2019-20 Mavs News

[michaeltex]

Good breakdown.  Shows the value of Curry among the starters.  Of course, Powell as a starter was part of an historically good O also.  But, Curry's ball handling and incredible outside shooting brings something more valuable than a lob threat at crunch time.  Playoff D can stop a lob threat.  Not sure they can stop 45% shooting from 3.

Curry as a starter will be an interesting thing to watch.  If it clicks, then where do you go to improve the starters?  Probably not Luka, KP or THJ.  That leaves DFS?  It is pretty hard to find a plus defender who can hit 44% of his corner 3's (and .374% overall).  I screened for players 6'7" or taller who hit .374 on 3's and take at least 40% of their shots from behind the arc.  If you rank by WinScore, Kleber and DFS rank 6th and 7th in WS among 33 qualifiers.  Ahead of them are Gallinari (UFA), KAT, Anunoby, Bjelica and Duncan Robinson.  FA's on the list include Bertans 13 and Marcus Morris 14.

I still maintain (as I did before the season) that Curry is the third most important player on this team. His shooting is simply irreplaceable. He is basically one of the best pure shooters in all of NBA history (at least top 5?) and solid in most other aspects. That is just too important for unlocking Luka/KP's full potential. I honestly am not sure there is any possible way to upgrade what Curry brings to the table. I hope the Mavs see that and don't get too cute in trying to upgrade the roster. I like THJ's current fit with this team, but he is much easier to upgrade than Curry IMO.

I'm liking this team a lot right now. With Dwight out and Brunson hurt, that's shortened the rotation and messed up some of the parings, but I'm thinking we need a few more rotation guys and this team is in competition. This is all about letting them grow together and learn to win together. They seem to be having fun in Orlando. If they can stay loose and comfortable together, surprises are in store.

Start: Luka/THJ/DFS/KP with 5th determined by competition
Bench Mob: Seth, JB, Maxi, DP, ?  - Adujsted by whoever starts
Closing:Luka/KP/DFS/Seth with 5th matchup determined.

Team Goal of 80+ FT%.
I think it's important to draft well this year to get another contributor on a rookie deal. Two would be nice, but one for sure.
Wouldn't lose a lot of sleep chasing FAs. I think the Mavs are going to be a destination if they just keep having success. 

But maybe I've been CV cooped up for too long and lost perspective.