What does it all mean?

[StepBackJay]

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 to 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 do think we are in win now mode, especially with GS taking a year off. Next year GS will be a force to reckon with again. This year the main team I want to avoid as long as possible are the Clippers. Everyone else has flaws.

I don't think we need to mortgage the future necessarily but I hope the Mavs are opportunistic to make moves this year that can get us a top 4 seed and the ability to move into the 2nd round (both goals are related).

The Clippers will be doing some load management so I don't think they will prioritize a top 4 seed over health. The Mavs on the other hand have a lot of depth (could have even more post TDL) and will need to keep up with teams that shore up weaknesses with trades and buy-outs. I think if you are the Mavs if you can pile up enough wins to avoid Lakers, Clippers, Rockets, Nuggets in the first round you try to do so.

On the table should be every player not named Luka or KP + the GS pick, future 2nds and long-term cap space for the right deal. My prediction is that the Mavs will get a player or two by the TDL or through buyouts and are likely to cash in the GS pick for one of those players. It could also help them lock in their guy for the summer in that they can get a Favors-type on the last year of his deal and keep his bird rights, while leaving the full MLE available. At that point luxury tax could be an issue, but Mavs can work around that if they need to.