2021-2022 MAVS NEWS: 4th in West | WCF loss [ARCHIVED]

[omahen]

I think we need another "big", largely because we are too susceptible to fouls and injury.  I don't think a big plodding rebounder is the answer.  One of the messages of the playoffs is rim rolling may not be the core of what we do.  It might be a specialized option and five-out may be the core.  We have been conditioned to think otherwise under Carlisle with players like Powell, WCS and even Brown filling the role (or roll).  

Another Maxi, no matter whether he's 6'8" or a 7-footer, is probably what is needed.  If you screen for block% and good mobile defense among PF's/C's who can also hit a 3, you get to Maxi pretty quickly.  Most of the guys higher on the list are unattainable.  Crowder or Batum or Thaddeus Young would give us another bigger guy who can defend.  That would probably be enough to make you feel better if one of our current "centers" got into foul trouble and it would solve the concern of having to play Bertans against playoff offenses.

I think we also need to think long-term. Powell and Maxi are both expiring and entered their thirties. So how long will they be able to provide what they provided this offseason? Are you rolling with them for next two or three seasons and hope their production will remain similar? Maxi also surpassed his previous playoff and regular season achievements, so I wonder how sustainable that is. 

It might be prime time to sell high. I would strongly seek for an upgrade, if available. Batum and others mentioned might be a short term solution, but Mavs need something long term.