(11-19-2023, 10:16 AM)ItsGoTime Wrote: I was just looking at Vuc. I do think if he could model his career arc to match Brook Lopez, he would be amazing here (mostly scorer to mostly defender). He was the starting C for the #5 defense in the league last year. So there might be a little hope?
My post was about finding a player to at least match what we get from Lively, and trying to figure out what he does that is beyond what bringing in a hard working tall C with good instincts is. It was meant to slow that snowball roll of “Lively is a starter, period”. If Lively is the better choice to start? GREAT! Bravo! Just give him competition, cause as of now, there is not 1 C (even Maxi) that is competition for the starting spot. I also don’t really care about the actual competition, I care about having much more of the things Lively does for this team on the court for much more than half the game.
As far as a list of guys I think fit what I’m talking about? I posted one previously. I could add Vuc to it due to how available (and relatively cheap) I think he might be as a try out. Each has varying degrees of availability, impact and cost and none of them are in order of want. Gafford, Hartenstein, Capela, Vuc, Stewart, Allen, and Zubac. Get 1 of those guys, and I’m willing to give the 27 (or at this point Green), and I think we’re a ton closer to championship contenders. I’m sure there are others that would fit, especially some of the younger players, Sims is intriguing to me for instance.
Get the correct starting SF in the offseason when we have even more ammo than now to do so and next season I think we compete with the best teams in the league as sure-fire contenders.
Stewart is interesting. He is someone I liked in the past. I am not sure he is exactly what I am looking for now though. Plus, I think the GM has a long history with his family so I am not sure if he would be one of the first guys they look to move.
When I think about finishing up the building of the roster over the next year or so, here is what I envision...in addition to the youngster hopeful growth. Maybe this player can be one player, but maybe two solid B players would be the better fit?
1) Maxi type player but 20% better. A guy who can play some five but also guard a little on the perimeter while stretching the floor. This is who I view as the Lively backup in time. Envision the Maxi from 3-4 years ago (but a little better) pairing with Grant for stretches. Grant can use his strength on the center and Maxi can be the off ball shot blocker. Plus, both can spread the floor.
2) Taller than 6'8 wing who mostly can match up against perimeter wings but can also chip in with 6-7 rebounds. Unless the Mavs get really lucky this would be where you probably need to spend several assets to get. You are probably looking for a salary over 20 million per year. I think this is a must have. In addition to the development of our youngsters. They need a guy and a wave following to throw at the elite scorers to make them work for their points. They need this to be a contender.
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