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

[RDB]

I do NOT criticize on still having the 2027 pick for use on a draft pick in 2027, or whatever. That's not a litmus test for me, for them to strip all the assets bare, and I actually think it's a poor way to operate. No matter what they do, there will be needs in the future, and there need to be assets on hand too. In fact, as they did this season, they need to both use some assets in one place, and add some new ones in another.

But I DO criticize that, for the 2nd year in a row, they saw a specific need, told us they would be sure to fix it very well, and then (either due to utter incompetence, or an inability to be honest) they simply didn't do it. I find that inexcusable, and don't think that sort of problem-solving management is how you run a successful business. Nor is it the right way to treat your customers.

I share the frustration expressed by both you and Omahen, just likely not as intense.  However, I am curious as to who people wanted to see on the team to “fix it very well”.  Did people want Ayton, Capela, Allen?  Was it a cheaper stab at guys like Bamba?

While it won’t fix the problem this year, they did use their 1st pick on a center.  I have been one of the posters suggesting others should pump the brakes on their expectations for this year.  HOWEVER, I do not share some of the opinions that Lively is a 3 year project.  I believe he will be able to take starter role in year 2, just like J. Allen.  

Maybe I am drinking the Kool-aide on the second year projection but I believe Lively will be Jarrett Allen 2.0.  Frankly, even though I am in favor of integrating him into the lineup slowly, if the Mav’s choose to throw him into the fire, I believe he would have comparable production to year 1 Allen.  Allen started 31 games his rookie year and posted 8.2 pts, 5.4 reb, 1.2 blks on 20 minutes/game.  With Luka and Kyrie, I think he could easily replicate those numbers in the second half.

Bottom line is we talk about how they are either dishonest or incompetent because they said they would address a need and we are not satisfied with the outcome.  However, could it not be argued that the drafting of Lively satisfied that priority?  We are not in the room and privy to their plans but if they project Lively taking a larger role by mid season, would others still be upset that we didn’t bring in a center to “fix it very well”?  If they project (like me) that Lively will be ready year 2, would others still be upset that we chose to avoid an overpay for bridge center?  Looking through a different lens, would folks be satisfied if our center rotation was J. Allen, Powell, Kleber, & Holmes?  If the answer is yes, I would suggest that is what we will have by year 2.  Not year six J. Allen but year two J. Allen (10/8/1.5).

I would have loved to get a short term bridge but not at the expense of Lively’s development.  If the Mav’s believe Lively will be ready to assume the starting role by year 2 and envision him taking a larger role by the 2nd half, I would only be willing provide assets for a center I am comfortable coming off the bench and their skill sets need to be greater than those I get from Powell or Holmes as a backup with backup minutes.