07-29-2022, 12:50 PM
(07-25-2022, 08:05 PM)DanSchwartzgan Wrote: It is interesting the way we’ve churned through players kind of in the 4/5 tiers. Seth Curry made the list after his final year here. He was traded for Josh Richardson who made the list prior to being a Mav, but not since. Brunson made the list for the first time in his final year here and KP made the list both as a Mav and since leaving. He’s the only Mav who was as high as a 3 his first year back from injury (but a 4 since). We’ve been told in various ways that all had some kind of fit issue with Luka.
The list is pretty fluid. Once you get to a certain point, a players rank isn’t self determined, but largely tied to team success. The 20 rankings had three Mav’s besides Luka (KP, THJ and Maxi). The 21 rankings had (KP, and THJ (barely) but Maxi dropped off. This year has THJ, SD, DFS and Maxi, but also Wood and Bertans have been ranked on past lists (Bertans surprisingly has made the list twice). So, without injuries and with some team success, we may get what you are seeking. Luka and as many as six guys in the 4/5 range. McGee and Bullock probably don’t get there. It is also unlikely Bertans is a top 125 guy again, but I think there is a really good chance Wood, SD, DFS, THJ and Maxi get there.
My question about “THE” trade was really about what level player would we give up multiple future firsts for. By now, we should be getting some feel for what Luka needs next to him. I’m fine if we can give up expiring contracts and end of bench guys and land another 4/5 type. But, I think the Mav’s have grander plans.
Is Lonzo Ball not on that list? I am going to be watching the Bulls closely this year. I really enjoyed that team before they got hurt. I could see them as a 4th seed next year. Although, I can also see them as a 10th seed missing their first round pick.
Ball is not cleared to play with a knee injury. So in a perfect world he could be a similar buy low Dinwiddie caliber player if the Bulls struggle this year. The may be moot if either Ball is damaged good or the Bulls regain some steam this year. Regardless, I could see a fit for a non dominant bigger guard playing with Luka and Dinwiddie.