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"deep down we all knew that while the talent to win a championship is here"
No, Phil, you & Cuban could not be more mistaken.
to me personally, this has a very familiar feel... while EXTREMELY disappointing, deep down we all knew that while the talent to win a championship is here, the team needs just one or two adjustments, and a little more time to integrate together... very much like the 2004-2005 season, after JET allowed Nashy Nash to pull-up from 3 and end the series.
1. JET either needs a reduced role, or needs to go. sound familiar? a maverick who has been a fan favorite for years, and was a major part of the squads accomplishments over the years, but has turned into an aging jumpshooter that gets hot from time to time but ultimately hurts the squad with bad shots... sounds like Michael Finley.
2. The longtime center (Dampier) that has been around for years getting overpaid and underachieving, needs a youthful, energetic replacement. Sounds like Shawn Bradley.
3. A youthful guard that didn't get enough chances to develop and truly showcase their skills, but shows potential that goes through the roof (Beaubois). Sounds like Devin Harris.
4. A guy who finally seemed to truly show what he is capable of once the playoffs rolled around (Butler). Sounds like JET (in 04-05, when he was fairly average all season, then went ape in crucial games in the playoffs)
5. Dirk. Nuff said. Dude is a ing beast.
Mavs have a few things to touch on for next season, but they are NOT far off by any means. They most definitely can and will be in contention for a championship next year.
Beaubois MUST get more minutes at PG.
JET MUST get less minutes.
Kidd (sigh) MUST get less minutes.
New young backup center that brings pure energy and athleticism (A guy who plays like Serge Ibaka would be nice)
Haywood and Butler MUST get more plays designed for them.
A nice splash through trade and free agency would be extremely helpful too, although I think the development of Roddy B at this point is more important than making a big splash. The only guys I'm really interested in is either Bosh, Wade, or Bron (the latter two being very likely). MAYBE Andre Iguodala, depending on how much the Mavs have to give up. If they can just give Damp's contract and maybe a pick or Barea or something like that, I say go for it.
But Roddy B MUST get developed.
"deep down we all knew that while the talent to win a championship is here"
No, Phil, you & Cuban could not be more mistaken.
cool story bro
They're still poised to be a top-3 team in the West. Changes will be needed, obviously, but from the tone last night they know this window is awfully close to being shut. I think this could be the biggest offseason under Cuban's ownership. If Dirk decides to stick with the team, he has to do it knowing they're loaded and able for a long run.
Someone needs to get Carlisle a clue, though.
I like aiming for Joe Johnson, if at all possible. That might take a package of Butler and Dampier, depending. I like what Butler can do, though. I'd like to see him pick up another season with this team. Marion to the bench. Kidd-Johnson-Butler-Dirk-Haywood as your starters with Roddy as the backup PG. Stevenson to get more burn as a defender. Bring back Gooden and see if Tim Thomas is looking to join up again. Try out Calathes.
Phil, you have a hodge-podge of ham & eggers/retreads from top to bottom on that roster. There ain't a blue chipper in the bunch and that's inclusive of Nowitski.
I like Joe Johnson, but the guy is a jumpshooter that is about to hit 30. While Iggy isn't as good overall, he is much more of a penetrator than Johnson (gets to the FT line 6-7 times a game and plays on a team), and is only 26. I'm not big on the idea of getting Joe though. I think there are other players that fit the Mavs needs more. He simply makes the team even more of a jumpshooting team.
lol serious breakdowns
You don't want Iggy. That guy is so overrated it is not funny. He is obviously a good player, but I don't think he improves the Mavs enough.
I agree. You might as well aim for Maggette.
I think Roddy B needs to start a SG, so you can at least know what you have. But it is tough, because they seem to be well balanced. It is hard to know what they need. I would say if Roddy does not work out, they need a true SG.
I don't really want Iggy either. I'm just saying, if we are going to go for a 2nd or 3rd tier guy, between Joe Johnson and Iggy, I'd rather have Iggy because hes younger and has a more aggressive playing style.
I think he's worked well as the SG alongside Kidd this season, but they see his future as a PG. A Rondo-type. We'll see how much he progresses in the offseason to determine if that's really where he fits.
Joe would be a 10 times better fit, but the only way the Mavs get someone is via trade.
It would be difficult for the Mavs. Johnson already turned down a huge offer from the Hawks. He should have taken it, especially with the financial climate the way it is now, but that's with the benefit of hindsight. Does he take the money Dirk would have made? Or is that pie-in-the-sky Dampier-Butler trade package good enough?
No matter what happens, I'm sick and tired of watching Jason Terry on this team.
Even if Dirk opts out and takes the minimum (which obviously won't happen), the Mavs will still be over the cap. The only way to obtain a big time player is to trade Damp. That contract is like gold.
Just don't know who will be available. Certainly not Joe though.
JJ is only 28 and he still has tons of good years left, if Dallas had their choice JJ >>>>> Iggy, and this is coming from a huge Iggy fan.
Agreed.
If he stays, 20 mpg tops.
The Mavs had a great season…
It was unlucky to get the tenacious & playoff seasoned Spurs in round one…
Mainly, I just don't want a guy who's game is based on jumpshooting to be Dirk's Robin. I'd rather just develop Roddy and try to work on finding a young big man.
You are underrating Joe big time. He is a decent defender, good ball handler, and can shoot from everywhere. He gets to the rim enough.
I know Dirk beasted and scored almost at will, but he really has to learn how to play defense and rebound a little. He was all over the Spurs on O but nonexistent on the other side of the court. Even when Duncan struggled to score he was still controlling the paint on defense and boarding like a madman.
If Dirk could develop these skills he could play center and give the Mavs a little more flexibility in their crunchtime lineups to play their best guys. I know Mavs fans dont want to hear about his shortcomings after the game he had last night, but these are legit things that hurt Dallas in this series, and in the final game.
But he's not a center. Why would he play center at his point in his career?
He shoot's as many 3s as Terry, and doesn't even average more than 5 FTA's a game.
I think Joe is a monster player, and massively underrated period. But I just don't think he is what the Mavs NEED.
I know he's not a center. Thats because he doesn't have the necessary skills to, not because he's not tall or big enough. If Pau Gasol's frail ass can play center, there's no reason Dirk shouldn't be able to.
I'm just saying IF HE COULD, it would help the Mavs out.
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