(03-31-2023, 03:41 AM)omahen Wrote: On a positive note, the Mavs are geniuses working behind the curtains on a grand plan that will come to realization in the summer. A child could see the hole at PF and it is really difficult to think Mavs couldn't see that. So, it is possible there is something in plan that couldn't be done at TDL (like Green), but can be done in the summer so Mavs had to save the assets at TDL. They don't need the 2023 pick to execute it, as they are obviously not tanking.
On a negative note, Mavs have no idea what they are doing and they just jumped in panic after the only possible option (Irving) at TDL with no plan going forward, remaining in a delusion that this team can compete. This delusion includes trying to compete till the very end without even thinking about the tank possibility and long term outlook.
On a realistic note, Mavs think they are geniuses working behind the curtains on a grand plan, but will only be used by others for an even bigger plan Mavs don't see. The result will be, that Mavs will (try) to sell their fallback option Z (see spins from DeAndre to Zaza in 2015 and from Kemba to Wright as a reference) to fans as some great plan, which will be proven totally unsuccessful in half a season (if not already in the summer with Irving walking), effectively ending the Nico/Kidd and likely Luka era with Mavs.
You make some great points. I think your third paragraph sums it up. And I'm an optimistic homer!
(03-31-2023, 08:30 AM)HoosierDaddyKid Wrote: I don't care what anyone says. This was a desperation move trading for Kyrie while gutting a roster that was already flawed before it happened. They got lucky last year, they exposed Phoenix's weaknesses and everything clicked and they made the WCF before losing to an experienced GS team. It all changed when they let Brunson walk, and they didn't improve the team defensively along the fringes. Now they are worse off than before the trade, and Cuban is going to have to empty the coffers to pay Kyrie just to save face. And as unpredictable as Kyrie is, if he doesn't like what Cuban offers, he can still walk. He's already leaving himself a way out by saying this isn't what he expected when he came here in his presser after the Philly loss. This won't be an easy fix anytime soon.
Can't argue with anything you say. I'm beginning to think that Kyrie is getting frustrated--and will not stay at any price. There are greener pastures on this flat earth!
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