08-23-2020, 11:39 PM
(08-23-2020, 10:26 PM)Scott41theMavs Wrote: We'll see. Let's put it this way - if the Mavs do not retain Burke, then they essentially enter the offseason a significantly worse team than they are today. Burke is the solitary guy on roster who reasonably qualifies to take on that role of the third- or fourth-best (likely fourth-) player on a playoff team that has been the Mavericks' talent gap this year (Luka, KP, two fifth-best starter on a playoff contender candidates in DFS and THJ, and a crew of decent bench players).
Don't get me wrong. I love me some Burke. I was really quite puzzled why the Mavs didn't prioritize Burke last offseason. To be fair they thought they were legit in the Kemba running which meant Burke was redundant so I can at least see the reason.
BUT, at the end of the day, Burke is just a good bench guy. 7-8th in the rotation. Sparkplug off the bench at times. He's very hot right now, so he is stepping up at a very opportune time. But if the Mavs lose Burke (especially if he gets overpaid) then it really isn't the end of the world.
Again, I would like to retain Burke, especially over Delon. But at what cost? 15 mil? Full MLE? Half MLE? I reckon the Mavs value him as a good bench guy on a 4-5 mil contract. And that's exactly what he is.
14x All-Star, 12x all-NBA, 1x MVP, 1x Finals MVP, 1 NBA Championship: Dirk Nowitzki, the man, the myth, the legend.