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

[surfpuckmd]

The Mavs just have different assets than we’re used to. In the past the only thing of real value outside of Luka was draft picks. Now the Mavs have players that have value and can be combined with other assets to make big changes if things fall apart.

It’s just strange as a Mavs fan to change our perspective is all.

But as you’ve pointed out the Mavs aren’t strapped for picks like some here always want to bring up. I get being doom and gloom. I was there when we lost Brunson for nothing. But the Mavs have draft picks to go along with players with positive value.

I suggest we simply draft players instead of thinking about picks as only tradable assets though.

Last 6 drafts:
‘18 Luka & Brunson (RD2)
‘20 Green
‘22 Hardy (RD2)
‘23 Lively & Omax

Future picks next 5 drafts:
‘24 SRP
‘25 FRP, SRP
‘26 FRP
‘28 FRP, SRP, SRP

Right on.  I really enjoy the draft and would be fine with the Mavericks holding their remaining picks to use for themselves.  I think the great thing is that we're in a position where there should be no pressure to make another move for at least a year.  If something favorable comes up, we can consider it.  In the past, we often seemed desperate to trade and that hurt our negotiating position.  Nico and Lindsay have us in a better place currently. 

The one caveat to drafting for ourselves is that it is difficult to contend and develop very young players simultaneously.  I think Lively is an outlier and we should not expect another rookie to make an immediate positive contribution in the near future.  I also think we are unlikely to pick higher than 22 or so in the draft for the next several years.  We might hit on a good player though occasionally and having a rotation player on a rookie deal would be an advantage in roster building.  

I'll trust this front office to make good decisions though.  I'm even starting to trust Jason Kidd a bit.  We'll also soon see how the Clipper series shakes out.  I think that will reveal everything about where the Mavericks are as a team.