10-15-2020, 04:59 PM
(This post was last modified: 10-15-2020, 05:17 PM by KillerLeft.)
(10-15-2020, 04:37 PM)Scott41theMavs Wrote: That does not exclude 2021 cap clogging, which would be a change.
Not at all, my dude. The point of cap space in 2021 is to use it to either sign or absorb a major difference maker. Obviously, if you see a way to snag a major difference maker between now and then, you can blow off that off season with a clear conscience. I don't think (and have never thought) that the entire Mavs front office is sitting around in a brick basement with a life-sized cardboard cutout of Giannis, alternating between voodoo rituals and beating off. It has never been "Giannis or bust." At least, I don't believe it has been. It certainly hasn't been for me. He's just the absolute most ideal target.
What the quote does NOT communicate, imo, is that they're drooling to take on someone like Robert Covington or Josh Richardson. Maybe they are, maybe they aren't. But the quote says "to get a star player." I don't see the quote as an indication of direction change at all. We already KNEW they tried to get Kemba Walker, after all.
I continue to believe that THEY believe their biggest weakness is the lack of playmakers outside of Luka. There have been so many indications of this. That's what they mean when they say "star." They mean "playmaker." Someone who can handle the ball in a way that puts pressure on the defense. Could be from ANY position, other than center. I think they'll keep their cap in a position where they can clear a max spot through 1-3 easy steps until A) they have that player or B) Luka signs his rookie max extension, making it moot. If a player who fills the void comes available by simply taking contracts back BEFORE we get to the 2021 off season, mission accomplished!!! I don't think that's likely, but of course they'd do it.
(10-15-2020, 04:37 PM)Scott41theMavs Wrote: The only thing I *really* don't want to see is 18 traded away to get out from under Wright - for a player who might be expiring in '21 but not even good enough to crack the starting lineup (which would be hard to do given our roster) - i.e. "pure powder."
I don't think they'll do that. I don't think they're above it in a vacuum, but I also think it has been so long since they had a good team that they're probably pretty excited about next season.
Not valuing the draft as much as you do? Maybe. Trading for a player they don't believe will help? I don't see that.