(12-27-2023, 10:42 AM)omahen Wrote: I think Mavs need that 3-D guy. I don't agree they are not around or available. Good franchises get them and become contenders, the others don't. Guys like Grant, Siakam, OG and perhaps some more might become available. Get one of those while keeping the core and this team gets serious.
I feel like that comment is much too casual. I might be all for that if I thought it was that easy (or if a particular player was in discussion-mode with the Mavs FO). But I think holding on for the right 3-and-D wing sounds too vague. I don't think this franchise can just go and get one of those players. The cost makes it difficult, and sometimes prohibitive. Who are we giving up for Siakam or OG? If it's in a trade, we have to have the assets, and if it's in free agency, those players have to want to be here instead of Miami and LA just to mention a couple.
The cost for a backup center though is not that difficult, and the need is important. We have discussed trade options that seems to be possible. But I wouldn't want this franchise to hold all its chips waiting for a wing in FA when we could get some interior defense in a trade. Especially given our track record in free agency.
Honestly, I feel like the Mavs Front Office has peddaled in neutral for most of Doncic's career - in a bad financial situation or some other plausible issue. They've struck out while other NBA teams who were bottom feeders when Luca was drafted have gone on to play in the conference finals. The new FO has come around lately, so I'm hoping things will be more creative and more active. Luca Doncic has a shelf life.