08-03-2021, 10:29 AM
(This post was last modified: 08-03-2021, 10:34 AM by dirkfansince1998.)
The question isn´t who is to blame. Question is how the Mavs can fix it in the future. Donnie, Mark and RC (whoever made the decisions) maneuvered the Mavs into this positions and couldn´t upgrade the roster in the last two offseasons. They also emptied the pick cupboard. Turning this offsesaon into an all or nothing summer for the Mavs. Last chance to make bigger changes before Luka signs his max. Last chance to upgrade the overall talent of the roster and close the gap to teams like the Lakers, Clippers or Suns in the west. Bucks, Nets and 76ers in the east. Difficult situation for Nico and he only had one month to prepare but the results are Donnie like. I am not disappointed with him. Just not happy with the entire process that lead up to this summer and the mediocre results.
In a different situation a THJ/Bullock/Dragic (hopefully) offseason would have been okay and I like all of the mentioned players on the right contract and in the right role but it´s not enough to close the gap to the top teams. Even worse there is no upside. Maybe they can improve their individual numbers next to a playmaker like Luka but all of them are in the last few seasons of their prime or already on the decline.
If the Mavs aren´t making any bigger changes (KP trade) free agency isn´t an option for the next three years. Next opportunity 2024. Nico´s job isn´t getting easier. Now he has to work the trade market with limited assets.
All I can hope for is a new approach that finally puts the focus on player development and more youth. Not the free agent market. Don´t try to be a less attractive version of the Lakers, Clippers or Nets. Look at teams like Utah, Denver or Phoenix.
That´s what I wanted to see this summer. Pick up players with upside or raw potential instead of going after the next best available win now piece if the top tier players aren´t an option. That certainly did not happen. I guess Cuban, Harrison and Kidd think that they are closer than I think and hope that better fitting vets are enough.
Don´t see it. Can only hope for the best.
In a different situation a THJ/Bullock/Dragic (hopefully) offseason would have been okay and I like all of the mentioned players on the right contract and in the right role but it´s not enough to close the gap to the top teams. Even worse there is no upside. Maybe they can improve their individual numbers next to a playmaker like Luka but all of them are in the last few seasons of their prime or already on the decline.
If the Mavs aren´t making any bigger changes (KP trade) free agency isn´t an option for the next three years. Next opportunity 2024. Nico´s job isn´t getting easier. Now he has to work the trade market with limited assets.
All I can hope for is a new approach that finally puts the focus on player development and more youth. Not the free agent market. Don´t try to be a less attractive version of the Lakers, Clippers or Nets. Look at teams like Utah, Denver or Phoenix.
That´s what I wanted to see this summer. Pick up players with upside or raw potential instead of going after the next best available win now piece if the top tier players aren´t an option. That certainly did not happen. I guess Cuban, Harrison and Kidd think that they are closer than I think and hope that better fitting vets are enough.
Don´t see it. Can only hope for the best.
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