MAVS NEWS:

[mvossman]

HoosierDaddy is also a Pistons fan, I believe, so I can understand how he'd be protective/resistant to ideas like this. To be fair, DET does seem to have something good going, so I kind of agree that people might not be looking to jump ship from that organization right now, even for a promotion. There might be better promotions just around the corner if they can keep that project on track a while longer. 

But also, I still do NOT understand this board's fascination with Linsey. He might be great, don't get me wrong, but there is nowhere even close to the amount of evidence supporting that conclusion as what's circulated in this echo chamber on a daily basis. That is maybe the most grasping at straws thing I've ever read in this community, which is really saying something. 

He happened to work here when some good moves were made. Agreed. Not all of them were good, and they tried to make some that I believe would've numbered among the team's worst deals of all-time while he was here, too. The truth is that none of us have the first clue what even his role was here. Like, at all.

I watched this organization bumble and stumble around for many years.  Its been mostly a shitshow.  We had a GM who did very little other than having an eye for generational European talent (Dirk, Luka and should have been Giannis) and an owner who was willing to pay his way out of his many mistakes prior to the championship.  I saw no change in the first two years Nico was here (complete free agency failure, another Nash in Brunson, wasted trade exceptions, devaluing the draft, etc.).  But I noticed an immediate change in methodology when Linsey got here.  It was not about the specific players that were targeted.  It was more about the process.  It started with coming to a reasonable deal with Kyrie (many of us thought Cuban would pay him the max).  Then all of the smart moves during the draft including taking on bad salary for a pick and actually leveraging a trade exception. All the things we had been begging this organization to do for years.  There was also the obvious focus on younger players.  Just about every free agent signing and trade target were in the mid 20s.  It was the only year in my memory where it felt this was a competent organization.  

You are right we don't know how much actual influence Linsey had, but I sensed the change immediately when he got here. I also sensed it immediately when he left.  They had just made the Grimes trade before he left (another move that fit the overall change in method) and literally the day after he left the rumors went from DJJ being top priority to they are going after a 34 year old Klay.

I'm not arguing that Linsey is some kind of miracle worker.  Only that he is competent.  He had a fairly successful stint as GM and seems to have a positive impact wherever he goes. I'm sure there are better options to fill the role, but I have no faith that Dumont will find them (or be willing to pay). Linsey is an easy target because he was here recently, has the right experience, and can be associated with most of the good things that happened here while distanced from the bad. I simply think he is a guy Dumont might be more likely to hire due to the above reasons and I think he would bring a level of stability this organization desperately needs.

[HoosierDaddyKid]

HoosierDaddy is also a Pistons fan, I believe, so I can understand how he'd be protective/resistant to ideas like this. To be fair, DET does seem to have something good going, so I kind of agree that people might not be looking to jump ship from that organization right now, even for a promotion. There might be better promotions just around the corner if they can keep that project on track a while longer. 

But also, I still do NOT understand this board's fascination with Linsey. He might be great, don't get me wrong, but there is nowhere even close to the amount of evidence supporting that conclusion as what's circulated in this echo chamber on a daily basis. That is maybe the most grasping at straws thing I've ever read in this community, which is really saying something. 

He happened to work here when some good moves were made. Agreed. Not all of them were good, and they tried to make some that I believe would've numbered among the team's worst deals of all-time while he was here, too. The truth is that none of us have the first clue what even his role was here. Like, at all.

You are correct, Killer. I was born and raised in Detroit, so I rep both teams. I agree with you about Lindsey. I mean, he's been around the block, with Utah, Dallas, and now Detroit. I hardly think he's the next coming of Sam Presti. He's just got experience as a GM.  I can't say he would be the answer to what ails the Mavs.

[Mavs2021]

Do we know how plugged in McMahon is these days?  It seems like he drifted outside of the inner circle towards the end of the Cuban era, and I have no idea if he has any relationship with the new owners.  I want very badly for him to be correct, but just not sure how much weight to put on his tweet.

Usually these press leaks are done to prepare the fanbase for a harsh situation/move/reality, but in this case what stops Dumont from just flat out firing Nico? It´s the most popular move.


I have this odd feeling that MacMahon and Stein went rogue here in a good way. MacMahon and Stein are Mavs homers and Stein is obviously close with Dirk. They might just f*** with Nico to help Dumont finally reach a decision and not drag it out.

