2020-2021 ROSTER TALK: Archived

[StepBackJay]

KP potential trade partners:

Oft discussed: Warriors, Pacers, Hawks
Less discussed: Toronto, Detroit, Miami, Washington. New Orleans, Sacramento, Charlotte, Boston?

If KP becomes available I think there will be a team that lines up a nice package, one better than most around here expect.

[Tyler]

So the NBA is opening up arenas to full capacity but fining fully-vaccinated 25-year-olds from going out to open local venues? All while making excuses for (allegedly) unvaccinated 36-year-old superstars doing whatever the hell they want? Whatever. I don’t care mostly because I don’t take the NBA seriously on enforcement anymore.

[SwisherPrice]

THJ is getting the big contract...just accept it folks. In this perimeter-based system, you can argue that his role is more important than KP. I'm not saying that he can be counted on to deliver consistently but unless the Mavs can replace that role by upgrading with a better SG, he is going nowhere.

[KillerLeft]

THJ is getting the big contract...just accept it folks.

Ya think? He's the third best player in this series.

[mvossman]

THJ is getting the big contract...just accept it folks. In this perimeter-based system, you can argue that his role is more important than KP. I'm not saying that he can be counted on to deliver consistently but unless the Mavs can replace that role by upgrading with a better SG, he is going nowhere.

KPs role is more important, he is just not performing a big part of it (defense) well this season.  He looked a lot better in the second half tonight.  Hopefully he can continue down that trajectory the rest of the playoffs.

[omahen]

KPs role is more important, he is just not performing a big part of it (defense) well this season.  He looked a lot better in the second half tonight.  Hopefully he can continue down that trajectory the rest of the playoffs.

Mavs offense was close to perfect in these first two games. Everyone accepted their role and this is huge. You have four guys spreading the floor and Luka who is a perfect floor general. KP is spreading the floor taking his defender way out of the paint without complaining. But Clippers defense really falls apart because the other guys are not just a floor spreading idea as they were lots of time in the regular season. They are actually spreading the floor and punishing Clippers most of the time when they leave them open. And not just by shooting, also by driving to the basket. I mean even Maxi, who has been a totally onedimensional player in the regular season efficiently put the ball on the floor. Luka is just awesome. If they try to defend him one on one he just punishes them. Couple of screens to get a mismatch and it is over. The big ends on him it is an efficient shot. Small guy ends on him it is an easy layup. If they double him or over help rest of the team punishes them. THJ was 9-14, KP 8-12, Maxi 5-6, Brunson 4-7, JRich 2-4, WCS 3-3. DFS the only one a little bit cold with 1-6. 

On the other side Clippers are getting very little from non Kawhi or George. I am really surprised by their lack of energy. I was expecting way more aggresive defense, but nothing from it.

[DanSchwartzgan]

THJ is getting the big contract...just accept it folks. In this perimeter-based system, you can argue that his role is more important than KP. I'm not saying that he can be counted on to deliver consistently but unless the Mavs can replace that role by upgrading with a better SG, he is going nowhere.

You know all those scenarios where we have cap room and plan to sign some outside FA.  Yeah, scrap those.  We will work over the cap this summer.

[Mavs2021]

THJ is getting the big contract...just accept it folks. In this perimeter-based system, you can argue that his role is more important than KP. I'm not saying that he can be counted on to deliver consistently but unless the Mavs can replace that role by upgrading with a better SG, he is going nowhere.

THJ+Porzingis for Lavine + Young + Theis + Aminu.

[StepBackJay]

THJ is getting the big contract...just accept it folks. In this perimeter-based system, you can argue that his role is more important than KP. I'm not saying that he can be counted on to deliver consistently but unless the Mavs can replace that role by upgrading with a better SG, he is going nowhere.

Yup I am good with it. So long as his family is around every playoffs we are in good shape.

[StepBackJay]

One wonders if Luka in particular is going to have such a big run here that all of a sudden FA's that weren't looking at the Mavs will suddenly have the Mavs on their radar.

Now with THJ, I just can't imagine a scenario where Mavs don't get a deal done ASAP and pay market rate. Flirting with a "bigger name" is just too risky. I think they would dump KP for space before they get too cute with THJ.

