(12-11-2023, 01:03 PM)juanc Wrote: I think I am the only one here that prefers to just play out this season or make a small trade(Like Jalen Mcdaniels or something like that). Why is that you ask? Right now the Mavs assets are a 2027 1st round pick and our young players. After this season ends we'll(most likely) have:
- 25, 27 and 31 1st round picks to trade
- THJ 16 mil and Holmes 12 mil expiring contracts

Also, Lively will have 1 season under his belt, so will Omax and Hardy will have 2. I know you guys are getting low(er) on Hardy, but I still think he deserves this season and one more season(I've got a feeling that the Mavs were forcing Hardy this offseason to become something that he isn't - a playmaker, maybe a full offseason on focusing at what he does best - scoring would bring the old Hardy back).

If we can get a defensive gamechanger ala OG Anunoby then great, make the deal, but I wouldn't waste our assets on some mediocre upgrade ala Collins,...

(12-11-2023, 01:21 PM)DanSchwartzgan Wrote: I was listening to a national podcast with a bit of an analytical bend over the weekend.  They were designing trades to help LAL and THJ's name came up (Hield-lite).  Dallas would get Rui and a 2nd.  I don't dare mention that one here as I can anticipate the discussion.  But, your 'must defend' stance made me think of Vanderbilt.  Most recognize him as a plus defender who is limited offensively.  His return has pretty well shut down Wood, so we know what the Lakers think of the value those two bring.  Is he good enough for the standard you are arguing for?

(12-11-2023, 01:03 PM)juanc Wrote: I think I am the only one here that prefers to just play out this season or make a small trade(Like Jalen Mcdaniels or something like that). Why is that you ask? Right now the Mavs assets are a 2027 1st round pick and our young players. After this season ends we'll(most likely) have:
- 25, 27 and 31 1st round picks to trade
- THJ 16 mil and Holmes 12 mil expiring contracts

Also, Lively will have 1 season under his belt, so will Omax and Hardy will have 2. I know you guys are getting low(er) on Hardy, but I still think he deserves this season and one more season(I've got a feeling that the Mavs were forcing Hardy this offseason to become something that he isn't - a playmaker, maybe a full offseason on focusing at what he does best - scoring would bring the old Hardy back).

If we can get a defensive gamechanger ala OG Anunoby then great, make the deal, but I wouldn't waste our assets on some mediocre upgrade ala Collins,...

(12-11-2023, 03:32 PM)chaparral Wrote: Enjoying the trade convo today on what the Mavs need.  Just wondering what the board thinks about Saddiq Bay.  He is shooting .400 from 3's this season and bring in 6 rebounds.  Don't know if he's a good defender or not?  Is he in the Hawks long term plans, since they did not extend him this off-season.

(12-11-2023, 01:21 PM)DanSchwartzgan Wrote: I think Lively will be the third best player, so we are really talking about #4 here.  No matter what you call it, I think they have to help with D (the opportunity for greatest improvement).  But, as Killer alludes, they have to also be able to hit a 3 on at least mediocre volume (not necessarily THJ volume though).   I do agree other skills like rebounding and attacking close-outs and moving the ball without too many TO's are also important (all of which Collins does).  

I was listening to a national podcast with a bit of an analytical bend over the weekend.  They were designing trades to help LAL and THJ's name came up (Hield-lite).  Dallas would get Rui and a 2nd.  I don't dare mention that one here as I can anticipate the discussion.  But, your 'must defend' stance made me think of Vanderbilt.  Most recognize him as a plus defender who is limited offensively.  His return has pretty well shut down Wood, so we know what the Lakers think of the value those two bring.  Is he good enough for the standard you are arguing for?

(12-11-2023, 03:32 PM)chaparral Wrote: Enjoying the trade convo today on what the Mavs need.  Just wondering what the board thinks about Saddiq Bay.  He is shooting .400 from 3's this season and bring in 6 rebounds.  Don't know if he's a good defender or not?  Is he in the Hawks long term plans, since they did not extend him this off-season.

