05-26-2023, 05:50 AM
(05-26-2023, 01:33 AM)F Gump Wrote: The Mavs are one of the teams in that boat, where their options are choked off and there are no teams selling. As the article implies, there are so many teams looking for help, that any "good" players made available who can improve your team will have a slew of suitors eager to grab the player, which means nothing will be cheap.
I will repeat something I've said a few times before, which is that the Mavs real way forward would be to somehow figure out and embrace the minimum salary and developmental route. Create a pipeline and use it. Part of that requires real minutes, and roles, and an attempt to bring players along. Between the Legends and the 2-ways and some open slots in the roster, with a willingness to invest minutes, I believe you can make things happen IF it becomes your priority.
The Mavs dabble at these things, and piddle around. I think of the times when they have 2-way openings that go unused, for what seems forever, when they should always be aware where "the next guy" is, and grabbing him and getting to work when they get an opening. The lack of urgency speaks volumes.
Cuban is impatient (as we are too) and wants to swap his way to better roster. My crap for your useful player. Or for those hidden gem guys. But no one wants to give away their talent or emerging gems, so that costs an arm and a leg. Instead, gotta create the bargain yourself, for yourself -- go expertly identify and find those guys and develop them into the kind of player we need. Hardy might be a start, but Mavs need to be doing 2-3 of these every year, with the hope that you end up putting 1-2 into your bargain keeper category each year.
There is nothing in the cap to keep that from being doable. Including this year, when there are no assets. It just takes smarts, hard work, and some patience.
I agree.
There are two second round picks last year who I will be curious to see where they wind up. One is Trevor Keels who was drafted by the Knicks right after we took Hardy. There were rumors the Mavs liked Keels. I am sure the trade with Sacramento started prior to the draft if our guy was there. Hardy just fell more than they thought. Keels was brought up to the Knicks roster late in the season, released and then signed back as a two way. I don't believe he is tied to the Knicks after the season. Can the Knicks guarantee him a spot on the roster? If the Mavs did like him, why not offer him the 15th spot on a two year deal? I have some doubts on him as a player, but he is only 19 years old.
The other is Kennedy Chandler. He is a smaller point who was released by Memphis as they had to get bigger for the playoffs due to injuries. He is also young and someone you can develop.
Those are just two examples.