2020-2021 ROSTER TALK: Archived

[Kammrath]

the Mavs have always signaled that they don't value the draft as a means of improving, especially in situations where they feel they have their star and are already a playoff team. Will that change with the new staff, or is that philosophy held at the TOP of the organization? That's the question, imho.

This is the question indeed.

Over the years the Mavs have clearly valued the draft a few times (Luka and Devin are the most obvious examples), but in general have really stunk it up while most of those they have drafted have gone undeveloped (either because of poor talent scouting or coaching development).

I think Cuban rightfully values finding "stars" in this league. I think he theoretically "plays the odds" right in that by realizing that the ODDS are in your favor by trying to sign or trade for a star rather than draft and develop. HOWEVER, the odds were actually AGAINST him because of the inability to sign or trade for a star. Ironically he ended up getting his next star through the DRAFT (Luka) and missing on the free agent signings (so many names here) and trade (KP). 

So with the new staff I think the odds of signing and trading for a star have probably increased. But I hope he has learned his lesson in all this and begins to see the draft as a LEGIT way to find stars, even if the odds are low.

MY GUESS: 

I think he HAS learned his lesson. Why? Because of the 2020 draft. When I look at the draft picks of the Mavs I feel like the Mavs took the highest ceiling player at their draft position EACH time. I think Green had the highest ceiling of all those drafted #18 and below. I think Tyrell for those #31 and below. I think Bey for those #36 and below. Those were "boom or bust" type picks. Swinging big and not settling for the more known commodities. I think Voulgaris was behind this change of philosophy for Cuban. Many are complaining, but at least they were USING the draft and TRYING to do something. I still think Green is a legit starter in this league and will be shocked if he doesn't figure it out and I love the flashes I have seen from Tyrell and Bey. I still think the 2020 draft could be a huge success when the dust settles.