(06-30-2025, 08:20 AM)Chicagojk Wrote: I can't tell you how depressing Mavs life would be right now if they didn't hit the lottery and draft Flagg.  Can you imagine trying to get excited about signing D-LO (by the way, I need to know how you type his nickname Dlo, DLO, D'LO?) and seeing all the other west teams improving.  It would be a dark week (dark decade) for the Mavs.  At least they have hope now.

(06-30-2025, 08:21 AM)FireNicoHarrison Wrote: What? Do you not see the Nico "vision"?

(06-30-2025, 08:20 AM)Chicagojk Wrote: I can't tell you how depressing Mavs life would be right now if they didn't hit the lottery and draft Flagg.  Can you imagine trying to get excited about signing D-LO (by the way, I need to know how you type his nickname Dlo, DLO, D'LO?) and seeing all the other west teams improving.  It would be a dark week (dark decade) for the Mavs.  At least they have hope now.

(06-30-2025, 07:22 AM)HoosierDaddyKid Wrote: https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nba/calls-mount-for-danny-ainge-s-firing-after-jazz-trade-on-sunday/ar-AA1HErD2?ocid=msedgntp&pc=


Ainge is being called out for the latest trade. LOL

(06-30-2025, 08:26 AM)Smitty Wrote: If you put on Nico goggles, he thought this team was a contender last season, with the AD trade. If all he does is add “DLo” and Flagg, he’s gotta believe it even more so.

Russell > Dinwiddie
Flagg > Prosper

And just run it back?

(06-30-2025, 09:01 AM)DanSchwartzgan Wrote: If Stein is right about DLo and Exum, we basically have 7 guys who have always started.  DLo did lose his starting job during his half season in LA last season, but otherwise, he’s always started.  It makes sense to start him if you are using him as a placeholder for Kyrie.  That way, when Kyrie returns, there isn’t a huge change in playing style or positions.

It makes sense to start Klay to add shooting and to put your biggest names in the lineup announcement (though Klay rarely closed, so I don’t think he’s in your “top 5” even though he may be in your starting five).

It makes sense to start PJ (or at least make that promise)…especially if you want to keep him and get him to sign that extension.  Unlike Klay or DLo, PJ definitely is among your top five players.

But, only two of the three can start if you assume Flagg, AD and a center will occupy the other three spots.  I hope it is Klay that moves  to the bench.  With Gafford and Naji on the bench, the second unit could really use some shooting.  Exum helps, but Christie is unproven at this point.  I have fewer offensive concerns with Lively, AD, PJ, Flagg and DLo as the starters.  Gafford, Naji, Klay, Christie and Exum also make sense to me.  Between BWill (PG), Hardy (Small Wing), Martin (Larger Wing) and Powell (Center), you have someone who can absorb minutes at each position as needed (though, you can absorb most injuries by just giving more minutes to the top 10 guys in your rotation).

With all of that said, if PJ doesn’t extend, I can see him coming off the bench instead of Klay.  I could also see the Mav’s using some of that deep bench payroll ($20mm between Martin, Powell and Hardy) combined with PJ to go after a more natural 2.  None of Flagg, Klay nor PJ really make that much sense as a 2.  Nico makes TDL trades every year, and I could see something happening there with PJ+ if he isn’t locked up at the end of August.  I’m not predicting that.  I like PJ and was encouraged by Nico’s story about PJ at the Flagg workout.  Just pointing out that the PJ thing isn’t locked down yet.

(06-30-2025, 09:20 AM)mvossman Wrote: I think this is exactly what is going to happen.  The roster is a mess.  The top 5 healthy players on the roster are 5s or 4s.  Without significant injuries (which is a real possibility) guys are going to be playing out of position or losing minutes or both.  Eventually guys are going to need to be moved to balance out the roster, and I am worried they are going to lose some value by then.

(06-30-2025, 09:34 AM)F Gump Wrote: I get your thinking, but I am not convinced the Mavs would elevate DLo over Klay. 

So -- subject to what we see in SL, which I truly feel has a shot to be VERY good and eye-opening -- my guess is that Flagg and Klay are your starting "guards" on opening day. 

Lively
AD
PJW
Flagg
Klay

(06-30-2025, 09:20 AM)mvossman Wrote: I think this is exactly what is going to happen.  The roster is a mess.  The top 5 healthy players on the roster are 5s or 4s.  Without significant injuries (which is a real possibility) guys are going to be playing out of position or losing minutes or both.  Eventually guys are going to need to be moved to balance out the roster, and I am worried they are going to lose some value by then.

(06-30-2025, 09:01 AM)DanSchwartzgan Wrote: If Stein is right about DLo and Exum, we basically have 7 guys who have always started.  DLo did lose his starting job during his half season in LA last season, but otherwise, he’s always started.  It makes sense to start him if you are using him as a placeholder for Kyrie.  That way, when Kyrie returns, there isn’t a huge change in playing style or positions.

