12-28-2020, 07:06 PM
(This post was last modified: 12-28-2020, 07:10 PM by Scott41theMavs.)
(12-28-2020, 06:56 PM)KillerLeft Wrote:(12-28-2020, 06:23 PM)Scott41theMavs Wrote: I see the future of the Mavericks being something like
PG: TBD
SG: JRich
SF: Luka (but functionally, on offense, the real PG)
PF: TBD
C: KP
I don't know who the PF is or how we're going to get him. I do believe that the best way to acquire another playmaker is to bring in a true point guard, but one who is not necessarily star level, but 1) capable of guarding other points, 2) playing a fair amount off-ball while playing next to Luka while helping JRich alleviate the offensive pressures on him, and 3) running the team in the likely-departed Brunson's place (and doing so much better) when Luka sits.
George Hill is a kind of a meh name, but he's likely a lot cheaper than many other options in trade and could fill the bill for two or three years until we come up with an upgrade.
This is ONE possible way to go, but I no longer believe it’s the best way, necessarily.
I agree that the lineup organization you outlined above is one that needs to be an option, so it would be great if the guy in Burke’s role was really good. Good enough to close games, if needed. I’m not convinced that Burke or possibly THJ isn’t that guy (yet). I think Richardson’s handling is good enough for the other guard in your lineup to be more shooter (like THJ, maybe) or more defender (like Franky Smokes, for example) than playmaker (like Burke, Schroeder, Rubio - just examples).
EITHER WAY, that guy who looks great between DFS (or Luka, your way) and KP isn’t here yet. If I’m running the team, that’s my top priority.
I think it's just about got to be that way, given that a guy alongside Luka and JRich who is supposed to be good enough at creating his own shot is going to be ***very*** expensive in trade or contract if he isn't a point guard. JRich is the best-meshing player I have ever seen play with Luka. I have zero interest whatsoever, given that, in pushing him out of position (or to the bench, ugh) by acquiring another SG. If you want an SF who's that good at creating his own shot, his name is likely Lebron, Kawhi, Durant, or Paul George. I'd be hard-pressed to be convinced it isn't a point guard. (Edit: the other aspect of this is that Brunson, this year, as well as at some points last year, is so poor at running the team while Luka sits that we're almost pining for JJB to come back. How in the world do we not need a point guard?)
Since both of us seem to agree that the other (in your case, the foremost) team need is a four, what qualities does that player have? I would propose 1) 35% or better 3p%, 2) strong defense, including some ability to guard the post as well as on the perimeter, and 3) at least an above-average rebounder. I'm still inclined toward Aaron Gordon, although he's ruining that with his fast start.