Luxury Tax Hell

[Smitty]

I don't really disagree with any of this. I share your wariness on whether they will really spend what it takes -- but, I just think that the Brunson outcome didn't give us objective answers as to what the Mavs spending mindset really is.

I also am a big believer in the need for efficient contracts, getting value for the money. Wild overpays kill. They will be saddled with a monster number for Doncic for a long time. You MUST balance that somehow, unless you have another elite guy.

The risk-reward on Brunson being worth or outplaying his contract was solid when the number was 90 or so (like they seemed to think he was available for, and seemed willing to offer), but another 10M a year was a huge risk. But IMO they did a good job on Bullock, DFS, Franky, McGee, and the risk-reward on THJ was reasonable at the time. Maybe they've seen the light.

The real issue is whether they can develop players from raw stuff into high value. Having a pipeline of that is what enhances your ability to get the talent on the other end, because other teams will want your young cheap guys in trade. That's what they're missing. The anemic GL and 2-way results by this team, where it's just constant cycles of junk and no value emerges, are a major hindrance.

Sometimes I go off on a tangent and then I read reasonable posts like this and your previous and come back to a level head space. It’s easy to get worked up as a fan - one way or the other - on what we would do or what we think they should do. Bottom line is, we aren’t privy to their information and also have the benefit of hindsight.

I am a huge Brunson believer. It’s no secret. I think he is worth more than what Lowry signed last year and then some but that’s my opinion. The Mavs didn’t feel that way which for me is unfortunate but I can see the other side, as you’ve laid out, more clearly than I could before.