MAVS NEWS:

[RoyTarpleysGhost]

Yea, I don't think PJ is quick enough to guard those type of guys.

And we'll see on Klay. I don't see it as a motivational issue. He's old and had multiple major surgeries. He's similar to Luka...lacking lateral quickness to keep up with guards. Him playing "forward" is a good thing except Luka is also a "forward" on defense.

Should be a fun season. Offense should be better. I still see a scenario where that trio does not work together in the closing lineup and someone has to swallow their pride.

[mvossman]

Yea, I don't think PJ is quick enough to guard those type of guys.

And we'll see on Klay.  I don't see it as a motivational issue.  He's old and had multiple major surgeries.  He's similar to Luka...lacking lateral quickness to keep up with guards.  Him playing "forward" is a good thing except Luka is also a "forward" on defense.

Should be a fun season.  Offense should be better.  I still see a scenario where that trio does not work together in the closing lineup and someone has to swallow their pride.

I see that scenario as well, but it will likely not be until the playoffs and matchup dependent.  If and when it happens, I don't think there will be any question who has to swallow their pride.

[F Gump]

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.

You're right.

Cuban did such a spectacular job of wrecking a top team, the talent base that Nellie built, with no clue on how to really create another, that we've forgotten what one of those talented squads with a superstar is supposed to look like. It's so hard to get a superstar and then surround him with the players to get really good, which underscores how stupid to fritter away talent that's hard to obtain.

Dirk's teams won 53 in Dirk's 3rd year, and for another decade they won at least 50, with 3 seasons in the 60's. Only winning 50 was a BAD season. For those 11 seasons, they averaged 56.4 wins a year. Really good teams WILL win games by the bucketloads.

If this team is what we think they may be, 50 will be a BAD season. In Luka's 3rd year the Mavs won 52 but Cuban blundered away a key talent (Brunson) and set them back for a bit (shades of Steve Nash!). Yet if Luka is the talent we think, and the surrounding cast is as improved now as it has seemed, the win numbers should be above 55 as you say, and maybe even threatening 60.

[Mavs2021]

You're right.

Cuban did such a spectacular job of wrecking a top team, the talent base that Nellie built, with no clue on how to really create another, that we've forgotten what one of those talented squads with a superstar is supposed to look like. It's so hard to get a superstar and then surround him with the players to get really good, which underscores how stupid to fritter away talent that's hard to obtain.

Dirk's teams won 53 in Dirk's 3rd year, and for another decade they won at least 50, with 3 seasons in the 60's. Only winning 50 was a BAD season. For those 11 seasons, they averaged 56.4 wins a year. Really good teams WILL win games by the bucketloads.

If this team is what we think they may be, 50 will be a BAD season. In Luka's 3rd year the Mavs won 52 but Cuban blundered away a key talent (Brunson) and set them back for a bit (shades of Steve Nash!). Yet if Luka is the talent we think, and the surrounding cast is as improved now as it has seemed, the win numbers should be above 55 as you say, and maybe even threatening 60.

Yeah, but you don´t play by yourself. When literally 12 of 15 teams are projected to be over 0.500 and the worst team in your division is projected at 34.5, it kind of eats into your bottom line.

[dirkfansince1998]

Yeah, but you don´t play by yourself. When literally 12 of 15 teams are projected to be over 0.500 and the worst team in your division is projected at 34.5, it kind of eats into your bottom line.

The western conference and especially the SW division was a just as strong (statistically even stronger) as it is today. When the Mavs won in 2011 the entire division had a winning record. Same in 14/15 (most wins all time by a division, 4x 50+ win teams).

I think the main difference between the teams of the 00s and 10s and todays Mavs is durability. Doncic is playing 65-70 games per season. Dirk's lowest prime number is 73 (in 10/11). Kyrie is playing even less games.
OKC had the best record last season because they suffered no relevant injuries. Healthy Wolves and Nuggets would have finished in front of them. Healthy post deadline Mavs as well.

And I don't think that the Mavs should change their approach. If the situation allows it they should load manage even more. 55 or 50 games in the regular season are nice to have but it is more important to have the best possible version of the team (Luka+Kyrie) in the playoffs.

