2026 NBA draft thread

[F Gump]

I want an expert GM that rebuilds the team around Flagg. Starting from scratch. 

1  "I want an expert GM that rebuilds the team around Flagg"  -- Yep. 

That's a reminder that an "expert GM" who doesn't realize that you build around your best player, assuming he is all-NBA caliber, isn't really an expert. (See Harrison, N.) A player's value for the Mavs should be based on his contribution to and synergy with CF.

2  "Starting from scratch." -- Nope.

This says the players on the current roster - including the ones CF already knows and (perhaps) has great chemistry with - are immediately disqualified from being used as an answer. No thanks.  Way off base. 

It's also important to recognize there is extra value and practicality in the players already on the roster, from the sheer fact that they are already available to be a Mav. The NBA is NOT a cafeteria-style setup where you can simply select whoever you want. Getting good players can be hard. Whereas, keeping good players, once you have them, is much easier. Even if they aren't ideal.

IOW, the path to building around CF has already started - start with the 2025-26 roster and use them to best advantage. Some might stay for many years, some might be here for a few until you find better talents/fits, and some might need to go now in order to be replaced with something better.