07-02-2023, 08:48 AM
(07-02-2023, 08:26 AM)ThisIStheYear Wrote: Good analysis, but pretty bleak. Once you get past the one pipe dream (Sengun, an outstanding young player, possible future all star, would never be traded for THJ and a pick) you’re left with the Williams idea and maybe PJ Washington (not nearly the caliber of Sengun so possible?). The Mav’s desperately need a 4 who can swing to the 3 occasionally or has the foot speed to guard wings and the size and athleticism to play defense and rebound at the rim. Without that, they’ll be set on the same course that led to their collapse after the DFS trade — Bullock having to play DFS’s role and Josh playing Bullock’s role. Both were overmatched by the size and physical requirements for those jobs (Josh is basically just a shooting guard and Bullock is a small forward). If the Mavs can’t find a modern 4, they’ll miss the playoffs again. It’s a fatal flaw. OMax can do it, but he’s a rookie, and who knows. Luka could sort of do it in his own way, but that’s a terrible idea. I wonder if someone like Harris is available? The Mavs may have to do something painful, like give up Hardy, if they really want to fill this need. I’m on the fence, but starting to agree with something I thought should be off the table. Hardy may have to be traded. And for me, Obi would actually have worked, though it would be nice to have a higher caliber player in that role. Obi was cheap though.
In time, Omax could be the ideal 4 in todays NBA and especially with this team. I have been looking for that 6'8- 6'9 guy and he could be it (a bigger DFS). Or he could not. It will probably take him time regardless. That is why I am so interested in finding a present starting 4 who can hopefully be paired with Omax and give this team a lot of options moving forward.
Luka is the only player off the table on trades. But I am just not interested in talking about moving Hardy with other teams. At the least, he will be much more valuable a year or two from now. For me though, he is my crazy Kyrie insurance, and very potentially the bridge on the post Kyrie era in 2-3 years. So while he is not untouchable, I would have very little interest looking for trade options when talking with teams.