Where the Mavs raised profile could really help them are these FA's that sign deals under-market value to sign with a contender. Mavs have not been able to attract these players.

So how good can Mavs depth be if they get put on the list with Lakers, GSW, Heat, 76ers, Nets instead of bunched up with all the non-contenders? I think it could make a significant difference. Nothing against Burke or WCS but all of a sudden instead of those names you are getting the bigger ones that want to sign with a high profile team.

[Mapka]

One wonders if Luka in particular is going to have such a big run here that all of a sudden FA's that weren't looking at the Mavs will suddenly have the Mavs on their radar.

Now with THJ, I just can't imagine a scenario where Mavs don't get a deal done ASAP and pay market rate. Flirting with a "bigger name" is just too risky. I think they would dump KP for space before they get too cute with THJ.

Where the Mavs raised profile could really help them are these FA's that sign deals under-market value to sign with a contender. Mavs have not been able to attract these players.

So how good can Mavs depth be if they get put on the list with Lakers, GSW, Heat, 76ers, Nets instead of bunched up with all the non-contenders? I think it could make a significant difference. Nothing against Burke or WCS but all of a sudden instead of those names you are getting the bigger ones that want to sign with a high profile team.

Don't want "bigger names", we need just someone lessening the load on Luka & DFS.

[MaxiThreeba]

THJ is making some $$$ right now.  

Short of Kawhi calling and saying I'm coming to Dallas it's looking more and more like the Mavs will operate over the cap and have a few routes to add to the current roster.

- MLE and BAE
- J Rich opt in and trade or opt out sign and trade
- The nuclear option: KP trade

I would love to get THJ back to the bench but with the salary they're going to pay him I think he is a starter.  I also think they are comfortable with the Luka, THJ, DFS, Maxi, KP starting group.

Brunson, WCS/Powell give you good options at the 1/2 and 5 off the bench.

Green's development will be a huge key.  Mavs can go out and target a 1/2, Wing and a Big Wing/4 with their MLE, BAE and JRich.

Still want to find a way to lighten Luka's regular season workload.

[StepBackJay]

THJ is making some $$$ right now.  

Short of Kawhi calling and saying I'm coming to Dallas it's looking more and more like the Mavs will operate over the cap and have a few routes to add to the current roster.

- MLE and BAE
- J Rich opt in and trade or opt out sign and trade
- The nuclear option: KP trade

I would love to get THJ back to the bench but with the salary they're going to pay him I think he is a starter.  I also think they are comfortable with the Luka, THJ, DFS, Maxi, KP starting group.

Brunson, WCS/Powell give you good options at the 1/2 and 5 off the bench.

Green's development will be a huge key.  Mavs can go out and target a 1/2, Wing and a Big Wing/4 with their MLE, BAE and JRich.

Still want to find a way to lighten Luka's regular season workload.

Ya I agree with this. The nice thing ab THJ is that I think he is fine coming off the bench if it makes sense at some point to have a token starter in front of him. At that point THJ will have his money, still be getting 30+ mpg and finishing most games so I don't think he would pout if that helped the Mavs win.

For me Dragic as a stop-gap would help lighten Luka's load somewhat + the fact that Brunson is going to keep getting better. The thing I like ab Dragic is not only is he Luka-friendly, I don't think he is a threat at all to Brunson's minutes.  Dragic would be sort of in late-career JJB mode to help run the offense and move the ball while still using Brunson for a lot of the scoring.

J Rich to me will want to leave but there is a decent chance Mavs could get back a usable player in return. Certainly there are a few RFA's that make sense (notably LM) or at least a usable rotation player that's certainly better than what you'd get for vet min.

KP is the elephant in the room. Unless he really wholesale changes his attitude I would be of the mind to sell high on him.

[MaxiThreeba]

Ya I agree with this. The nice thing ab THJ is that I think he is fine coming off the bench if it makes sense at some point to have a token starter in front of him. At that point THJ will have his money, still be getting 30+ mpg and finishing most games so I don't think he would pout if that helped the Mavs win.

For me Dragic as a stop-gap would help lighten Luka's load somewhat + the fact that Brunson is going to keep getting better. The thing I like ab Dragic is not only is he Luka-friendly, I don't think he is a threat at all to Brunson's minutes.  Dragic would be sort of in late-career JJB mode to help run the offense and move the ball while still using Brunson for a lot of the scoring.

