Trade & FA 2023-24: Stein-Ingram Trade Inevitable| LAL Want Lebron Back On Any Terms

[Ghost of Podkolzin]

You don't need to be a center to be able to rebound, but you need to have SIZE and that's the main issue the Mavs have right now IMO.

If the Raptors end up as sellers at the trade deadline, OG would have to be the main target. One of the best defenders in the league, who has size and can shoot 40% from three is all someone could ask for.
Caruso is also nice, but he doesn't fix the size problem IMO.
This team is one defensive meanace away from being a true contender.

Defensive rebounding has a huge correlation to winning.  Top 4 teams last were MIL, LAL, BOS, MEM.  A defensive rebound has the same effect as a steal.  Offensive rebounding is usually poor shooting and lazy defense.

I think we're all of one accord that OG puts us next level.  I'm huge on Tari Eason, but the road to long NBA careers is littered with the bodies of those who didn't pan out.  OG is a sure thing.

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I perfectly agree with the first paragpraph.

But, I just don't see how Omax would come anywhere close to OG in 2-3 months. 2-3 years, perhaps. 

As for assets, for me it is pretty simple. If I believe OG type player is a guy that lifts us to contender status, I don't care how much it costs in terms of assets and salary. There are only so many "OG types" around, and when one becomes available, you get him. Building a team is about putting right pieces together. If you are waiting for years because you want to "win" a trade, Kyrie will be old and Luka might become tired. Then you will have a whole different puzzle to solve. Big three of Luka, Kyrie and serious 2-way wing would be really dangerous with the pieces Mavs have today. More realistic time to get that would be summer imho, not TDL.

Personally, this same core with a good wing and a year older Lively could be serious. I was claiming whole summer, Mavs need a good center and 2-way wing. Lively surprised us all and actually looks pretty close to that good centre we need. This means 2-way wing, the number three guy, is what is missing. DJJ has been much better than expected, at least in some games, but he is imho not the answer. Even his best version.

This.  OMax has shown ability, but you don't develop shooting, handles, and passing in 2-3 months.  IMO he's a project.