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

[mvossman]

Excellent reply.  Thank you.

I don't think we're far off in opinions of Lively.  I would say 12mins rookie, 18mins sophomore.  Point being is that I think he's 2.5-3 years away from starting (mid season 3rd year to beginning of 4th year), which IMO is nice expectation without too much hope.  

I loved what I saw from OMax.  When he develops an outside shot, I see him as the flex SF/PF we need (in the mold of DFS and Crowder).  I'm not nearly as worried about that role as I was, filling it with likes of K.Anderson, or my dream Eason.

We're obviously covered at point (guard/forward), SG, and flex SG/SF.  Williams, Maxi, Luka, and OMax can handle PF.

That leaves center as our exposed position.   I simply don't think we can contend the next 2-3 years with a cast of limited Lively, Powell, Holmes, and McGee.  I hope Holmes will rebound his career, but that can't be depended upon; whatever he gives us should be a nice addition unexpected.

Which leaves me wanting a center who can make us a contender now.  J.Allen's 3yr/$20m/yr contract is ideal for Lively's timeline.  Again, in the 3rd year you'd have a 27yo J.Allen on an expiring $20m/yr deal.  *If Lively is ready, you move J.Allen for top talent in a spot of need unknown at this time.  This *is building for the future.

If a package of Wood/THJ/27FRP isn't enough, I'd seriously consider moving J.Green for J.Allen.

By choosing not to spend all of our assets on Allen now (assuming that is even an option) does not pigeonhole us into sticking with our current center rotation for the next 2 or 3 years.  We can make a move at the TDL if necessary or next offseason.  

This team got better but also a lot younger.  Its going to take some time.  I don't think adding Allen to this team makes it a contender year 1.  I would like to see what we have in Holmes and Lively before making a huge move in that direction.  We have the time.

Bottom line, signs say its not going to happen.  We made an offer prior to draft and it was not enough for them.  No reason to believe we want to make a bigger offer now, and very little noise that he is on the block right now anyways.