It makes sense to start Klay to add shooting and to put your biggest names in the lineup announcement (though Klay rarely closed, so I don’t think he’s in your “top 5” even though he may be in your starting five).

It makes sense to start PJ (or at least make that promise)…especially if you want to keep him and get him to sign that extension.  Unlike Klay or DLo, PJ definitely is among your top five players.

But, only two of the three can start if you assume Flagg, AD and a center will occupy the other three spots.  I hope it is Klay that moves  to the bench.  With Gafford and Naji on the bench, the second unit could really use some shooting.  Exum helps, but Christie is unproven at this point.  I have fewer offensive concerns with Lively, AD, PJ, Flagg and DLo as the starters.  Gafford, Naji, Klay, Christie and Exum also make sense to me.  Between BWill (PG), Hardy (Small Wing), Martin (Larger Wing) and Powell (Center), you have someone who can absorb minutes at each position as needed (though, you can absorb most injuries by just giving more minutes to the top 10 guys in your rotation).

With all of that said, if PJ doesn’t extend, I can see him coming off the bench instead of Klay.  I could also see the Mav’s using some of that deep bench payroll ($20mm between Martin, Powell and Hardy) combined with PJ to go after a more natural 2.  None of Flagg, Klay nor PJ really make that much sense as a 2.  Nico makes TDL trades every year, and I could see something happening there with PJ+ if he isn’t locked up at the end of August.  I’m not predicting that.  I like PJ and was encouraged by Nico’s story about PJ at the Flagg workout.  Just pointing out that the PJ thing isn’t locked down yet.

(06-29-2025, 11:05 PM)Mavs2021 Wrote: And there is the Lakers C. Magically it all comes together again for the Lakers. LOL.

(06-30-2025, 09:42 AM)Chicagojk Wrote: I get what you are saying.  The roster is uneven with a lot of moving parts.  I would not call it a mess though.  I view it as a roster with good players on mostly good/decent contracts.   I think it gives them flexibility after they see how Flagg fits.   I agree that I have difficulty seeing how they keep everyone happy and not overwhelming Cooper into a role that he isn't quite ready for.   PJ did post a picture of him in a Mavs jersey on Instagram, so maybe there is something there.

(06-30-2025, 09:01 AM)DanSchwartzgan Wrote: If Stein is right about DLo and Exum, we basically have 7 guys who have always started.  DLo did lose his starting job during his half season in LA last season, but otherwise, he’s always started.  It makes sense to start him if you are using him as a placeholder for Kyrie.  That way, when Kyrie returns, there isn’t a huge change in playing style or positions.

It makes sense to start Klay to add shooting and to put your biggest names in the lineup announcement (though Klay rarely closed, so I don’t think he’s in your “top 5” even though he may be in your starting five).

It makes sense to start PJ (or at least make that promise)…especially if you want to keep him and get him to sign that extension.  Unlike Klay or DLo, PJ definitely is among your top five players.

But, only two of the three can start if you assume Flagg, AD and a center will occupy the other three spots.  I hope it is Klay that moves  to the bench.  With Gafford and Naji on the bench, the second unit could really use some shooting.  Exum helps, but Christie is unproven at this point.  I have fewer offensive concerns with Lively, AD, PJ, Flagg and DLo as the starters.  Gafford, Naji, Klay, Christie and Exum also make sense to me.  Between BWill (PG), Hardy (Small Wing), Martin (Larger Wing) and Powell (Center), you have someone who can absorb minutes at each position as needed (though, you can absorb most injuries by just giving more minutes to the top 10 guys in your rotation).

With all of that said, if PJ doesn’t extend, I can see him coming off the bench instead of Klay.  I could also see the Mav’s using some of that deep bench payroll ($20mm between Martin, Powell and Hardy) combined with PJ to go after a more natural 2.  None of Flagg, Klay nor PJ really make that much sense as a 2.  Nico makes TDL trades every year, and I could see something happening there with PJ+ if he isn’t locked up at the end of August.  I’m not predicting that.  I like PJ and was encouraged by Nico’s story about PJ at the Flagg workout.  Just pointing out that the PJ thing isn’t locked down yet.

(06-30-2025, 09:34 AM)F Gump Wrote: I get your thinking, but I am not convinced the Mavs would elevate DLo over Klay. 

So -- subject to what we see in SL, which I truly feel has a shot to be VERY good and eye-opening -- my guess is that Flagg and Klay are your starting "guards" on opening day. 

Lively
AD
PJW
Flagg
Klay

(06-30-2025, 09:34 AM)F Gump Wrote: I get your thinking, but I am not convinced the Mavs would elevate DLo over Klay. 

So -- subject to what we see in SL, which I truly feel has a shot to be VERY good and eye-opening -- my guess is that Flagg and Klay are your starting "guards" on opening day. 

Lively
AD
PJW
Flagg
Klay

(06-30-2025, 09:01 AM)DanSchwartzgan Wrote: I like PJ and was encouraged by Nico’s story about PJ at the Flagg workout.