08-27-2021, 12:52 PM
Tyler Watts assesses offseason performance.
Tyler notes that several Mavs' deficiencies were exposed in the playoffs, and examines how the Mavs did in resolving them, noting that there is still time to shore up the remaining issues.
5. Depth
The Clippers brought on seemingly endless reinforcements, while the Mavs were forced to count on Boban.
At best, they acquired two new rotation pieces, although Sterling Brown has no history of playing big minutes in the playoffs.
Depth: Still questionable, to put it mildly.
4. Defense
Mavs were a disaster defensively.
Bullock and Brown have size and athleticism, but both rank as slightly below-average defenders for their positions. They probably rate as slight upgrades to the roster, but neither is a game-changer or lockdown option.
Defense: Kidd will try to upgrade with a new scheme, but the talent just isn't there to make a major jump. If the Mavs could acquire another player who even marginally improves the defense, that could be huge.
3. Rebounding
The Mavs' struggles on the glass last season cost them games.
Bullock averages 3 rebounds/game, same as Richardson. Brown averages 4, which is above-average for his position, but not enough to enable the team to make a leap.
Rebounding: Nothing has been done to fix the problem.
2. Secondary playmaker.
Arguably the team's biggest need. The Mavs lost their playoff series as a result of their horrible performance in non-Luka minutes. Neither Bullock nor Brown is a ball-handler or playmaker.
Mavs still believe they will ultimately acquire Dragic. They are hoping he is bought out, so they don't have to give up assets.
Secondary playmaker: If they don't get Dragic, they need to get somebody. Going into the playoffs with no improvement is untenable.
1. Second star.
This need has to be filled to win a championship. KP serving as a spot-up shooter and scoring 13 PPG doesn't cut it.
KP has the talent to be a second star, although his injuries are becoming worrisome. Kidd is invested in turning him into that star, which is great, but it's not a sure thing.
Second star: Mavs cannot contend with Luka and 14 role players. KP is a possibility. TBD.
TL;DR. This review concludes that the Mavs improved their depth a little bit, slightly improved their defense, did nothing to address their rebounding or playmaking needs, and are still trying to turn KP into their second star. There is still time to address these five needs before the Mavs go into the 2022 playoffs.
https://thesmokingcuban.com/posts/dallas...ree-agency
Tyler notes that several Mavs' deficiencies were exposed in the playoffs, and examines how the Mavs did in resolving them, noting that there is still time to shore up the remaining issues.
5. Depth
The Clippers brought on seemingly endless reinforcements, while the Mavs were forced to count on Boban.
At best, they acquired two new rotation pieces, although Sterling Brown has no history of playing big minutes in the playoffs.
Depth: Still questionable, to put it mildly.
4. Defense
Mavs were a disaster defensively.
Bullock and Brown have size and athleticism, but both rank as slightly below-average defenders for their positions. They probably rate as slight upgrades to the roster, but neither is a game-changer or lockdown option.
Defense: Kidd will try to upgrade with a new scheme, but the talent just isn't there to make a major jump. If the Mavs could acquire another player who even marginally improves the defense, that could be huge.
3. Rebounding
The Mavs' struggles on the glass last season cost them games.
Bullock averages 3 rebounds/game, same as Richardson. Brown averages 4, which is above-average for his position, but not enough to enable the team to make a leap.
Rebounding: Nothing has been done to fix the problem.
2. Secondary playmaker.
Arguably the team's biggest need. The Mavs lost their playoff series as a result of their horrible performance in non-Luka minutes. Neither Bullock nor Brown is a ball-handler or playmaker.
Mavs still believe they will ultimately acquire Dragic. They are hoping he is bought out, so they don't have to give up assets.
Secondary playmaker: If they don't get Dragic, they need to get somebody. Going into the playoffs with no improvement is untenable.
1. Second star.
This need has to be filled to win a championship. KP serving as a spot-up shooter and scoring 13 PPG doesn't cut it.
KP has the talent to be a second star, although his injuries are becoming worrisome. Kidd is invested in turning him into that star, which is great, but it's not a sure thing.
Second star: Mavs cannot contend with Luka and 14 role players. KP is a possibility. TBD.
TL;DR. This review concludes that the Mavs improved their depth a little bit, slightly improved their defense, did nothing to address their rebounding or playmaking needs, and are still trying to turn KP into their second star. There is still time to address these five needs before the Mavs go into the 2022 playoffs.
https://thesmokingcuban.com/posts/dallas...ree-agency
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