MAVS NEWS:

[Scott41theMavs]

Yeah, it comes down to Ishchenko or Cisse for the last two-way. The gave the QO to Cisse, but didn’t draft/choose him. They did pay money for a pick to nab Ish. A lot of it may depend on what Ish does in summer league. Idk, I just feel like Cisse has a path to minutes for this team and Ish can be stashed and developed some more. That’s my thought process anyway…

Also, Morez can absolutely start over Gafford. Idc about that part at all. Matter of fact, I like the suggestion.

I wouldn't think Rez would start the season as a starter, but through the course of the year should earn starter minutes at the very least.

The main argument for Cisse is that he is a decent backup center (quite underrated around here), and the Mavs need to retain that asset. Obviously there is much more need for him if Gafford is sent out. If Gafford stays, I would still prefer not to lose the asset/playable center, especially due to the injury concerns with Lively. (Once again, what a huge shift in the Mavs' fortunes if Lively plays 60+ games...) 

With Ishchenko, I don't know how good he will or won't be, but I'm just speaking in terms of what others have said about the international situation/Russia etc. - that if he came over from summer league, he's staying, and if he doesn't stay after that on the basis of the Mavs' decision making, my spec is that's probably the last we see of him in a Mavs jersey.

I get the arguments folks have had for Thompson staying put. I just keep coming back to the roster just not looking right with all of Marshall, PJ, Gafford, and Thompson back here. And goodness gracious, Martin is such an eyesore taking up needed space on this roster. Probably have to get rid of one or two of those four to get rid of him. 

To avoid being a major liability, especially in the starting lineup, Max will need to shoot 42%+ from three on fairly high volume and be at least a neutral-level perimeter defender.