2023 DRAFT: Mavs take Lively, OMP, sign Mike Miles to 2-way, sign Jordan Walker

[Chicagojk]

So...

Are the Mavs in "win-now" mode?

If you thought that Luka's window of opportunity was small, how about when we re-sign Kyrie to big dollars?

I'd argue that the front office believes they've secured two very rare franchise building blocks, and their remaining holes are much easier and cheaper to fill.  So win now?  Yes.

In a win-now scenario, draft picks have minimal value.  First, it's a crapshoot whether you'll actually draft a contributing NBA player, regardless of how great your player evaluation team is. And second, it's really rare to have a first-year player contribute much, even if they end up being a superstar someday.

For those reasons, I predict they will trade their pick.

Draft pick plus neutral-to-slightly-negative player/contract for reliable, productive player.

You probably right.  This is probably exactly how the Mavs are thinking.  Trading the pick could be good value.   I just think most of the trades are short term solutions.   Hitting on pick #10 is like a lottery ticket.   I think it should viewed that way.    You may draft a guy who may need a year or so, but could be your #3 option for the next 10 years.   Or our best trade asset on our roster (sans Luka).  

Building roster depth or building around stars is not rocket science.   It is hard and the market is ultra competitive, but filling out around stars is a lot easier than finding stars.    

The one concern I have is how many games did Nico see live this year with lottery picks playing?   Did he go to any of the camps last year.   Or were we not expecting to have our pick and literally didn't see these players in person.  If so, it is just another way we are behind the 8 ball with other teams.   Mike Schmitz who is now with Portland has seen these kids play for 4-5 years.   Do we have anyone that involved?