MAVS NEWS: Luka Is Hurt, But is Trudging On | DLive's Mom Passes Away| Maxi OUT

[Smitty]

A bit of an overstatement of what I said, but let’s start from there anyway.

I didn’t make the decision.  In fact, I’ve been arguing for Wood to start at PF.  But when FG pointed out this possibility the other night my comment was that it made sense of the most puzzling part of Kidd’s interview (that we would have a ton of offense coming off the bench).

I think it is a defensible approach to start the season off.  It is more important that Wood is happy in May/June than he is in October.  Nothing about this “news” destroys the ability for Wood to be happy in May/June.  I guess I tend to give the team that just went to the WCF’s some benefit of the doubt that they have some idea what works and what doesn’t.  

Life is going to throw a few curveballs.  I don’t like curve’s any more than anyone else.  What works for me is trying to work through the challenge and see the possibilities.  Wallowing in the fact I just missed a pitch doesn’t do me any good.  So, I try not to do it.  The fact that we just lost Brunson does not dictate the outcome for Wood.  In fact, it probably does the opposite as the team is much more attuned to the possibility and the PR nightmare of it happening twice in consecutive summers.

OK, I'll bite. Imagine being 20 & 10 Christian Wood in a contract year, trying to earn a max deal, as the number 2 guy on a Luka-led team. Only you're in the running for 6MOY instead of All-star because you're behind up a 34 year old career back-up who was promised a starting spot as part of negotiations to sign here. What could possibly go wrong. 

It probably doesn't matter in the W/L column who "starts" but I'm sure it matters to the players and others around the league, the fraternity. Ultimately, it doesn't matter to me much either. Just pointing out how this board will inevitably shift from Wood is a great #2, All-Star worthy guy who Nico hit a grand slam with - to - he hasn't proven or earned anything and it makes sense to take this approach yada yada.

I think Christian Wood will be a really good player, if he's on the roster. I could be wrong. I also think that he either plays too well and wants to get to FA, where the Mavs won't pay - or - for whatever reason, he clashes with Luka and others (not starting?) or plays poorly and will not be retained.