(03-28-2024, 04:45 PM)Scott41theMavs Wrote: I would argue that the Mavs have six starter-level players right now - Luka, Kyrie, PJ, Exum, Lively, and Gafford. If you view DJJ as non-starter worthy, consider him a DSteve. He is a huge part of the stifling defense of the current starters.
The improvement to jump to perennial contender level could come from within - OMax replacing DJJ, Party becoming the true sixth man that the Mavs currently lack.
My biggest surprise in these conversations about next year is how easy everyone all of a sudden makes it sounds to re-sign DJJ.
I don’t think you can pencil Exum in as a starter as he seems too fragile to handle starter minutes. DJJ is a quality role player. I go back and forth whether he will go for the tax MLE or the full MLE. Unfortunately right not it looks like it may be the later. Does not mean we couldn’t get him, but it will take some maneuvering.