07-10-2023, 08:53 AM
(07-10-2023, 08:16 AM)Smitty Wrote: It's come to the point of realization that the Mavs are done making moves that matter this off-season.
More or less agree, but I guess they will still do something. The minimum move I expect is to dump McGee to a cap space team and perhaps bring in a wing like Jones Jr for max BAE level salary. Although at this stage, I am not sure I would be wasting assets just to dump McGee.
For bigger moves, the only option I think could happen is if they enter as a third team in one of those big name trades. In any case, it will be difficult to deal Holmes, while trading THJ for center makes roster somehow uneven (too many overpaid centers again in that scenario). As I said before, Mavs problem is they don't have expiring salaries anymore. I doubt a serious deal could be done without including 2027 pick.
Roster as it is, is not really any better than last season, I am affraid. Defense will still be a huge challenge, as Green and now Williams are the only two guys on the roster that qualify as ready to play above average defenders. Rookies showed some promise, but I don't expect much from them this season. Center position remains very bad. I liked Holmes but I am not too optimistic he can be a contender level center, especially on defense. THJ is still an odd fit. Overpaid for a reserve role, only works well on offense when playing with Luka, but doesn't provide the plus defense needed to play with Luka. Unless the young guys take big steps, I am affraid how the season will look like. Of course there is more optimism on a medium term with young guys developing, but is also a fear about the dynamics of the two stars. Irving is getting old and Luka could get even more unhappy.