2026 Dallas Mavericks Preseason

[F Gump]

I heard an Atlanta reporter on some podcast theorize that ZR starting limits what is asked of him and focusing him on just a few things that he is good at is a good thing.  As the theory went, ZR off the bench probably means he shoulders more of a scoring and creation role and now you are no longer playing to his (current) strengths.

I don't think he's beat out Max for the job.  If ZR starts, Max probably closes games and may get more minutes.  As you suggest, the starting is probably more of a developmental thing than a statement of relative worth.  He can look really lost at times, but when he's good, he's good enough that you want to make the investment.

When the Mavs traded for ZR, I didn't see how the Mavs could be interested in exercising his year-4 option (which would be for 17.4M), based on his performance in ATL. 

After what has happened in camp so far, I still think that option is very iffy. He talks a good game but he's a KP, not a 17M player. And imo he's not showing high potential. JAG. 

Fortunately the Mavs get to see what happens in 6 regular season games before making a decision, but unless he looks completely different, I wouldn't be surprised if they say no and let him play for his future.