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

[cow]

If you want to maximize defense before Lively is ready, then you probably start Maxi at center.  Otherwise I'm not sure Powell or even Ayton are better choices than Holmes defensively.  Holmes is a better rim protector than either of them, and a better rebounder than Powell.

With the Lively pick and getting back into the draft tells me the FO is not aiming for a championship this season.  They are actually looking a little longer term than previously.  If that is the mindset, then you don't spend more assets at the center position (other than possibly Powell) unless/until you determine Lively is not going to be the long term solution.

Issue is if Maxi can stay healthy.  You could be right about Holmes, but we really don't know what he is or how he fits.  Powell has actually become more important to sign, I just hope he doesn't get more than the veteran minimum.  

I do think the Mavs are being more forward looking, but they'll want to compete while building up the roster.  There is no reason to sign Kyrie otherwise and we will give him a massive contract.  Nico also said that the FO isn't done.  A lot of the piecemeal bigs on the roster might not even be here.