03-24-2023, 01:18 PM
(03-24-2023, 11:15 AM)F Gump Wrote: Luka can't go anywhere for years. He is under contract. (And no matter how it's spun, he is almost certain to sign the next contract with Dallas as well.)
I don't have any argument about the need to be sensitive to his preferences -- it's just good policy to try to make him want to be here rather than intentionally or negligently make life hard for him -- but I don't believe it's productive to have a dynamic of walking on eggshells in your FO decision-making with abject fear that he might get upset.
The argument is being made that the franchise needs to be held hostage to Luka's whims of the moment, and shrink in fear of doing what needs to be done for the future. But everyone accepts that what is most likely to create the most dissatisfaction for him is the lack of a roster around him that has enough talent to compete for titles. My point is, in the light of that, adults sometimes may have to bite the bullet and make hard choices for the good of all, in pursuit of the bigger goals.
Do we really think that Luka would prefer wins now, over shots at titles later, and would force his way out of Dallas in response to Mavs doing what they have to do to enhance future title chances? That doesn't pass the smell test.
A future pick isn't worth as much to the Mavs as a top 10 pick now. They need an injection of talent NOW, not later. And this would be the BEST pick they would have for quite some time, rather than a pick in the 20s. Nor is it an either-or -- they can have BOTH a top 10 pick now to supplement their talent, and a future unprotected pick to trade, if they wish.
If you don't think Luka whines way too much (causing 4-on-5's, being late down the floor, getting techs that will sideline him and also give up free points, and keeps him from focusing on the game), then you aren't watching. It's a real issue that is getting bigger and bigger as time goes on. Really bad habits -- and awful leadership.
Giving up when things aren't looking good (but not lost yet) is also not really a positive leadership lesson. While reaching playoffs directly is becoming a theoretic thing, Mavs can still get there through play-in. I don't believe they are a contender and didn't believe in it when the season started. But just giving up even before it started...
There are serious risks that tanking (starting with two bad losses against one of worst teams in the league) would finish with:
a) Mavs (NY) still ending with top20 pick or
b) Mavs picking wrong
Absolutely no guarantee it would work out and while we may discuss endlesly, I don't think there is a significant difference between asset value comparing the two possibilities. I don't believe the potential tanking brings outweights the risks. If tanking would be an option, it should be done correctly and way sooner.
If I would consider tanking, it would be done in these steps:
1. fire Nico
2. fire Kidd
3. start the tank and do it properly (losing all 9 games convincingly)
Message to everyone - we understand the mistakes we made and we want to get serious. Next step after the finished tank - pay big the best available GM and coach.