Rick Carlisle, Gerald Green, DeSagana Diop, Shan Foster
Folks, THAT is what your Dallas Mavericks have done this offseason.
I get it, Mark Cuban and Donnie Nelson love their team, and think that they have what it takes to make a legitimate Championship run.
I, however, disagree.
This team is not playing in the Eastern conference. They play in the West, where there really aren't many shitty teams. Every other game is a game that matters. Shit, we were talking must-wins back in February and March!! A 50 win season isn't enough to merit any consideration in the post season!
I'm coming around on the Rick Carlisle hire. He's said what he needs to say to get me on board that he's the right guy. However, I was never in the camp that that Avery Johnson was the sole reason for the Finals debacle and the past two years. Carlisle's a "players coach" now. Great. Let me know how that's going to solidify the 2 or the 5.
Gerald Green. Well, the Mavericks have a dunk contest entry. Whoop-a-dee-doo!
Gana Diop. I'm perfectly okay with bringing Diop back. I'm NOT okay with blowing the entire MLE on it. $5.5 million? Really? The Mavs are going to tie up $16 million a year in two centers that are going to get them a 12 and 6 line on an average night?
Shan Foster. Probably the best thing the Mavericks could have done at the 51st pick. I would have really liked to have seen them move up to get Douglas-Roberts or even really move up to get Arthur in the late first. That being said, Foster could develop into the player the Mavericks need to grow.
The Mavericks have got to be working on a deal to bring someone here. I'd love to see Maggette in Dallas, but it won't happen...though I still can't see why not. I can't think of anything the Mavericks really have to offer as legitimate trading chips. If the Mavericks find themselves deep behind the Hornets and Spurs, they have to see what Dirk or Kidd's contract can get them on the market.
The Rangers are just above 500, but that's a great thing because their coming up and have a future. The Mavericks are just avove 500, and that's a terrible thing because there is no room for growth and things are on the decline.