12-13-2020, 01:56 PM
(12-13-2020, 01:33 PM)KillerLeft Wrote: Well, but I'd argue that simply drafting three rookies (carrying FOUR to start the season) is so much less "win now" than we expected. I interpreted this entire off-season as confirmation that they understand they're not very close. That's a REALLY good thing, imo.
They should absolutely fight and claw to maintain their foothold in the playoffs, and if at all possible, they should try to improve on last season's results. But, I was pleasantly surprised that they bought in on some young players and see committed to developing them. You guys get that none of them even have to contribute in the playoffs for this team to improve this year, right? I think they did an outstanding job of balancing their need to be competitive now (but not really) with their need to get more talented and athletic as they move into the future (which was the real need).
I wouldn't not read the situation this way. The Mavs have used this strategy before in the 2000 draft when they drafted three rookies in the first round (Etan Thomas, Courtney Alexander, Donnell Harvey) after being in the playoffs.
All of those players were quickly moved for other pieces.