06-24-2021, 06:44 AM
(06-24-2021, 04:55 AM)omahen Wrote: Since we know Cuban will be the big boss we can start assuming what offseason will look like. Based on historical lessons learns there are two main driving forces regarding free agency:
- we love our boys in blue and
- we love stars.
Mavs have shown extremely little creativity in the past so I don't think both are an option. My prediction: Mavs will resign THJ for a hefty contract (because only so so stars are available and likely most of them don't want to come to Dallas) and announce it as a great victory. You know - "Pachulia is the best center" style (after the one they really went after showed them a middle finger).
In the last years Mavs were quick at pulling the trigger to clean up mistakes, not trying to make them work. Barnes, Matthews, Jordan, Wright to name most recent ones. Never had a problem losing assets along the way. So I wouldn't be surprised KP and JRich (if he opts in) get dumped for trash. I am extremely pessimistic Mavs will come better after the offseason.
I am pretty pessimistic right now too. The Mavs are a few key moves to really changing their future outcomes, but they have dropped the ball so many times the last few years that it is tough to get excited. I want to see some hope. If they keep mostly the same structure this offseason with the front office, my optimism will drop further.
I can see a few landminds:
1) Dallas offseason plan is so complicated with so many different directions that it will lead to more confusion and disappointment. I want a clear plan that is executed to perfection. I know that is hard because you have 30 other teams, different agents, different needs, etc. But I want a clear plan and not 100 different ways to get to a winnable spot.
2) Other teams are going to smell desperation. If Cuban is the one negotiating, it is going to prime for severe overpay. It may even be hard for a first time president too.
3) Mavs will think they are smarter than everyone and will go into discussions with some weird analytics tool that they think it is an advantage. Only we find out in time it was not an advantage.
I want to think big this offseason. But I also want them to be able to deliver their plan.