As opposed to your mom's decision to stop taking the pill.

He definitely was getting some love at the end of game 4. You have to appreciate everything Dirk has given to this franchise!!

I really like Anderson and Powell. Good young core there. Wes Matthews is another guy that can help out big time. Don't know about Parsons and his health, but I think the future is bright for the Mavs.

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Wes Matthews seems to be very "meh" after his injury. I think Dallas wasted money on him. Anderson is a damn nice piece though and Powell has potential.

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Because the salary cap is increasing by a crazy amount, Matthews' contract actually decreases in value during the life of the deal. He had a down year with his 3-pt shooting, but his defense was there- and with the percentage his salary takes up going down year after year...if his shooting increases back to pre-injury levels, he's more than worth that deal

Can't have a shooting guard that is one of your top players hitting 38% of his FGs, even if his salary does slightly decrease. It's still 4y70mm.

It better improve because it sucked donkey balls this year. Matthews is an example of how ridiculous max-outs have become.

That said, In the big picture, it's incredible that a guy could tear his achilles in March and put in the games and minutes he did this year. Historically, that is an injury where the player wont see the court/field at all for over a year. He played 34 minutes a game and only missed 4 games. Incredible. So I'm hopeful that the struggles were recovery related and that his production will take a big jump. they'll need it.

Simmons has Dirk top 20.

https://www.reddit.com/r/nba/comments/4g8vuo/impromptu_sunday_nbaonly_ama_w_simmons/d2fk7zc

Mavs are in a strange spot. This is normally when a franchise should be looking to take a year off, grab a high pick and retool. But Dirk is about to be 38 and flat out said he won't be part of a "rebuilding" process. He could opt out this summer. So "tanking" won't be an option. It is clear that the Mavs will continue to play the free agency roulette game, reshuffle the roster and fight for the 8th seed again. If it wasn't for Dirk I would absolutely hate what they are doing. Overpay Mathews. Probably overpay Parsons. Probably overpay another decent, non-superstar to be named later.

Still, I don't want Dirk to opt-out and put on another jersey in his career. That would make me more sad than the "mediocrity treadmill" they are on. The fact is that the Mavs have no title shot during the "Curry/Durant Window" anyways which is at least another 4+ years. In some ways it doesn't matter much if they tank next year or in 2017-2018 after Dirk (probably) retires.

I don't think Dirk is retiring after next year. But I agree with you. I'd rather be stuck in mediocrity than have Dirk go to another team.

With the new cap Mathews can be worth what we are paying him. He's a 3 and D guy. We've seen that he's good at D. Our team was pretty void of talent this year so he was asked to create too much. I think that, along with the injury, is why his fg percentage was so poor. If we can get some creators then I think we will see him in a much better light. At least that's what I'm hoping bc he was very bad on offense this year.

I think they're just saying Durant is a better overall player than Kahwi, not by much or anything, but if Kahwi replaced Durant on the Thunder the Thunder would be slightly worse, in my opinion.

I guess I'm in the minority, I'd rather tank and stock up on top 5 picks the next few seasons, draft a couple studs, and become attractive through free agency that way than just be mediocre and prolong this whole process.

As if there was any doubt:

And....

More from Mavs exit interviews:

i think if the mavs get whiteside or horford and maybe someone like barnes, we are contenting for 4/5 spot

Agreed. Center was definitely our weak spot. Whiteside would be huge.

For the right deal yes.

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Simmons has Dirk top 20.

https://www.reddit.com/r/nba/comments/4g8vuo/impromptu_sunday_nbaonly_ama_w_simmons/d2fk7zc

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From that same AMA:

"Every quality perimeter guy who can play multiple positions has more value than you'd think because everyone wants to go small these days... Crowder is untouchable for them unless they could get someone like Durant back. There just aren't enough Crowders in the league. That's why Danny tried to overpay for Winslow last summer and that's why Batum and Barnes will get overpaid this summer. Those premium flexible perimeter dudes just don't really exist"

Oof. Thanks Rondo.

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Would you guys want Dwight?

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I think he would fit well with Dallas, but I don't trust his attitude.

I could see him forced into a 1y10mm type deal like Rondo last year because of lack of interest

Was talking to a friend today about Dwight. The Parsons factor could be huge in having him stay in check. I didn't realize they were good buddies in Houston?

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Was talking to a friend today about Dwight. The Parsons factor could be huge in having him stay in check. I didn't realize they were good buddies in Houston?

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Dwight gave him a car for awhile

I don't trust that Dwight wouldn't go all Rondo on us if playing for Carlisle. But for the right deal, it would be worth a shot. I'd much rather have a guy like Whiteside, but Dallas generally has to take what it can get in FA.