(10-07-2020, 11:44 AM)Hypermav Wrote: https://theathletic.com/2120912/2020/10/...ba-season/[b]6. Do the Mavericks move on from Delon Wright or Justin Jackson?[/b] Both players had seasons that were disappointing enough to drop them from this team’s future plans. While it’s possible Jackson could have a renaissance, Wright simply fits this roster poorly. (Only 2.4 percent of Mavericks fans trust him to play major minutes in a playoff game in our recent fan survey.) Are they traded or, in Jackson’s case, even waived this offseason? -Tim
[b]7. What can the Mavericks realistically do in free agency?[/b] If Hardaway triggers his player option, the team will likely enter free agency operating over the cap. That would leave the team committed to $110.9 million in salaries while the salary cap is expected to remain around $109 million, leaving them with the mid-level exception (which starts around $9 million) to acquire a veteran free agent. In a peak cap-space scenario, with Hardaway opting out and Wright being traded into another team’s cap space, Dallas could potentially have around $25 million in cap space. That scenario seems unlikely, though. -Tim
[b]8. Are the Mavericks alright with a quiet offseason?[/b] This is a worthwhile question within the context of the second question we asked. Does Dallas see the 2020 offseason as an opportunity to sign the right pieces to push them into real contention? Or does the front office just view it as a necessary box to check off before reaching next offseason? -Tim
[b]9. Does Trey Burke re-sign with the team? [/b]Yes, I believe Burke will re-sign with the Mavericks. Two stints in with the Mavericks, there is familiarity on his fit and skillset that doesn’t exist elsewhere on this roster. Courtney Lee’s contract is expiring, as is J.J. Barea’s, and I can’t imagine what Burke brings on the court will be sacrificed for two locker room glue guys who don’t offer much on game days. -Saad
[b]10. Does J.J. Barea re-sign with the team?[/b] Barea hasn’t indicated that he’s quite ready to retire, which means I would expect him back barring the Mavericks running out of roster spots. -Tim
[b]11. Can the Mavericks acquire a defensive wing?[/b] What Dallas needs most is more defensive help, mainly consisting of tall, athletic players who can slow down opposing wings. How desperate are they for such a player? Would they bet on someone like Otto Porter Jr., bloated contract and all, or are they content with an Andre Roberson type – an unproven player coming off a major injury – or perhaps even the return of Michael Kidd-Gilchrist? Who knows. -Tim
[b]12. Can the Mavericks acquire a ball-handling guard?[/b] This question is asked within the usual context of Luka Doncic, who will continue to dominate the ball as much as physically possible. But another creative ball-handler who can create shots might help Dallas when games get tight. Seth Curry can help do that; Dallas hopes Jalen Brunson is developing into such a player, too. Still, another guard with proper point skills is definitely valued as a potential addition. -Tim
[b]21. What happens if the Mavericks don’t acquire a defensive wing?[/b] They won’t be much better defensively than the 19th-ranked unit they had last season. It’s possible they’re slightly better due to continuity and health; Doncic even showed the potential of becoming an above-average defender (albeit one who still has mental lapses) in the Orlando bubble. But more talent is needed for real improvement. -Tim
[b]22. What happens if the Mavericks don’t acquire a ball-handling guard? [/b]It might not matter. Curry’s addition to the starting – and, subsequently, closing – lineup helped slightly. Brunson could emerge as a stabilizing force akin to a prime Barea, which would change this entire equation. Even Doncic, prone to abandoning the offense late in games, could just be better. But one certain solution to the Mavericks’ late-game offense – a problem which, in a deeply competitive playoff series, might spread to the full-time offense – is another ball-handler. I’m curious to see whether Dallas finds one. -Tim
Highlights for me.
Oh and he thinks the season may start on MLK day. January 18th