02-18-2024, 11:09 AM
(02-18-2024, 12:41 AM)Dundalis Wrote: A third best player on this team doesn't have to be an offensive star, so not really what we need anyway.
While I'd be fine not making any major moves in the off season, if PJ in particular works out well, I legit think we are one high level defensive wing away from fighting for the 1 seed the following season and one of the clear favorites for the chip. IMO the only player on our roster with the attributes that really fits the ideal wing partner for PJ in the starting unit on a true contender is probably Omax (not saying others couldn't be good starters in that position), and dude is minimum 2 years away IMO, and that's assuming he puts it together, which is never a guarantee.
I'm happy to watch guys develop too, but if you are genuinely at a stage where you might be just 1 piece away, I think the temptation is far too great, and I'd be fine if they pulled the trigger if a guy with the right skillset became available. Given the position though, and corresponding value across the league, that type of player is likely not going to be particularly cheap. Like what would Herb Jones cost? Probably a lot, but that style and level of player could be the final piece for contention, and if the Mavs believe he is, I don't see how you don't pull the trigger even if you end up maybe overpaying for it.
I basically agree except we have Dereck Lively who is our 3rd-best player. He might even be better than Kyrie in a couple of years. We'll be targeting a 4th-best player if anything at all.
Your point is valid but my point is that the rest of this season isn't enough time to determine whether our young guys- PJ, Hardy, Green and OMax are ready to be solid playoff rotation players. We should give it a year. Then, at the next trade deadline, we can see what's available and what we can afford. Roster stability should be prioritized until then.
Also, I'm a Pelicans fan as well. Herb Jones won't be traded unless it's in a package for a superstar. He's the only player in their starting 5 who is good at defense. Brandon Ingram is more likely to be traded than Herb Jones. =