What does it all mean?

[mavsluvr]

So serious question. What if Doncic really is one of the greatest players in NBA history?

There are no words to describe what he's done through the first 19 games. Even the most optimistic Mavs fan has to be astonished. 

Even Dirk said he expected Luka face some adversity as teams focus on stopping him. Turns out, the attention has just made him better.

Cuban is giddy. Teammates sound awe inspired. He's being compared to legends of the game by Hall of Fame coaches. He's having the best season for a 20 year old in history and it's not even close. 

No one could have expected this. Surely not Carlisle or even Donnie. 

So, how does this change things? IMHO

The Mavs BT went into the offseason looking for a dynamic playmaker to ride shotgun. Kemba Walker was the main target, along with some defensive help and shooting. 

Well Kemba didn't work out .... so the Mavs put the ball in Doncic's hands ... and that IS working out. Mavs now boast the best offense in NBA history. 

I'll argue that Doncic has risen so quickly that the Mavs are Championship contenders and this will certainly change how the BT approaches additions to the roster and trade deadline. 

Gentlemen and women, we are now in win now mode.

The Mavs can play with any team in the league and win on any given night.

Now the focus shifts to matchups versus the big dogs. All trade options are on the table. Future assets be damned. We don't need picks. Think we need a versatile wing to defend Kawhi? It's time to go get one. Think we need a bruiser to bang with Harrell? Go get one. 

We need players who are ready to go win an NBA title. The time is now.

I realize you are probably just throwing this out there to see what responses you get, but I guess I'll play.

1. If you think the Mavs are already a championship defender, why do you want to make a bunch of trades?

2. The Mavs don't have a history of abandoning their plans and going in a different direction based on a pretty-good record in 19 games in a particular season. If fact, they're pretty stubborn about sticking with their decisions, if the past is any indication. If Luka threatened realistically to leave if they don't go all out on a win-now strategy, I could see that making a difference. He doesn't have tremendous leverage on any immediate basis, and I don't have any reason to think he is that kind of guy, but I guess it's possible. 

3. Perhaps more importantly, what assets do the Mavs have to trade for all these transformative players? And if you're just going for exchanging journeymen with slightly different pros and cons, you've lost whatever chemistry you developed, and will almost certainly have to step back for some period before going forward. Plus, you can't get anyone with a very long contract without limiting your options to get a real difference-maker in the near future. 

Even assuming the Mavs wanted to be in win-now mode, I don't see what assets they have that would fetch a championship roster from outside. If the guys they have step up, so much the better. I am wiling to be convinced otherwise, if you have reliable data.

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Mavs never want to lose a trade. I'd never advocate for that. What I mean is I think the probably plan WAS to be opportunistic in the trade market while Porzingis works his way back and Doncic suffers through some sophomore growing pains. Then add a rotation piece in the 2020 draft.

But that plan no longer makes sense if Doncic is playing at an MVP level now. 

Instead of sitting back a waiting for something good to happen I think the Mavs can take a shot now. Go ahead and roll up your assets and make a deal for the player you want. For example, if Aaron Gordon is available and you think he's a 30+ min guy who can score and lock down Kawhi, make it happen. The Mavs have some assets to work with.

To get a player who can score and lock down Kawhi? Like what? For one, I don't know if such a player exists. For another, it is likely to take more than a few okay players and some mediocre/distant draft picks to fetch that guy.