MAVS NEWS:

[mvossman]

What about Detlef Schrempf by Band of Horses?

Beautiful song. Evokes a lot more than you would expect from a song named for a basketball player.

In the vein of Lil Wayne, really like Michael Porter by Dorian.

[Knutsen]

Mavs Film Room ??
@MavsFilmRoom

If you go to Apple and Spotify, you will not find this bonus track off of Eminem’s new album

But this is true and not fake.

Eminem and 2 Chainz released a song titled “Kyrie and Luka” last night

All Things Mavs
@All_Things_Mavs

Eminem & 2 Chainz just dropped a song titled “Kyrie & Luka”

My duo has motion ??

https://youtu.be/FwObbj0zfds?si=BxtGiTZYwN9Kzsud

Could get taken down any minute, so better go listen and enjoy!

[SleepingHero]

@NationMffl
The Dallas Mavericks over/under win total projection for the 2024-25 season is 50.5 wins.

(via @DKSportsbook)

@esidery
NBA over/under win total projections via
@DKSportsbook
:

Celtics = 57.5
Thunder = 54.5
Timberwolves = 52.5
Nuggets = 52.5
Knicks = 51.5
Sixers = 51.5
Bucks = 51.5
Mavericks = 50.5
Magic = 47.5
Cavaliers = 47.5
Suns = 46.5
Grizzlies = 46.5
Pacers = 45.6
Kings = 45.5
Pelicans = 45.5
Heat = 44.5
Lakers = 44.5
Clippers = 41.5
Rockets = 41.5
Spurs = 34.5
Hawks = 34.5
Raptors = 32.5
Hornets = 29.5
Pistons = 24.5
Wizards = 22.5
Trail Blazers = 22.5
Nets = 19.5

The Bulls, Jazz and Warriors are not listed due to potential trades that could change their totals.

[Smitty]

@NationMffl
The Dallas Mavericks over/under win total projection for the 2024-25 season is 50.5 wins.

(via @DKSportsbook)

@esidery
NBA over/under win total projections via
@DKSportsbook
:

Celtics = 57.5
Thunder = 54.5
Timberwolves = 52.5
Nuggets = 52.5
Knicks = 51.5
Sixers = 51.5
Bucks = 51.5
Mavericks = 50.5
Magic = 47.5
Cavaliers = 47.5
Suns = 46.5
Grizzlies = 46.5
Pacers = 45.6
Kings = 45.5
Pelicans = 45.5
Heat = 44.5
Lakers = 44.5
Clippers = 41.5
Rockets = 41.5
Spurs = 34.5
Hawks = 34.5
Raptors = 32.5
Hornets = 29.5
Pistons = 24.5
Wizards = 22.5
Trail Blazers = 22.5
Nets = 19.5

The Bulls, Jazz and Warriors are not listed due to potential trades that could change their totals.

That's exactly where I think they'll be. Pretty sure I replied to Killer a week ago that Kidd doesn't take the regular season all that serious and that 50 wins will probably be a good goal again, hopefully this time it results in at least 1 round with home court advantage. If we take out just the West, then the seeding looks like this:

1 OKC
2 MIN
3 DEN
4 DAL

5 PHX
6 MEM
7 SAC
8 NOP

9 LAL/GSW*
10 LAC/HOU

Threw in GS, but this pretty much lines up with what I think, as it stands on July 15.

[mvossman]

That's exactly where I think they'll be. Pretty sure I replied to Killer a week ago that Kidd doesn't take the regular season all that serious and that 50 wins will probably be a good goal again, hopefully this time it results in at least 1 round with home court advantage. If we take out just the West, then the seeding looks like this:

1 OKC
2 MIN
3 DEN
4 DAL

5 PHX
6 MEM
7 SAC
8 NOP

9 LAL/GSW*
10 LAC/HOU

Threw in GS, but this pretty much lines up with what I think, as it stands on July 15.

I'm not sure that Kidd doesn't care about regular season as much as he has been trying to figure out lineups on incomplete rosters.  Last season for example there were questions at every starting position except for Luka and Kyrie.  Between that and injuries it was insane how long it took to get 100 minutes of any lineup.

