going for that means having 3-and-D guys, as much spacing as possible, and you need a versatile center (Lopez) AND a significantly talented 2-way PG who can shoot, defend, handle the offense, etc (Jrue). 

Thinking of it in that way brings it all into focus for me, that the main guy to find right now for CF would be his own "Jrue." That should be their the primary goal. That not only helps CF grow his game, but also makes the 3-and-D guys and various wings way more effective. They do not yet have the Lopez-type center (3-and-D, basically) but those guys seem to be made available from time to time, often at a very modest cost, and if the Mavs are patient and diligent one will come along. In the meantime, work with what they have, of course. 

So I wouldn't do this trade. But I would try to build a Giannis team.

This 100%.  I think Jrue is the perfect model we should be looking to put next to Flagg.  It would be huge to get that kind of player with the lottery pick.  If they don't, I think they will eventually have to trade for him (like Bucks and Boston did).  I also agree with surrounding Flagg with defense and space, including at the 5.