2020-2021 ROSTER TALK: Archived

[KillerLeft]

Much of the Mavs universe could be dropped into two categories:

1) "Don't blame Carlisle."

2) "It's Carlisle's fault."

EVERYONE deserves blame, but the people who blame Carlisle for too much point out his power over certain players and situations, failing to recognize that there were people with power over him. In crucial ways, he was just a part of the system, similar (but different) to guys like Green, for example. I said it on draft night: drafting Green and the rest of those rookies, to me, signified that the team was committed to build slowly and develop a team of young players. I never thought for even one second that any of them was ready to play last year (still don't think they were). If the entire success or failure of the regime was to be judged by last season's performance, then they SHOULD have traded that pick - they SHOULD have gotten a Gallo or a Crowder, somehow. 

I expect all four of those young guys to be significantly improved and more ready this year, specifically BECAUSE of how Carlisle approached their seasons. Maybe not Terry, because of his personal problems keeping him away from the team for so long, and maybe slightly less so for all because of the Covid year craziness, but I think they were "developed" as much as possible, given the circumstances, especially the one where the team had to make the playoffs. 

The direction at the TOP of the organization is what makes the least sense, to me, especially in hindsight. And, through my life, I have continuously learned one lesson, over and over: when it comes to team-like organizations like this, the only way to affect change is at the TOP. 

Changing to Nico Harrison is the TOP-most change we can expect in the near future, unless Cuban really decides to run for president, which I don't think will happen. So, there is reason for cautious optimism, imo, as long as Harrison is as qualified as we hope. 

Totally ok with Carlisle being gone now, especially in the wake of these sweeping changes. I'm not super inspired by the organization's decision to replace him with Kidd, but I'm willing to give him a chance.