I think it will be a little different this season.  The starting lineup seems set in stone.  There is always the chance of injury and its possible there becomes a compelling reason to change things up, but I think the five spots are much more solid than in previous years.  That means the only real tinkering will be with second units.  

Because of that stability in the starting lineup, this feels like it might be the first team that starts winning regularly from the start, and hopefully will not ever really have to consider being in the play-in.  I don't know if that means 50 wins or 55, but I am anticipating a lot less stressful season than in the past.

[The Jom]

I suspect the refs will have more friendly whistles for the Western Conference Champs in the upcoming season. I have Dallas #2 after the surging Thunder and ahead of the fading Nuggets and the Wolves from the island of misfit toys.

[omahen]

I think over/under gives us an optimistic view. They have Mavs basically right there with Nuggets and Minny. Closest next team is Phoenix with 4 wins lower score. I am a bit surprised with Bucks estimation (51.5). They had 49 wins last season. They replaced ordinary peasants Beasley, Beverly and Crowder with a Prince and Wright, but not sure it is more than a marginal move. Middleton and Lillard are year older and no less injury prone. I think they have been on a steady decline for years and I would be really surprised if they turn it around.

[omahen]

I'm not sure that Kidd doesn't care about regular season as much as he has been trying to figure out lineups on incomplete rosters.  Last season for example there were questions at every starting position except for Luka and Kyrie.  Between that and injuries it was insane how long it took to get 100 minutes of any lineup.

I think it will be a little different this season.  The starting lineup seems set in stone.  There is always the chance of injury and its possible there becomes a compelling reason to change things up, but I think the five spots are much more solid than in previous years.  That means the only real tinkering will be with second units.  

Because of that stability in the starting lineup, this feels like it might be the first team that starts winning regularly from the start, and hopefully will not ever really have to consider being in the play-in.  I don't know if that means 50 wins or 55, but I am anticipating a lot less stressful season than in the past.

Agree. Looks like the starting five is set and I think they will be good enough in the regular season to post a good score. The true value of the team will imho only be shown in the playoffs.

[Smitty]

I'm not sure that Kidd doesn't care about regular season as much as he has been trying to figure out lineups on incomplete rosters.  Last season for example there were questions at every starting position except for Luka and Kyrie.  Between that and injuries it was insane how long it took to get 100 minutes of any lineup.

I think it will be a little different this season.  The starting lineup seems set in stone.  There is always the chance of injury and its possible there becomes a compelling reason to change things up, but I think the five spots are much more solid than in previous years.  That means the only real tinkering will be with second units.  

Because of that stability in the starting lineup, this feels like it might be the first team that starts winning regularly from the start, and hopefully will not ever really have to consider being in the play-in.  I don't know if that means 50 wins or 55, but I am anticipating a lot less stressful season than in the past.

I agree that injures played a big part last year but watch the way Kidd coaches in the regular season vs playoffs. He’s even said things like, it’s good to lose now so we can win later. Of course he “cares” - it’s just clear to me at least that it’s not about winning 60+ games, it’s about using the regular season to build for the post season is all.

[Scott41theMavs]

After our showing after trading for PJ and Gafford, both in the end of the regular season and in the playoffs, if we won less than 55 games, I'd be checking the season boxscore for extremely lengthy health absences for our top players. Short of that, 50 wins would be quite unacceptable, or at least gravely disappointing.

[SleepingHero]

NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral)
Klay Thompson will start at small forward for the Dallas Mavericks, per @ShamsCharania

(Via @PatMcAfeeShow )

[Arioch]

I agree that injures played a big part last year but watch the way Kidd coaches in the regular season vs playoffs. He’s even said things like, it’s good to lose now so we can win later. Of course he “cares” - it’s just clear to me at least that it’s not about winning 60+ games, it’s about using the regular season to build for the post season is all.

Not sure there's really any conflict between this and mvossman post you are replying to. Last year, building for the post season included figuring out his rotation from #3 on--and then throwing that out and starting again after the trade deadline. This year, it will mean figuring out the rotation from #7 on (whether Gafford or Lively starts, I presume we'll see the same platooning at the center position we saw throughout the playoff run), and letting your starters get in as many reps together as you can.

