MAVERICKS 139, PELICANS 107

[KillerLeft]

The only reasonable thing that I can think of is that Mavs are so pressured by result that the team doesn't have any reserve to experiment with a guy that is at this point (probably) slightly worse than the alternatives (mainly Brown). Similar to WCS/Brown situation. My dissapointment is that they brought so average low ceiling guys to eat Green minutes. If those would be taken by considerably better player (Lowry for example), I could perfectly understand. But is Brown really that much better? I don't think so. 

There are two possible explanations for Mavs team building strategy:
Option 1: It looks to me like Mavs approach to team building is as if they are contenders. Adding reliable guys that you can usually trust to provide decent defense and some scoring (Bullock, Brown). However, I think they are not contenders and they should be working on their assets. Even if this means a couple of wins less. It is easy to add guys like Bullock/Brown at any point, once you are trully ready. 
Option 2: Mavs thought they are getting way more with Mullock/Brown. And I am not just speaking about shooting accuracy. Bullock for example shoots a couple of shots only, even with higher percentage it would not mean much. In this case I am affraid it looks like the acquisitions were not successful.

First of all, GREAT stuff, thanks!

I don't think there's any question that the Mavs believed this summer that they're very close to contention, if not already there. And, I'm kind of with you in pushing back on that a little. But then again, if Luka/KP figure out how to play offense together more consistently, Brunson continues to shine and they can get THJ right again (whether starting or off the bench) they might be closer than we think. If all of that happens I can see the right 3&D players being exactly what the doctor ordered, in hindsight. Here's hoping. 

I agree, Lowry or someone else impactful on that level would've been amazing. They tried and couldn't get it done. That's on them, and I'm not saying we should just let them off the hook for it. You were also high on DeRozan, and I was not, but if I had known the offense was going to go in the direction it has this season, I might've thought differently about him, too. He's having a tremendous impact in Chicago, for sure. Still, guys like that don't want to come here to play with Luka yet, for whatever reason. I think that's pretty clear. 

And, I even agree that the Mavs as an organization haven't been good at all with minor asset management. I'm not pushing back on that point. I guess I've just kind of already turned the page on viewing Green in that light, and maybe that's premature. Or maybe that's your entire point - that you have to start somewhere.

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I had said I wanted both Bullock and Green in the starting lineup after the Cavs game. If not Green then put Frank N if he is healthy. Basically I want more defense along with Luka and KP to start games. Plus it gets us a better bench. Anyway finishing five is more about who are the best. Starting 5 I have always looked at as an unit that can bring a lot of energy to start games and ensure that the right mindset is there from the start.

Ok, so if I'm understanding you now, the disagreement is about whether or not Green and/or Bullock represent "more defense" than DFS. I'm with you now.