Trade & Free Agency 2026/2027

[KillerLeft]

But what I DO think I know is that regardless of how they plan to initiate offense, doing so got a lot easier this summer based on the amount of shooting they've added from all over the court. I'm stuggling a little bit to find ways of getting that shooting on the court with the way the roster is constructed, but...they HAVE it. That's 100% good news, because it's 2026 and they just couldn't be bottom-5 in 3-point attempts, makes AND percentage again this season. I'm SO thrilled to know they understand that and are doing something about it. It's a sign of basic basketball intelligence that frankly buys them a little benefit of the doubt from me. I'm going into this season with my mind more open than it has been in some time, regardless of what happens from here.

To expand on this:

Let's use De Larrea as an example. I am super excited about him, but have no clue what the Mavs' plan for his rookie year is. Do they plan for him to the 14th man, almost never play and basically red shirt? Do they plan to force him into the rotation from day 1, but use him more as an off-ball spacer, secondary creator, side pick and roll, second action of the possession type of dude to get his feet wet? Or, are they hoping against hope that he can be THE backup PG and can run the offense for 15-20 minutes each night? I have no idea, but...

...if it's the last one, I like his chances 1000% more on this roster, with this coach, than I would've last season with the worst spacing in the history of modern basketball. He's obviously smart and understands the game. Give a guy like that (or Sasser, or Kyrie, or even Flagg) SPACE to operate, and the game gets easier. I'll never forget what Nick Van Exel said after his first few practices here back in the day. It was something like "Nellie's spacing here is incredible. Now I understand why Nash has been killing me." 

I also think there's a pretty good chance Gafford benefits greatly from what I think they might be doing based on these moves. I think it will be easier for Johnson to make an impact right away...etc.

I have a tentative feeling that we're going to be treated to basketball that's actually fun to watch this year, and I'm excited.