Or they know the Mavs are already talking to potential replacement. There are still decisions to be made this season that are way too important to give them into the hands of Finley/Cuban/Dumont alone.

[michaeltex]

FWIW, I remember Kidd making a power play for the GM spot at one of his previous HC stops (Nets?). The little conspiracy voice in my head wonders if he's not subtly messing with team performance to try and hang Nico out to dry.

This is not a defense of Nico in any way. He's made some a few good trades that may or may not be his decisions, but the everything since the PJ/Gaff trade has been a load of crap. I don't know that Kidd would be any better, but I trust his BBIQ a lot better for evaluating talent.

[Mavs2021]

FWIW, I remember Kidd making a power play for the GM spot at one of his previous HC stops (Nets?). The little conspiracy voice in my head wonders if he's not subtly messing with team performance to try and hang Nico out to dry.

This is not a defense of Nico in any way. He's made some a few good trades that may or may not be his decisions, but the everything since the PJ/Gaff trade has been a load of crap. I don't know that Kidd would be any better, but I trust his BBIQ a lot better for evaluating talent.

18/3 for Javale McGee with a starter guarantee.

[mvossman]

FWIW, I remember Kidd making a power play for the GM spot at one of his previous HC stops (Nets?). The little conspiracy voice in my head wonders if he's not subtly messing with team performance to try and hang Nico out to dry.

This is not a defense of Nico in any way. He's made some a few good trades that may or may not be his decisions, but the everything since the PJ/Gaff trade has been a load of crap. I don't know that Kidd would be any better, but I trust his BBIQ a lot better for evaluating talent.

I think it would be a continuation of total dysfunction if Kidd becomes the GM.

[RoyTarpleysGhost]

Kidd replacing Nico would be the worst possible outcome.

[KillerLeft]

I think it would be a continuation of total dysfunction if Kidd becomes the GM.

Correct. And, undeniably correct.

Our complaint about Cuban being the GM for all those years was that he’d never be talked into firing himself, no matter how bad of a job he did. Even now, today, any Cowboys fan knows and understands this issue.

Extending that problem all the way down through the head coach is not the way to go, I don’t think.

[RoyTarpleysGhost]

Stein: Portable stairs are rolled in every game via the tunnel between both benches and adjacent to the new seat location that enable Harrison to exit at any point without having to walk through sections of the crowd.

It's going to be such a huge letdown if Nico isn't gone before Thanksgiving.

[FireNicoHarrison]

Kidd replacing Nico would be the worst possible outcome.

Agree.

But Kidd as coach is bad as well. Not an easy situation.

Fire both will be great of course. But not realistic.

[FireNicoHarrison]

Stein:  Portable stairs are rolled in every game via the tunnel between both benches and adjacent to the new seat location that enable Harrison to exit at any point without having to walk through sections of the crowd.

It's going to be such a huge letdown if Nico isn't gone before Thanksgiving.

What????? Hahahahahahaha

[fifteenth]

The wind is blowing in an encouraging direction. I'd love to see a complete house cleaning (including Kidd) and some "Flagg is the future" trades. But man, if they can't get a quality GM until after the season, then not sure they should make the trades immediately. It'd be great if there was a talented former GM who doesn't want to run a team long term at this stage, but could help with the transition.

This news at least gives me hope that there may be some hope down the road.

[Nowitzki Way]

The wind is blowing in an encouraging direction. I'd love to see a complete house cleaning (including Kidd) and some "Flagg is the future" trades. But man, if they can't get a quality GM until after the season, then not sure they should make the trades immediately. It'd be great if there was a talented former GM who doesn't want to run a team long term at this stage, but could help with the transition. 

This news at least gives me hope that there may be some hope down the road.

You make a great point. Who could they bring in midseason that we'd all trust to be ready to make the right trades? Ujiri is the only former GM that doesn't seem too far gone from the league. I think he could step in right now and help.  Then transition to a President role once a new GM is hired in the offseason.

David Griffin and Calvin Booth are two recent firings as well.

[SkenfromLMF]

Can Lindsey be hired back with just the GM title?

[fifteenth]

McMahon said today that Nico will be gone by mid-season. Ugh

[HoosierDaddyKid]

FWIW, I remember Kidd making a power play for the GM spot at one of his previous HC stops (Nets?). The little conspiracy voice in my head wonders if he's not subtly messing with team performance to try and hang Nico out to dry.

