MAVS NEWS: Luka Is Hurt, But is Trudging On | DLive's Mom Passes Away| Maxi OUT

[omahen]

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Do you think Luka was unhappy with this offseason?

Difficult to say. I can't say he was unhappy, but I also can't say he is exactly screaming from joy. He would probably prefer to see the on-court result instead of just projections. But, I think it is very certain he will be very unhappy if they will miss the playoffs again. We can go on and on about what we think, but I am far less convinced than you that this team is a certain playoff team. Also basically all objective projections are puting Mavs in play-in race. None of the teams above them from last season really got (much) worse and several from below got stronger. Denver, Memphis, Sacramento, Clippers, GSW, Minny are very similar than last season. Phoenix is probably better. OKC is certainly better and who knows, perhaps even Pelicans will get some longer stretch of healthy Zion (otherwise same as last year). Houston and probably also SA are better than last season, Portland will likely be around where they were or worse. Utah is probably worse. 

As for the assets. I don't think trading 2027 pick mortgages Mavs future in a serious way. They don't need a player that will cost 3 FRP. They need right role players next to their stars. Unprotected FRP could get two of those. Getting a solid center is not blocking any rookie development, as Powell and Holmes would be the ones losing minutes. A better defensive wing then THJ would also not hurt. 

I think the statement to do a trade to satisfy Omahen was very out of line, not needed at all. Of course it has nothing to do about me. They need to manage risk of Luka becoming unhappy. Every account says that Luka is an extreme competitor who values winning above everything. Besides, he is also a sore loser.

I wonder. If things don't go as you think they will and Luka asks out. Will you accept that because their moves were the only ones that make sense? Things going wrong include both on-court production as well as injuries, Irving doing off-court Irving things and missing time and similar.