04-17-2023, 03:30 PM
(04-17-2023, 12:36 PM)dirkfansince1998 Wrote: Reminds me of similar takes on this board when the Mavs signed DAJ. Gobert´s decline isn´t quite as bad but he is trending in the same direction. Block numbers are down. DFG% in the paint isn´t what it used to be. Rebounding numbers are down.
Some of it could be because he simply doesn´t fit next to another "slow" big like Kat. But if that is the case I am not sure if he is the right answer for a team that wants to build around Luka and his athletic limitations.
All of these are fair points and are great reasons why not to do it.
But I'm looking around the league and its hard to find a better center that could be had for cheaper. Gobert's contract, and general decline, is enough for Minnesota to pay to get off of his deal. I'm operating under the assumption that they hated the twin towers experiment and are willing to throw in a great defensive wing in McDaniels in such a deal. The Mavs securing a defensive wing in the mold of DFS and getting their defensive minded center (while getting off of some bad money) is enough to make it worthwhile.
The Bullock+THJ+Bertans for McDaniels+Gobert deal actually saves the Mavs money this year and keeps them right under the luxury tax.
I don't know. As much as I'd like a Duren/Gafford/Hartenstein, I don't think those guys will be readily available. Gobert is. And even in his decline he's still a top 10 guy at his position.
14x All-Star, 12x all-NBA, 1x MVP, 1x Finals MVP, 1 NBA Championship: Dirk Nowitzki, the man, the myth, the legend.