06-23-2023, 01:21 PM
(06-23-2023, 12:58 PM)mvossman Wrote: I loved the trade down and the follow up Holmes trade. That was quality GMing, which we have not seen a lot of. But I am struggling with what the direction is. It does not seem like Kyrie and Lively are on the same timeline. Kyrie is a win now player, and Lively is a win later player. Do we really have enough assets to go both ways? If Holmes can play like he did a couple of years ago and start for us, then things make more sense, but I am skeptical that is the case. Right now Powell seems like the best bet to start at center and we still desperately need a starting 4. If we are going to take a couple of seasons to fill those holes, then I don't really understand what the point of Kyrie is?
These are my thoughts exactly. I totally agree moves were creative and addressed some issues. But, what is this teams general direction? They make a win now move for a player who you can't realistically count on for more than a couple of seasons. Rest of season clearly showed Mavs lack a couple of solid starters. Than Mavs suddenly do a 180 and start building for the future. I liked Holmes three years ago, but boy I was rejected here when proposing various Holmes trade ideas in past years. Now even I am not convinced he can return to be the starter level contributor he was. Getting that TE was great. Getting something for it was great. But cap space (or salary reduction capability) will have value this summer - is Holmes and 24 really the best possible outcome given Mavs needs.
I am not trying to condemn them, but I am far from declaring this summer a success, before seeing the final result. To address the thread title - Nico has not done much in his three years to have my trust.
To be fair, there were literally zero player moves on draft night, outside the ones made by Dallas. A couple of (big) trades happened before draft. But, the FO is there to make things happen. Looking forward to see rest of the summer.
P.S.: I just don't share Dans belief Luka is here for four years no matter what. I think one more season like last year and he demands a trade.