07-08-2023, 07:50 PM
(07-08-2023, 12:33 PM)Winter Wrote: If they don't make the playoffs next year, there will be a lot of changes. Namely coaching. A team with two of the best players in the world can't be out of the playoffs.
This team, so far, has a much stronger and talented bench. We're stronger at the PF position and have capable 3-point shooters almost everywhere. We should be better defensively, and have a least one rim protector (albeit a rookie). This team was not a bad team last year, but they were very disappointing. I think the new energy acquired will make this at least a decent playoff team - much closer to the playoff team 2 years ago.
I prefer this year's roster because there is more athleticism, youth and hope. For the coming season though, I'm not certain we've improved much.
I think Grant Williams is a nice upgrade over Reggie Bullock.
However, I think Christian Wood is a much better player than Richaun Holmes.
Seth Curry is an upgrade over the random players that we rotated through last season (Campazzo, Kemba, Justin Holiday). He will be a big defensive liability however.
I have a lot of hope for Dante Exum and think he will be better than Pinson.
Hopefully, one of the rookies can provide some solid minutes in the 2nd half of the season.
However, I think our top 9 rotation is probably only slightly better than last season's iteration. If we improve, I think it will likely be related to Luka and Kyrie playing off each other more successfully. My hope is that Jason Kidd also figures some things out. Jaden Hardy can improve and I think Grant Williams may fit in nicely.
We were 11th in the West last season though. I'm not sure who we have surpassed in talent. The Thunder and Timberwolves should be better. The Pelicans have some nice talent on the rise with Trey Murphy, Herb Jones and Dyson Daniels. If Zion returns, they are a top 5 team in the NBA.
Good organizations acquire talent whenever possible. The Mavericks seem to ignore some of those opportunities.