[Mavs2021]

The western conference and especially the SW division was a just as strong (statistically even stronger) as it is today. When the Mavs won in 2011 the entire division had a winning record. Same in 14/15 (most wins all time by a division, 4x 50+ win teams).

I think the main difference between the teams of the 00s and 10s and todays Mavs is durability. Doncic is playing 65-70 games per season. Dirk's lowest prime number is 73 (in 10/11). Kyrie is playing even less games.
OKC had the best record last season because they suffered no relevant injuries. Healthy Wolves and Nuggets would have finished in front of them. Healthy post deadline Mavs as well.

And I don't think that the Mavs should change their approach. If the situation allows it they should load manage even more. 55 or 50 games in the regular season are nice to have but it is more important to have the best possible version of the team (Luka+Kyrie) in the playoffs.

It has always been 5-8 teams under 0.500 in the West, since 2003. Last year was the first time it was only four, this season the projection is three.So this is unprecedented. Agreed with the rest.

[dirkfansince1998]

It has always been 5-8 teams under 0.500 in the West, since 2003. Last year was the first time it was only four, this season the projection is three.So this is unprecedented. Agreed with the rest.

And there will be more than 5 teams under 0.500 again. Projections cannot account for major injuries or the steep decline of a star player but things like that are going to happen. And they also don't account for the inevitable tanking race in the last two month.

[RGP1981]

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 PJW being the primary defender on small, really quick guards who are primary ball-handlers is not a good idea, for these reasons.

1) Even though PJW is athletic, he will definitely not be as effective as DJJ in that role because he's not as quick... i.e., quick to move, quick to turn, quick to lift off, quick to react, etc.

2) Using PJW on those guys will cause other matchup problems elsewhere.

3) It could likely end up in disaster even, i.e., if PJW gets injured doing this. No PJW = no party. If he's out injured for the playoffs...

4) It's like trying to fit a square peg in a round hole. Teams that win championships usually don't try to fit square pegs in round holes. 

If the Mavs want to use Kyrie, Klay and Luka in lineups, and if Kyrie or Klay are not going to be the primary defender on Fox/Morant types, then the Mavs should probably push Luka to PF in those lineups and include one of Grimes or Exum to take on that role.

- Kyrie, Grimes/Exum, Klay, Luka, Lively/Gafford

As an aside, this is why I was fixated on Terance Mann a couple weeks ago... i.e., I think he could fit this lineup/role very well.

- Kyrie, Mann, Klay, Luka, Lively/Gafford

[Chicagojk]

Nico

Q: You said re-signing Derrick Jones Jr. was priority 1A and 1B for this offseason. Why didn’t that happen and how much did his change of representation have to do with that?
HARRISON: “Honestly, it’s a better question for him to answer. I mean, I don’t know. I guess he liked LA better than Dallas.”
Related:Ex-Mavericks F Derrick Jones Jr. agrees to three-year deal with Clippers, reports say
Q: Were you surprised at his decision?
HARRISON: “Yeah. But honestly, we have Naji and I’m excited about Naji. I did say [Jones] was 1A and 1B, and that’s how we approached it. That’s how we approached him for the whole year, in terms of how we approached him with respect and the love that we showed him and also the play that he had with our guys. He deserved it too, but he made his own choice. And we have Naji. We’re excited about Naji.”

[HoosierDaddyKid]

Nico

Q: You said re-signing Derrick Jones Jr. was priority 1A and 1B for this offseason. Why didn’t that happen and how much did his change of representation have to do with that?
HARRISON: “Honestly, it’s a better question for him to answer. I mean, I don’t know. I guess he liked LA better than Dallas.”
Related:Ex-Mavericks F Derrick Jones Jr. agrees to three-year deal with Clippers, reports say
Q: Were you surprised at his decision?
HARRISON: “Yeah. But honestly, we have Naji and I’m excited about Naji. I did say [Jones] was 1A and 1B, and that’s how we approached it. That’s how we approached him for the whole year, in terms of how we approached him with respect and the love that we showed him and also the play that he had with our guys. He deserved it too, but he made his own choice. And we have Naji. We’re excited about Naji.”

I mean what was he supposed to say?  I bet subconsciously he admits they're going to miss Jones, but he's not going to reveal it. They basically added more offense (Klay) for defense. I still think they take a step back on perimeter defense without him.  And teams are going to attack Luka and Kyrie.

