07-23-2023, 07:16 AM
(This post was last modified: 07-23-2023, 07:31 AM by hakeemfaan.)
(07-22-2023, 08:30 PM)Jakeospikez Wrote: No clue where this is coming from. There hasn't been a single offseason since the Mavs traded for injured KP that everyone was actually happy about. This one is different because they tanked and kept a lottery pick and were able to make lots of good moves. The offseason that was supposed to be huge that just ended up with Delon Wright as the prize signing was a colossal failure that needed puppet media guys to attack the fan base for being so angry. Board listed so many possibilities from role players to players with upside and they came away with pretty much nothing. That alone ruined Doncic's rookie contract years. They actually got stuff done this time instead of being left with nothing but powder. The FO is competing against 29 other teams, it's not free to just get whatever players you want.
What was the draft board this time? Were Lively and OMax the 12th and 24th best talent on the boards when they picked or are they drafting for need? Teams get into trouble reaching for need in the draft. I don’t blame GMs for missing out. The draft is always a crapshoot but I do care about talent and skill in the draft. The NBA is now more than ever a skill league. OMax actually I don’t have complaints about. Teams might regret passing on Emoni but that happens. At 12 though you better hope Lively turns out to be really good because there were better skilled guys available. Teams don’t get better in a day. I don’t expect them to. However stacking up on skill gives you a chance that you might hit on something special and even if not, that type of asset is sought after in future trades.
Let’s even put Lively aside when it comes to evaluating this off-season as even those supporting his selection are not factoring him to contribute much. I have rooted for this team when they barely managed double digit wins. I will continue to. However when it comes to grading off-seasons I see the lack of rebounding and defense at the center spot as a huge concern and don’t see a raw rookie helping there. I see the lack of a 3 headed guard rotation as a concern. These were glaring issues even last season. So without addressing those why the rush to give this off-season high grades? If the answer is they are not done yet, I am fine with that. Again no need to rush to give a great grade.
To me a big part of this season, assuming no other blockbuster, is to force feed Hardy. Hardaway and Green are not the answer. Exum did not inspire confidence in his first stint. I don’t know if Hardy is the answer but he brings certain things as far as skillset and putting pressure on defenses in ways that Green and Hardaway can’t. Even if Exum has got better the team absolutely has to give Hardy minutes. I also take back my concession on being ok with Lively not getting many minutes this year. Force feed him minutes even if 8-10 mins a night. I am thinking OMax will get minutes. If the Mavs do that with Hardy, OMax and Lively, I will totally be fine with how this season goes as far as wins and losses. They can’t afford to run journeymen centers or find some retreads and hope for different results. You have Luka and Kyrie. Be bold with some other moves or rotaions and take a chance to see if some of these guys can be difference makers.