08-07-2021, 02:27 PM
(08-07-2021, 02:18 PM)DallasBasketball Wrote: Why would it be too late? I can imagine a scenario where he is barely bought out in time for the playoffs that puts us in a limited position to use him.
But I guess it also is about expectations. I don’t view Dragic as a solution to all our problems. Just added depth in a role where he’s really needed.
As for the past. It’s water under the collapsed bridge.
Fair question, and I wasn't very clear.
I just feel that like 60% of the value associated with acquiring Dragic during this off-season (or in the past) is his experience and understanding, with the goal being for the team to learn from him, both conceptually and through mutual experience.
Don't get me wrong, I do think he brings plenty of tangible on-court improvement to the table, but I don't think the full brunt of that can be achieved between the TDL and the playoffs. Teams need training camp and early season to achieve the synergy needed to play well together, imo.
Because of Dragic's age, I'd say two things are true: it's not a forgone conclusion that it will make sense to keep him long after this season (in your hypothetical when he gets bought out at the TDL) and every day that passes before acquiring him slightly diminishes the benefit of doing so. That's why I brought up the failed trade of last summer - not to retread anti-MBT talking points, but because I view it as a missed opportunity specifically regarding Dragic.
In short, I think he's a player who offers a tremendous value, even if it's only for one season, if brought in at the beginning of that season, but not a player who I'd expect to move the needle much by suddenly appearing in time for the sprint to the end after the TDL. Nor do I see him as of an age where you just keep trying to get him until it's possible, for the future. Just my opinion.