(12-11-2023, 01:21 PM)DanSchwartzgan Wrote: I was listening to a national podcast with a bit of an analytical bend over the weekend.  They were designing trades to help LAL and THJ's name came up (Hield-lite).  Dallas would get Rui and a 2nd.  I don't dare mention that one here as I can anticipate the discussion.  But, your 'must defend' stance made me think of Vanderbilt.  Most recognize him as a plus defender who is limited offensively.  His return has pretty well shut down Wood, so we know what the Lakers think of the value those two bring.  Is he good enough for the standard you are arguing for?

(12-11-2023, 04:02 PM)omahen Wrote: In my opinion, third best guy (on offense) is someone who generates some of the offense on his own. Denver has MPj, Boston had a couple of guys last season that could qualify (White, Smart), Miami has Herro, Lakers have Reaves/Russell,..

I think Mavs will need that guy and I think Lively is far away from being that. So far he is still extremely raw and not really capable of using his size against smaller guys. He surprised most (all?) of us by his improvement this season, but I have a really hard time imagining such a huge advancement by next season. As he is, it is likely he will be played off the floor in playoffs, I am affraid.

So far, THJ has been that guy for Mavs and it is not even close. His problem is his weak defense, as we basically all agree. Not because he is a bad individual defender, but because you can't play THJ next to Luka and Kyrie and hope for any kind of decent defense. So, for me the only logical way is to replace THJ offense by similar offensive guy who is a much better defender. As Mavs have Luka and Kyrie, that third scorer needs to also be a good defender.

(12-12-2023, 03:51 AM)omahen Wrote: Atlanta, Sacramento and Indy are teams to watch for Siakam (or OG, but more likely Siakam), if (when) Toronto decides to sell according to Shams.

My comment. All three teams can be put in similar category as Mavs. Good that could become great with a guy like Siakam. If I have a look at their individual potential assets and contracts:
- Atlanta. If I understand their draft commitments correctly, Atlanta only has one FRP available to trade (2029 or 2030). They don't have any significant expiring salary. Hunter would likely be the main salary going out. They have a couple of decent young players such as Griffin (not playing much this season), jalen Johnson (has a great season so far) and this years FRP Bufkin. Siakam would likely share the number two status with Murray on the team.
- Indiana. They have all their picks available. Siakam would be a clear number two on the team. Expiring Buddy would be the main salary and they have a selection of decent young players.
- Sacramento. Looks like closest to contending of the three. If I understand their draft commitments correctly, they have 2028 and 2030 picks available to trade. Barnes with two more years on his deal would be the likely main salary going out, the rest being a combination of Huerter (also 2 more years), Mitchel and Lyles. No really attractive young players, assuming Murray is off the table.

Based on this, Indy is by far in prime position to outbid anyone for Siakam, if they want to. I think Dallas can prepare comparable offers to Atlanta or Sacramento and it would basically came down to which players Toronto prefers. So the main task is to convince Siakam he doesn't want to be in Indiana

https://theathletic.com/5126208/2023/12/11/pascal-siakam-zach-lavine-trade-rumors-nba-hawks-kings-bulls/

(12-12-2023, 03:51 AM)omahen Wrote: So the main task is to convince Siakam he doesn't want to be in Indiana

(12-12-2023, 10:13 AM)Jason Terry Wrote: I’m coming around to Collins or another player instead of standing pat or selling

Reason 1: The West is wide open. Denver doesn’t look as hungry or dominant. The top teams (MIN, OKC) are both young and haven’t been through the grind of the playoffs. The pretender contenders (Suns, Fakers, Clippers, Warriors) all look old and washed.

Reason 2: Lively. The way he’s playing is beyond our wildest expectations for this point in the season. He’s ready, so we’re (almost) ready right now.

(12-12-2023, 08:06 AM)ThisIStheYear Wrote: I would consider Collins if the price is low.His 3 point shot is back and he’s learned how to defend. He could be a fifth starter. Mavs already have a big 3, and Exum is a good #4. They’re in excellent shape. You could do a lot worse than Grant, Collins, and DJj splitting minutes up front.