The latter should (barring significant time lost to injuries as everybody else is caveating) lead to significantly more regular season wins than last year, even without Kidd changing his fundamental philosophy.

[Knutsen]

That's exactly where I think they'll be. Pretty sure I replied to Killer a week ago that Kidd doesn't take the regular season all that serious and that 50 wins will probably be a good goal again, hopefully this time it results in at least 1 round with home court advantage. If we take out just the West, then the seeding looks like this:

1 OKC
2 MIN
3 DEN
4 DAL

5 PHX
6 MEM
7 SAC
8 NOP

9 LAL/GSW*
10 LAC/HOU

Threw in GS, but this pretty much lines up with what I think, as it stands on July 15.

Good opportunity to mention that Dirk lead us to 11 straight 50-win-seasons, by his skill, consistency and availability. Amazing, isn’t it? Especially in the context of us discussing if a loaded Mavs team with Luka, Kyrie and Klay will be able to win 50 games!

[mvossman]

Not sure there's really any conflict between this and mvossman post you are replying to. Last year, building for the post season included figuring out his rotation from #3 on--and then throwing that out and starting again after the trade deadline. This year, it will mean figuring out the rotation from #7 on (whether Gafford or Lively starts, I presume we'll see the same platooning at the center position we saw throughout the playoff run), and letting your starters get in as many reps together as you can.

The latter should (barring significant time lost to injuries as everybody else is caveating) lead to significantly more regular season wins than last year, even without Kidd changing his fundamental philosophy.

It will be a similar platooning of Lively and Gafford, except that Lively will start (already announced) and finish and probably get more minutes than he did last season.  It makes a ton of sense, as we will want to put as much defense around Luka/Kyrie/Klay as we can, and Gafford can provide an offense boost against second units when one (or two) of the big three are not in.

[SleepingHero]

Gotta admit, Josh looks sad here. I will miss the dude.

[KillerLeft]

Gotta admit, Josh looks sad here. I will miss the dude.

I think it might be the best thing that ever happened for his career, when we look back. He SHOULD actually play there, in the same, consistent role, for an entire season.

[RoyTarpleysGhost]

NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral)
Klay Thompson will start at small forward for the Dallas Mavericks, per @ShamsCharania

(Via @PatMcAfeeShow )

Kyrie is gonna have to guard the Ja Morants and DeAaron Foxs with this starting lineup. Luka and Klay have no shot staying in front of quick guards. Will be interesting if it's just for the first 5-6 minutes. Also how much of a hit does his offense take exerting much more energy on defense?

[BigDirk41]

Kyrie is gonna have to guard the Ja Morants and DeAaron Foxs with this starting lineup.  Luka and Klay have no shot staying in front of quick guards. Will be interesting if it's just for the first 5-6 minutes.  Also how much of a hit does his offense take exerting much more energy on defense?

I think Kyrie is one of the best conditioned players in the NBA. I think he can handle tougher defensive assignments while also getting his 25 PPG. I'm not worried about that. He's absolutely a man dedicated to his craft. I also think Klay will surprise people this year with his defense. I think he can still guard when he's motivated and he's definitely motivated.

[SleepingHero]

Kyrie is gonna have to guard the Ja Morants and DeAaron Foxs with this starting lineup.  Luka and Klay have no shot staying in front of quick guards. Will be interesting if it's just for the first 5-6 minutes.  Also how much of a hit does his offense take exerting much more energy on defense?

I don't see why PJ can't take that assumed role in guarding the Fox's and Morants of the NBA. Will he be as effective as DJJ? Probably not, but he is no slouch. He's still super athletic and can move his feet well. He only has to do it in 4-5 minute stretches opening the game and most likely closing.

[KillerLeft]

I don't see why PJ can't take that assumed role in guarding the Fox's and Morants of the NBA. Will he be as effective as DJJ? Probably not, but he is no slouch. He's still super athletic and can move his feet well. He only has to do it in 4-5 minute stretches opening the game and most likely closing.

I think that's likely to be unsuccessful. That's what they were trying right before they made that late season switch to get DJJ back into the lineup, and I think that's partly because Jones is just way, way better in that particular defensive role, and also because I think they like Washington being low man on the base line when the center has to help, which is often. I think this adjustment was a big help on the glass and generally with paint defense.