2020-2021 ROSTER TALK: Archived

[omahen]

As Luka gets back to being Luka and KP is about to return, I wonder if we should really expect some big trade in-season or even a big signing in the summer.  I suspect we'll see a nine man that includes:

Bigs:  KP/Powell/WCS/Maxi
Wings:  DFS/JRich/THJ
Handlers:  Luka/Brunson

You still have Boban, Johnson, Green and Burke on an as-needed basis.  It is certainly possible to find someone to replace pretty much anyone outside of Luka and KP, but at what price?  Pretty clearly they were willing to replace Brunson with Haliburton.  Pretty clearly they were willing to replace WCS with Gasol (when such a move cost them nothing this summer).  I'm just finding it difficult to construct anything more than a kiss your sister largely lateral move.  I'm not sure those are worth the disruption.  I'm starting to wonder if we don't just run this group out there all season.

There is still a lot of games till TDL. We are full of optimism after two good games but Mavs are still just 4-4. Of course - if the bunch is in top 3 West teams at TDL there is very little need for improvement. I could still argue that secondary creator would be very welcome to step up if Luka and/or KP miss time. Non Luka minutes have been awful in those last two games and we can really question ourselves how Luka will look by the playoff time if they will play him almost 40 minutes per game. But yeah, taking into account those assumptions - bringing in LaVine or Oladipo for substantial assets also brings questions, if it is really worth to pull the trigger. As I said before - Brunson might be a luxury we can't afford. He would deserve a bigger role than what Mavs are able to give him behind Luka. 

However, if Mavs remain more around 50-60% of wins, so somewhere in the middle of the standings where they are now - good but not really contenders, they will definitely need to take a long look in the mirror and accept that team as it is has its limitations and moves are necessary to make a next step. Its nice to be buddies, but there are limitations.

As for line-ups, I still think Powell will not be part of the starting unit - he might even become a fifth big. I think PF will be manned by DFS, Kleber, Johnson and C with KP, WCS, Powell.