2021-2022 ROSTER TALK: [ARCHIVED]

[loki]

The more I think about it, the more I think we need two centers, not one. It's clear the Mavs do NOT want to start Maxi at center, and I think that's the right decision, he's just far better for us as a versatile big off the bench who can finish games in the right situation. But if that's the case, the Mavs need not just a solid starting center, but someone who can step in if that center misses games. For instance, Myles Turner would be my ideal get for center, but he's had his share of injury problems, so you would want insurance.

So let's say the Mavs find a way to trade something like Powell, #26, and Green for Turner or a similar player. And then the Mavs find a way to use the TE and a minor asset (future seconds?) to take in a center from a team that doesn't need/want them, like Favors or Nerlens Noel. And then use the tax MLE to sign a vet 3&D guy like Batum or Gary Harris. Now the Mavs depth looks something like:

STARTERS
Luka, Brunson, Bullock, DFS, CENTER

ROTATION BENCH
Dinwiddie, THJ, Maxi

SITUATIONAL BENCH
Bertans, backup wing, backup C

Now you have a solid core of 8 guys, plus 3 guys who can be used situationally: Bertans if you need more shooting, backup C for rebounding and rim protection, and backup wing for more perimeter D.

I'd like to see one center who can shoot and one Powell type player who can actually rebound and defend the paint. Turner is my favorite for the stretch 5, but if he's not available Muscala could be a relatively cheap trade target. For the other big I think I'd prioritize Hartenstein with the taxpayer mid level. I was a fan of Holmes here, but not so much anymore as it feels like he could be neutralized in the playoffs the same way Powell was (and he's not really a great rebounder/rim protector anyway).

Even though I like the Batum idea, I suspect they won't invest much more on the wing with THJ coming back. Hopefully he plays well enough defensively that you don't need to make a move. If not you could target someone like Burks at the deadline.