06-17-2022, 12:14 AM
(06-16-2022, 08:21 PM)KillerLeft Wrote: In my mind, the only issue with this kid is between the ears. That DET season you're talking about was his last contract year, when he was trying desperately to maintain a place in the NBA. If another player with a less spotty past would've had that season, they might've gotten maxed, tbh. It was that significant of a breakout year. But, because of his history, he wasn't much of a draw in free agency.
Now, we're going into his next contract year. I'm sure he's aware that he's playing for a chance at an even bigger contract, so my guess is that the Mavs will get his best this season.
The "dumb" potential for the Mavs here is giving/promising him some big extension (eligible around Christmas) before they have to. In hindsight, I think that's pretty much where they went wrong with Porzingis (though I would've done it at the time, as I've said).
I'm not sure he'll ever get a bigger contract because of the between the ears issue and I fully expect him to have a great season.