(12-28-2023, 01:14 PM)DanSchwartzgan Wrote: Some of your word choices feel like we are having a conversation with a high school debate team captain. Just narrowly define your parameters and you can’t lose.
Is a backup center a “fringe move” or adding a “critical element to the defense”. And who are these “true contenders”? Is there a rule somewhere that says they are the only ones who can try to improve their team? If you aren’t on a 60 win pace, should you be a seller? I’ve shown a move that helps “fill a critical need” for multiple years in Richards. Are those OK for teams that aren’t “true”?
I don’t agree that Hardy and a second or two ruins plans/opportunities for the summer. In fact, the standard isn’t to have flexibility. It is to have a path. If someone like OG wants to come here it will be mostly about the picks. Between THJ and GWill and Green ect ect, we’ll be able to have a path.
I clearly said I can agree to disagree on an opinion that a minor move now makes sense. I don't agree that this move is needed to increase flexibility (full MLE) in the summer. I also don't think Olynik, which was mentioned several times as a possibility, is any answer for the Mavs. I don't see him as a positive contributor to what Mavs need, especially since you want to address critical element to defense. I don't think he improves defense at all. Olynik would be just a cost cutting move for next season imho, and as I said, I don't see that as a need at TDL.
I like Richards, but I am not sure a couple of seconds would be enough to get the deal done, based on bad salaries we have to offer.
I agree back-up center is most likely needed, assuming Maxi is done (tend to agree he is, but we have 2 more months to know this for more certain).
I think you can always make a move for a back up center after "the big move". What you don't know is what assets you need for "the big move". So why "gamble" some of that away only to fall short later? You don't know if a path for someone like OG is just about picks. Perhaps the trade partner really likes Hardy, perhaps they want just expiring salary and don't like any of the guys on the longer term deals. By making moves earlier, you are reducing flexibility to create a path that would entice the trade partner the most. And we don't even know, who the trade partner will be and what they prefer. Of course you could involve third teams to get expiring salary, but that just complicates things.
That is why I am saying, lets be patient and do everything possible to get that "big move". Make smaller moves afterwards. In any case, we will know way more certain what Mavs really are in 2 months time. Perhaps they get healthy and show full potential and then I would be way more open to smaller moves. But as it is now, I would prefer to play out the season and do my best in the summer. Unless the big wing becomes available at TDL.