[DanSchwartzgan]

 
If this team is what we think they may be, 50 will be a BAD season. In Luka's 3rd year the Mavs won 52 but Cuban blundered away a key talent (Brunson) and set them back for a bit (shades of Steve Nash!). Yet if Luka is the talent we think, and the surrounding cast is as improved now as it has seemed, the win numbers should be above 55 as you say, and maybe even threatening 60.

This just reminded me that something that was discussed after Brunson left actually came true.  The Brunson loss was compared to the loss of Nash and it was pointed out that the team went to the finals two seasons later (the loss to Miami).

Well, that will never happen...except it just did.  Hopefully we won't win 60 and lose in the first round next season.

[WildArkieBoy]

 In Luka's 3rd year the Mavs won 52 but Cuban blundered away a key talent (Brunson) and set them back for a bit (shades of Steve Nash!). Yet if Luka is the talent we think, and the surrounding cast is as improved now as it has seemed, the win numbers should be above 55 as you say, and maybe even threatening 60.

Yet, somehow, the Mavs landed on their feet, replacing Nash with Kidd and Brunson with Kyrie.

[SleepingHero]

Nico

Q: You said re-signing Derrick Jones Jr. was priority 1A and 1B for this offseason. Why didn’t that happen and how much did his change of representation have to do with that?
HARRISON: “Honestly, it’s a better question for him to answer. I mean, I don’t know. I guess he liked LA better than Dallas.”
Related:Ex-Mavericks F Derrick Jones Jr. agrees to three-year deal with Clippers, reports say
Q: Were you surprised at his decision?
HARRISON: “Yeah. But honestly, we have Naji and I’m excited about Naji. I did say [Jones] was 1A and 1B, and that’s how we approached it. That’s how we approached him for the whole year, in terms of how we approached him with respect and the love that we showed him and also the play that he had with our guys. He deserved it too, but he made his own choice. And we have Naji. We’re excited about Naji.”

That basically screams to me that the Mavs were blindsided by DJJ not playing ball and he wanted way more money than what the Mavs were offering.

Mavs pivoted quickly, which took the wind out from DJJ's sails (pun intended here cause of the Clippers), and he lost all of his negotiating leverage. He panicked and took a slightly bigger deal from LAC, which at the end of the day should be less guaranteed money after taxes than what he would've gotten had he just stayed with the Mavs.

[audiosway]

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?

Don't listen to all of these fool talking heads. Klay has fallen off that much. People keep saying that he fell off a cliff. That's because he chose Dallas over LA. He's still an 80 out of 100 on defense. It's just that he was a 95 out of 100 in his prime. He can still defend very well. I only consider DJJ about an 85 on defense by comparison. 

Last year Klay was running guys like that into help defense. He never could stay in front of guys that were that fast. But, he can still slide them into help as well as block from the back side with his length.

[BigDirk41]

That basically screams to me that the Mavs were blindsided by DJJ not playing ball and he wanted way more money than what the Mavs were offering.

Mavs pivoted quickly, which took the wind out from DJJ's sails (pun intended here cause of the Clippers), and he lost all of his negotiating leverage. He panicked and took a slightly bigger deal from LAC, which at the end of the day should be less guaranteed money after taxes than what he would've gotten had he just stayed with the Mavs.

I read an article today where DJJ said he chose LA because they want him to be aggressive on offense along with his normal defense. I think this was strictly about him wanting to expand his game for a potential bigger payday down the road. Obviously it wasn't about winning. The Clippers aren't going to do any damage in the playoffs. I can't blame a guy for wanting to shoot the ball more, but I wish he would have stayed.

[RGP1981]

List of players who spent the most time matched up on Scoring Ball-handlers last season. Just outside this list of 15, there are other guys like Derrick White, Jrue Holiday, Jalen Brown, Keon Ellis, Terance Mann, etc.

It strikes me that none of these guys share a physical/athletic profile with PJW. Maybe only Taurean Prince and Jeremy Sochan, to some degree? This is not a knock on PJW at all, he has done great for the Mavs and I hope to see him work harder in the gym to continue improving. 

