07-09-2022, 04:23 PM
(07-09-2022, 03:05 PM)Kammrath Wrote: 1) 8th man by committee isn't ideal...but if the Mavs are forced to take this team into the season there is a chance that FN, JG, or JH could make a leap where you can count on them. And it is possible with a full year in the system that DB could find a real home. I personally think that is a very real possibility.
2) Trading CW for JB is an upgrade to what the Mavs need in the playoffs around Luka. I really came around on JB, but repeatedly said even after his jump in the playoffs that he and Luka do NOT maximize each other. I think Luka and CW have a chance to be "sum is greater than the parts" which is exciting. I also think having THJ and his shooting on top of that is a huge step. So if the Mavs go into the playoffs with the roster as is I think they have a chance to be better and stronger than last year (of course you still need the right breaks around you to get to the WCF).
Re #1, I think you count on Josh or Frank or Jaden or even Davis taking a significant leap forward. Teams don’t usually turn into champs without that kind of unexpected contribution. I love that we’ve got so many guys who could become that kind of spring surprise for this team.
Re #2, I think you’re wearing some rose colored glasses there. Here’s my perspective: Lost a guy that professionals on another team were excited about paying $26mm/year even though they had to give up a first rounder to create the room to do it. Gained a guy that professionals on another team were happy to dump for a heap of scraps plus a first rounder that they didn’t want and promptly traded for future seconds. Thus the notion that CW+ will cancel out the JB- seems rather unlikely to me.