This is not a defense of Nico in any way. He's made some a few good trades that may or may not be his decisions, but the everything since the PJ/Gaff trade has been a load of crap. I don't know that Kidd would be any better, but I trust his BBIQ a lot better for evaluating talent.

Trading for Gaff and PJ and signing Exum (when he can stay healthy) were the best moves Nico made, then he threw it all away trading Luka.

[KillerLeft]

McMahon said today that Nico will be gone by mid-season. Ugh

That's about two years earlier than I expected once I realized he was surviving the summer, tbh.

[F Gump]

About the question of a GM who can fix this roster -- I WOULD FIRE NICO YESTERDAY, NO MATTER WHAT.

But, if you get a new GM, what would we expect as a result -- is there any trade he could TRULY fashion that would be able to turn this team around THIS SEASON where they are actually competitive at the upper level? (Not just figuring an answer to "they need to have a better PG" etc ie find a fill-in who will make them less sucky so they lose by 5 rather than 15, but something to make this team great.)

I'm thinking that a GM who comes in and does a hero trade could sell off future assets for a quick fix that doesn't accomplish much -- and which could set the post-Luka rebuild back by years.

Even if Nico gets fired (yes, please, yes yes yes!!) I'm still on the bandwagon for adding a TOP draft pick via tanking. It costs no assets to get that player - you only invest games, games that are going to be ugly a lot of the time anyhow. Yes I'm beating the same horse. But to me, turning this roster into a super team this season looks like a lost cause no matter what. And if so, I'd rather see them commit the other way, ie win 10 and pick in the top 5, rather than win 30-35 and pick in the 11-14 range. Let players sit and heal for long stretches. Develop youngsters. Take one (a bad season) for the team. Just my 2c after seeing the sum of the parts.

One other point about a new GM --- I do want an expert who can evaluate the OFFERS and if there is a super-sweet one grab it. While I don't want the Mavs to chase any trade to fix this team (because I don't think one exists), the inevitable outcome of a really bad season is that teams will then look at this roster and try to grab a piece here or there if they can. Getting those buyers to grab the pieces you can best afford to lose, and pay an arm and a leg and extra picks on top, that's what an expert GM would do for you. Never in a million years would I trust Nico (or Cuban) to be able to negotiate deals and get full value and more -- but some GMs with expert negotiation skills can do that. Need that sort of guy before making more trades.

[RoyTarpleysGhost]

[fifteenth]

About the question of a GM who can fix this roster -- I WOULD FIRE NICO YESTERDAY, NO MATTER WHAT.

But, if you get a new GM, what would we expect as a result -- is there any trade he could TRULY fashion that would be able to turn this team around THIS SEASON where they are actually competitive at the upper level? (Not just figuring an answer to "they need to have a better PG" etc ie find a fill-in who will make them less sucky so they lose by 5 rather than 15, but something to make this team great.)

I'm thinking that a GM who comes in and does a hero trade could sell off future assets for a quick fix that doesn't accomplish much -- and which could set the post-Luka rebuild back by years.

Even if Nico gets fired (yes, please, yes yes yes!!) I'm still on the bandwagon for adding a TOP draft pick via tanking. It costs no assets to get that player - you only invest games, games that are going to be ugly a lot of the time anyhow. Yes I'm beating the same horse. But to me, turning this roster into a super team this season looks like a lost cause no matter what. And if so, I'd rather see them commit the other way, ie win 10 and pick in the top 5, rather than win 30-35 and pick in the 11-14 range. Let players sit and heal for long stretches. Develop youngsters. Take one (a bad season) for the team. Just my 2c after seeing the sum of the parts.

One other point about a new GM --- I do want an expert who can evaluate the OFFERS and if there is a super-sweet one grab it. While I don't want the Mavs to chase any trade to fix this team (because I don't think one exists), the inevitable outcome of a really bad season is that teams will then look at this roster and try to grab a piece here or there if they can. Getting those buyers to grab the pieces you can best afford to lose, and pay an arm and a leg and extra picks on top, that's what an expert GM would do for you. Never in a million years would I trust Nico (or Cuban) to be able to negotiate deals and get full value and more -- but some GMs with expert negotiation skills can do that. Need that sort of guy before making more trades.

My thought would be to bring in someone in the interim, for this season, or less than this season, to restore sanity and give the players and fans as much of a positive experience for the rest of the season as possible. Then I'd get to work finding a full time GM to accomplish the rebuild.

And absolutely, YES, to losing as many games as possible.