DRAFT: #18 [Green] & #31 [Terry] & trade for #36 [Tyler Bey]

[Scott41theMavs]

This is my last reply on this particular issue:

I think you are dead wrong about TBey. He was listed as a GUARD in college and is listed as a G/F or wing in mock drafts. He is NOT a "big."

Reed on the other hand is MUCH more of a big, a F/C.

I understand your view on the subject, I just flatly disagree. I didn't think my post warranted a reply, as we've discussed this already. Not sure why you wrote this.

I think that the need for a defensive "wing" could be met by a "four wing," which could involve a "big man" who can hit a three and successfully defend the perimeter. I think such a player would fit in the starting lineup much better than Powell would given KP's flourishing in what used to be Powell's role. I have said many times that the Mavs need another creator next to Luka (more than anything else, including that defensive wing), but I don't expect that guy to be available in the draft (unless we trade up for Haliburton, perhaps?), so I'm fine with Achiuwa, Reed, Tiger, Smith, et al.

Tyler Bey is a SF/PF, while Achiuwa, Reed and Smith are PF/C. I´m fine with taking one of them at #31, but at #18 such projected low-ceiling players would be disappointing. Of course if Achiuwa turns into Bam I always knew.

What do you expect to get at 18? I think if the Mavs keep their pick, when they have such a significant need to upgrade their roster, they should think in terms of the highest floor possible. They need someone who can be part of the rotation right away (even with some learning curve/growing pains), because our current rotation is Luka, KP, doesn't-really-fit-because-defense-and-creation THJ, can-be-your-fifth-best-starter DFS, and a bunch of bench players.

BTW, I consider T. Bey a clear-cut four.

We don´t need a contributor right now. We need the BPA. I´d rather wait two years for an All-Star to develop than have a low-ceiling 15 MPG bench-ready player. Our strategy for the next 12 months should be build around finding that third star. If you want a defensive center that can catch lobs, sign him in FA. There are enough available this and next summer, in every price range.

I think your thinking overrates our current roster (need to be ready to contend fairly seriously next year with Luka, and him + a real starting lineup, not necessarily loaded with stars, does the trick). I don't see any of the guys we're citing as "defensive centers who can catch lobs." We have a center (KP) and probably a backup as well (WCS). Nor do I see them as 15 mpg guys - if that's the case, they blew the pick.

I guess I'm being the MBT right now - if they can't get someone with #18 who can be a rotation player, if not a plug-and-play starter, they either need to trade up to get someone who can (my preference), or trade their first rounder on draft day for a proven starter (what they'll probably do). That's not the famous "undervaluing the draft." That's being realistic about their current situation.

Look, all a new player, drafted, traded for, or signed in free agency, has to do to start is to be better than anyone else we have other than Luka, KP, THJ (whom I've always said I hope is gone this season, but probably won't be), and DFS. I don't think that's that hard, TBQH. That's the roster we have.