2021-2022 ROSTER TALK: [ARCHIVED]

[jdb152]

I want to understand this take, and not straw man it, so let me ask some questions. 

1) Do you believe there's an everyday role for Dragic here, even in a playoff rotation? 

2) If so, who from among Luka, Brunson, Dinwiddie, Bullock, DFS, Powell, Kleber, Green, Bertans will not play? 

3) When brining in Dragic, do you believe the role you have in mind for him is worth giving up on Ntilikina and all ties to future develop of him? Is this because you view Dragic as piece for beyond this season?

[quote pid="127472" dateline="1644868786"]
Thanks for taking the time. I'll try and paint you a picture of what I'm seeing.

1) Yes, I do believe we have a role for him now and in the playoffs. What's important to remember is that GD is now 35 & hasn't played, essentially, this season. That said, he's not two years removed from being a 20/4/5 guy in the playoffs for MIA. There is absolutely 15, key minutes a night for him here.
2) Having him here, in general, will allow for us to finish the regular season without having to gas Luka/JB for 40 minutes/night. With him and SD both, those guys could get some rest down the stretch. It also is huge insurance should we have an injury & I'm not only referring to Luka/JB. There is a real chance we have to get super creative with our rotations, given the injury histories of DP & Maxi. If either of those guys goes down, we're going small ball. His presence would allow for that in ways Burke/Frankie don't allow for.
3) In the playoffs, my concern with the players you list is primarily rooted in the facts that a), we haven't seen Brunson shine in the post season, & b), I have my doubts as to whether or not Green is ready for 12-15 minutes/game. I love what I am seeing but I think all of his progress is more of a springboard into his third season than a significant role in the playoffs this year. Until JB shows us this is who he is in the playoffs & Green is a little more seasoned, there is reason to have pause. I expect SD to thrive as a 6th man and continue to get stronger but, again, he has an injury history and is still working back from an ACL. Having a proven veteran to ease a couple of minutes isn't the worst thing in the world.
4) Frankie could stay, if you part with Burke. There is potential there. I agree but, for all the hand wringing about winning/advancing in the playoffs to keep Luka happy, I have to ask this. Why do I care about the status of a developmental guard that most of the league had little interest in? Dragic contributes to winning now and does not compromise you, in anyway, moving forward. 
5) Given his age, I wouldn't project more than a season at a time. Best guess? Most likely a one year piece but one that helps for that one year. I think Green continues to grow. I think there are ways to keep Frankie. If one, or both, of those is true I think DAL is in a better place next season and, perhaps, has no role for GD.

DAL, for the rest of this season, is going to be a Frankenstein, of sorts. I'm ok with that. The roster work will continue in the summer. That said, they're also a good squad capable of winning a playoff series, maybe two, if they're filled out with real options. Let's position ourselves as best as possible.
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