I'm just sharing this to temper any expectations or desires to see PJW matched up with quick, primary ball-handlers for the sole purpose of accommodating Kyrie/Klay/Luka lineups.

[Chicagojk]

I buy that Nico and the Mavs prioritzed bringing back DJJ. I don't think there was any 3D chess there. The agent change must have put a wrench in the hole thing. Either the agent got into his head that there was more money out there or something turned DJJ off during the process before switching agents.

Switching agents and then signing the 3 for 27 million or 3 for 30 million deal doesn't add up. Maybe the agent got in his head that there was meat on the bone with the Mavs offer and he would get 2 or so million extra per year. Maybe when this happened, Dallas changed gears quickly when Jones backed away from the earlier agreement. This probably caught the agent off guard that he could use other teams as leverage against the Mavs. As it turned out, only one team used the full MLE. That was Golden State and for only one guaranteed year.

Either way, playing in LA is not bad. Although not for a very good team and one who will have a lot of changes the next couple of years. He left a great situation for him too. Either way, coming to Dallas really helped him. If he continues to play well, he could very well finish his career near 100 million in earnings. Not bad for a guy who had to accept a minimum last offseason.

[Chicagojk]

https://www.dmagazine.com/sports/2024/07...n-adelson/

This is something I have been wondering about as well.  I can understand the selling of the team.  I think that was a money issue.   Money concerns in the short term and the hope for an windfall in the future, I think.   I could be wrong though.

Cuban hanging onto the basketball part of the team post trade seemed odd.   When Billionairs buy toys, they want to play with them.   In addition, Cuban hasn't been great at the basketball part.   It just seemed like a weird relationship.  Then after a great run in the playoffs, he is out.   I haven't seen Cuban comment on it.   Was there any disagreement?   Did this catch Cuban by surprise?  Did Nico or Durmont make any comments why this has changed?  Maybe I missed something, but I am surprised this hasn't been something reporters have gone after.

[Winter]

I buy that Nico and the Mavs prioritzed bringing back DJJ.  I don't think there was any 3D chess there.  The agent change must have put a wrench in the hole thing.  Either the agent got into his head that there was more money out there or something turned DJJ off during the process before switching agents. 

Switching agents and then signing the 3 for 27 million or 3 for 30 million deal doesn't add up.  Maybe the agent got in his head that there was meat on the bone with the Mavs offer and he would get 2 or so million extra per year.    Maybe when this happened, Dallas changed gears quickly when Jones backed away from the earlier agreement.  This probably caught the agent off guard that he could use other teams as leverage against the Mavs.  As it turned out, only one team used the full MLE.  That was Golden State and for only one guaranteed year. 

Either way, playing in LA is not bad.  Although not for a very good team and one who will have a lot of changes the next couple of years.  He left a great situation for him too.  Either way, coming to Dallas really helped him.  If he continues to play well, he could very well finish his career near 100 million in earnings.  Not bad for a guy who had to accept a minimum last offseason.

I think between this, and the versions of Killer and SleepingHero, there is probably close to an accurate account somewhere in there.

I think what we can all probably agree on is that DJJ did not immediately "pick" the Clippers because of something they were offering. He picked the Clippers because the Mavericks pivoted quickly when there was a delay. There was no steady dance partner once the Mavs signed Naji. Any other reasoning doesn't make any sense considering the love-fest between the Mavs and DJJ in social media at the end of the playoffs.

[mvossman]

Don't listen to all of these fool talking heads. Klay has fallen off that much. People keep saying that he fell off a cliff. That's because he chose Dallas over LA. He's still an 80 out of 100 on defense. It's just that he was a 95 out of 100 in his prime. He can still defend very well. I only consider DJJ about an 85 on defense by comparison. 

Last year Klay was running guys like that into help defense. He never could stay in front of guys that were that fast. But, he can still slide them into help as well as block from the back side with his length.

I think you are underselling what we got from DJJ and overselling both what Klay was defensively, and what he is now.  There is a fine line between running a guy into help defense and blow by.  There will definitely be a drop off in defense, especially when the primary ball handler is a quicker guard.  The hope is that moving Lively into the starting lineup will help mitigate some of the defensive hit, and the improvement in offense will more than make up for the loss in defense.