09-27-2023, 12:16 PM
(09-27-2023, 11:54 AM)Scott41theMavs Wrote: Four things:
1) I did indeed mean the "satisfy Omahen" thing as a jibe, and I'm sorry if it offended, but I absolutely don't think it was out of line. As others pointed out, we have seen no evidence that Luka didn't like the offseason, but you have been very vocal on the board that *you* didn't like the offseason because we didn't get a solid starting center and a wing. I think you're dead wrong on the wing part, unless you're completely discounting OMax. I know I'm going out on a limb a bit with my Lively hopes. That notwithstanding, if you do the research on OMax, saying he's going to be the third best player in L who is on our current 2023 roster by the 2025 offseason is not a reach.
2) I completely agree with you that the season, and the near future overall, depends a lot on Luka-Kyrie meshing. I have high hopes that their skill levels, BBIQ, and professionalism will make things work exceptionally well on the offensive end. Last year looked awkward on that end, but their quantifiable production when they were on the court together is undeniable. The question is the defensive end. Many of our new additions - GW, OMax, Lively, Exum, DJJ, not to mention the swing for Thybulle - had to do with defense. I think Luka has a higher defensive ceiling than Kai. But we still have other players like Hardy and THJ who will likely be part of the rotation and can't defend very well. I seem to remember you questioning them re-signing Kai. But they had to do it. And they certainly aren't going to trade him right away. Perhaps at the trade deadline if things aren't working out. I do agree that he's likely gone by 2026 at the latest, so they do need to be thinking in terms of the broader future. But if you trade Kai now, or at the deadline, for two role players (which I presume to mean, decent two-way starters who aren't star-level), then you go back from the Mavs being a two-star team to being a one-star team. No team has won rings in recent years with one star. Remember "Get Luka some help?" Moreover, if you dump Kyrie, then it becomes *non-optional* to retain the 27, because the Mavs are going to need it to have the big package you're arguing we don't need next summer, because if we don't get a second star, Luka will leave for sure.
3) The reason Capela's name keeps getting brought up is that he's a two-year rental, with the presumption by many that Lively will be 100% ready by year 3. I think Lively will be solid by year 2 at the latest, but I know I'm in the minority. Most of the other targets brought up either create problems for the team (Ayton), or are longer term investments that presume that the Mavs already know that Lively is a bust (Allen). Capela would be fantastic for this year's Mavs. It's simply that Atlanta's price isn't real reasonable for what we have to offer, and you don't spend juicy assets on him - even a single juicy asset - due to the very fact that he is a stopgap.
4) My understanding is that if the Mavs trade 27 this year, then they only have one FRP to offer in trade next summer due to the Stepien rule. Dan, am I wrong? In any event, that would be catastrophic in terms of team-improvement prospects.
The offseason will be judged by the end result, not by our feelings at this point. You have your opinion, I have mine. No point repeating it over and over.
I never questioned resigning Kyrie. That was imho the only possibility once they traded for him.
4) you are wrong. They can trade 24 or 25 (depending if pick goes to NY or not) and 31 next summer.