J Rich to me will want to leave but there is a decent chance Mavs could get back a usable player in return. Certainly there are a few RFA's that make sense (notably LM) or at least a usable rotation player that's certainly better than what you'd get for vet min.

KP is the elephant in the room. Unless he really wholesale changes his attitude I would be of the mind to sell high on him.

I liked what I heard from KP after last night's game...not the strip club apology...but the role he is playing.

Between missing so many games and never consistently being in the flow of the offense I can understand his frustrations at times.  I do think a few of those KP post games were thinly veiled shots at Luka when he would always bring up how well they moved the ball in a game Luka sat.

But I think those frustrations center on him not really knowing what his fit was offensively.  Rick parked his ass at the 3pt line so often it's hard to stay engaged...but Rick probably had an eye on KP's health for when it really mattered.

These couple of games have flashed just how good KP's instincts are with his off ball movement.  I have also seen a couple of switches where instead of taking the defender to the low block he's taken them more the elbow.  The face up ability there to shoot over smaller defenders but also see the whole floor...he looks way more comfortable there than on the low block where he sometimes can't decide to use the glass or not.

KP may be finally finding his role...with Luka.  He still has the Unicorn ability to completely stretch a defense but the baseline off ball movement and the elbow/high post area could be the keys to finally unlocking the fit between Luka and KP.

[omahen]

There is also a SnT option with THJ, because there are not many cap space team that would likely go after him. OKC and Detroit make very little sense as they should use their cap space for young(er) talent or sell it for picks. I guess New York will not be looking to bring him back. Charlotte needs center above everything and has an abundance of guards as it is. San Antonio also has the guard slots full and they too might be better of looking for younger talent. Miami could use him but might be after more famous targets. Perhaps Toronto is the most serious competitor.

[StepBackJay]

There is also a SnT option with THJ, because there are not many cap space team that would likely go after him. OKC and Detroit make very little sense as they should use their cap space for young(er) talent or sell it for picks. I guess New York will not be looking to bring him back. Charlotte needs center above everything and has an abundance of guards as it is. San Antonio also has the guard slots full and they too might be better of looking for younger talent. Miami could use him but might be after more famous targets. Perhaps Toronto is the most serious competitor.

To me the competitor would be Miami if they miss out on other options since THJ is from there. That being said I don't see Mavs getting outspent here. They can afford to overpay him a little bit. He is a great fit with Luka and they seem to really like each other. I am not worried about him leaving.

[Hypermav]

great fit with Luka and they seem to really like each other

They were hugging like Dirk and Jet last night.  BTW, I did see KP run up and big hug THJ around his neck after the big 3 at the end.

[Scott41theMavs]

They were hugging like Dirk and Jet last night.  BTW, I did see KP run up and big hug THJ around his neck after the big 3 at the end.

I have a sense that KP and THJ are buds going back to their time in NY.

[StepBackJay]

I have a sense that KP and THJ are buds going back to their time in NY.

Ya so that isn't the issue. The issue is the icy non-relationship of KP and Luka. Maybe KP comes around bc he realizes Luka is MJ and he doesn't need to be jealous, just enjoy winning games and getting paid. Playoff success can go a long way so lets see how this plays out.

[mvossman]

You know all those scenarios where we have cap room and plan to sign some outside FA.  Yeah, scrap those.  We will work over the cap this summer.

Depends on JRich.  If he opts in, we are almost definitely operating over the cap (and likely trading him).  If he opts out, then ideally we can S&T him and stay over the cap, keep WCS and sign a MLE player.  If JRich walks and we can't get an S&T worked out, then we are looking at ~15 mil in cap space after THJ signing (not sure what his market will be, but it is going up right now).  That may not be enough for guys like Powell or Holmes (or even Fournier).  Most of the next best options that might fit in that range are restricted (Graham, Trent, Markkanen).

Given the likelihood that we are keeping THJ and his price going up, I think it is going to be tough to get a starter quality player in free agency.  I would greatly prefer the JRich trade scenario, but I don't know how likely that would be if he opts out?