03-31-2023, 10:33 AM
(03-31-2023, 02:57 AM)omahen Wrote: Coming to my opinion. Mavs did decide for Irving. Something, I would probably not do as I have my doubts about him. Both in terms of long term risks due to his previous actions as well as his on court fit with Luka. But, there is a behind the curtains factor he brings along which is impossible for us to assess. Lets not forget, he was the one who convinced Durant to go to BKN. It is totally possible that this influence is greatly reduced due to his BKN episode and Mavs failed in that assessment. That would be just the typical Mavs. But I would like to stay positive. Because if they misjudged Irving, the team is done and Luka will go to another team, imho. In any case, the only option looking forward is with Irving. Green is bringing similar risks as Irving regarding his long term impact. But if you go all in, you go all in, no middle ground here. You can't have Irving and build slowly around him, even if everything else goes well, he is not young anymore. From this perspective I could take a gamble with Green and hope for a title in two years. Basically, one pick for Green, the other pick for another quality starter that is above average defender while hopefully using only Bullock, Maxi, Bertans, THJ and McGee contracts (in any combination) as salary compensation for the two players. Bring in a quality addition with rMLE and a couple of decent vet min guys and hope for the best. I think trading both picks for two quality starters is the only option Mavs have at this point.
I was flip flopping on the things you said, but your "opinion" considerably narrowed the focus. IF, and that's a big IF, the Mavs can convince Kyrie to stay--and bring in Green--then the team would be--better. They would be in "win now" mode. But they would still be missing a stud offensive/defensive guy. Playing defense is much harder than offense.
Another factor is how all these guys fit in the "team". How they play together? The 2011 team is a good example. Those guys meshed very well with Dirk. I think Kyrie is willing to let Luka show the way...and will only take over when he gets frustrated and/or needs to. Kyrie is a much better player than I thought he was, though I'm still leary of some of his life stances and past behind the scenes actions. Luka probably has the best years of his career ahead of him.
Anyway...as to your opinion--I don't think we have any other options either.